Hi SN, Thanks for the question. The fact that these Pottery Barn products use MDF but also have a Greenguard Gold certification tells you much of what you need to know about Greenguard Certification. While Greenguard is better than no certifications, it is not what we want to see. We will soon be publishing our Wood Furniture Guide. It will address much of this subject. Keep an eye open for it on our site. Thanks

What are your thoughts on Greenguard gold certified Pottery barn furniture like bookshelves? They are mixture of solid wood and MDF but carry this certification. Are they non-toxic or is is green washing?

Wondering the same…

Thanks for this article! I am looking at Medely and Cisco right now but I don’t know what fabric to use. I have three little kids so durability is important but I also am concerned about synthetics and treated fabrics. What fabrics did you go with and how have they held up on both couches over time?

I ordered a Futon Shop non toxic sofa and it was so affordable. Bummed though because after owning it for under a year the seat cushion on the bottom is wearing unevenly.

I have struggled for hours online to find even one non-toxic recliner sofa. I looked a little at the American Leather company, but not sure that’s a safe way to go.

Have you seen any companies that make non-toxic recliners (preferably recliner sofas) or any suggestions for best company for this?

thanks!

John

i was wondering about joybird sofas. i found this information on their site.

“None of our foam or fabrics contain PBDE (flame retardants) and they are certified to be free of toxic gases. The current suppliers we work with test our materials to ensure they are free of any toxic substances and we will do our best to continue to partner with companies that can meet those standards.”

“You’ll be happy to know that Joybird products do not contain any harsh chemicals, and our fabrics and foams do not contain any flame retardants.”

thank you for any help you can provide.

Hi, How is your ethan allen chair now? They say they use CertiPur-US® certified foams. Not sure if that is better … but one of the few affordable furniture companies I have seen that seem to choose something better? What was your decision in buying Ethan allen

Ethen Allen has horrible off–gassing. I just received a chair from them and have had it in a room with the windows open 24/7 for over a month. It still smells.

It maybe that there couches were once very good quality and perhaps the change in warehouse has affected the quality, OR I just got the one-off dud.

Thanks,
Liane

What about replacing the foam in your old couch?

If I could post photos I would but I have been suffering from intense giant hives, and I allergic welling and chemical burns as a result of the long term effect of sleeping on a tempurpedic bed. Now I have a severe polyurethane tdi allergy and even sitting on my couch results in giant welts. Many trips to the doctors for fast acting injections of steroids and pills. This allergy is now consuming my life

Thank you!

The more a person is exposed to latex, the more likely they are to develop an allergy to it. And the more they are exposed, the worse the allergy becomes. Something to think about when buying furniture or mattresses with latex…

Rich Pearce would like to retract the above comment. The furniture has been airing out and Fred has been wonderful to deal with. He was willing to work with us in any way possible to correct the problem including taking the furniture back, which we don’t think will be necessary. To be clear though, the furniture does still have a strange odor which we’re hoping will eventually go away.

BUYERS BEWARE!
We recently purchase a sofa, chair and ottoman from Furnature and it is well made, but it has a very strong odor coming from it that is not chemical, rather it is an offensive smell that fills our home. We were given samples of all the products used in our selection and none of them contained this odor. The furniture is extremely expensive with a lot of hidden fees and since they have a no return policy, we may be stuck with it. We may seek legal action.

I haven’t done enough research to tell you for sure, but certainly it’s at the very least better than MOST products. (I will say that in general Certipur isn’t the best certification).

I recently ran across Lee Industries and want to see what you think about their furniture. Lee claims to be FR free. The padding, cushions, and pillows are made from a combination of recycled fibers, soy-based foam, regenerated fibers, FR free downproof ticking, and synthetic batting.

Here’s what they say about flame retardants in the FAQs:

DOES YOUR FURNITURE CONTAIN FLAME RETARDANTS?
As of March 3, 2014, LEE Industries is 100% compliant to the new TB117-2013 flammability requirements. This legislation allows LEE to ship our FR FREE (Flame Retardant Free)cushions, foam, fabric & decking products throughout the country. All of our foam products have been rigorously tested by CertiPUR-US and contain their seal of approval. This assures you that our products meet specific criteria for physical performance, indoor emissions, environmental stewardship and pose no health risk. Visit certipur.us for more information

Wow! It sure sounds like it! Of course, their glues and stains may still contain formaldehyde, but this is a great news!

