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Non Toxic Bed Frames
By Dr. Meg Christensen | Updated October 2025
I've analyzed bed frames layer by layer—frame, padding, upholstery, glues, and finishes—for truly non-toxic wood beds and metal frame options.
Non-Toxic Platform Beds with Storage
Get Laid Beds: Best Affordable Non-Toxic Storage Bed
Get Laid Beds makes the most affordable 100% solid wood bed frames with under-bed storage drawers. Highly customizable—add storage drawers, a shelf, or request custom sizing beyond their standard twin, full, queen, king, and Cal King options. They use water-based glues and stains, or you can order unfinished frames to apply your own non-toxic finish. Solid wood slats (no plywood) provide healthy, breathable support, making these an excellent affordable non-toxic storage bed option.
Medley: Best Non-Toxic Low Profile Storage Bed
Medley's Buden bed combines modern style with serious storage: drawers, cubbies, and an extended-depth headboard with footboard shelves. This low-profile storage bed is made with solid wood and formaldehyde-free engineered wood for added strength. Medley uses zero-VOC plant-based hardwax finishes and water-based non-toxic glues. GreenGuard Gold certified with complete material transparency—a truly healthy storage bed option.
Non-Toxic Under-Bed Storage Drawers
Most storage beds have drawers made of MDF, cheap glues, and finishes that off-gas VOCs. If your bed frame doesn't include built-in storage, you have two healthy options: order affordable custom-sized 100% solid wood drawers through Get Laid Beds, or use simple metal storage drawers. Pair with any non-toxic metal or wooden bed frame that has adequate clearance underneath for a healthier storage solution.
Avocado: Best Non-Toxic Twin Bed Frame with Storage
This twin storage bed is made of 100% solid wood with no MDF or particleboard. Avocado uses zero-VOC finishes from ECOS and water-based adhesives with full transparency on materials. It functions as a trundle bed (ready for a second twin mattress) or converts to full storage drawers instead. A versatile, healthy option for kids' rooms or guest bedrooms.
Non-Toxic Upholstered, Soft Frame, and Cloud Beds
Silk and Snow: Best of Polyester and Foam Upholstered Beds
The number of "non toxic" upholstered bed frames is wild! Most have only one healthier-than-average element. Brands like Quince, Saatva, Maiden Home, Citizenry, Thuma, and West Elm — all use polyurethane foam padding and polyester upholstery.
That said, I am a big believer in embracing inconsistency, baby steps, affordability, and acknowledging aesthetics matter. I promote informed decisions, not health perfection. So while I'm annoyed by this marketing (and the review blogs that make them seem healthier than they are), here’s the real information to help you decide.
Silk and Snow is your best option in this category for its reasonable price, included storage, flame retardant -free construction and OEKO TEX certification (their organic mattresses are also truly healthy, making them the imperfect but better choice overall.
Medley: Truly Non-Toxic Upholstered Bed Frames
Medley offers three genuinely non-toxic upholstered bed frames—no polyurethane foam, no formaldehyde, no greenwashing. These beds use organic latex foam padding and OEKO TEX certified wool upholstery instead of conventional plastics. The solid wood frames are finished with water-based, zero VOC stains and glues, with minimal formaldehyde-free engineered wood used only for support. Natural fiber upholstery options are available.
The Pippen bed (pictured) features a channeled headboard in all sizes from twin to Cal King. The Bramo and Nein are equally beautiful options. If you're searching for a truly safe upholstered bed frame where every layer is non-toxic, and has the certifications to prove it, Medley is ideal.
Avocado: Best Non-Toxic Upholstered Headboard
Avocado's upholstered headboards use 100% organic GOLS certified latex instead of polyurethane foam. The latex is wrapped in natural fibers including wool and Belgian linen, with organic cotton canvas backing. While these fabrics don't carry health certifications, using all-natural fibers makes this a far healthier choice than most upholstered options.
The plywood backing is CARB2 compliant for formaldehyde-free emissions. Available in rounded, arch, or semicircle shapes, these wall-mounted headboards work with any bed frame.
Cali Dreams: Best Custom Luxury Organic Upholstered Bed Frame
If you're looking for a truly organic upholstered bed frame in a style beyond what Medley or Avocado offer, Cali Dreams makes custom options with GOTS certified organic fabrics and natural rubber latex padding. Every bed is handmade to order in your choice of style, size, and fabric—from minimalist platform beds to statement headboards. For those who want a fully non-toxic upholstered bed tailored to their exact aesthetic, Cali Dreams delivers luxury customization without compromising on health.
Affordable Wood Platform Beds
Avocado: Best for Low Profile Tool-Free Assembly
When comparing Avocado vs Thuma, Avocado is about half the price and made with healthier materials. While Thuma uses plywood slats and doesn't fully disclose their glues, stains, and finishes (only saying "low-VOC"), Avocado is completely transparent—disclosing every brand used. Made of 100% solid wood with GreenGuard Gold certification and formaldehyde-free validation. No tools required for assembly. Choose with or without a headboard, in light or dark wood finishes. A healthier, more affordable Thuma alternative.
