When furnishing or remodeling your home, choosing the best material for all of your belongings can feel overwhelming. With so many options to choose from, you'll want to opt not only for durability, but also for sustainable and non toxic furniture picks.
In this article, we’ll explain what is the best material for furniture, and why you should stay away from some of the cheaper, lesser quality options when it comes to making your home interior a safe and comfortable space.
You might think any piece of wood furniture is a safe bet... but not all "wood" furniture is created equal.
When looking for sustainable materials for furniture, you need to know that many modern furniture pieces are made from engineered wood products like particleboard, MDF, and high-density fiberboard. These are made from tiny wood pieces and fibers glued together with adhesives that contain formaldehyde. This glue helps shape the wood into various forms, making it look like solid wood, but it comes with some hidden health risks.
Sustainable Materials for Furniture & the Risks of Formaldehyde
Have you ever noticed that “new home” smell near your furniture? Would you be surprised if we told you that wood and other materials you probably have in your home contain formaldehyde? Many manufactured wood products, like desks, beds, and kitchen cabinets, contain formaldehyde.
What you’re actually smelling is often formaldehyde and other compounds being released into the air, a process called off-gassing. Opting for sustainable, safe and eco-friendly furniture materials means a safer and more environmentally conscious home for you and your family. This requires not only paying attention to your furniture's existing materials and finishes but also consideration for future furniture and décor shopping!
Let's Start With Common Furniture Materials You Might Find in Your Home
Solid Wood Furniture
A non-toxic option is solid hardwood furniture; it's one of our favorites and is among the best material for furniture.
Unlike engineered woods, solid hardwood does not contain many of the harmful chemicals that wood veneer furniture and mdf contain. Veneer furniture can be tricky, as it looks like solid hardwood. But the wood planks are actually very thin pieces that are glued onto a base of mdf or softwood plywood, both of which can release formaldehyde and other VOCs into the air.
Safe, non toxic solid wood is durable, long-lasting, and contains no harmful chemicals. Solid hardwood offers natural beauty with unique grain patterns and can be sustainably sourced. Natural hardwoods maintain their beauty and durability for many years, which is why they are considered heirloom pieces that are often passed down for generations.
IDEAL FOR: All types of furniture, including tables, chairs, cabinets, and bed frames.
Rattan, Cane + Bamboo Furniture
Bamboo reeds and rattan vines are highly sustainable materials that grow rapidly and require no pesticides.
All of these plant-based materials are strong, lightweight, and versatile. Rattan and cane come from dried vines or grasses. Bamboo is actually a grass but looks like tall reeds. All of these grow well in the wild and do not require a lot of water. Many rattan, cane and bamboo pieces are handwoven and last for many years.
IDEAL FOR: Furniture, lighting and decor items, such as chairs, tables, and shelving.
Reclaimed Wood Furniture
Reclaimed wood is environmentally friendly as it repurposes old wood, reducing the demand for new timber. It has a unique, rustic appearance.
It's important to source reclaimed wood for furniture that is clean and hasn't been exposed to pesticides or other chemical treatments in the past. Sometimes upcycled wood is labeled reclaimed wood, and it's actually new wood that has simply been repurposed from furniture assembly line scraps.
IDEAL FOR: Furniture with a rustic or vintage look, including tables, cabinets, shelving and wall panels.
Natural Fabrics for Furniture
Organic cotton, bamboo viscose, linen, hemp and modal are all wonderful furniture fabrics. These fabrics are plant-based and usually free from synthetic chemicals and pesticides.
In fact, they are breathable, biodegradable, and often sourced sustainably! And while it's not plant-based, ethically sourced sheep and alpaca wools are other fantastic furniture materials that are super soft and warm.
Metal Furniture
Metals like stainless steel and aluminum are durable, recyclable, and free from harmful chemicals. They add a modern, sleek look to furniture and make for wonderful accent pieces.
IDEAL FOR: Frames, legs, and accents on furniture like tables, benches, chairs, and beds.
Glass Accents
Glass is non-toxic, infinitely recyclable, and adds an elegant touch to furniture. It is easy to clean and does not off-gas. We love glass for it's endless textures and mesmerizing color hues!
IDEAL FOR: Tabletops, cabinet doors, and shelving.
Eco Friendly Furniture Materials & Types of Wood for Furniture
We explained the dangers of fabricated wood, but how would you tell the difference between MDF, particle board and solid wood?
Identifying MDF is actually pretty simple:
Wood has natural grain in it, just like a marble tabletop or oak cutting board, whereas MDF looks like sandpaper. So, if it doesn't have natural grains in it, chances are it’s MDF or particle board.
Some of the best wood options for non toxic furniture are:
Mango Wood Credenzas
Mango wood is a beautiful sustainable hardwood with a dense grain. It comes from you guessed it, older mango trees that are past their fruit bearing years. Mango wood is durable, resistant to water, free of knots, and offers a unique, neutral appearance, making it ideal for furniture like tables, consoles, and credenzas, for example. Sometimes Mango wood or Mindi wood are used as core components for veneer furniture pieces, making these a safe exceptions to the veneer rule mentioned above.
