Least Toxic Recliner and Loveseat

April 27, 2020, by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Dawn

I don't know what stores in the Pittsburgh area carry non or low toxic reclining furniture and I need to buy some for the new home we plan to be in fairly soon.

Lisa’s Answer

I am not familiar with local stores in your area.  You can check out Debra's List for non-toxic furniture makers.  There are many options for loveseats, though non-toxic options tend to be expensive.  I am not aware of any non-toxic recliners on the market but there are companies that might be able to custom make one for you. It will not be inexpensive. Pine Street Natural Interiors is one to try.

Almost all traditionally made upholstered furniture is made with polyurethane foam cushioning.  The polyurethane foam is likely to contain formaldehyde and possibly flame retardants. Formaldehyde can continue to off-gas for the life of the product and flame retardants in the foam can break down and end up in household dust.  The other things to avoid in traditional furniture are treated fabrics, leather tanned with harmful chemicals, high-VOC adhesives and stains.

A reader found this option, which is interesting but not entirely natural/non-toxic. https://www.sproutsanfrancisco.com/ash-grano-pure-latex-recliner-glider-swivel-base.

It has GOLS latex which is great. The fabric is OEKO-Tex certified but it looks there are different options and only one is cotton/linen. The rest are synthetic. Also the lumbar pillow is filled with poly. Perhaps they could make it with latex for an additional fee.