I recently received this response from IKEA when I asked about their sofas. Does that mean that IKEA sofas would be an acceptable choice? Thanks

As of January 1st, 2015, IKEA adopted the revised California standard for flammability called TB117-2013, which mandates a smouldering ignition test rather than an open flame test. This change allows us to design and develop upholstered furniture without adding flame retardant chemicals to the foam.

In addition, California introduced a new product labelling law called SB 1019. This law requires all products that comply with TB 117-2013 to bear a permanent label telling the customer whether or not flame retardant chemicals have been added into the product.

IKEA complies with TB 117-2013 and SB 1019, and has met the compliance deadline of January 1, 2015. IKEA began manufacturing products under the new requirements in December 2014. These products will be available for purchase as stock manufactured before January 1, 2015 are sold through.

Today all textiles, mattresses, upholstered furniture and rugs sold by IKEA stores worldwide are free of PBDEs and antimony compounds and do not contain any flame retardants.

Hi Maia

What can I get in Canada that’s Okay stuff? I cannot afford the Good Stuff unfortunately. Also what’s your recommendation on carpets are there any wool ones or anything that not so bad? Where can I get them?

Thanks a lot

Handy post, Maia, thank you. Eagerly awaiting your Safe Sofa update—and hoping you’ll consider including Apt2B, an LA-based furniture company that claims to be one of the first in California to drop FRs and use eco-friendly, sustainably sourced materials in their pieces. They use a soy-based foam I’d like to know more about.

Thanks for all your digging on this!

Did you get the polyfoam or down wrapped cushions? We’re debating!

Also, do you have any recommendations on good brands for toddler furniture? Trying to find a bed for my toddler and am not having much luck finding something that i feel is safe.

Thanks for you help – appreciate all your insight.

We like both Cisco and Stem. I am particularly fond of Stem’s design sense, but that is an aesthetic choice.
Both companies build several versions of each of their sofas. The fully nontoxic ones can be had for a premium.

The latex foam version was beyond our checkbook but they are very low VOC. We also recommend having an air filter capable of eliminating any VOC’s. It is a good way to capture airborne problems, no matter what the source.
https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/?s=Austin

Deciding between Cisco and Stem can be tough. It comes down to design and price. Each companies excels at making quality, durable products that have few, if any toxic problems.

If you do decide to get a Stem sofa, be sure to use code GOODSTUFF10 for 10% off.

Glad to hear it! And same with us–I can’t tolerate perfume, the smell of Tide, etc., now that I’ve ditched all synthetic fragrances in my life.

We scored with a West Elm sectional for under $1800, and we love it. Of course I’d love something organic and completely green too even more (when our budget allows), but I was so happy to hear they don’t use flame retardants. The reps I spoke with at West Elm actually advised us that their furniture is not treated whatsoever (chemicals, flame retardants), and when the couch was delivered last week I was pleasantly surprised that there was literally no smell to it. Even my husband, who thinks I’m a bit over the top with all the concern for chemicals, commented how nice it was that it did not smell like ANYTHING…and ever since we quit all the ‘bad stuff’ (lotion, shampoo, soap, dish soap, detergent, etc.) 3 years ago we are both super sensitive to smells. 🙂

Thank you so much!
Jen

AMEN!!!!!
I’m late to this post but anyone have luck finding an affordable alternative?

Hmm. I was speaking with them in September and I was told no flame retardant.

Is this no longer valid?

Overall this all sounds pretty reassuring. Without being able to smell the sofa myself, I’m at a loss as to what it could be. Can you tell if it’s coming from the fabric, the legs, or the inner foam?

Chemicals that were of particular concern were TDCPP, TDCEP, TDCP, and Penta Bromine’s. These chemicals haven’t been used by Klaussner for a number of years.

