From Interior Aesthetics to Perceived Indoor Air Quality: A Home Halo Effect

Many odorless and invisible pollutants contribute to poor indoor air quality at home. Previous research has shown that subjective ratings of indoor air quality are biased by a home halo effect. This effect is characterized by the tendency to subjectively assess air quality based on pleasant aspects that are unrelated to its objective quality. We hypothesize that the pleasing aesthetics of a living room image will increase the perceived indoor air quality in the room and influence the intention to improve air quality. In three studies, participants ( n = 1,016) were exposed to an image of a low- or high-aesthetic living room. Perceived self-reported knowledge (SRK) of indoor air quality was surveyed. Results showed that indoor air quality was rated as better in a highly aesthetic living room. Participants with low perceived SRK were less likely to ventilate the low aesthetic living room. Practical implications for communications on indoor air risk and interior design are discussed, especially the integration of knowledge surrounding the aesthetic halo effect into the education and design processes of interior designers to heighten awareness among occupants and prioritize materials minimizing indoor air pollution. For occupants, a necessity for enhanced comprehension of indoor air quality and the adoption of proactive measures is examined through public health policies that address broader concerns surrounding indoor air quality and endorse initiatives for disseminating information related to indoor concerns.