Image Credit: The Citizenry

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One of the toughest challenges to achieving a conscious lifestyle is choosing your furniture. Even for someone like me, with deep experience in the furniture industry, it can be hard to truly wrap your head around what eco-friendly furniture actually is — much less avoid the hundreds of toxic chemicals used in and on a typical couch, mattress, and desk. But it’s especially important to understand since we spend more time on and around furniture than almost any other consumer product.

To begin demystifying the process of sourcing beautiful, sustainable, and safe furniture, there are certain overarching principles to guide us in the right direction.  First, let’s start with some basic concepts. Then, we’ll lay out how to make sustainable furniture choices by room and highlight some of our favorite brands.

What to Look for in Eco-Friendly Furniture

Finishes: Some brands coat their furniture with stains and finishes that are made with harmful chemicals and petroleum-based solvents. These products emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that can have serious health consequences. Common VOCs found in some wood finishes include the known carcinogen benzene, and short-term exposure can cause skin and eye irritation, nausea, and even unconsciousness. With longer exposure, it’s been reported that benzene can cause leukemia.

I also recommend avoiding textile chemical finishes that protect against liquids, stains, and fire. They often contain hazardous substances, including toxic chemicals like PFAS and chemical flame retardants (details in the Living Room – Sofas and Other Upholstery section below).

Instead, look for nontoxic and low- or no-VOC products, which don’t off-gas harmful fumes. Also, make sure you favor formaldehyde-free brands and products. Formaldehyde is used in furniture glues and compressed wood. High levels in the home can cause skin and eye irritation and respiratory problems. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as a human carcinogen.

Materials: Look for materials that have a low environmental impact. Raw materials should be renewable, recyclable or upcyclable, recycled, and/or biodegradable. Note that natural fibers are less likely than synthetics or semi-synthetics to contain dyes and finishes that can cause allergic reactions and health problems. However, the processing of some natural materials can create toxic pollution too, so check into production methods and look for third-party certifications.

(By the way, if you’re interested in the topic of toxin-free living, you should get yourself a copy of Alden Wicker’s book To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick – and How to Fight Back.)

Circularity: Ensure the design is timeless and the materials and construction are durable so your pieces last a long time, and you can resell or donate them instead of sending them to the landfill. Also, buy products that can be repaired, refinished, and disassembled easily so the components can be replaced. Easy disassembly also means materials and parts can be properly recycled or upcycled.

Production Methods, Fair Labor, and Transparency: Consider the manufacturing carbon footprint, and try to buy locally to minimize transportation impact. Some factories are even fueled by renewable energy. Manufacturers may also minimize waste and pollution. As with everything you buy, check for fair labor practices to verify workers are treated well. Look for brands that prioritize transparency and third-party certifications like Fairtrade International and SA8000.

Made in America: Buying locally or nationally decreases your carbon footprint, and the wait time for your furniture to arrive. Several American furniture brands listed below create their products under stringent workplace and environmental regulations. But be aware, made in the U.S. doesn’t mean your product is 100% ethical. The U.S. ranks lower than many developed countries in environment and worker’s rights, although it ranks above major furniture producers China, Vietnam, and Mexico. If you have the budget, consider European or UK brands where overall sustainability marks are highest—but you may want to consider carbon offsetting for overseas transportation.

Now, let’s break it down by home area:

Living Room Furniture: Sofas & Other Upholstered Seating

A home’s central chill zone is the living room. Most of us like to find cushy comfort here—meaning sofas and other upholstered furniture. To get the soft padding used in upholstery, we’re looking at cushions or foam wrapped in fabric or leather. The main issues here are:

Cushions

The most common inner cushion material is polyurethane foam, a plastic polymer containing the toxic chemicals methyloxirane (aka propylene oxide), classified by the EPA as a “probable human carcinogen”, and formaldehyde and toluene, both harmful volatile organic compounds.

