How To Find Affordable Eco-Furniture

Several brands and retailers offer sustainable options. Which to choose depends on how much you can spend.
Also see The Daily Green's Green and Gorgeoous Eco-Furniture

February 17, 2009 at 10:13AM by Alexandra Zissu | comment

Hi there, I am wondering if I could ask a question maybe you could address in your blog someday. Flame-retardant free couches. Where do you get them? I found some online via "Debra's List" but they were $$$$$! Nice but way pricey. I am lying on my micro-suede one. I called the company we bought it from and they told me that "micro-suede is generally not treated" but could neither confirm nor deny that mine was treated or not. Ugh!

Thanks! Love your blog!!

- Laura

Hi Laura,

I agree, the furniture I have researched with the least toxic flame retardants in them -- or none at all -- is quite expensive. If price is an issue you might do well with a natural futon on a hardwood frame, like those sold at WhiteLotus.net.

For inexpensive better but not totally pure furniture, Ikea says their furniture is made to adhere to stricter-than-American Finnish and German standards. For mid-range, you might want to do some research on places like Crate and Barrel. They're starting to make eco-couches. You have to read the fine print and ask the right questions to figure out what some of these places are actually doing, though.

If money isn't an option, hands down the purest and most attractive items I have seen are made by Q Collection.

Other spots to check out: ANaturalHome.com and Vivavi.com.

Another great option is to give your current furniture an eco-overhaul. I did this with an old chair recently. Molly Worth at Chairloom reupholstered it with eco-friendlier stuffing and Q Collection fabric. It's fabulous.

If anyone feels like elaborating on this topic, please chime in below in comments.