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Looking for the best non-toxic couches and sofas? If so, you probably know that conventional couches are loaded with all sorts of harmful chemicals!
From flame retardants to formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), these toxic substances can severely impact our health without us even realizing it. For example, formaldehyde can off-gas from pressed wood into the air, silently polluting your indoor air for years.
Even short-term exposure can cause headaches, respiratory irritation, sore throat, nosebleeds, and light-headedness in kids and adults. No surprise there, I guess. After all, furniture is amongst the 35 most toxic household items.
That’s why the SKL team has worked around the clock to research, review, and test furniture brands from all over the United States. Read on to find our top 15 choices!
Best Organic & Non-Toxic Couches in 2024!
Like most home decor and furniture options, sofas have flame retardants – a common additive found in many couches to meet flammability standards.
While they are great at preventing fires, the reality is that these flame retardants can pose serious health risks. From respiratory issues to hormone disruption, studies have linked exposure to flame retardants with a range of health problems.
Couches can also contain formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and phthalates – all of which have been linked to respiratory problems, allergies, and even cancer.
And let’s not forget PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), which have been banned in many countries due to their toxicity but can still linger in older couches.
That’s where non-toxic and organic sofas come in. You can find plenty of options made of natural latex, FSC-certified wood, organic cotton, hemp, recycled metals, and zero-VOC finishes.
Whether you’re in the market for a sleek, non-toxic sectional couch that’s perfect for hosting movie nights with friends or a compact leather sofa that’s just right for your cozy studio apartment, we rounded up the best options for you, below.
5 Toxic Chemicals That Might Be Lurking In Your Sofa
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are a sneaky bunch, hiding out in paints, varnishes, and yes, couches too. These airborne chemicals can contribute to indoor air pollution, leading to headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Not exactly the ambiance we’re aiming for in our living rooms.
Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) – You may not have heard of PFCs, but you’ve likely encountered them in stain-resistant treatments applied to couch fabrics. While they may keep spills at bay, PFCs have been linked to immune system suppression, thyroid issues, and developmental delays – definitely not worth the trade-off for a spill-free sofa.
Flame Retardants –These chemicals are often added to couches to meet flammability regulations, but they come with a dark side. Studies have linked flame retardants to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and even cancer. Our favorite brands use natural alternatives like wool, hemp, and natural latex to create safe, non-toxic couches.
Phthalates – Found in plastics and synthetic materials, phthalates are often used to add flexibility and durability to couch cushions and upholstery. However, these sneaky chemicals have been associated with hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and respiratory problems.
Methylene Chloride – This potent solvent is sometimes used in adhesives and finishes for couch construction. Inhalation or skin contact with methylene chloride can lead to respiratory issues, central nervous system depression, and even death in extreme cases, making it a particularly hazardous chemical to avoid in couches.
What are the best materials for an organic sofa?
Organic Cotton – You can’t beat organic cotton when it comes to sofa upholstery. It’s grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which makes it a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. Plus, it’s soft, breathable, and gentle on the skin, ensuring a cozy and comfortable seating experience.
Natural Latex – Derived from the sap of rubber trees, natural latex foam is a top pick for non-toxic sofa cushions. Not only is it durable and resilient, but it’s also eco-friendly. Unlike synthetic foam, it provides excellent support and bounce without the use of harmful chemicals.
Wool – Wool is a fantastic natural fiber for sofa upholstery. It’s renewable, naturally resistant to odors, moisture, and fire, and offers exceptional comfort and insulation. Plus, it’s biodegradable and can be sourced sustainably from ethically raised sheep.
Hemp – If sustainability is your priority, hemp is the way to go for sofa upholstery. This fast-growing plant requires minimal water and pesticides to thrive, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Hemp fabric is durable, breathable, and naturally resistant to mold and UV rays, perfect for eco-conscious consumers.
Organic Linen –Made from flax fibers, organic linen is a strong, durable, and breathable material for sofa upholstery. It’s produced without synthetic chemicals or pesticides, which means that line is a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for your bohemian-style decor.
FSC-Certified Wood – When it comes to sofa frames, opting for FSC-certified wood is the absolute best choice. This certification verifies that the wood comes from responsibly managed forests, protecting biodiversity, wildlife habitats, and the rights of indigenous communities.
15 Best Non-Toxic Couches & Sofas With Organic Materials:
1. Maiden Home
My personal favorite eco furniture brand, Maiden Home, offers an array of luxurious, modern organic sofa options for small and big apartments.
The company is on a mission to bring the essence of New York design and the tradition of North Carolina artisans right into your living room.
You can find 13 different couches, available in multiple materials and sizes.
Think GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US® fabric and non-toxic leather sofa styles.