Additionally, harmful chemical flame retardants (CFRs) can be found in polyurethane foam and (less often) in upholstery fabric. Upholstered furniture made in 2014 or earlier is likely to contain CFRs to meet the flammability regulations of the time they were made. These regulations were eventually revised based on evidence that CFRs did not improve fire safety and created deadly toxic smoke. Many manufacturers stopped using the chemicals, but others continued. The best way to know if a product contains them is by checking the labels required on upholstery known as TB1172013 tags. Read them carefully, and look for an “X” by the statement: “contain NO added flame retardant chemicals”.

Certain fire retardants in the chemical class called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) expose you to health risks such as thyroid cancer, and have been linked to a rise of hyperthyroidism in cats in the last 40 years. Most chemical flame retardants are also toxic to land and marine animals when they enter the environment. While many countries phased out or banned the production of PBDE chemicals in the early to mid-2000s, they are still present in households in older furniture and appliances. Many substitute chemicals, like Tris(2-chloroethyl) Phosphate (TCEP)—common in sofa and mattress foam—are still ubiquitous in new sofas and beds, even though the chemical is banned in Europe and in California, and at the Federal level the EPA is undergoing a risk evaluation.

Better to opt for a natural rubber foam cushion, known as natural latex, a renewable, sustainable resource harvested from the rubber tree. Ask for organic Dunlop latex to be sure there are no synthetic chemicals added. You can even find Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)-certified for the cleanest option.

You may have heard of soy-based foam as an eco-alternative, but it typically only contains a maximum of 50% of soy-based foam, the rest being polyurethane. Soy also brings a host of other problems, such as pesticide use, genetically modified crops, appropriation of food stocks, and deforestation.

Similarly misleading, Cert-PUR foam sounds like a healthy foam option. Created by the Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam, a foam manufacturers industry group, the certification does little more than confirm that a tested foam contains the usual range of chemicals at standard amounts. They are supposed to be free of a small subset of chemical flame retardants but could contain others. Overall, if you do choose polyurethane this is a better option, but not by much.

Other materials used in cushions create varying degrees of softness and give. These include inner coils, down, batting and foam. Coils can be made of recycled metal. Batting or padding exists in a range of natural, time-proven materials, including wool, coconut fiber (aka coir), kapok, or cotton (preferably organic). You’ll have to seek these out, since the default standard batting material is polyester.

Down adds an extra inviting softness, however, there are troubling ethical issues around down production in terms of animal welfare and lack of regulations. You can check for ethical certifications like the Responsible Down Standard. Down is high maintenance, though, needing frequent plumping and fluffing to retain its shape and loft. So unless you have a housekeeper or love the zen act of fluffing, you can skip this one.

Fabric

Ask for untreated upholstery fabrics since finishes that are stain repellent, liquid-resistant, anti-odor, fire-retardant, or anti-microbial usually contain chemicals linked to a slew of health and environmental risks. Treatments on “performance fabrics”, as they’re called, often contain PFAS—a class of chemicals including thousands of substances. Many PFAS are known to cause serious health issues including cancer, liver damage, and decreased fertility. They’re called “forever chemicals” because they stay in our bodies and in the environment for so long. As of this year, there is federal legislation on dealing with PFAS, but it will take some time to be implemented. By avoiding fabric treatments reliant on these chemicals you can help reduce exposure in your home and beyond.

Definitely steer clear of vinyl (PVC) which is produced with phthalates, a group of chemicals that are associated with neurological impairments in children and reproductive development disorders. PVC can also emit the highly toxic dioxin during production. Plus, it has the icky, sticky habit of adhering to the backs of your legs when sat upon.

Whenever possible, choose natural fabrics like organic cotton or linen, and avoid synthetics like petroleum-based polyester, unless it’s made from certified recycled bottles or fibers.

By seeking out bluesign or Oeko-Tex certified fabrics, you can avoid these toxic culprits and negative social impacts too. Better yet, choose Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified, a complete life cycle standard requiring fabrics to be upcyclable.