One very important fact is that all Klaussner domestic product is made with foam that is certified as Certi-PUR. To be certified the foam must be:

. Made without ozone depleters
. Made without PBDE flame retardants
. Made without mercury, lead and other heavy metals
. Made without formaldehyde
. Made without phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission
. Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions for indoor air quality (less than 0.5 parts per million)

So, this made me feel better, but what is that smell? I’m pregnant and we didn’t have a couch and I wanted something comfortable to lay on, but I’ve decided to return it. I just don’t wanna take any chance. Im very disappointed as now I don’t have a couch…

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Check the Okay Stuff tab above. I keep trying to get brands to give my readers a discount–so far, two have agreed (see under the Good Stuff above).

“Dear Valued Clients and Friends:

EKLA HOME is closing its doors. Our goal in making these pieces was to provide an alternative to the polluting products offered in the world of furniture. We were committed to producing the best products possible here in the United States, but the market has changed and it is no longer viable for us to make this work.

We appreciate the support from our fantastic clients, and business colleagues over the years, and to those that recognized us with awards. We feel good that we were able to make a difference in the world for the last decade.

Thank you,

Emily Kroll
”

Huge bummer…

What about the organic futon mattresses and mattress toppers on http://www.thefutonshop.com?
They provide a lot of information on the materials used and where they are sourced and how they are processed, and even differences between their “natural” vs. “Organic” mattresses. I was able to convince my husband to get a Naturepedic for our Master bedroom and crib mattress, however now we are in the market for a futon for guests and the options here are way too expensive. The prices on The Futon Shop website are way more reasonable for us right now. Thoughts?

Nope, they are still Good Stuff–if the prices have come down, even better:). I’ll look into it and update this page. Thanks for letting me know!

I agree completely with all you say. I have a lot of allergies and sensitivities, and need a more non-toxic sofa. However, we can not afford these brands of sofas.

Hi there-
Once there other sale is done running, this coupon will work again:).

Yes, unfortunately organic chicken can have traces of environmental toxins as well.

Thanks!

Marc

I received an email from Pottery Barn two days ago and the representative advised me that ALL upholstered furniture still has chemical flame retardants.

Thanks.

Thank you!

The one pictured here is a Cisco Brothers, but I don’t think they make that one anymore. I just bought a Stem, which I’ll post pictures of soon!

What’s the name of your sofa and where is it from? Love the color and style.

I think we did go with a cotton fabric, or maybe hemp, but no, I don’t think that there is anything particularly toxic about polyester or rayon. I would feel fine with those on sofa in my home!

Thanks for putting these on my radar! I will add to our list when we update the Safe Sofa Guide:).

I don’t know Joybird well enough to weigh in yet, but it’s on my list for a future research project! The polyfoam is definitely petroleum-based, but in my opinion does not present a toxicity risk. 

Yes, you want only responsibly-sourced down (which comes from dead birds, not live.)

Donna, All good stuff. The only thing I have issue with is your reference to spray foam. I assume you’re talking about spray polyurethane foam (SPF). Most of the hazards called out by the EPA have to do with the hazards to the applicators. There are certainly hazards to SPF when it is in liquid form. The EPA also mentions potential hazards of SPF dust created by cutting or trimming SPF before it has fully cured. The polyurethane foam in your couch is fully cured so isocyanates (the hazardous stuff) are fully reacted (if not with the poly resin, than with moisture in the air). SPF also contains fire retardants which if your couch label says “NO” FR than the foam in your couch doesn’t have FR. I’m pretty confident that the polyurethane is inert and not a hazard. We wear, eat off of, and drink from a variety of polymer materials (AKA plastics) that are harmless. It’s the additives, like BPA, and fire retardants, that are harmful. I’m with you on everything else and if I have a choice I’m picking the couch without the polyurethane, but people shouldn’t be afraid of FR free foam.

Fiber filling is also called polyester fiberfill. Polyester is petroleum based. Don’t know how the scientific community feels about polyester, but I think it’s pretty benign. BTW, microfiber is also an AKA for polyester. Your North Face jacket (and everything else microfiber, polyester, or fiberfill) comes out of a drum of oil. Go natural.

