Consider your health when choosing decor

When decorating, most consumers consider their personal style, color schemes and price range. But many don't take time to consider products that can actually benefit their health. Some health considerations to take into the decorating process:

•Does anyone in the family have allergies? If so, consider choosing hardwood, tile or laminate flooring instead of carpet, which traps dust and allergens within the fibers and is much harder to keep completely clean.

•Do you suffer from back pain? More than 80 percent of adults will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. For relief, seven in 10 doctors recommend sitting in reclining furniture, according to a survey of physicians conducted on behalf of La-Z-Boy. That's because recliners and reclining sofas offer total lumbar and body support, taking the strain away from the back in a way that simply sitting or laying can't. So if anyone in your family has a bad back, consider getting a recliner to help ease the pain.

•Do you live in a climate with a long winter? Consider solar shades which allow light in and a view of the outside while still providing privacy. This glimpse of the outdoors will be helpful for those with the winter blues or seasonal affective disorder.

•Do you have toddlers or children in the house? Many households are opting for upholstered ottomans that can double as end tables and coffee tables, to avoid the sharp edges throughout the room and provide a more cushioned spot for little ones to land on.