Leather

Though it is an animal product, leather is a very durable upholstery material. Be aware that most leather production employs chromium and other toxic chemicals in the tanning and dyeing processes, and sometimes uses child labor. Vegetable-tanned, chromium-free leathers are preferable, but be prepared to deal with stiffer leather that may need to be broken in. There are also eco certifications for leather, like Oeko-Tex or the European Naturtextil IVN certification, to confirm low-impact production and protection of workers’ health. Buying used or vintage is an excellent compromise since you’re extending the life of the leather.

Frames

Look for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood, or recycled steel. FSC isn’t foolproof, but it’s the best large scale certification system we have. Traceability is key and can be very challenging for wood supply chains, with many middlemen and corruption involved. Do your best to determine where the wood comes from and how the forests are managed. Also, frames should be designed for longevity, and ideally, to be easily disassembled for recycling or reuse.

Cabinets, Storage & Occasional Furniture

Next, let’s consider case goods – TV/media cabinets, shelving and storage. Most cabinetry and storage are made of wood. Source salvaged (from fallen trees), reclaimed (repurposed, such as wood from old barns) or if you can’t find that, FSC- certified. Some manufacturers use low- or no-VOC glues, paints, and finishes, meaning they release minimal or no toxic chemicals into your home. Check labels and ask salespeople whether the finishes are low-VOC or water-based, although water-based finishes are often polyurethane, meaning plastic. Natural beeswax and oil finishes are safe options, including tung, linseed, and walnut. You may also want (or need) a workstation at home. Desks and work chairs pose the same material and finish issues outlined. I’d recommend checking for Greenguard and LEVEL certifications for office furniture, and looking at brands like Humanscale and Herman Miller.

For coffee or side tables, you may come across some irresistible 70’s or other vintage plastic/plexiglass options, but sticking with metal or wood—recycled, salvaged, or vintage—with or without a glass top is a preferable way to go. Plastic from any era can  damage easily, while ironically taking hundreds of years to degrade into smaller and smaller pieces of persistently polluting plastic bits.

Dining Area

This is where I especially favor going with “pre-loved” or vintage furniture. You can find better quality craftsmanship and wood, along with more character and distinctive styles for reasonable prices.

If buying new, avoid plastics such as polyethylene, polyacrylate, and polycarbonate. Even if they’re made from recycled plastic or are theoretically recyclable, plastic furniture is typically not accepted by recycling facilities. As mentioned, plastics aren’t very durable and are virtually impossible to repair.

Choose glass, wood that’s certified, reclaimed, or salvaged; or metal for tables and chairs but preferably not chrome–finished metal because it is typically made with hexavalent chromium, which is highly toxic in the environment and carcinogenic when inhaled by the workers who produce chrome plating. Prioritize solid construction when choosing dining chairs since they get a lot of wear and tear through daily use and the occasional raucous dinner party.

Bedroom Furniture

I favor platform beds with built-in storage for a minimalist approach, and overall you can save money by buying fewer pieces. There are many options for bed frames made of FSC-certified wood, as well as bamboo—a sustainable, renewable material that is actually a fast-growing grass.

Your mattress is the most important element to invest in and vet for toxicity. (Here’s our complete guide to choosing a non-toxic mattress).

Dressers are an ideal piece to introduce character and an esthetic twist. Opt for vintage or antique, or consider splurging on a well-made contemporary piece. After all, who wants to pile one more busted-up IKEA dresser onto the curb?

Nightstands provide a great opportunity to get creative. Consider wine crates, salvaged wood tree trunks, hand-carved African stools, small steamer trunks, or other found objects with an even surface that inspire dreams.

How and where to buy sustainable furniture

First, I recommend checking in with family or friends. Maybe your parents are downsizing, or your friends are redecorating. Let them know you’re in the market, and you may score quality pieces inexpensively or even free if they’re feeling generous. If that isn’t fruitful, go to resellers—online and off. Check your local Goodwill, Craigslist, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, or used furniture dealer for affordable finds. There are often gems mixed in with everything and at excellent prices.

