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In the craziness of modern life, our couches often serve as a sanctuary to unwind, grab some quality time with family members and fur babies, nap, and binge-watch our favorite shows. Something I didn’t realize for many years was that we can’t take it for granted that the couches we snuggle up on are non-toxic. In fact, it turns out that the majority of couches are made with concerning materials, including formaldehyde-based glues, flame retardants, and a slew of other nasty chemicals that are bad for our bodies and the environment. It’s only a small number of companies that make non-toxic couches without flame retardants and other unhealthy chemicals.
This realization led me on a long search to find the best non-toxic couches I could that are made with materials I feel comfortable sitting on and exposing my children to on a daily basis (after all, my living room couch literally has a bite mark from my son when he was a toddler). I wanted to make sure that the materials touching their skin (and sometimes the inside of their mouths) were safe for their growing bodies. Along the way, I learned a lot about what we might find in our seemingly innocent furniture — and what materials we should avoid.
Toxins to Avoid in Couches and Other Furniture
When it comes to creating a non-toxic living room, understanding the specific toxins to avoid in your couch is important. Here’s a breakdown of some common culprits you should steer clear of when searching for a non-toxic couch.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a chemical used in the glues and adhesives that hold many couches together. It’s also a known carcinogen and can also cause respiratory issues and skin irritation. Many companies frequently use engineered wood or manufactured wood options like plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and particleboard. These materials usually undergo bonding processes involving harmful substances like phenol-formaldehyde (PF) or urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesives.
Flame retardants
Flame retardants were once widely used in furniture to meet fire safety regulations. However, many of these chemicals, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), have been linked to adverse health effects, including thyroid disruption and developmental issues. When it comes to flame retardants, children are especially susceptible, since their thinner skin absorbs more than ours does and their bodies are more sensitive as they’re growing rapidly.
In 2014, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission revised its fire safety regulations, recognizing that the majority of chemical flame retardants were not only ineffective but also posed significant risks to our health. Although some couches may still incorporate these chemicals, they are no longer legally required to do so. If you own a couch made before 2015, though, there’s a high likelihood that it contains flame retardants.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
VOCs are airborne chemicals emitted from various materials, including upholstery fabrics, paints, and foam cushions. Prolonged exposure to high levels of VOCs can lead to headaches and breathing problems and can contribute to indoor air pollution.
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs)
PFCs are often applied to fabrics to make couches stain and water-resistant. Unfortunately, they can persist in the environment and have been linked to adverse health effects. Look for couches treated with non-toxic stain and water-repellent finishes or choose natural fabrics that don’t rely on chemical coatings to keep clean.
Lead and heavy metals
Some couches contain lead or other heavy metals in their frame or decorative elements. Exposure to lead can have severe health consequences, especially for kids.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
PVC is a common material used in synthetic leather and some upholstery fabrics, such as in shower curtains and liners and air mattresses. It can release toxic chemicals like phthalates and chlorine gas when it degrades.
What About Buying A Used Couch?
Buying a used couch might seem like a budget-friendly and sustainable choice, but it doesn’t necessarily shield you from toxins and off-gassing. Many older couches, especially those that were manufactured before updated regulations, contain flame retardants, formaldehyde glues, and other harmful chemicals that can persist over time.
These chemicals may have already off-gassed into the surrounding environment during the couch’s earlier years, but they can leave residues behind on the couch that continue to pose health risks. Unfortunately, the toxins in couches are likely breaking down faster in older couches with materials that are starting to degrade or come apart.
A Word on Faux Leather
You might also be considering a faux leather couch, which may appear appealing at first glance. However, faux leather is typically a synthetic material composed of plastic polymers like vinyl or PVC, polyurethane, or polyamide microfiber.
Similar to genuine leather, artificial plastic leather, often referred to as “pleather,” has been discovered to harbor lead and other heavy metals. Plus, these materials are often not biodegradable and can fill up landfills for a long time to come.
Safe Materials For Non-Toxic Couches
So, now that you know which materials to avoid in couches, which ones are safe? Some safer materials include organic latex, wool, and cotton. Many of these natural materials have inherent flame-retardant properties, which gets rid of the need for toxic flame retardant chemicals altogether.
To steer clear of harmful chemicals in your couch, avoid the synthetic stuffing known as polyfoam (aka polyurethane foam). Polyfoam is often treated with flame retardants because on its own, it’s extremely flammable.
Instead, look for a couch with a solid wood frame, stuffing made from natural materials, and upholstery made from organic fabrics. That said, some companies (like Ikea) use polyfoam that they no longer treat with flame retardants.