Or, they might go out of business. I don’t think boycotting eco-friendly companies is the right strategy. Unfortunately, until more people become aware of the issue only a select few companies will offer these products and prices will stay high. Vegetarian/vegan food used to be more expensive and less available but as its popularity has increased more companies have gotten into the business and prices have come down as selections have increased.

A better idea might be to push for legislation against flame retardants and other chemicals or to get the word out about how harmful they are.

Are you aware of any reason to be skeptical about the safety of these sofas?

Also, with Stem there are three options for the sofa’s “filling” – with “polyfoam cushions + fiber filling” being dramatically less expensive than the other options. Do you know whether this option unsafe/ petroleum based?

Thanks!

Industry experts claim that poly/ petroleum foam is inert. However, some independent studies have concluded that there are many health risks due to exposure to this. The EPA’s Material Safety Data Sheet on spray foam is quite scary. I am skeptical about the claims of a petroleum product being non-toxic.

Also, I think that there is some confusion about the revised Cal Tech Bulletin 117-2013. The open flame test on upholstered furniture components was eliminated and a far less difficult smoldering cigarette test on the outer fabric was adopted. Many people assume that the fabric has to be treated or cannot be a natural fiber fabric to pass this test. The truth is that natural fiber fabrics do pass if the yarns are high twist and the fabric is tightly woven. Upholstery fabric manufacturers have bee voluntarily testing their fabric at independent test labs for decades. It is the same smoldering cigarette test that California adopted on January 1 , 2014. It is known as UFAC. You can read more here. But, if a fabric is has already been tested and is UFAC class 1, it doesn’t need to be retested. Using Oecotextiles as an example, their fabric were tested and are UFAC class 1. They use natural fibers and do not need to treat their fabric with flame retardants. However, I am not suggesting that conventional upholstered furniture fabric manufacturers don’t treat their fabrics. My experience in the home textile industry is that the fabric manufacturers do not treat natural fiber upholstery fabrics that are intended for residential usage. They apply a topical FR solution only if the fabric is adopted for Contract usage because the laws for Contract usage are more stringent than those for residential usage. http://www.ahfa.us/california-technical-bulletin-117-2013/

Sunbrella- It is a Trademarked solution-dyed acrylic that uses dyes that are highly colorfast to light and mold and mildew resistant since it was originally intended for outdoor use. It is completely synthetic and the dyes are not benign. Since it is virtually indestructible, people love it and are using it indoors. Greenguard certification doesn’t mean that it is non-toxic. It doesn’t contribute to poor air quality, but you can absorb it through the skin. Production of acrylic is nasty.

The prices of truly non-toxic sofas. Some people assume it is greed that motivates the few companies that produce non-toxic upholstered furniture to price their sofas so high. It isn’t. The components are insanely expensive, especially the all natural latex rubber. The production process is slow, labor intensive and 100% hand made by humans. It isn’t mechanized . Each piece is made-to-order. We are not getting rich by making these. We barely break even and joke that we should be a not-for-profit .org. We are challenged every day with labor issues, component delays and these pieces are very difficult to make due to the components that are used. Each person has to choose the degree of purity that they can afford. But, please know that if a sofa is $1500 and claims to be completely non-toxic and made with all natural rubber, it isn’t. The natural rubber costs more than the price of the sofa.
Finally, making claims that only company has the purist ingredients is very dangerous. Ask every company that you review for their third party independent lab certs on all components so that you know what you are truly getting. Do it with every item that claims to be non-toxic, natural, or having organic ingredients. Sofas, mattresses, bedding accessories, car seats. Consumers have the right to know.

Wow, great question! I don’t know of a brand off the top of my head, but Ekla will do anything custom, so you could reach out to them (and mention my name if you do for a possible discount).

you don’t seem very oncerned about animals however and feel fine about using leather and other animal products in your “Green” product. I find this unethical- plus your prices are ridiculules. Most people can’t afford your “Green”. We all need sustainable safe products for people, the environment and animals-not for profits and the rich.

