Where to Buy a Non-Toxic Sofa?

In this article, we’ll tell you where you can find an eco-friendly sofa for a healthy home. While preparing our list of best non-toxic sofa manufacturers, we realized that most of these flame-retardant-free sofas are quite expensive, but we managed to find a few brands that offer more affordable non-toxic sofas.

So our list includes affordable non-toxic couch manufacturers and more high-end eco-friendly sofa brands. Take a look at our chemical-free sofa guide:

 

Wotu Low-VOC Sofas

 

WOTU Convertible Sofa Bed
$297.99


Materials: Certi-PUR certified foam


03/07/2024 09:41 am GMT

 

Wotu Convertibel Sofa Bed is one of the most affordable non-toxic sofas on the market. This non-toxic sofa has got a special design that allows you to convert it into a comfy bed for two in seconds.

This non-toxic sofa bed is filled with 10″ thick ultra-dense memory foam infused with another material with cooling properties. If you live in a small apartment, you can use this low VOC couch as a guest bed or as your main bed.

Couchbed uses only CertiPur-US certified materials. It means that their non-toxic sleeper sofa is free from ozone depleters, formaldehyde, mercury, lead, other heavy metals, and harsh chemicals. What’s more, they meet the stringent CertiPur-US standards of eco-friendliness and durability.

 

Medley Non-Toxic Sofas

 

Our Pick
Medley Sofas


Materials: CertiPUR-US Certified Foam Filling (non-toxic), FSC Certified Wood, OEKO-TEX Certified Wool

100-Day Trial and Lifetime Warranty

 

Medley Sofas use either natural latex or CertiPur-certified filling in their non-toxic couches. It means that they’re free from potentially toxic materials and harmful chemicals and they won’t off-gas.

Their chemical-free sofas are more expensive than other brands, but if you’re looking for quality and eco-friendliness, these flame-retardant-free sofas may be the right choice.

Their organic furniture pieces are modern and minimalistic. The materials include: CertiPur-certified foam, down (cleaned without using toxic chemicals), OEKO-tex certified wool, natural latex, and FSC-certified solid wood sourced in the US.

All Medley sofas are handcrafted in California, and you’ll have to wait for your order for up to 6 weeks. They come with a 100-day trial and free returns, and the sofa frames have a lifetime warranty against breaking and cracking. Their prices start at $1775. For more information, read our Medley Sofa review.

 

Futon Shop Organic Sofas

 

The Futon Shop Sofas


Materials: GOLS certified organic latex, GOTS certified wool, Certi-Pur Certified Foam

 

Futon Shop offers many options if you’re looking for non-toxic sectional sofas without flame retardants. Futon Shop Non-Toxic Couches can be ordered with CertiPur-US, non-toxic foam, natural materials such as organic natural latex or organic wool, or they can be upgraded to a 100% organic filling (GOLS certified organic latex or GOTS certified wool), free from chemical flame retardants, combined with a spring suspension system.

The removable covers on these non-toxic couches are made from organic cotton, organic wool, or linen combined with OEKO-Tex-certified coconut coir. The chemical-free sofas and non-toxic sectionals come with either modern, contemporary or classic designs in a selection of colors.

If you’re looking for a more affordable organic sofa, Futon Shop also offers futon sofas. Check their futon sofa frame made from solid wood with a low VOC finish ($687) and combine it with a 100% natural and organic futon (price between $400 and $800). This sleeper sofa frame can be easily converted into a full-size bed, so you can also use it as a non-toxic guest bed.

 

Innovation Furniture Non-Toxic Sofas

 

Innovation-USA Sofas


Materials: Oeko-Tex certified fiber fill, Solid wood, Natural Latex

 

Innovation Furniture was founded in Denmark in the 1980s. The company offers a selection of non-toxic sofas, sectionals and sofa beds. They use polyester, solid wood, and steel in their designs. They offer different sofa filling options, including natural latex foam and Oeko-Tex-certified fiber fill.

The company is dedicated to being as environmentally friendly as possible by maximizing waste recycling and reducing their packaging to the minimum.  Their timeless designs and wide selection of fabrics and colors make them a perfect match for a contemporary home.

