Furniture: The Toxins They Contain

Quick, take a moment and think how much time you spend on your sofa?

It is a few hours a day for me, easily.

Now think about whether your sofa is free of toxins? Chances are that it is not. From the fabric to the wood, the glue—everything can be toxic.

It’s not your fault. It’s just the way it is. As we look for affordable or aesthetic furniture, our focus is on price or appeal. We do not know and are not told what the furniture contains.

For a long time, furniture was made from natural wood and stone. They were put together using biodegradable rope or, at best, a few iron nails.

Sure, Kings and Queens cared about appeal, but for most people, basic simple furniture was enough.

Then we all afforded furniture. Furniture making became a thing. But like with most things, chemicals, dyes, glues, and other elements started making their way into your furniture.

Like our clothes, we spend a lot of time with our furniture.

What it contains matters.

So I went looking for people who make biodegradable and non-toxic furniture. What shocked me was how hard they are to find, [see one example here].

Turns out, making safe furniture is expensive. Not just in terms of money, but in time, sourcing, and craftsmanship.

You need wood that is untreated. Glue made from natural sources. Fabric that is organic, not dipped in flame retardants.

Why does this matter?

Because you are breathing these chemicals every day. Your skin touches them. Your children crawl on them.

Formaldehyde, VOCs, phthalates. They disrupt hormones, affect immunity, and over time, create disease.

We don’t think of furniture as toxic. But like food and clothing, it is part of your daily life.

Your home should be your sanctuary. Safe. Simple. Non-toxic. Begin with one change. Replace one chair. Maybe the one you spend most time on.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being aware.

Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain