Best Non-Toxic Furniture: Top Chemical Free Picks Reviewed

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The right furniture can give a home new life – the right couch, bed, or table will not just complement the aesthetics of your space, but it will also change the dynamics of the room for the better.

But it’s important to remember that using healthy furniture is key to having a healthier home. While finding beautiful furniture is rarely challenging, many manufacturers use toxic chemical finishes that degas in your home, causing lung and liver damage.

And that’s only the start. Those toxic chemicals have also been shown to cause congenital disabilities and central nervous system disorders.

Several furniture manufacturers also incorporate dangerous plastics into their furniture, and there’s a good chance that the upholstery on your current sofa has synthetic material that doesn’t break down in landfills. 

Aside from the unsustainable sourcing of wood, the incorporation of toxic materials also damages the environment.

Knowing all this, you will concur that buying organic furniture is the best way to go. 

Besides, an increasing number of manufacturers now adopt eco-friendly wood sourcing practices and refrain from using toxic chemicals and other poisonous materials.

Sorting through the hundreds of options to find the best ones can take hours. But with our shortlist of top picks, you will be able to find non-toxic furniture that meets your needs and matches your taste in minutes.

Best Non-Toxic Furniture Materials  

You will likely lounge on the sofa, lay on the bed, or use the table you buy every day for as long as you have it. 

So, before getting into the recommendations, you must learn about the best non-toxic furniture materials and also the worst chemicals that furniture could have. 

The market is flooded with toxic furniture, and therefore it’s more important to know what to look out for than it is to know what to buy.

Here’s a quick rundown on the chemicals you should be wary of:

Most Common Toxic Chemicals in Furniture

Flame Retardants 

While the function of flame retardants is self-explanatory, the side effects they have on the human body are often brushed aside. The chemicals used to make flame retardants include two hazardous classes of chemicals – carcinogens and endocrine disrupters.

Some of those chemicals can cause neurological disorders and are especially harmful to children. Their smaller bodies absorb those chemicals at a much higher ratio than larger adults.

One of the best ways of ensuring that the furniture you’re about to buy doesn’t have flame retardants is checking the CAL TB 117-2013 Compliant label. 

The label always mentions what chemicals the product includes to abide by California’s laws. Since furniture has a massive consumer population, most manufacturers don’t change the packaging and remove the labels from the furniture that will be sent out to other states.

If you really like a piece of furniture and want to know if there are any toxic chemicals used, you can call up the manufacturer and ask if the specific model typically has flame retardants on it. 

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is not entirely synthetic – it is labeled as a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC). VOCs are known to off-gas (or degas) poisonous chemicals into the air – which is why you must avoid using furniture that has it at all costs. 

Some studies show that the off-gassing can continue for years and irritate the respiratory tract and lungs. Furthermore, it is a carcinogen, making it imperative to be diligent when purchasing furniture.

The chemical appears in furniture as the glue that holds most furnishings together. Most particle boards and plywood used to make sofas, tables, dressers, and bed frames degas poisonous chemicals.

Since there are no labels or details that can help detect the chemical’s presence in commercially available furniture, the best way to minimize the risk of exposure is to buy solid wood furniture.

Alternatively, you could also contact the manufacturer and enquire whether the furniture they use formaldehyde on the furniture you’re interested in.

Synthetic Latex

Natural latex is safe and does not effuse poisonous fumes since it is extracted from rubber trees. However, synthetic latex is made from petroleum-based compounds and has been found to off-gas harmful VOCs for long periods.

Synthetic latex is most commonly found in cushions and mattresses, and also in some sofas.

If you want to reap the benefits of latex, it’s best to get mattresses that use 100% natural latex only – the ill-effects the VOCs cause aren’t worth the reduced price.

It’s important to note that some manufacturers use a blend of natural and synthetic latex but market the mattress as a natural one. Buying certified mattresses is the best way to avoid getting duped and keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.

Best Furniture Materials

Wood

Wood remains consistently popular as a furniture material – it is versatile, attractive, and, most importantly, safe. It’s also worth mentioning that quality wood furniture can last for decades if taken good care of and that wood also naturally produces oils that protect it from deteriorating.

The best non-toxic wood furniture you can buy is almost always made from teak, pine, cedar, or oak.