Where to Buy a Non Toxic Sofa

 

Read More: Where to buy a non-toxic bed frame?

 

Gus Modern Non-Toxic Sofas

 

Gus Modern Sofas
$2395

Materials: Recycled PET plastic bottle filling and FSC-certified solid wood frame

 

Gus Modern is an eco-friendly company that uses recycled PET plastic bottles as synthetic-down sofa filling instead of polyurethane foam. The natural wood in their sofa frames is FSC certified, which means it comes from responsibly managed forests that promote biodiversity and reforestation.

On top of that, they use no flame retardant chemicals, so you can be sure that the amount of VOCs and other potentially dangerous chemicals is kept as low as possible.

Where to Buy a Non Toxic Sofa

 

Carolina Morning Organic Sofas

 

Organic Platform Couch by Carolina Morning Designs™


Materials: Natural and organic materials, Sustainably harvested solid poplar wood, Customizable Designs

 

If you’re looking for a completely natural sofa, be sure to check Carolina Morning. This company offers non-toxic bedding and furniture inspired by traditional Japanese design using only natural and organic materials in their covers and seat cushions.

They offer two affordable non-toxic sofa solutions, free from flame retardants. The first option is a modular organic sofa base made from sustainably harvested solid poplar wood, it’s easy to customize its size and shape to your needs.

The cushions are filled with kapok, non-toxic, hypoallergenic fiber derived from kapok trees and they’re flame-retardant free. If your budget is limited, try their floor couch which only includes a kapok base and cushions, the price starts at $572.80.

 

Maiden Home Non Toxic Sofas

 

Maiden Home Sofas and Sectionals

Materials: CertiPUR-US Certified Foam Filling (non-toxic), Greenguard GOLD certified performance fabrics

 

Maiden Home is a North Carolina based company that offers sofas and sectionals made without harmful chemicals like flame retardants and formaldehyde. The cushioning is made with CertiPUR-US certified soy-based foams, guaranteed to contain only low amounts of potentially harmful chemicals.

They offer an impressive choice of fabrics that are free of PFOS and PFOA and although some of them have been treated with stain-resistant compounds, they are Greenguard Gold certified, which means they are safe.

Maiden Home is an eco-friendly company that uses wood sourced according to Sustainable Forestry Initiative standards, and they use water-based finishes on all of their products.

 

Viva Terra Sofas

 

Viva Terra Non-Toxic Couches


Materials: Renewable, soy-based filling with a 50/50 cotton and polyester blend, Sustainably sourced solid wood structure

 

Viva Terra offers a selection of non-toxic, eco-friendly sofas in a variety of sizes and colors. The wooden structures in their sofas are sustainably sourced under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

Their sofa filling is an 80% regenerated fiber fill made from renewable, soy-based BiOH with a 50/50 cotton and polyester blend core. The springs are made from 80% regenerated metal.

The company follows environmentally friendly practices by replacing 30% of the petroleum-based ingredients in their foams, and making their non-toxic sofas in the US, which helps reduce carbon footprint. There are no toxic chemicals in their organic couches, such as flame retardants, so you can shop with confidence.

 

Where to Buy a Non Toxic Sofa?

Sabai Sofas

 

Sabai Sofas
From $1095

Materials: CertiPur certified foam, FSC certified wood, Recycled fabrics

 

Sabai Sofas don’t just look great. Aside from being stylish and eco-friendly, they also guarantee a long life to their customers. A commitment to sustainability makes Sabai sofas not only durable but sustainable for the future of our environment. At Sabai, they never compromise on sourcing quality non-toxic materials or the durability and design of their furniture.

The FSC-certified wood ensures tables are strong enough to last generations, while CertiPURUS® certified foams keep your couch cushions feeling fresh with non-toxic ingredients you can feel good about!

Sabai offers customers two innovative programs that emphasize recyclability: Repair Don’t Replace, where individuals can buy replacement parts and Closed Loop Program, which allows you to exchange your Sabai non-toxic sofa for a percentage of the resale price when it’s sold.

Sabai is also a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC), which promotes sustainable materials, recycling and restricts the use of toxic chemicals in furniture.