I personally love the U-shaped silhouette of the ultra-chic “chelsea” sofa, but if you’re looking for something more classic, have a look at the “the jones” modular sofa – relaxed modernism at its finest.
All chemical-free furniture is made to order. Plus, you can go ahead and order bespoke furniture pieces!
Price Range: From $2175+
Ethics: Limited warranty, GREENGUARD Gold Certified, CertiPUR-US® Certified, eco-friendly manufacturing practices, handcrafted, made-to-order, sustainable materials
Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Canada
Our Favorites from Maiden Home:
2. Parachute
Parachute is the mecca of sustainable throws, organic towels, and ultra-modern rugs.
But, did you know that they also offer non-toxic couches and chairs?
From their choice of CertiPUR-US certified foam to sustainably sourced wood and eco-friendly textiles, every material is carefully selected with Mother Earth in mind.
And because Parachute furniture is made to order, there’s no excess waste!
Take a look at their “pillow” sofa collection, available in two sizes to fit your space perfectly.
You can pick your favorite fabric – Washed linen, linen cotton slub, eco-nubby texture, eco linen blend, or eco basketweave upholstery.
It’s perfect for morning coffee, afternoon naps, and late-night cuddles watching your favorite show.
Price Range: From $4100+
Ethics: CertiPUR-US® Certified, GOTS Certified, OEKO-TEX® Certified, Climate Neutral Certified, ethical manufacturing, handcrafted in the United States, made-to-order, responsible materials
Location/Shipping: United States
Our Favorites from Parachute:
3. Medley Home
The popular USA-based, non-toxic furniture brand Medley manufactures an array of modern pieces, including organic sofas, chairs, dining room tables, desks, shelves, and loads more!
Want that sofa in a different fabric or leg style? No problem.
Heck, you can even pick the filling type – the options range from plant-based latex foam with wool, to resilient, CertiPUR-US®-Certified foam.
As for the materials, they solely opt for premium-quality, FSC-certified domestically sourced hardwoods with all-natural beeswax, carnauba wax, and olive oil finishes.
Price Range: From 2250+
Ethics: Warranty included, CertiPUR-US® Certified, UL GREENGUARD gold Certified, GOLS Certified, OEKO-TEX® Certified, FSC Certified, handcrafted in the United States, made-to-order, gives back
Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Canada
Our Favorites from Medley Home:
4. The Citizenry
In addition to amazing fair trade home decor and ultra comfy bedding, The Citizenry offers a customizable, affordable non-toxic couch.
Each sofa boasts an architectural frame made from locally sourced walnut.
And with 16 upholstery options to choose from, including sumptuous cotton velvet and durable Crypton® performance fabrics, you can tailor your sofa to reflect your unique style.
Plus, you can rest assured, that The Citizenry solely opts for GREENGUARD Gold certified and PFAS free materials.
Keep in mind that each piece is made to order, taking 12-14 weeks to arrive at your doorstep.
Our Favorites from The Citizenry:
Price Range: $4299
Ethics: GREENGUARD Gold Certified, FSC Certified, fair trade, sustainably made, handcrafted with locally sourced black walnut, made-to-order, cruelty-free
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
5. Burrow
If you’re on the hunt for a premium-quality, non-toxic sectional couch, check out Burrow.
This sustainable furniture brand offers more than 30 different sofas, including 2-piece, 3-piece, and 4-piece options.
You can also find luxurious non-toxic leather sofa styles as well as velvet couches.
Got a tiny living room? Check out this “block nomad loveseat.”
It allows you to create your ideal sectional sofa with five fabric colors, six-leg finishes, and three armrest heights.
Personally, I love the olefin fabric – it’s stain-resistant thanks to a deep dyeing process and extremely durable.
Our Favorites from Burrow:
Price Range: From $1529+
Ethics: CertiPUR-US® Certified, sustainably-sourced materials
Location/Shipping: United States
6. Natural Home – The Futon Shop
As the name suggests, Natural Home manufactures organic sectional sofas with stellar materials like GOLS-certified organic latex, coconut coir, natural latex, cotton linen, certified organic wool, and more organic fabrics.
Most options are extremely customizable. For example, you can choose to add a fill upgrade, pick the number of seat and back cushions, and add arm protectors and pipping.
What’s more, the company has more than 50 fabrics to choose from.
All non-toxic couches are made responsibly in the USA and are STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified which means that they’ve been tested for harmful substances to protect your health.