However, while cheap, engineered wood is highly likely to contain formaldehyde, which can cause significant harm to your health. Steering clear of furniture built from engineered wood is the best way to protect you and your family’s health.

Aluminium/Stainless Steel

Aluminium is a lightweight material that is also very sturdy and easy to clean, making it a popular choice of material for indoor and outdoor furniture.

The material can withstand extreme temperatures for long periods, which, coupled with the fact that it is cheap, makes it a superior choice to most other furniture materials.

It’s also worth noting that aluminum furniture goes well with any theme – be it minimalistic or trendy or anything else. You will have no trouble finding aluminum furniture that matches your taste and complements your home perfectly.

Wicker

Wicker is becoming increasingly popular as a furniture material because of its sustainability. The material is typically derived from easily renewable bamboo, cane, or rattan.

The material is lightweight and is typically paired with minimalistic decorations.

Wrought Iron

If you’re going for a classy look, you cannot go wrong with getting your hands on Wrought Iron furniture. The heavy material doesn’t just look hefty, but it’s also very durable – Wrought Iron furniture is known to last for decades before showing signs of wear.

However, since furniture made from the material tends to be so hefty, it is typically set outdoors and rarely put indoors since it can scratch the floor and irreversibly damage it at times.

Fiberglass 

One of the newer materials used to make furniture, fiberglass is typically used for building outdoor chairs. Aside from being fade-resistant and impressively durable, the material also naturally resists mold and mildew formation.

Fiberglass furniture doesn’t require much maintenance either – all you have to do is wax it occasionally to keep it looking new.

However, there is a disadvantage to getting fiberglass furniture – it is usually very heavy, and you will need help to move it around.

But on the plus side, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2001 clarified that fiberglass is entirely safe to use. 

Four Features to Consider in a Non-Toxic Sofas & Couches

Other than the couch’s price and the materials used to build it, there are a few other things you need to consider to ensure you make the right purchase. 

Frame Joints

You may think that the joints in the frame have little to no effect on the couch’s durability, but that’s not the case. Cheaper sofas have stapled joints, which are considered the weakest joints and pose the highest risk of breaking.

Couches with traditional mortise-and-tenon joints or double wooden dowels are considered to be the sturdiest. 

But if you aren’t able to find out what joints have been used in a sofa you’re interested in, make sure you sit on it and test the frame’s sturdiness. If there’s any swaying, the frame isn’t up to the mark. 

Cushions

After the look of the sofa, the cushions are the next most important subjective element. Some enjoy a sofa that sinks in and conforms to the body when they nap on it, while others like couches that are firmer and make for comfortable seating.

While there’s no shortage of sofas with either type of cushioning, the number of non-toxic couches available is comparatively less. 

• Goose or duck down: These cushions are considered to be some of the most luxurious cushions available. Goose or duck down is most commonly found in pillows, and you will likely have experienced sleeping on one at a hotel. Goose down cushioning is just as soft as the pillows, and the sofa will feel extremely plush. 
• But the down in the cushions needs to be fluffed up frequently to keep the cushion comfortable. It’s also important to note that goose/duck down is the only all-natural cushioning option available.
• Memory foam: It’s typically only used to make sleeper sofas, and the material tends to be very durable. However, not everyone enjoys memory foam’s conforming properties. 
• Innerspring core: You may have heard of innerspring cores when mattress shopping – this type of cushioning has coils wrapped in foam. The coils give the cushion a lot of bounce and make them very comfortable.
• Poly-wrapped foam: It’s the most common type of cushioning you will find in modern couches. The material is highly resilient and does not require any fluffing up. It’s the right material to go for if you’re looking for a supportive cushion. 

You must be extra careful when buying couches with memory foam, innerspring core, and poly-wrapped foam cushions. These sometimes contain toxic chemicals that can harm you – but you can circumvent the risk of harm by buying a sofa with a cushion that is certified by organizations like Greenguard, CertiPUR-US, GOLS, or GOTS. 

Suspensions

The suspensions in the sofa play more of a role in your comfort than the cushioning does. The best sofas come with sinuous springs, which are S-shaped springs embedded into the couch’s frame.

Other high-quality sofas come with poly-webbing, which lasts a lot longer than sinuous springs do. But there’s a drawback – sofas with poly-webbing aren’t as bouncy as sinuous spring sofas.