 

Read More: Where to buy non toxic bedroom furniture?

 

EcoBalanza Sofas

 

Ecobalanza
From $3,799


Materials: GOLS certified latex, kapok or wool filling, FSC Certified Wood, OEKO-TEX and GOTS Certified covers


 

EcoBalanza manufactures stylish, modular furniture handmade from FSC-certified hardwood in Seattle. EcoBalanza organic sofas have been crafted to ensure that every material used is organic and sustainable, giving you peace of mind, especially if you’re chemical-sensitive.

At the same, the designs maintain the good taste and quality appearance that Ecobalanza has become famous for among design enthusiasts all over the world.

With GOLS-certified organic latex, kapok or wool-filled cushions, there is no need to worry about flame-retardant chemicals and VOCs that get released from conventional sofas.

The fabrics they use are GOTS-certified organic cotton, wool and other chemical-free, natural fibers. All their eco-friendly sofas and sectionals are also able to be customized to suit the individual needs of their customers.

non toxic sofas

 

Read More: Where to buy an organic blanket?

 

Pure Upholstery

 

Pure Upholstery Sofas
From $1395

Materials: FSC Certified Wood, Organic Wood Finishes, OEKO-TEX and GOTS Certified Cotton and Wool, Natural Latex Filling


 

Pure Upholstery is a furniture company that specializes in non toxic upholstered furniture and creates organic sofas using sustainable materials and no fire-retardant chemicals.

When you buy from Pure Upholstery, you are buying your home’s new sofa with organic cotton and wool in place of polyester and foam. The FSC-certified hardwood frame can be hand-tied at 8 points instead of glued together.

Their wood finishes include organic stains, free from toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, ammonia and solvents. Pure Upholstery offers up to 35 different fabrics all made with GOTS or OEKO-Tex certifications (featuring brands like Winthrop Fabrics and Orca Fabric). These eco-friendly couches are handmade in the US.

 

non toxic sofas

 

Savvy Rest Sofas

Savvy Rest Organic Latex Sofas
From $3499

Materials: GOTS certified organic fabrics, Talalay latex

Savvy Rest sofas come with organic cotton or organic hemp covers, all organic fabrics used are GOTS certified. The wooden structure is made from sustainably sourced solid maple. The natural cushion fill contains Cradle-to-Cradle certified natural Talalay latex, certified organic wool batting, natural jute, and natural coir.

The finishes are either zero-VOC water-based coating or linseed oil. You can be sure that these eco-friendly sofas contain no flame retardants or formaldehyde. These natural sofas are customizable, you can choose between firm and soft latex fill as well as solid latex or shredded latex cushions if you prefer them softer.

 

where to buy a non toxic sofa

 

Read More: Where to buy a non toxic dresser?

 

What to Avoid When Looking for a Non-Toxic Couch?

 

Conventional sofas are typically made of synthetic materials, they’re usually treated with chemicals and flame retardants to make them more resistant. All in all, there’s a lot that could make you uncomfortable about your couch:

 

Flame Retardants

 

In recent years, the health risks of flame retardants have received a lot of attention. Their effects are often irreversible and can diminish a person’s quality of life in many ways.

Flame retardant exposure is especially concerning for children because their skin absorbs more chemicals than adults’ skin, resulting in increased cancer risk when exposed to these substances for long periods or at high levels. Exposure to flame retardants may eventually lead them to develop learning difficulties as well as reduced fertility.

While some flame retardants have been banned in the United States, many imported couches are still treated with PBDEs and tris chemicals. In addition to causing cancer in people and pets that lay on them for long periods, these chemicals may also be carcinogenic when inhaled by humans over a relatively short period or through consumption.

Most US manufacturers don’t know exactly what is inside their furniture if they buy foam from foreign factories and then stitch everything together themselves. However, domestic companies can learn more about chemical treatments used before purchasing materials abroad to not mix potentially toxic substances into products sold domestically.

TIP: It’s important to buy safe products that meet fire safety standards when looking for furniture. Look out for TB117-2013 labels on sofas, which indicate the item meets these requirements without using flame-retardant chemicals. Polyurethane foam-filled sofas are much more likely to contain flame-retardant chemicals than organic natural latex sofas.