Our Favorites from Natural Home:
Price Range: From $1349.95+
Ethics: Warranty included, GOTS Certified, GOLS Certified, USDA Organic, OEKO-TEX® Certified, sustainable & eco-friendly manufacturing practices, 100% vegan
Location/Shipping: United States
7. Vivaterra
Next up is Vivaterra! The sustainable furniture brand offers 4 different chemical-free couch styles featuring materials such as regenerated fiber fill made from renewable, soy-based BiOH™ polyol core, organic cotton, certified sustainable wood frames, and water-based wood finishes.
The non-toxic sectional couch “eco linen” is my absolute favorite, but if you’re looking for something super modern, check out the brand new alon daybed.
This multifunctional piece is designed to serve as both a cozy chaise and a queen-size bed, it’s perfect for any space – be it your bedroom, living room, office, or den.
Our Favorites from Vivaterra:
Price Range: From $1299+
Ethics: Handcrafted with care using reclaimed, recycled & natural materials, responsibly & sustainably harvested wood, made in the United States
Location/Shipping: United States
8. Sabai Design
If you’re on the hunt for a gorgeous non-toxic sectional couch and aren’t afraid to spend some extra $$, Sabai Design is the ultimate destination for you.
The company uses SFI-certified wood and recycled and upcycled fibers to create luxurious furniture for modern homes.
The metal legs are made from non-toxic machined solid aluminum and the high resiliency foam is CertiPUR-US certified.
What I love most about Saibai Design is that they offer to replace or upgrade parts at any time with the Repair Don’t Replace program.
You’ll save money while eliminating furniture waste. How amazing is that?
Our Favorites from Sabai Design:
Price Range: From $1545+
Ethics: Certified B Corporation, CertiPUR-US® Certified, FSC Certified, SFI Certified wood, recycled & upcycled fibers, Repair Don’t Replace program
Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Canada
9. Cisco Home
With over 40 different organic sofa options to choose from, Cisco Home is the mecca of chemical-free couches.
Crafted entirely from FSC® woods, organic latex, jute, hemp, wool, organic feathers, and down, each piece is equal parts comfy and sustainable.
Who needs flame retardants when you can harness the power of nature, to create pieces that are inherently flame retardant?
The space-saving cordova sofa is ideal for snuggling up for movie nights or binge-watching your latest obsession.
Grace, on the other hand, looks like something that jumped out of your Pinterest boards – so chic!
Want a classic, streamlined silhouette? The “loft” is for you!
Price Range: From $4820+
Ethics: Warranty included, Certified Fair Trade, FSC Certified hardwood, organic materials, ethically sourced goods
Location/Shipping: United States
10. Inside Weather
Looking for a life-proof sofa for tiny paws and tiny humans? Inside Weather’s modular non-toxic sofas are the answer.
The “bondi” sofa collection boasts a solid ash hardwood frame that’s FSC-Certified.
Plus, with non-toxic OEKO-TEX® performance fabrics, CertiPUR-US® foam, and signature cosmetic down made from 100% recycled materials, these pieces are as eco-friendly as they can get.
Fun Fact: Each sofa equals roughly 400 recycled plastic bottles.
The best part? Every pillow is protected with a water-resistant liner and all seat cushions feature a breathable moisture-wicking air mesh designed to regulate temperature and deter the growth of mold & mildew.
Plus, with custom comfort options, an extra wide and extra deep seat, and a comfort-centric webbing system, this non-toxic sectional couch practically begs you to lounge a little longer.
Price Range: From $4989+
Ethics: 365-day home trial, CertiPUR-US® Certified, OEKO-TEX® Certified, FSC Certified, responsible & recycled materials, made-to-order, customizable, low-impact shipments, 2 trees planted
Location/Shipping: United States
11. Savvy Rest
From non-toxic cribs to organic mattresses and elegant organic sofas for your natural home, Savvy Rest has all our needs covered.
Crafted with certified sustainable solid hardwood (maple) and GOTS-certified organic upholstery options including cotton duck, sturdy hemp, or a soft hemp-cotton blend, the verona sofa is stylish and sustainable.
You won’t find any flame retardants, formaldehyde glue, cardboard, metal coils, particle board, plywood, or veneer – only zero-VOC finishes and Cradle-to-Cradle certified materials.
Go ahead and start customizing your dream couch!
Price Range: From $3799+
Ethics: GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Certified B Corporation, GOTS Certified, Cradle-to-Cradle Certified, certified sustainable solid hardwood, certified organic fabrics, zero-VOC finishes, customizable
Location/Shipping: United States
12. Pure Upholstery
The name says it all – Pure Upholstery is a top destination for expertly handmade, organic, affordable non-toxic couches, chairs, loveseats, and sectional options.
Their amazing material list includes certified organic latex, organic wool, organic cotton, and FSC-certified solid maple hardwood frames and recycled steel springs.
All furniture is made ethically in the USA without chemical flame retardants.