A new non-toxic couch should ideally have the following qualities:
- No flame retardants
- No formaldehyde-based glues/adhesives/varnishes
- Natural cushion stuffing made from organic cotton, GOLS certified natural Dunlop latex, wool, or kapok (a squishy natural fiber made from plants and used in many organic pillows). Alternatively, synthetic polyfoam cushions should be flame retardant-free.
- Solid wood frame (instead of particle board) that is kiln dried and ideally harvested in the USA or Canada
- Non-toxic stains (such as Rubio Monocoat, linseed oil, or other plant based natural oils) that are zero VOC or low VOC
- Steel springs
Certifications to Look For
When shopping for a non-toxic couch, keep an eye out for labels featuring these certifications:
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100: This certification shows that the furniture has low levels of unhealthy chemicals and toxins.
- GOTS certified: GOTS is the gold standard of organic certification these days. For natural latex, look for the GOLS certification label.
- GREENGUARD Gold certification: This indicates that a couch has met strict criteria for low chemical emissions into indoor air. This is particularly important for indoor environments, such as living rooms, where air quality can impact the health and well-being of occupants, especially anyone who’s sensitive to allergens and chemical irritants.
Best Affordable Sofas And Couches Made Without Flame Retardants
The following couches are on the more affordable end of things furniture-wise. They have phased out the use of any flame retardants in their fabrics and foams.
However, these couches may use some glues and stains that are chemically treated and may feature synthetic fabrics rather than natural ones like wool and cotton. But not all of us have $3,000+ to spend on a couch, so these are still definitely a better option than couches that are treated with flame retardants.
If you’re looking for a couch that’s completely free of any chemicals or synthetic fabrics and have a larger budget for your next couch, you’ll want to jump to the next section.
1. IKEA
- Price: From $400
- No flame retardants
- No formaldehyde-based adhesives
We all know the Swedish meatball/furniture factory IKEA. Luckily, IKEA has phased out the use of flame retardant chemicals in its upholstered furniture, including couches. They offer a range of couches in the U.S. without flame retardants, including loveseats and a variety of supportive and comfortable sections.
Recently, IKEA has also stopped using formaldehyde in the glues and adhesives that bond together its particle-board. Here’s what Ikea says about the presence of formaldehyde in their couches: “Trace amounts of formaldehyde can be found in our products as it is a naturally occurring substance. However, we do not add formaldehyde to our range.”
However, Ikea does use polyfoam and synthetic fabrics (usually polyester) in their couches, so if you’re looking for natural fabrics like wool or cotton, it’d be best to look elsewhere. They also use particleboard and soft pine instead of solid wood, which is one of the reasons their furniture is on the more affordable side.
2. Crate & Barrel GreenGuard Gold Certified Sofas
- Price: From $1,600
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified
Crate & Barrel stopped using flame retardants in the production of their sofas in 2015. They have a variety of fashionable styles to choose from, including sections, love seats, and sofas in a variety of sizes.
Crate and Barrel uses synthetic fibers such as olefin and polyester for its couch fabrics. Their couches are made with a mix of solid wood (such as rubberwood, which tends to be cheaper than American or Canadian hardwoods) and engineered wood. They are stuffed with standard polyurethane foam, which in this case is free of flame retardant chemicals.
3. West Elm
- Price: From $700
- Some GreenGuard certified options
West Elm is another sofa manufacturer that does not use flame retardants in their (very fashionable and comfortable) couches. Their Hargrove sofa is actually GreenGuard certified, which means the sofa has met strict standards for low chemical emissions into indoor air.
The Hargrove sofa has a solid pine frame (as do many West Elm non-toxic sofas) and solid ash wood base and legs that are finished with a water-based stain. The wood is kiln-dried to make it more durable and FSC certified, so you know it comes from responsibly managed forests. The cushions are stuffed with a mix of loose foam, fiber, and feather fill.
4. Joybird
- Price: From $1,100
- Made in the USA
- GreenGuard Gold Certified fabrics available
Joybird is another great option for a non-toxic couch without flame retardants. They not only avoid flame retardants in their foam and fabrics, but also avoid treating their materials with stain resistant chemicals (unless the label states otherwise, so check carefully before purchasing from them if you’re trying to avoid stain resistant chemicals as well).
Joybird takes eco-consciousness seriously by using responsibly sourced wood and offering options for organic and non-toxic upholstery. I personally appreciate how many different options they have for their sofas and furniture. It seems like pretty much everyone would be able to find a couch they like from Joybird. They have an extensive selection of fabrics, including vibrant colors and patterns, as well as durable and pet-friendly options.
5. Burrow
- Price: From $835
- Ceri-PUR-US certified
Burrow uses a “couch in a box” model. They send you separate sections, which you then connect together during assembly. I’ve helped my sister put one of their sectionals together, and it was very simple to assemble!