 

Polyurethane Foam

 

Polyurethane foam is toxic. The polyurethane foam couch emits formaldehyde as a gaseous compound that can result in irritant-induced asthma and mucous membrane irritation. Polyurethane foam has been shown to generate hazardous emissions of biphenyl.

Biphenyl is one of the many substances in this toxic foam that can affect your health, including causing cancer. Numerous studies associate long-term exposure with an increased risk for brain and lung cancers.

It’s also considered hazardous waste to dispose of because it can’t be detoxified by incineration or biodegradation, and if buried, it will leach out and contaminate groundwater. Sofas filled with natural organic materials are a much healthier and more eco-friendly option.

 

Synthetic Fabrics

 

The fabric of your sofa can have long-term implications on the environment and human health. Synthetic fabrics are made from petroleum, which is a nonrenewable resource that takes thousands of years to form naturally. On top of this, toxic dyes often used in synthetic materials do not break down when released into our waterways – any type of waterway will become contaminated with these toxic substances and microplastics.

This contamination also affects wildlife because these plastics kill fish by clogging up their gills before they even reach adulthood.

Synthetic fabrics have been linked to cancer, reproductive system issues, endocrine/hormone disruption that can affect childhood growth and many other problems.

If you decide synthetic is your fabric of choice for furniture or clothing, it’s important to look at the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which tests for hundreds of toxic chemicals in a variety of products, but my recommendation would be to avoid these materials as much as possible due to their wide range of health risks.

 

non toxic sofas

Stain-Resistant Sprays

 

Couches are prone to spills and stains, so treating them with a spray that makes them stain-resistant seems like a good idea.

Unfortunately, the most common way companies make their couches stain-resistant is by applying sprays that contain perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which have been linked with cancer, reproductive issues, immunity problems, and developmental disabilities in children.

 

Engineered Wood

 

It’s not unheard of for companies to use engineered wood or manufactured materials like plywood, MDF, particleboard and even cardboard in lieu of solid wood furniture.

These cheaper options are also considerably lighter than typical furniture made from solid wood, making them easier to move around the house.

The downside is that this type of construction usually involves gluing together pieces with toxic glues such as phenol-formaldehyde (PF) or urea-formaldehyde (UF).

PF’s strong fumes can cause asthma attacks and other respiratory illnesses, while UF has been classified by several international organizations as a carcinogen known to be harmful both to humans who come into contact with it on an ongoing basis and those exposed only during its manufacture.

 

Faux Leather

 

If you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly couch, faux leather might seem like a great option. However, research has shown that the vinyl or PVC material often used in faux furniture can contain lead and other heavy metals such as cadmium.

The same study found that this synthetic “leather” was worse than real leather regarding toxic VOC emissions. So if you want something sustainable (and less hazardous), choose a sofa with a natural fabric cover.

 

What to Look For in a Non-Toxic Sofa?

 

More and more companies are offering eco-friendly sofas made from organic materials and natural fillings, such as organic latex or wool and free from fire retardants.

Some companies offer foam fillings with a Certi-Pur certificate, which have to meet strict requirements regarding the use of chemicals. When shopping for an organic couch, consider the following:

 

Natural and Non-Toxic Materials

 

Your non-toxic couch should be made of a material that is free from toxins to avoid harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, which can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Natural fabrics like wool, natural organic cotton and linen are the best options for your health because they resist dust mites more so than other types of fabric due to their hypoallergenic properties.

Some companies use organic certified materials that are free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals that may be introduced during processing, look got GOTS and Oeko-Tex-certified fabrics. Apart from these natural fabrics, look for sofas made with these non toxic materials:

 

GOLS Certified Organic Latex

 

Many people are now choosing to buy couches made with latex foam instead of polyurethane foam. This is a great choice because natural latex is more durable than synthetic rubber and often has fewer chemicals in the material, making it safer for your family’s health. However, not all ‘natural’ latex sofas are certified organic and may contain synthetic rubber.

If you see Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certified organic cushions on the label then you can be sure they’re safe as the natural latex used meets strict standards that ensure no toxic chemicals were used during production.