Oak Tables
Oak is one of our favorite picks for beautiful non-toxic furniture materials. This popular hardwood is known for its strength and beautiful grain patterns, which add a natural charm to any furniture piece. It's super hard hard and durable and resistant to wear, making it perfect for high-use items like cutting boards, serving boards, dining or side tables, and chairs.
We love oak because it looks great and lasts a long time. When you choose oak for your sustainable furniture, you're getting pieces that can handle everyday use and still look fantastic. Oak’s blend of strength, hardness, beauty, and durability makes it a great choice for anyone wanting non-toxic, sustainable furniture.
Teak Furnishings
Teak is another favorite of ours for safe, non toxic furniture materials. This premium hardwood is famous for its incredible durability and resistance to moisture and pests, making it a fantastic choice for indoor and outdoor furniture. Its rich, golden-brown color adds a touch of warmth and elegance to any space.
We love teak because it not only looks amazing but also stands up to the elements. Whether it's rain, sun, or even pesky insects, teak furniture stays strong and beautiful. It's perfect for chairs, wall decor artworks room dividers and dining tables, adding both style and function to your home.
Plus, its natural toughness means it doesn't need chemical treatments, so it's better for your home and the environment. If you're looking for long-lasting, stylish, and non-toxic outdoor furniture, teak is definitely the way to go.
Parawood Furniture
Parawood, also known as rubberwood, is one of the most popular sustainable materials for furniture for those seeking safe and durable furniture materials. This dense, smooth, and knot-free hardwood is one of the best eco friendly materials for furniture thanks to its strength, fine grain and neutral color.
We’re big fans of Parawood because it’s versatile and sustainable. It’s the go-to material for our entire PIY Paint it Yourself line, which is made of rescued Parawood and nothing else, with a very inspiring story.
You can buy it natural as is or paint it to match your unique style (always use non-toxic paint). Parawood’s strength and smooth finish make it ideal for creating beautiful, personalized, and sustainable furniture for your home.
Acacia Wood Furniture
Acacia became increasingly popular amongst eco friendly materials for furniture and is a standout choice for safe, non-toxic furniture materials. This durable hardwood boasts a distinct, rich neutral color and unique subtle grain pattern, making each piece of furniture truly one-of-a-kind. Its resistance to wear and decay making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
We love acacia furniture because it’s incredibly versatile and long-lasting. Whether you’re looking for indoor benches, outdoor furniture, or decorative pieces, acacia is up to the task. Its natural beauty and durability mean it doesn’t really require any additional coatings, ensuring a safer environment for your family. If you want furniture that combines style, strength, and sustainability, acacia is an excellent option.
Whitewashed Wood
This type of wood finish has a light, airy appearance achieved by applying a white stain to the wood surface. Ideal for decorative accessories, it adds a rustic, shabby-chic look to furniture.
Whitewash wood is a stylish option for creating a space with a light and airy feel. This technique involves applying a watered-down white paint to the wood surface that is quickly wiped off, giving it a rustic, shabby-chic look that adds charm to any space.
We love whitewash wood because it brings a cozy, inviting atmosphere to your home. It’s perfect for decorative items or chandeliers for instance, because the whitewash finish not only enhances the wood's natural beauty but also avoids the use of heavy chemical treatments, making it a safer choice for your living environment.
Olive Wood Accessories
Known for its beautiful, intricate grain patterns and rich grain color, olive wood is truly one-of-a-kind. We like olive wood for its durability and elegant appearance. Each piece made from olive wood has its own distinct character, making it perfect for decorative items, cutting or serving boards, and smaller furniture pieces.
Rescued olive wood is becoming a rising star and is an excellent choice for those seeking natural and sustainable furniture materials.
Remember to keep your olive wood pieces indoors, since it's sensitive to moisture and temperature changes.
Family-Friendly & Environmentally Safe Furniture for Pets
What is the best furniture material for dogs?
If you have indoor pets, you’re probably familiar with pet hair, furniture scratches, and occasional stains.
When considering furniture material for homes with dogs, look for fabrics that are durable, easy to clean and hair repellant. Leather and tightly woven fabrics, for example, are excellent choices as they resist scratching and are washing machine-safe.
Non toxic leather and ethically sourced animal hides are beautiful, durable and super soft for pets. Remember, when it comes to toxicity concerns, the tricky part about leather is the tanning process, the dyes, and the finishing process. We've found trusting your nose is important when leather shopping. Look for soft quality leathers with no waterproofing or stain treatments that won't easily transfer dye or leave a solvent odor behind.
Follow the guidelines for sourcing leathers that and are safe for people and pets in our Room by Room Furniture Guide blog post. The downside is that leathers may stain easily, so messes should be wiped up quickly. They can also be more expensive but worth the investment for its quality and safety.