EcoBalanza also offers sleeper options!

Yes, Stem does (and if you go with them, be sure to use our code for a discount!).

Hi Donna, sorry about that! They recently had a promo that cancelled out our coupon code. That deal ends today, so starting tomorrow our code should work again:)

The latest I just came across today from dwell magazine is an online only company called Article.com classy looking – looks better made than IKEA sofas all around $1000-1400 ish CAD Canadian dollars they ship for $49 to us or Canada from either Seattle or Vancouver. I think I might order one this week. I called customer service and she said no flame retardants or toxic glues and products mostly made in Vietnam a few things in china.

Is the Pottery Barn Eco sofa what you are referring to in the “Sneaky” section?

naturally GREEN-hypo-allergenic-dust mite resistant- 100% natural rubber latex foam,sustainable from seed to port
: manufactured using CARBON NEUTRAL processes-lower CO2 emmissions
:eliminates latex allergy reactions
:NO PETROLEUM-based chemical off gassing
:naturally hypo-allergenic
:safe for babies- OEKO-TEX standard 100 class1
:naturally cool-cradling,contouring support-better than memory foam
:extremely durable
::CERTIFIED BY AENOR-RAINFOREST ALLIANCE-LGA QUALITY
BEWARE OF TALALAY.

My understanding is that while polyester is not an earth-friendly choice, it is not a toxicity concern.

Amen! I have cancer so I guess I have no options for a safe sofa since I cannot afford these outrageous prices. It is such a struggle to get all of the chemicals out of your house. I have been shopping for a new sofa and I don’t know what I’m going to do. 🙁

Amen! Thank you for that comment! I have cancer and I guess I have no options because I can’t afford these prices. It really stinks.

I am guessing green guard would be a good thing ?

I have read that sunbrella doesn’t gas into the air but not sure how valid and credibile my findings are.

Thank you,
Jenn

Hi Michelle-
The landscape is changing! As I mentioned above, more reasonable brands (like Pottery Barn) have gotten rid of flame retardants. Hopefully, with better legislation, the Good Stuff will become more accessible.

Hi Jenn-
I am suspicious, since typically anything “weather resistant” is treated with chemicals. That said, it looks like Sumbrella is GreenGuard certified. I will need to look into this further, but thanks for putting on my radar!

Hi Tiffany-
Sorry if it wasn’t clear enough. From above: “Update: Many conventional brands now claim to have removed flame retardants from their furniture. The sofas from the following brands will lack the very bad chemicals listed above, but may contain other questionable materials (polyurethane foams, noxious glues, etc.): West Elm, Ikea, Pottery Barn, Room & Board, Crate & Barrel.” 🙂

Thank you,
Jenn

Polyurethane oxidizes, and it creates “fluff” (dust) which is released into the air and eventually settles in and around your home and yes, you breathe in this dust. Some of the chemicals in use in polyurethane foam include formaldehyde, styrene, toluene di-isocyanate (TDI), antimony…none of which you want to breathe in. CertiPUR foams are advertised as being made without PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP – TDCPP and TCEP are known as “tris” and they are banned in several states) and PBDEs are being replaced by DecaBDE, which CertiPUR doesn’t mention. Leigh Anne Van Dusen, Two Sisters Ecotextiles (www.twosistersecotextiles.com)

Hi! I’ve been debating just this issue as I look to purchase a new sofa from Stem. In the end, I am okay with polyurethane foam as long as it is untreated with flame retardants. If my budget were completely limitless, I would go with latex foam, but we are all exposed to petroleum-derived products ALLLL day, so without flame retardants to worry about, I think the risk is minimal.

Davide

Our Cisco sofa so far has held up well, minus a major marker stain:(. Leather unfortunately and surprisingly, can be a problem…heavy metals are often used in the tanning process. If the leather you’re purchasing is veggie tanned, that’s much safer (rather than chrome tanned).