 

Certi-Pur Certified Foam

 

CertiPUR-certified foam is made with polyurethane and as such, it cannot be considered chemical-free. However, CertiPUR-US certification requires products to have very low levels of harmful substances which can be toxic or carcinogenic for people’s health or the environment.

The certifications are strict enough that they prohibit formaldehyde and many other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from being used on CertiPUR foams while also creating limits for total VOC emissions. Furthermore, all newly produced items must be child safe too!

 

Free from Flame Retardants, Stain, and Water Repellents

 

A non-toxic couch will be free of flame retardants and other hazardous chemicals. If you want to make sure your new sofa is fire safe, look for natural barriers like wool. Typically, sofa coverings are coated with a formaldehyde-based material that emits gasses and releases more formaldehyde when heated up.

The most toxic form of these materials is the melamine resin, which makes the coverings stain- and water-resistant. While it may make your sofa more durable, it exposes you to many hidden health risks.

Sofas with melamine resin coating can cause asthma flare-ups, aggression, mood swings, nausea, and other symptoms such as skin reactions (e.g., itchiness). Children are even more susceptible than adults to these substances.

 

organic sofas

Organic Kapok or Wool Filling

 

In case you’re allergic to natural latex, kapok and wool sofa fillings are fantastic alternatives. Non-toxic sofas filled with wool or kapok are natural and renewable, non-toxic, biodegradable, and support our bodies.

They won’t off-gas, like sofas with polyurethane foam, so you can be sure that you won’t be exposed to any dangerous toxins that would otherwise be released from a conventional sofa.

The properties of a sofa are directly related to the composition of the filling it contains. Kapok is a soft and springy material that naturally molds to your body without ever losing its shape and it doesn’t sag with use.

Wool has long been valued because it offers insulation against the cold while not being prickly like polyester fiberfill which isn’t good for sensitive skin types. And above everything, these materials are much more durable than synthetic fillings.

 

FSC Certified Solid Wood

 

You should purchase a sofa with a solid wood frame because it will be more durable than one with MDF, particle board, or plastic-based materials and it’s free from toxic glues or chemicals. Solid wood furniture is also often made in America, which most consumers may want to support these days.

Solid wood frames also tend to offer solid support, so you’re not getting uneven supports that produce hot spots, like many cheaper upholstered sofa beds do. Cheaper sinking couches tend to become wobbly pretty fast and they need to be replaced more often.

When buying a sofa with a solid hardwood frame, try to choose FSC-certified wood. This wood comes from sustainably managed forests that promote biodiversity, protection of natural habitats and reforestation, making it a more eco-friendly choice for your home.

 

Zero-VOC or Natural Finishes, Such as Linseed Oil or Beeswax

 

You should buy a sofa with a frame with a zero-VOC or natural oil finish because these types of sofas are free from toxic chemicals and won’t off-gas. Most couches use frames finished with toxic stains that could release formaldehyde and VOCs, which could affect your health.

Confirm with your sofa manufacturer that they use zero-VOC, water-based finishes, natural oils, such as linseed oil or beeswax.

 

Conclusions

 

Sofas can be toxic, they usually use harsh chemicals such as flame retardants, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates that off-gas and make your indoor air unhealthy. These sofas can expose you to harmful chemicals that could trigger allergies, respiratory tract diseases, tiredness, headaches, and in some cases, cancer. That’s why choosing a non-toxic sofa is so important.

Non-toxic couches are made using either CertiPur-certified memory foam or natural materials, such as latex, wool, or kapok. They often use organic fabrics and recycled materials that help protect the environment and make the sofa manufacturing process more sustainable.

Although non-toxic couches and organic sofas can be expensive, it’s a price worth paying as they help you reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals. Buying organic sofas and non toxic furniture is an important step in creating a healthy home. We hope that our sofa guide will help you find the right non-toxic furniture for your home.

 

Read More: Where to buy a non toxic futon sofa?

About the Author Kamila Flieger

My name is Kamila, and I'm passionate about researching non-toxic, organic products for the home. I believe it's so important to create a safe and healthy environment for our families, and I enjoy helping others do the same.

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