If money isn’t a big factor and you want to get the best sofa you can, you can look at couches with eight-way hand-tied springs. These rarely sag or squeak, making them worth every penny you spend on them.

If you’re in the store, the best way to test out a sofa’s suspension is to sit on it. If it squeaks or creaks, avoid buying it.

Upholstery

The upholstery is critical to the sofa’s overall aesthetic and plays a big role in how the sofa feels.

Avoid getting cheaper fabrics since they stretch, stain, and wear out faster. The best way of learning if a material is worth its money is by looking at the rub-count rating. 

The rub-count rating is essentially a measure of its longevity. Manufacturers use a machine that rubs on the fabric back and forth until it wears out completely.

A fabric with a rub-count of 50,000 is considered decent, and fabrics with rub-counts of 80,000 are considered premium. Some fabrics have a rub-count of 100,000, but these tend to be very expensive. 

If you’re on a relatively tight budget and need the sofa for residential use, a fabric having a rub-count of 25,000 will work just fine. However, we recommend getting a 50,000 rub-count fabric since those last longer and generally feel better.

It’s also important that you request samples that are larger than the usual swatch they give you. Taking a look at a bigger sample in sunlight and also when it’s illuminated by an interior light will give you a better idea about how it looks.

Make sure you really feel the fabric, too – rub it on your arms to get a feel for how comfortable it is. Feeling the fabric and determining the comfort it offers is next to impossible with a small swatch.

Best Non-Toxic Sofas & Couches: Top 6 Picks

#1 Best Choice Tufted Faux Leather 3-Seat L-Shape Sectional Sofa

If you only have space for a three-seater sofa but don’t mind spending a little extra for something more comfortable, you won’t regret getting the Best Choice Sectional Sofa.

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The sofa boasts a stylish L-shaped design, which, coupled with its faux leather build, complements any space.

What’s more, it comes with a matching ottoman bench that you and your guests can use to kick their feet up and relax. You could also push it against the sofa to make a chaise lounger.

While the three-seat sofa is one of the most expensive pieces of non-toxic furniture on this list, it is built with durability in mind. Maintaining the sofa is super easy, and the high-quality foam cushioning will serve you for years before showing signs of wear.

It’s undoubtedly one of the best non-toxic couches money can buy.

#2 Christopher Knight Modern Fabric Loveseat

Getting a non-toxic loveseat couch is the best way to go if you don’t want your space getting too congested. The Christopher Knight Loveseat boasts an elegant design and comes in at a reasonable price, making it one of the best chemical-free sofas you will find.

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The sofa makes for an intimate reading space and makes the perfect seat to enjoy watching TV. The high-quality fabric looks great and will last for years before showing signs of wear, making the sofa worth every penny.

It also boasts beautiful birch legs, which are the only components that need to be attached to the sofa when it arrives. It has the most effortless assembly of all furniture on this list.

The Christopher Knight loveseat sofa comes in three colors – you will have no trouble finding the color that best complements your space.

#3 Rivet Revolve Modern Upholstered Sofa Couch

Minimalistic furniture goes well with most décor styles, so if you’re in doubt and don’t know what sofa to get, the Rivet Revolve is an excellent option to go for.

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It’s clean lines, durable fabric, and comfortable seating allow it to blend in with your home’s look seamlessly.

The Rivet Revolve boasts a solid wood framing, and the tapered legs add support to the design and make it more durable.

One of the best things about the sofa is that it is available in eight different fabrics, including leather. If you like the way it’s designed, you will have no trouble finding it in upholstery that perfectly suits your furnishing.

But perhaps the best thing about it is that the Rivet Revolve is easy to clean. Wiping debris away and light vacuuming won’t damage it, and in case of a spill, you can safely spot clean it without worrying about damaging it.

#4 HONBAY Convertible Sectional Sofa Couch (Three-Seater)

If the HONBAY four-seater sectional sofa above is too big for your space, you cannot go wrong with getting the three-seater version. The solid wood, non-toxic linen, and sinuous springs used make it one of the best non-toxic couches money can buy.

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The couch boasts firm cushions that leave you free from worrying about whether they will sink in. This HONBAY sofa is perfect for napping on – both in terms of size and comfort. 

But when you have guests over, the fluffy back cushions will provide the support needed to sit comfortably.

