The Ultimate Non Toxic Furniture Guide | The 5 Safest Brands In 2024
Medley specializes in artisan-crafted, sustainably sourced wood products that blend style and environmental responsibility for every room in the house.
Avocado is a green-focused business, that provides high-quality, comfortable, sustainable mattresses made from organic, and recycled materials.
Sabai combines stylish, modern design to create affordable and eco-friendly couches, using recycled and sustainable materials and practices.
Green Cradle is dedicated to creating high-quality, organic nursery furniture that prioritizes comfort and safety.
WFH Desks intentionally crafts its furniture from high-quality, organic materials like solid wood to emphasize its focus on sustainable designs.
Navigating the world of information about non toxic furniture can be so overwhelming. Trust me I know the feeling…
Trying to figure out which non toxic couch is the best fit for your living room and which furniture is safest for the kiddos can seem like an impossible task.
Sometimes it almost feels like in order to get something that fits your style you’ve got to compromise on your budget and your health.
But I’m here to tell you that is so not the case! You can get chemical-free furniture for every room of the house without sacrificing safety or breaking the bank!
Let’s take a look at the 5 safest furniture brands in 2024!
TL;DR
🪑The 5 safest Non Toxic Furniture Brands for 2024
- Medley – Best Overall
- Avocado – Bedroom Furniture
- Sabai – Living Room Furniture
- Green Cradle – Nursery Furniture
- Work From Home Desks – Office Furniture
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What Is Non Toxic Furniture?💭
Non toxic furniture does not contain toxic chemicals like VOCs(Volatile Organic Compounds) and SVOCs(Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds) or any other harmful chemicals that can put you or the environment at risk!
What you want in non toxic furniture is organic materials like solid wood and organic latex made without chemical processing or fire retardant treatments!
| Non Toxic Furniture Materials👍🏽 | Toxic Furniture Materials 👎🏽 |
|---|---|
| Solid wood, bamboo, and metal | Engineered wood(unless made using formaldehyde-free glue) |
| Organic fabric like cotton, hemp, linen, and wool | Synthetic fabrics like polyester, vinyl, and acrylic |
| No fire retardants | Fiber glass and fire retardant chemicals |
| Natural latex | Uncertified Polyfoam or Polyurethane |
| Independent Third-Party Certifications like GreenGuard GOLD | Treated with pesticides |
It’s especially important to consider all this if you have children, who are more susceptible the the effects of these nasty chemicals. Choosing toxic free children’s furniture reduces their exposure too!
Now that you know what should and shouldn’t be in your furniture, let’s take a look at the 7 brands that do it best!😎
The 5 Safest Non Toxic Furniture Brands
1. Medley
Medley is a personal favorite of mine, not just because their furniture is absolutely gorgeous but because their products are made with genuinely organic materials.
All their products are handmade in the USA putting them already leaps and bounds beyond West Elm and Ashley furniture products.
With Medley, you don’t have to worry about sacrificing furniture that fits your vibe for furniture that’s safe because you can have both!
Whether you’re looking for a sofa, dining room table, or bed frame Medley has truly some of the best sustainable furniture I know you’ll love.
🔎Brand Features:
- Handcrafted in the USA
- Certifications:
- FSC(Forest Stewardship Council)
- GOLS(Global Organic Latex Standard)
- GOTS(Global Organic Textile Standard)
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
- UL GREENGUARD Gold
- Red List Free products
- Certi-PUR-US
- Warranty:
- 10-year warranty on cushion cores
- 5-year warranty on fabrics
- Lifetime warranty on frames
- 20-year warranty on mattresses
- Shipping: 30-day trials available
- Downside: Some of their couches contain polyfoam cushions but they are all certified by Certi-PUR-US which means they meet non toxic standards. They offer natural latex sofas as well.
Price Range:
- $3,276 – $4,249 – Beds
- $2,195 – $5,995 – Dining tables
- $2,446 – $8, 939 – Sofas and sectionals
2. Avocado
We spend over 7-9hrs a day on our mattresses, so don’t settle for cheap polyfoam(memory foam)!
