10 eco-friendly (non toxic) sofa's
/Before you go ahead and buy that sofa, think about all the different components that go into making it, the wood, cushions, fabric, springs. Your new sofa is a big purchase, it is one of the most used pieces of furniture in your home. It’s important to know what goes into the making of a sofa, the parts that are potentially toxic, and how to find an eco friendly and toxic free sofa.
Photo from Sustainable Furnishings Council
There are companies that are taking great efforts in sustainability by making sofas that are eco-friendly and made without toxic chemicals, which are commonly found in the frame, foam, and exterior materials of conventional furniture. These chemicals can slowly but surely leach out into the indoor air of our homes where we breathe it in, and into our bodies as we lounge on our couches.
If you have a sofa manufactured before 2015 it is likely to contain flame retardants.
Fire retardants in cushions are particularly toxic, here is a fascinating expose in the New York Times by Nicholas Kristof. He uncovers how this law came about (tobacco companies covering their ass) and how they kept it quiet for so long (cigarette lobbyists). Upholstered furniture manufactured before 2015 is likely to have harmful flame retardant chemicals in the cushion foam. If the label on your furniture says it meets California standard TB 117 it is likely to contain flame retardants.
Thankfully, a lot of the furniture manufacturers got rid of all flame retardants in their couches manufactured after January 2015. Keep in mind that some of these companies still use foams, glues, fabric finishes and possibly particle boards that all off gas VOCs.
Here is a section drawing below of a healthy non-toxic and eco-friendly sofa made by Lee Industries. You can use this as a cheat sheet when you are looking or a sofa.
Anatomy of a healthy Sofa by Lee Industries
So let’s support the companies that are making a huge impact by dedicating their efforts in their robust sustainability programs. To make it easy for you, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite eco friendly sofas.
Top 10 eco-friendly non-toxic sofas
1. Medley Sofa
The Rio sofa is a beautiful sofa and one of many options Medley provides. To learn more about their sustainability program and the materials they use go here.
2. Futon Shop
I like the look of the Organic Modular Sofa by Futon Shop, looks super comfy for a family room. Learn more about their organic sofa’s here
3. Pure Upholstery
Pure Upholstery is another solid company that provides all organic ingredients.
4. Savvyrest
The Verona Sofa by Savvyrest is organic through and through, here’s what you need to look for when looking for an organic sofa.
5. Cisco Home
Cisco Home has a great collection of sofa’s like the Elm Sofa pictured here. Check out their amazing sustainability program.
6. Sabai Sofa’s
The Essential Sofa is a good looking option if you want a clean & organic sofa, sabai has a fantastic sustainability program.
I think it’s worth mentioning these next four sofa’s which are from the bigger (big box) furniture stores that are making efforts to continue to strengthen they’re sustainability programs.
7. Pottery Barn
Cove square arm upholstered sofa is certified non-toxic.
8. Maiden Home
The Lenox sofa by Maiden Home is not only beautiful but free of harmful chemicals. The cushions certified by CertiPUR-US, fabrics made without flame retardants or anti-fungal additives. Performance fabrics free of PFOS and PFOA. Wood frames are made of responsibly sourced hardwoods.
9. William Sonoma
If the slipcover look is your thang, try the ghent square slipcover sofa. It’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified. This low-emitting product has been screened for over 10,000 chemicals and VOCs to contribute to cleaner indoor air.
10. West Elm
West elm has a section dedicated to sustainably sourced furniture where you will find the harmony sofa. Read here for their good for the people, good for the planet initiative.
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