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Nontoxic Furniture in 2024

Did you know that traditional furniture is made from conventional items that pose risks to our health? Most are coated in flame retardants or contain polyester stuffing that breaks down over time, releasing chemical compounds into the air you breathe. Does nontoxic furniture actually exist? If so, would you know what certifications to look for? Let's dive in, and chat all things clean fabrics and furniture. Bonus: I list all my favorite brands!


Unfortunately, not all furniture is created equally when it comes to the environment and to our health. Many fabrics that are treated to prevent stains and water damage, are also the same type of forever chemicals you can find in Teflon pans. Say what?! Furniture contains chemicals that soak into your bloodstream and if you are pregnant, or nursing, you’d be shocked to know that sitting on such furniture means you are also exposing your unborn fetus to these chemicals, or to your newborn through breastmilk!


One of the biggest issues are compounds known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) or Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs). These are released by our furniture, and it’s called off-gassing, otherwise known as a “new smell”. While furniture will release fewer VOCs over time, the harm of off-gassing can last for years, as it does in conventional carpeting.


Let's Talk Polyester! Is it toxic? I would advise to use minimal polyester products. It's often hard to avoid and found in EVERYTHING from pillows to stuffed animals. Polyester is a synthetic substance, and does contain plastic. Research has also shown that it contains trace amount of antimony. This leads to offgassing. The problem with this is that polyester sheds plastics, which are found in dust and often inhaled, or ingested when touched. This makes air quality even MORE of a concern, so plug in those air purifiers and get plants to help trap VOCs (tip: the larger the leaves, the more VOCs are trapped and filtered). My favorite large leaf plant is the Figgy tree.


There are many reasons why you should move forward with toxin free furniture. These chemicals have been repeatedly linked to cancer, disruption of the thyroid, as well as delayed mental/physical development, including cognitive delays and learning difficulties. Even more shocking, it can cause reduced fertility and birth defects. Children are at a greater risk than adults when it comes to these harmful chemicals. This is because their skin is thinner and absorbs more, and also because they tend to be closer to the ground, which is linked to increased inhalation of dust (which contains flame retardants), and sadly their immune systems are not as developed as an adult immune system. These chemicals have even been related to cancer in pets. Lounging on furniture often means more chemical exposure. Conventional furniture is often made using veneer, plywood, or MDF, which contains glues and adhesives that are full of chemicals such as formaldehyde and even phthalates. Even solid wood furniture can contain harmful substances if it is finished with toxic stains or paints. Keep an eye out for these commonly occuring chemicals:


  • Formaldehyde

  • Phthalates

  • Acetaldehyde

  • Perchloroethylene

  • Benzene

  • PFOA’s

  • Vinyl Acetate

  • BPA

  • Trichloroethylene

  • Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers



So how do you know what to look for, when hunting for the perfect nontoxic sofa, chairs, ottoman or couch? Our goal is to avoid chemicals, by considering natural fibers. Reference the checklist below, to get some ideas on important points to remember.


Safe Furniture Checklist


  • Contains Organic Latex, Wool, Cotton or Kapok

  • Free of Plant Based of Soy Foams

  • Free of Polyurethane Foams

  • Free of water resistant or stain resistant chemicals

  • Uses organic or natural fabrics, such as organic cotton, linen, or hemp.

  • Is Made of Solid Wood

  • Does not contain harmful stains or even low VOC lacquers

  • May use Steel Springs

  • Free From Toxic Flame Retardants

  • Free of stain/ water repellents

  • Contains formaldehyde free glues

  • Has Greenguard Certification, GOTS or Oeko - Tex Certification


Recommended Brands


These are all dependent upon your style and budget, but when it comes to truly toxin free furniture, the brands below can be considered. Less toxic brands include some products by Ikea, West Elm, Crate and Barrel, Room and Board, Anabei, Maiden Home, Target and more. Each company has a wide variety of what they offer when it comes to furniture. For example, Pottery Barn has a line of nontoxic certified furniture, that even includes dining chairs and shoe racks that start under $100. It depends what type of furniture you are shopping for - whether it be a television console or a entryway bench. For reference, I listed only the average of couches below.


  • Nontoxic Certified Furniture by Pottery Barn (prices start @ $499) Note: Pottery Barn Teen has great less toxic options at lower price points

  • Savvy Rest (prices start @ $3,700 for couches)

  • Roger & Chris (prices start @ $1,850)

  • Medley (prices start @ $2,200 for couches)

  • The Futon Shop (prices start @ $2,200)

  • Ecobalanza (prices start @ $5,000)

  • Sabai (prices start at $1,500)

  • PURE (prices start @ $2,500)

  • Cisco Home (prices start @ $4,000)

  • Carolina Morning (prices start @ $2,900)

  • Greenrow (prices start @ $3,600)


I hope this article was helpful! Please share and utilize this information to find what's best for you and your family, considering budget, comfort and style. Got questions on certifications? Drop them below!



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