At first glance, I have to say this doesn’t look like a bad option! Of course, it still does contain lots of plastic (but it’s polyethene, which seems to be inert). “Natural” latex probably means a blend of some real latex and some foam from petroleum sources. The best part is being free of flame retardants, although I would love to know how they meet flammability laws without wool (which isn’t mentioned as a material). So, overall I am cautiously optimistic, but would need to do a bit more digging. In the meanwhile, if you’re choosing between this and a REGULAR PB sofa, clearly this one is going to be way better!

I actually just helped a private client of mine make a non-toxic bean-bag chair. It was custom made by White Lotus with a shredded latex fill. You’re right that polystyrene (otherwise known as styrofoam) is not a good choice, but after looking into this, there really is no alternative off the shelf (at least that we could find). As for poufs, etc., it really would depend on the brand. You’d have to ask to confirm a lack of treatment.

thank for your response. I am really trying to make my home less toxic. Have you had any experience with Best home furniture? I recently emailed them regarding the ruddick glider recliner and I asked them if the chair contained flame retardants, formaldehyde or any other toxic substances.
Basically they responded by telling me the components used in their furniture comply with the California Air Resource Board (CARB) Phase 2 standards concerning formaldehyde and that CARB Phase 2 standards are the most stringent in North America. They also said that the polyurethane foams used in their furniture do not contain fire retardant agents and that they comply with California’s Proposition 65. They told me that they are not aware of any harmful chemicals in their furniture and that it doesn’t have a prop 65 tag. They went on to mention that residential upholstery consists of
naturally occurring and man-made chemicals that could be a concern for some who suffer from allergies. Could you tell me your thought on this? is this a good option or no?

I don’t know that brand–I’m sorry!

The good news is that the laws have changed and you can now get a flame-retardant free sofa from lots of bigger companies (IKEA, Pottery Barn, West Elm, etc.). There are other not-so-great things in conventional sofas, but the biggest concern is the FRs. Just be sure to check with manufacturers.

http://www.furnature.com/

You noted furniture as the purest of sofas. Is that not furniture.com. Who is the furniture brand and do they have a website?

I don’t think they are nontoxic or eco-friendly. But you can certainly ask them!

See box above on Scotch Guard!

The term, “no added” scares me. It’s as if saying that there are flame retardants inherent in the sofa somewhere, BUT, we haven’t added any extra! Ew! Not sure I’m going with that… :-)) plus, as you said, chk. the fabric… What about Scotchguard? Also, people get caught up in the F.R issue while avoiding the issue of all the other toxic ingredients in sofas, etc.

Maia, I don’t think it can be considered safe at all. Polyurethane foam is a gasoline time-bomb made from petroleum. I would NOT buy a sofa with this extremely toxic foam. No way!

Hi Susanna-
If it says there aren’t any FRs anywhere in the sofa, that’s great. But if it’s just referring to the upholstery on the outside, I would still want to check about the foam within the sofa. But they may have phased out the use of FRs since this guide was written!

One more question, why do you think Dania still uses flame retardants? If the label states that there is no flame retardants, can their sofa possibly contain some FRs anyway?

Thank you!

We’ve just purchased sectional from Scandinavian Designs (Dania). The label on the couch states that there is no added flame retardants in the upholstery. Would you suggest that we shouldn’t trust the labeling when it comes to Dania?

Thank you!

I’m glad you’ve found the guides helpful! I don’t know about this company, but I will add them to the list for the updated sofa guide!

And if you had any thoughts about their products?

Thanks!

Hi Sara-
If Viesso’s foam is certified as free of all flame retardant chemicals now, then yes I would consider it safe (although I still would argue polyurethane isn’t a great ingredient–petroleum based, etc.)

Hi Sam-
Like you, we have been unable to get a clear answer from Ikea about what (if anything) they are using as FRs (it’s all proprietary). For ow, we aren’t recommending them.

Hi Stephanie-
Are you trying to combine the code with another coupon? Otherwise it should work!

Hi! I have been confused about this, so thanks for commenting. To clarify–if you see a TB 117-2013 label does that guarantee the foam within that product does not contain any FR? I was under the impression is just meant it met the latest standards, which don’t ban the use of FR, just renders them unnecessary.