Instead, choose a mattress you’ll love falling asleep and waking up on! Choose Avocado!
I love how Avocado proves itself as an eco-friendly brand that uses unique materials like coconut husks to be sustainable and comfy
And nope there are no flame retardants, fiberglass, or polyurethane foam anywhere in sight!
And you bet there’s a mattress for everyone in the family from California kings to cribs!👍🏽
🔎Brand Features:
- Made in Los Angeles
- Certifications:
- GOLS(Global Organic Latex Standard)
- GOTS(Global Organic Textile Standard)
- MADE SAFE
- Greenguard Gold
- B Corp
- Climate Neutral
- USDA
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
- Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified by UL Environment
- Warranty: 25-year limited warranty
- Trial:1-Year Avocado Green Mattress trial
- Shipping: Free shipping
- 0% APR Financing
- Downside: Their wool mattress can emit a natural earthy smell when first used. This smell isn’t toxic but if you have a sensitive nose it may irritate you.
Price Range:
- $770.00 – $3,099 – Adult mattresses
- $349 – $1,379 – Cribs and children’s mattresses
3. Sabai
Sabai has my heart when it comes to sustainable living room furniture because they are sooo intentional about being eco-friendly from start to finish to upcycling.
They have so many great organic sofas, accent chairs, coffee tables, and other living room furniture options that come in the most beautiful colors and designs. One of my favorite couches comes in a dark forest green!!😍
Fall in love with Sabai, just as I have, and find the timeless beauty in ethically sourced furniture.
🔎Brand Features:
- Made in the USA
- Certifications:
- SFI Certified wood
- CertiPUR-US certified
- B Corp certified
- Shipping: Made to order. Ships within 3-5 weeks
- Trade in options
- End-of-life-cycle programs
- Downside: Some of their couches can be a bit pricey but they do provide you with the choice of buying one of their used products at a discounted price.
Price Range:
- $395.00 – $3,395.00 – Living room furniture
4. Green Cradle
With organic cribs as their focus, Green Cradle is a brand you can trust to deliver the best nursery furniture.
Green Cradle uses organic materials to craft cribs, changing tables, bed frames, and more!
I love how the founders of Green Cradle share how their company was created out of necessity for safe children’s products. They speak from experiences and a genuine heart for consumer health and the environment.
Green Cradle is not just any furniture brand… they are a brand committed to doing right by you and your little one💕
🔎Brand Features:
- Handcrafted in the USA
- Certifications
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
- GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard)
- Meets requirements for Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
- Meets requirements for the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
- Shipping: Free shipping
- Downside: I wish they sold adult furniture because they would be first on my list when I need a new bed, but I love that they focus so heavily on specializing in products for kids and babies. I’m just jealous lol
Price Range:
- $1,545 – $3,595 – Cribs
- $2,595 – $3,995 – Changing tables
5. Work From Home Desks
If you’re like me, you’re probably at your desk the majority of the day. So the last thing you want to do is to cut corners on the quality.
We chose Work From Home Desks for the best office furniture.
Whether you prefer to sit, stand, or a bit of both, WFHD provides all the support you need to keep you going throughout the workday.
These home office products are made with healthy human productivity and sustainable innovation in mind.
🔎Brand Features:
- Made in the USA
- Certifications:
- EPA Certified
- Flatpack desks for reduced clutter
- Sit or stand customizable ergonomic workspace
- Tool-free assembly
- Warranty: 3 Year Warranty
- Shipping: Free Shipping in the US
- Buy now, pay later, interest-free payment options
- Downside: Some of their products contain a form of plywood but has minimal off-gassing
Price Range:
- $318.45 – $2,538.00 – Desks
- 19.25 – 599.00 – Desk accessories and add-ons
Why Is Non Toxic Furniture A Better Option?
Traditional furniture can be filled with harmful synthetic materials and toxic chemicals making them unsafe for us and the planet.
Standard furniture often contains chemicals that are harmful to our health, like formaldehyde, flame retardants, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
But furniture made to be non-toxic and eco-friendly can allow you to achieve the vibe you want in your home while giving you the benefits of chemical-free furniture.