Microfiber that's tightly woven is another excellent choice for dogs; it's tough, stain-resistant, and perfect for couches and recliners. Natural cotton canvas and denim are also strong, easy to clean, and non-toxic, making them ideal for slipcovers, cushions, and pet beds.
Outdoor fabrics can work wonders indoors too, resisting wear and tear from dogs without the need for toxic treatments. Plus, matching your furniture color to your pet's fur can help hide shedding, and going for pieces with fewer seams can reduce chewing and digging spots. More about what to look for in safe outdoor fabrics can be found in our outdoor section.
Tips For Dog-friendly Furniture
Choose Durable Fabrics
Opt for materials that are easy to clean and resistant to stains, like leather, olefin or microfiber.
Match Colors to Pet Fur
Select furniture colors that are similar to your pet’s fur to help camouflage shedding.
Fewer Seams
Look for furniture with fewer seams, as these can be tempting for dogs to chew or dig at.
What is the best furniture material for cats?
Cat owners have different needs, especially because cats love to scratch. Durable, non-toxic fabrics like microfiber are fantastic because they resist scratches and are easy to clean.
Leather can also work if your cat isn’t too scratch-happy, as cats usually find their texture and smell unpleasant to scratch. Leather is durable and easy to maintain. Like for dogs, look for safe leather that doesn’t require harmful chemicals, although it might show some marks.
Velvet is a fantastic cat-proof textile, and scratch-proof being that is is so tightly woven. It does attract pet hair, but it's very easy to clean and simply needs to be vacuumed to get rid of any unwanted fluff.
Natural fibers like jute and sisal are great for rugs and scratching posts since they can handle a cat's claws and are easily vacuumed for cleaning. Finally, suede could be a smart choice as well, because its tight weave makes it tough for cats to claw through. This means fewer visible scratches and a longer-lasting piece for your home.
Tips for Cat-friendly Furniture
Scratching-Resistant Fabrics
Choose materials that can withstand scratching, like microfiber or certain inert synthetics.
Easy to Clean
Make sure the fabric is easy to clean and doesn’t hold onto pet odors. A handheld vacuum or sticky roller are fabulous fur removal tools!
Natural Fibers
Jute and sisal rugs are both great choices for pets, as they are durable and can handle clawing. However, sometimes jute has an odor from its own natural oils, which some people and pets don't care for.
What is the best outdoor furniture material?
Here are some of our top picks when it comes to the best outdoor furniture material for your garden or patio, and what to consider when choosing. Much more can be found in our Best Outdoor Furniture Materials blog post, too.
Teak Furnishings
Why It’s Great: Teak is renowned for its durability and resistance to moisture and pests, making it an ideal choice for outdoor tables and benches made out of wood. It's natural oils make it waterproof, and teak's rich, golden-brown color adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.
Perfect For: Outdoor dining tables, swings, accent tables, benches, and lounge chairs.
Aluminum Furniture
Why It’s Great: Aluminum is lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to maintain. It’s perfect for outdoor furniture that needs to be moved around frequently.
Perfect For: Patio sets, side tables, lamps, and garden chairs.
Polypropylene Fabrics
Why It’s Great: Outdoor fabrics made of polypropylene are usually non toxic, simply because they don't require additional waterproofing or stain treatments. PP is designed to withstand the elements, resisting fading and mildew. This material is great for cushions, poufs and soft seating options that need to remain comfortable and durable.
Perfect For: Outdoor cushions, poufs, pillows, rugs and upholstered furniture.
What to Look For in Mindful Furniture Companies?
When searching for safe and sustainable furniture brands, consider these key factors:
Natural Materials: Look for solid wood furniture made from hardwoods like oak, olive, and teak which are free from harmful chemicals.
Responsible Sourcing: Look for brands that care about creating a low carbon footprint. FSC certification by the Forest Stewardship Council is one indication that sustainable timber was sourced for furniture pieces. We find that reusing packing materials at our warehouse has cut down on our materials consumption by half!
Low-VOC Finishes: Opt for furniture finished naturally or with low or zero-VOC paints, stains, and sealers to minimize indoor air pollution.
Eco-Friendly Practices: Choose companies that use sustainable materials like bamboo and reclaimed wood and employ environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
Transparency: Do business with brands that provide detailed information about their materials, manufacturing processes, and sustainability practices.
At Healthier Homes, we're dedicated to providing sustainable, non toxic furniture crafted from mindful materials, with a modern organic look and feel.
By choosing the best material for furniture, and opting for sustainable eco-friendly home goods, we're confident that you'll find this newfound freedom truly liberating! Here's to taking back control of your own indoor living environment and embarking on the journey to create your safe and beautiful space!
We invite you to check out our curated collections of non toxic furnishings safe for the whole family. And feel free to drop us a line. We love to hear from you :)