One of the best things about the chemical-free sofa is that it can be assembled in 20 minutes flat. But the best thing about it is undoubtedly the inclusion of the movable ottoman. You can personalize the look of the couch as you like it!

#5 Best Choice Faux Leather Folding Futon Sofa

If you’re on a tight budget and live in a smaller condo, getting your hands on the Faux Leather sofa by Best Choice is the right way to go. It is the most space-efficient option on this list and will turn into a bed whenever you need it to.

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You can adjust it between three positions – including the bed setting, making it one of the most versatile pieces of chemical-free furniture on this list.

But what’s more impressive is that the little couch can support up to 550lbs and supplies enough space for three people to sit comfortably.

The sturdy wooden feel, coupled with the elegant tufted design, gives it an attractive modern look.

All in all, it’s worth every penny you spend on it.

#6 HONBAY Reversible Sectional Sofa

Dark grey is one of those colors that look great in both contemporary and minimalistic homes. If you’re looking for a sizeable couch that not only looks great but also feels fantastic, you cannot go wrong with the HONBAY Reversible Sectional Sofa.

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It features soft fabric upholstery that sits atop a hardwood frame, which, coupled with the foam seat cushions and the overstuffed back cushions, make it exceptionally comfortable.

The four-seat sectional sofa boasts a reversible chaise lounge design, making it apt for all homes – be it a condo or a bungalow. Its design makes it the perfect centerpiece of the seating arrangement, and the jumbo stitch detailing coupled with the tufted accent gives it a refined look.

One of the best things about it is that the sofa comes with a storage bag and a storage ottoman. But perhaps the best thing about it is that it is easy to assemble – you don’t need any tools to put it together. 

Best Non-Toxic Outdoor Furniture

#1 Crosley Furniture Griffith 3-Piece Metal Outdoor Conversation Set

There’s nothing like getting a nostalgic set of retro metal furnishings for your backyard. The Crosley Griffith set boasts bright colors and vintage lines, which add a layer of flair to your backyard.

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The table and chairs’ design is a conversation starter – but it isn’t all for show. The Griffith set is made out of fortified steel, and the entire set comes finished with a non-toxic weather-resistant powder coating. This makes the already robust steel that much stronger.

The set is available in eight different colors, and you can also get the chair in specific colors and design a set yourself.

The flair the table and chairs add to an area is unbeatable for the price. It’s one of the best organic furniture sets you can get your hands on.

#2 SUNVIVI OUTDOOR Patio Furniture 5-Piece All Weather Set

Finding the right non-toxic patio furniture can be challenging, especially with most sets going for ridiculous prices. The SUNVIVI patio set comes in at an affordable price but does not compromise on quality or safety.

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The set is crafted with all-weather PE rattan wicker and a steel frame – the design style makes it a perfect fit for most decoration styles.

The cushions are three-inches thick, and the sponge padding makes them all that much more comfortable. The included cushion covers are easy to take off using the zip, and cleaning them is just as easy.

The set also includes a coffee table that comes with a 0.2-inch-thick tempered glass top. The top can be removed, and the insides of the table can be cleaned with ease.

Best Non-Toxic Bedroom Furniture

#1 Acacia Emery 14 Inch Wood Platform Bed Frame with Headboard

The Acacia Emery bed frame boasts a sturdy build and comes with a strong locking system, which adds to the bed’s stability.

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The ergonomic slats are carefully positioned, and tapes are embedded to keep the mattress from sliding around. It comes in two colors – Caramel and Chocolate, both of which feature a smooth surface and give the bed a distinct sense of character.

The paint used is non-toxic and lead-free. It also does not effuse a foul smell, leaving you nothing to worry about. 

It’s compatible with most mattress types, and finding a mattress for the frame should be a breeze.

You will also need a non-toxic mattress to go with the bed frame – the best of which we shortlist in our post here. 

DaVinci Kalani 6-Drawer Double Wide Dresser

Every bedroom needs a reliable dresser that can hold all the blankets and clothes you own. The DaVinci Kalani boasts six drawers and comes with features like corner blocks that make it that much more reliable and durable.

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It doubles as a changing station, and you could set it up as your child’s dresser later on. It’s pre-installed euro-glides make opening the drawer super easy, and since non-toxic New Zealand plywood is used, you have nothing to worry about.