🌱Here are some of the many benefits of buying eco-friendly furniture:
Health & Safety:
- By reducing your exposure to chemicals, you actively improve your indoor air quality and lower off-gassing side effects.
Eco-friendliness
- You get sustainable materials that are ethically sourced.
- Reduced carbon footprint by using less energy, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reduced waste by using natural fabrics of higher quality that last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements (which saves you bucks in the long run).
Supporting Ethical Practices:
- Sustainable farming supports farmers and the production of pesticide-free materials
- Fair labor practices ensure workers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions
Long-term Investment:
- Sustainable furniture lasts longer than cheaper, toxic alternatives we see in fast furniture production because of the quality of materials used.
Common Toxic Chemicals Found In Furniture
Let’s discuss common toxic chemicals that are found in traditional furniture and maybe in the furniture you’re sitting on right now 🙆🏽♀️…
Formaldehyde
- Found in pressed wood products, formaldehyde is a carcinogen that can cause respiratory issues and allergies.
- To avoid buying furniture with high levels of formaldehyde, look for furniture made with natural solid wood.
- When choosing furniture made from engineered wood such as particle board or MDF, look for options that use adhesives with no or low formaldehyde levels.
Fire Retardants
While they sound protective, flame retardants can cause hormonal disruptions and even decrease IQ in children.
Fire retardants were created with the intention of slowing the spread of fires in case of an emergency but it was later discovered that these chemicals and treatments are dangerously toxic and linked to serious health issues.
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
VOCs also known as Volatile Organic Compounds, are a collection of chemicals like benzene (a known carcinogen) that turn into breathable yet toxic gas and vapors in the air.
These harmful chemicals are found in everyday products such as paint, stains and finishes, wax, cleaning products, furniture, clothing, and beauty items.
Breathing in the gases from VOCs can lead to different health issues ranging from headaches, and dizziness, to in severe cases, harm to the liver and kidneys.
Other toxins to be aware of and to avoid as much as possible:
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Avoid furniture made with this type of plastic.
- Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): These chemicals are used in toxic stain-resistants. Look for furniture labeled as PFAS-free.
- Phthalates: Often used in vinyl materials, these can be harmful. Choose phthalate-free furniture.
- Lead: Sometimes used in paint or finishes, lead is toxic. Avoid furniture with lead-based paint or finish.
How Do You Know If Your Furniture Is Non Toxic? 💭
Great question! And there are things to look for so you can guarantee you’re getting a safe product.
Look for Third-Party Certifications.
These certifications can verify claims about sustainability, fair trade, organic production, and non-toxic materials in furniture.
| FSC-Certified | Guarantees products are sourced from forests managed responsibly. |
| Certi-PUR-US | |
| OEKO-TEX® Standard | Requires materials to be ethically sourced from environmentally-conscious farmers. |
| Greenguard Gold Certified | Indicates a product has met rigorous standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). |
| Global Organic Textile Standard | An international certification that validates the organic status of textiles and ensures environmental sustainability and social responsibility. |
| Global Organic Latex Standard | A globally recognized certification that confirms the organic nature and ecological integrity of latex goods. |
| Fair Trade | Guarantees that products are produced under conditions that meet certain social, environmental, and economic standards. |
For more information or questions about certifications not listed use the EcoLabel Index.
Let’s Be Real…Is Sustainable Furniture Expensive?
Just like clothes, it’s common to spend a little more to buy a truly sustainable product that will last you much longer than buying cheaper and having to replace it within just a short time.
What I’m not saying is just because a product is more expensive, it’s going to be non toxic. Because we both know that’s not true…
But what I am saying is that when buying ethically made products that will last you a long time and not expose you to harmful substances, you’ll find that some of these products are a little more expensive.
When buying non toxic, you’re paying for…
- Sustainably and ethically sourced materials
- Organic and natural products
- Often hand-crafted work
- Chemical-free products
- Peace of mind
Buying non toxic products is an investment in what you buy and in your health.