Burrow couches are all CertiPUR-US certified, which means they are free of ozone depleters, formaldehyde, heavy metals, flame retardants, and other toxins found in non-certified cushions.
Burrow sofas are actually stain resistant without the use of any PFAS (forever chemicals), which is a huge plus! They use plywood rather than all solid wood, though you can opt for metals legs if you prefer that to plywood ones.
6. Sabai
- Price: From $1,400
- Certi-PUR polyfoam
- No glues used
- GreenGuard Gold certified poly
- OekoTex Standard 100 velvet
Sabai is a furniture brand dedicated to sustainable, stylish, and eco-friendly couches. Their sofas are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible, as they make their frames made from FSC-certified wood. They offer upholstery options such as recycled polyester and organic cotton.
Sabai emphasizes modularity and easy assembly, allowing you to customize your seating arrangements and reduce the environmental footprint associated with shipping. What sets them apart is their commitment to sustainability, from sourcing materials responsibly to using water-based adhesives and avoiding all flame retardants.
As with all of the other sofas in this article, Sabai’s couches are free of flame retardants. Uniquely, you can sell back your old Sabai furniture to them so they can use parts of it to recycle into new furniture. They ship their sofas entirely in recyclable cardboard, with no plastic waste used.
7. Ashley Furniture
- Price: From $500
Ashley Furniture is on the more affordable side of couches without flame retardants. They announced in 2015 that their furniture would no longer contain flame retardant chemicals, so any couch made after 2015 should be fine from Ashley. Most of their sofas feature untreated polyurethane foam (polyfoam) for cushioning, engineered wood, and polyester fabrics.
8. Ethan Allen
- Price: from $2,000
- CertiPUR certified foam
Ethan Allen also discontinued using flame retardants in its couches in recent years. They have some more sustainable and eco-friendly practices, including planting more trees than they harvest in sustainably operated forests.
Ethan Allen uses low-VOC and water-based finishes on their couches and other upholstered furniture. Their couches’ frames are made from engineered hardwood and their foam is low-VOC and CertiPUR-US certified, so it’s free of ozone depleting chemicals, flame retardants, and formaldehyde.
Best Non-Toxic Couches Without Flame Retardants Or Polyfoam
These fully non-toxic couches are pricier because they are made by companies that are committed to true transparency and sustainability in their furniture. They contain very few concerning ingredients (such as glues, particleboard, or polyfoam) and are free of flame retardants and offer alternatives to polyurethane foam.
9. Medley Home Sofas
- Price: from $2000
- Made in USA
Medley sofas come in two distinct options you can choose from: one featuring cushions made from the more conventional combo of polyurethane foam and polyester fiber, and another with cushions made from organic natural latex foam (which comes from rubber tree sap) and pillows filled with wool fiber that are slightly springy and very comfy. Medley’s pillows are known for doing a great job of keeping their shape for years on end.
Medley’s non-toxic sofas are crafted with no-VOC glues and are completely void of flame retardants. Their fabric choices are natural and/or organic, and all of their fabrics are free from PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
These sofas rest upon solid alder wood frames, finished with either natural or zero-VOC finishes, and boast an organic cotton lining within the internal frame for added comfort. Medley also offers a sample kit, which can be a valuable resource for those eager to examine the materials firsthand. This kit is especially helpful if you’re seeking out hypoallergenic options.
Medley’s selection includes loveseats, standard-sized sofas, sectionals, and sleeper sofas. For those in search of a leather upholstery option, Medley makes a vegetable-tanned, chrome-free leather which is about as non-toxic as you’re going to get for leather treatments these days.
10. Pure Upholstery Non-Toxic Couches
- Price: From $2,600
- OEKO-Tex Standard 100 certifeid
- GOTS certified fabrics
- GOLS certified natural latex
- Made in the USA
Pure Upholstery sofas is a trusted name in eco-friendly furniture, and they make some of the best non-toxic couches you can find today. They’re known for their commitment to sustainability and health-conscious designs for their couches. Their furniture is made with natural and non-toxic materials, include GOLS certified organic natural latex and organic cotton fabrics.
Pure Upholstery uses solid wood frames (that are FSC certified) from kiln-dried hardwood. They also avoid the use of any harmful chemicals, including flame retardants, in their products. Their glue is even Greenguard Gold certified, and their sofas feature eco-friendly recycled steel springs. I really like the simplicity of the designs and the neutral options they offer for their sofa fabrics.
11. Cisco Home
- Price: From $3,800
- Made in the USA
Cisco Home offers two sofa options: the Essentials Collection and the more eco-conscious Inside Green collection.
The Essentials Collection furniture is made up of hardwood, typically alder or maple, with no plywood. However, it features polyurethane foam for support and cushions filled with goose feathers and down.