Plus, if you need a window seat cushion, floor cushion, or replacement sofa cushion, you can text them with length, width, height, and fabric choice.
Price Range: From $2600+
Ethics: GOLS Certified, OEKO-TEX® Certified, FSC Certified, responsibly sourced & recycled materials,
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
13. Eco Balanza
Eco Balanza is a boutique designer of sustainable luxury upholstered organic furniture.
The company uses heritage practices and only natural, non-toxic, and third-party-certified materials to create “forever” non-toxic sofas.
What makes them so darn unique? Everything is made by hand.
For example, the FSC-certified solid beechwood planks are measured, cut to order, and joined with non-toxic water-based wood glue and steel screws for a profoundly sturdy frame that will last a lifetime.
You can go ahead and pick a piece from their couture collection or explore their essential collection. And if you’re feeling inspired, why not go entirely custom?
Price Range: Contact to learn more about models, pricing & fabrics
Ethics: GOTS Certified, GOLS Certified, OEKO-TEX® Certified, FSC Certified, Biokreis Seal Certified, handcrafted using natural, non-toxic & third-party certified materials, ethical manufacturing
Location/Shipping: United States | Couches are made-to-order. Learn More Here!
14. Planted Furniture
Chemical-free sofas, armchairs, and footstools made from natural, recyclable, and recycled materials? Yes, please!
Planted Furniture allows us to choose from a selection of 18 fabrics and between wool and feather inners to create the contemporary classic couch of our dreams.
Currently, they offer 5 different customizable options, including 2 and 3-seater sofas.
As always, the products are handmade in Planted Furniture’s UK-based workshop.
Price Range: Request A Quote
Ethics: OEKO-TEX® Certified, Global Recycled Standard (GRS), eco-friendly processes, 100% natural or recycled fabrics
Location/Shipping: United Kingdom
15. Kaiyo
On Kaiyo’s virtual shelves, you can find an array of pre-owned, organic couches as well as fantastic non-toxic leather sofa options and some great sectionals.
To put it simply, most styles are a true steal.
For example, you can find West Elm couches for under $500, Crate & Barrel sectionals for ⅓ of the original prices, and many more options.
You can filter the results by color, dimensions, condition, and style.
My best advice is to check out the listings before you start browsing online for a brand-new couch. There are some real gems here, folks!
Price Range: From $710+
Ethics: Secondhand marketplace, plants a tree for every order, transparency, 86kg carbon offset
Location/Shipping: United States
How do you choose the best non-toxic couch?
Choose Organic Materials
First and foremost, pay close attention to the materials used in the construction of the couch. To make sure that no nasty chemicals will ever find a way into your home, choose organic, natural, non-toxic materials such as natural latex foam, organic cotton, wool, and FSC-certified wood.
Double-check to make sure that the organic sofa is completely free from flame retardants, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
2024’s best sustainable furniture brands proudly hold the OEKO-TEX® for textiles, CertiPUR-US® for foam, and GREENGUARD Gold certifications which verify that the couch will not affect your overall indoor air quality.
Opt For Customizable Couch Options
Every home is unique, so why settle for a one-size-fits-all solution? Dozens of eco-friendly furniture brands offer customization options that allow you to tailor the size, style, and upholstery of the couch to suit your preferences and space constraints.
Test The Comfort Level
Sadly, you can’t really tell if a couch is comfortable or not just by looking at it. After all, your couch should be a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Whenever possible, test out different non-toxic couches in person to gauge their comfort level. Make sure that the cushion firmness, seat depth, and overall support are exactly what you need.
Measure Your Space Correctly
Last but not least, don’t forget to measure your space before making a purchase. Currently, my couch sits a meter away from the wall – otherwise, it would block the balcony door because I didn’t take the correct measurements.
Take accurate measurements of the room where the couch will be placed, considering factors such as doorways, hallways, and staircases for ease of delivery.
This was your full guide to the safest couches & sofas!
Organic materials such as organic cotton, natural latex, wool, and FSC-certified wood can easily reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals commonly found in conventional couches.
The last thing we and our families need is to add even more flame retardants, formaldehyde, VOCs, and PFCs in our homes!
Luckily, there are many sustainable brands out there with affordable non-toxic sectional couch options, luxurious organic sofas, and tiny chemical-free couches for studio apartments.
Most furniture is customizable, so rest assured that they’ll fit your aesthetic and space perfectly.
If you enjoyed this article, check out these other community favorites below!
- 15 Best Non-Toxic Furniture Brands For A Safe and Healthy Home
- 30+ Eco-Friendly Furniture Brands To Love For Your Sustainable Home
- 25 Best Sustainable Home Goods & Decor Brands
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