Keep in mind that older upholstered furniture pieces from the 1970s to the 2000s might have banned fire retardants in them, though a lot of it may have already dissipated by the time you get your hands on them, and VOCs might have already done most of their off-gassing. It’s up to you what your comfort level is here. It’s also possible to reupholster pieces and replace old foam with safer alternatives.

Grayn

Grayn is a slow furniture brand that prioritizes quality materials and ethical sourcing. Its furniture is handcrafted in its workshop in Bradford, Vermont, where it combines intentional design with expert craftsmanship to create modern heirlooms. It uses sustainably sourced materials within a 500-mile radius from its workshop to minimize its emissions. Grayn’s collection currently includes wooden bed frames, dressers, and bedside tables.

Urban Wood Goods

Urban Wood Goods is a woman-owned company that uses only 100% reclaimed old-growth wood or salvaged wood in all of the furniture it custom makes in its U.S. shop. Old growth wood is exceptionally durable with a tight grain. By choosing this material, you’re extending the life of wood originally cut from America’s oldest forests. You can find reclaimed wood tables, desks, chairs and office conference tables.

Avocado

In addition to Avocado’s mattresses made with natural and organic materials, it sells bed frames and other furniture. Its pieces are made using environmentally conscious manufacturing in its own Los Angeles facility, and some feature reclaimed wood, or FSC-certified wood. and. Avocado is also a certified B Corporation and donates to 1% for The Planet.

1stDibs

Founded in 2000, 1stDibs is an online marketplace that sells eclectic, high-quality furniture. It features listings from a worldwide network of trusted sellers, each of whom has been thoroughly vetted by its in-house experts. Shoppers can make purchases directly, negotiate a price or place bids on items at auction. New items are added to the site every week.

Medley

For every category of furniture you might want in one place, check out Medley. The founders are brothers, committed to offering eco-friendly, ethically made furniture. Their customer service is dedicated to transparency and answering any question you might have about the sustainability of a specific piece. They have well-designed modern furniture for every room in your home.

Sabai Design

Sabai creates earth-friendly, affordable, and attractive furniture. Its pieces are made in the U.S. in a family-owned factory in High Point, North Carolina that is committed to quality, safety, and a living wage. Sabai’s furniture is crafted with FSC-certified and salvaged wood, and recycled, upcycled materials. They also offer a resale store for used pieces.

West Elm

Founded in 2002, West Elm sells modern furniture, housewares, and home decor. It offers a selection of sustainably sourced items that’s well worth checking out. You can find salvaged, reclaimed, and FSC-certified wood furniture at good prices.

The Citizenry

The Citizenry has a wide selection of artisan furniture, including ottomans, chairs, tables, and mirrors. The Citizenry collaborates with workshops and artisans around the world, pairing contemporary designs with traditional techniques. By partnering with craftspeople, it achieves premium quality and 100% of products are made with a fair trade process audited by the World Fair Trade Organization. Many of their materials are eco-friendly, but the upholstered pieces are padded with polyurethane foam.

What We Make

What We Make is family-owned and creates finely crafted furniture that is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and timelessly modern. It uses reclaimed wood to craft all of its furniture, which includes desks, chairs, tables, and bathroom vanities.

Casa Kids

Based in Brooklyn, NY, Casa Kids is a wonderful source of loft beds and modular furniture. They have a range of pre-made options and can do custom orders too. They use FSC-certified wood and low- no-VOC finishes. They also offer an online resale market to assist customers in selling their used pieces.

ZZ Driggs

ZZ Driggs is a highly curated rental platform offering award-winning, sustainably designed furniture. Rental terms are 1, 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. The longer your term, the lower your monthly fee. You can also choose to buy your product up front or later. Your rental investment will count towards the purchase. ZZ Driggs is a certified B Corporation, a Benefit Corporation, and 74% of their rental furniture has one or more sustainable attribute. Rentals are available in New York City and parts of NJ and CT. Purchases ship to anywhere in the U.S.