The multi-step painting process ensures that there is no lead or phthalates on the table, and it exceeds the U.S. CPSC standards, making it one of the safest pieces of non-toxic furniture you can get your hands on.

Best Non-Toxic Office, Study & Storage Furniture

#1 Frylr Small Folding Writing Desk

Regardless of if you’re a student or run a business of your own, getting the right desk can boost your productivity. The Frylr desk comes with two power plugs and two USB ports, enabling you to charge a handful of devices without reaching for a socket.

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Not only does the desk help you stay tidy, but it also allows you to set it up anywhere. No assembly is required, and you can fold it to set it up wherever you please. 

One of the best things about the non-toxic desk is that it has legs that can be adjusted to help the table be stable even on uneven surfaces.

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It’s a lot more challenging to find a non-toxic chair than you’d think. But if you’re looking for one that does not degas any VOCs into your home, the desk chair by Composite Ergonomics is the perfect chair for you.

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The sponge cushioning keeps you comfortable over long periods. It also boasts an adjustable seat height and can be rotated freely. The lumbar support offered further enhances the already comfortable experience.

The aluminium legs give it an impressive load capacity, and the tripod also comes with an anti-rust coating, guaranteeing that the chair will last you for years.

#3 South Shore Axess 5-Shelf Narrow Bookcase

The South Shore Axess bookcase is made from non-toxic laminated particleboard, and for the price, it is one of the best non-toxic shelves you can get your hands on.

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It has five storage spaces and can help you quickly organize books, toys, and other decorative items without much hassle.

Its narrow design enables it to fit in the tightest of spaces, and the three adjustable shelves can hold 25lbs each.

The five-year warranty makes it that much more appealing.

Alternatives to Wooden Furniture

Metal Furniture

Most metal furniture does not off-gas dangerous chemicals into your home, making it one of the safest non-toxic furniture available.

Some also come with non-toxic anti-rust powder coatings, which make the furniture that much more durable.

It’s easy to find quality metal chairs, cabinets, shelves, and also desks on Amazon.

Stone Furniture

Marble furniture has always had a distinct appeal, but finding it online can be a challenge. This is one of the only real marble tables available on Amazon. But you can find marble furniture with ease at brick and mortar stores.

You must avoid getting faux marble furniture since a lot of it is laminate and dangerous hard plastic. However, if you can ensure that the furniture is 0 VOC, you can buy it without hesitating.

Glass Furniture

Glass is another material that does not degas dangerous chemicals in your home. You will easily find coffee tables, nightstands, desks, and a lot of other non-toxic glass furniture online.

Natural Fiber Furniture

Non-toxic furniture made from rattan fibers is rising in popularity – the material is strong and does not effuse VOCs. Most rattan furniture is reasonably priced and impressively stylish, two more reasons for its rising popularity.

Seagrass is also a popular natural fiber used to make furniture, and finding furniture made from banana leaves isn’t very difficult either.

Stools and coffee tables are also common pieces of furniture made from the material, but typically they used to make bedroom furniture.

Open Questions About Non-Toxic Furniture

How to tell if a piece of furniture is non-toxic?

The only way to find out is to look at the piece’s description and determine whether any toxic chemicals or flame retardants have been incorporated into it. If you can’t find any information, you could also contact the manufacturer directly and enquire.

Is getting imported furniture a good idea?

Imported furniture is more likely to have toxic chemicals on it – so it’s best to steer clear from imported furniture if you value your health.

What materials should I steer clear of when buying furniture?

Engineered wood of any kind likely has some harmful chemical on it. However, some brands use carefully manufactured engineered wood, which is just as safe to have in your home as regular wood.

Some couches and bedframes come with toxic finishes or glues applied, and a distinct chemical smell is one (although not entirely reliable) indicator of poisonous chemicals. 

If you’re at the store and encounter the smell in a piece of furniture you like, don’t hesitate to ask the employees for more information.

Verdict

Now that you know what you should be looking for and what you should avoid, getting the right piece of non-toxic furniture will certainly be easier.

You are also acquainted with the market’s best options – another glance over the products is all you need to find the perfect furniture.

However, if we were to recommend one couch from our shortlist unreservedly, it’d be the Tufted Faux Leather 3-Seat Sofa. It’s one of the more expensive options on the list, but it’s also the most comfortable, durable, and versatile of them all.