On the other hand, the Inside Green option prioritizes eco-friendliness. It incorporates organic natural latex instead of polyurethane foam, wrapped in your choice of either wool or feathers and down.
Cisco Home opts for certified solid woods, uses organic cotton fabrics free from toxic treatments, utilizes jute and hemp rather than springs for support, and employs natural stains. Importantly, neither option (the Essentials or Inside Green) utilizes flame retardants.
Cisco Home’s range includes upholstered chairs, sofas, loveseats, and sectionals, all crafted in the USA.
12. Carolina Morning Platform Couch
- Price: from $2,900
Carolina Morning makes furniture that looks like it belongs in a yoga studio. Their couches are more like futon sofas than they are traditional couches.
These non-toxic sofas without flame retardants are crafted from organic, eco-friendly, and recycled materials, including options you can choose like organic cotton, wool, kapok fiber, buckwheat hulls, beeswax, and flax seed.
Carolina Morning uses recycled or sustainably harvested solid wood for their sofa futon frames, as well. Notably, all wooden components receive a whey-based non-toxic wood finish.
13. Roger + Chris
- Price: from $1,500
- Made in the USA
- Low or Zero VOC varnishes and adhesives
Roger and Chris has a whole host of different sofas that are made in North Carolina by skilled craftspeople. They use hardwood frames made out of popular lumber and put together with mortise-and-tenon joinery, metal fasteners, and glue. Roger and Chris doesn’t use any flame retardants in the foam in their sofas.
Note that a few of their non-sofa frames, such as ottomans, utilize plywood. Though they use it sparingly, plywood does contain small amounts of formaldehyde. Just something to be aware of if you’re purchasing an ottoman from Roger and Chris, though it shouldn’t be a problem if you’re buying a couch only.
14. GreenRow
- GreenGuard Certified
- CertiPUR certified
- FSC Certified
- Fair Trade
- Made in the USA
GreenRow is an eco-minded furniture company owned by Williams-Sonoma. The frames of their non-toxic couches are crafted in Fair Trade certified facilities from kiln-dried, FSC certified wood.The frames are then wrapped with jute padding, wool, and natural coir instead of the typical polyfoam used by many other manufacturers.
GreenRow offers an array of cushions you can choose from for their couches, such as natural latex paired with down if you’re looking for a more natural option, or the more conventional CertiPUR polyurethane foam option.
The fabric options for GreenRow’s non-toxic sofas are recycled cotton and recycled polyester. Their foam cushioning is made without chemical flame retardants, formaldehyde, phthalates, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals.
15. SavvyRest
- Price: From $3,600
- Organic materials
- Solid hardwoods
SavvyRest’s non-toxic couches are made in Virginia out of safe, organic materials. Their sofa frames are made from solid hardwood, and they use organic hemp and cotton fabrics, pure natural latex foam, and zero-VOC finishes.
Savvy Rest organic sofas contain zero flame retardants, formaldehyde glues, metal coils, particle board, plywood, polyester, or down.
I really appreciate that these sofas are so customizable. You can choose the options that suit you best, including which fabric and color you want your seat cushions to be made from and the level of firmness you prefer.
16. Ecobalanza
Ecobalanza prioritizes natural materials in their non-toxic couches. From FSC-certified hardwood frames to organic latex and wool cushion fillings, every component is non-toxic and eco-friendly.
Their upholstery fabrics can be chosen in different options, such as organic cotton, hemp, and linen, all of which are free from harmful chemicals. Ecobalanza maintains a strict no-flame-retardants policy in their couches and other furniture.
17. Couch Seattle
One of the things that stands out about Couch Seattle is their selection of non-toxic and eco-friendly upholstery materials. They offer a range of fabric options, including organic cotton, hemp, and linen, which are stylish but also environmentally friendly. These fabrics are free from harmful chemicals, including any harmful flame retardants.
Many of Couch Seattle’s frames are made from FSC-certified hardwood, so the wood is sourced from sustainably managed forests. Inside the couches, you can find cushion fillings made from organic latex and organic wool, providing a comfy and eco-conscious lounging experience.
Couch Seattle offers traditional, transitional, mid-century, and modern styles of non-toxic couches to suit anyone’s taste.
Final Thoughts on Non-Toxic Couches Without Flame Retardants
Flame retardants have quickly become an ecological disaster, as they persist in our planet’s ecosystems for hundreds of years and even enter our waterways. They are dangerous both to our health and to the planet’s, so it’s best to avoid them whenever possible — including in sofas, tents, car seats, camping pads, mattresses, and sleeping bags, most of which have historically been sprayed with flame retardant chemicals.
Since we spend quite a bit of time on our couches, it makes sense to be careful about the materials we’re lying around on. Finding a couch of sofa without flame retardants in a first important step in avoiding these unhealthy toxins in your home.