Carolina Leg Co: Best for Budget Unfinished Platform Beds
More affordable than Avocado, Carolina Leg Co makes 100% poplar platform bed frames that arrive unfinished—perfect if you want to avoid toxic stains or apply your own healthy finish. They use minimal non-toxic PVA wood glue on dowels only, with screws elsewhere. No box spring required. Highly rated for quality and value, making this a very affordable modern organic bed frame option.
IKEA NEIDEN: Least Expensive Less-Toxic Bed Frame
Are IKEA bed frames non-toxic? Some are better than others. The NEIDEN is the best choice because it's made entirely of solid pine and arrives unfinished—great from a health perspective. They use standard glues, so expect some off-gassing (similar to their solid wood dressers). Air it out thoroughly, and once the VOCs dissipate, this is a decent budget option and the least expensive natural wood bed frame available. Avoid most other IKEA beds made with particleboard and veneers (lots of formaldehyde-containing glue).
Wayfair: Best Solid Wood Bed Frame Under $200
If you're looking to spend under $200, I recommend metal bed frames for health, but if you're set on solid wood, this Wayfair option is made of 100% solid wood including the slats (rare at this price point). Highly rated for durability, easy assembly, and value. No box spring needed. The glues and finishes are standard, and only 1 of 15,000 reviews mentioned chemical off-gassing—others report fresh-cut wood smell or no smell at all. Let it air out with windows open if needed. Not perfect, but far better than most cheap bed frames made with particleboard or MDF.
Handcrafted Non-Toxic Bed Frame Brands
Avocado: Best Modern Style Handcrafted Bed Frames
Avocado offers several standout handcrafted bed frames. The Malibu platform bed (pictured) is one of the best low-profile platform beds available—made with zero-VOC finishes from ECOS, water-based adhesives, and complete material transparency. No MDF or particleboard whatsoever. Fully customizable: add taller legs for standard height or choose lighter wood finishes. Their sculptural Montecito sleigh-style bed is stunning (I'm obsessed), and they also offer a mid-century modern option.
TY Fine Furniture: Best Luxury Customizable Non-Toxic Bed Frame
TY Fine Furniture makes investment-quality 100% solid wood bed frames finished with an all-organic flax-based wood finish they make in-house. If glue is needed, they use minimal Titebond 3, a non-toxic wood adhesive. Fully customizable—add under-bed storage drawers or choose from any style: mid-century modern beds, organic Shaker four-post beds, canopy beds, and more. An environmentally friendly bed frame that's good for your health and the planet.
Naturepedic: Best Handcrafted Matching Bedroom Sets
Naturepedic offers two solid wood healthy bed frame options that are really pretty, have a modern organic style, and perfectly match night stands and dressers, if you’re in the market for those too. Both collections are made with 100% solid wood, are coated with water-based, low-VOC finishes, and held together with low-VOC adhesives. While they don’t name the brands of the finishes and glues they use, they do have GreenGuard GOLD certification meaning they’re tested for off-gassing, and they are UL validated formaldehyde-free.
Savvy Rest: Best Classic Style Handcrafted Bed Frames
Savvy Rest bed frames are handcrafted from solid wood with your choice of linseed oil (flax) finish or left unfinished—some of the best non-toxic bed frames available. Traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery uses minimal non-toxic glue. Their certifications are clearly displayed in the website footer for complete transparency, which I always appreciate. Pairs perfectly with their organic mattresses, or works beautifully as a standalone piece. A great option for supporting small USA businesses.
Non-Toxic Metal Bed Frames
Amazon: Best Budget Non-Toxic Metal Bed Frame (My Personal Pick)
This simple queen metal bed frame with headboard is what I use at home. It's healthy, inexpensive, highly rated for being sturdy and squeak-free, and has a classic farmhouse style aesthetic. No box spring required, and assembly is easy using screws only—no glues needed. You can adjust the height (low or high profile) during setup, and it's easy to change later. Available in every size including twin, making it a versatile non-toxic bed frame option.
All Modern: Best Sleek Modern Metal Bed Frame
Most metal bed frames lean farmhouse or traditional, but All Modern offers sleek, minimalist steel bed frames for contemporary spaces. They carry modern canopy beds (pictured) and several other clean-lined styles. A great option if you want the health benefits of powder-coated metal with a sophisticated, modern aesthetic.
Schoolhouse: Best Modern Farmhouse Metal Bed Frame
Schoolhouse makes elevated metal bed frames with powder-coated finishes in white, black, blue, ochre, and red. Available in twin, full, and king sizes, these frames require a box spring but offer excellent breathability—metal slats provide even better airflow than wood slats while delivering sturdy support. A great option for those wanting farmhouse style with modern, non-toxic construction. For more on why metal bed frames are safe, jump to my bed frame guide below.
Wayfair: Best Affordable Elegant Metal Bed Frame
Powder-coated steel bed frames are a healthy, affordable alternative to particle board, MDF, or beds made with off-gassing glues. Powder coating is much safer than paint—it doesn't emit VOCs, is chemically inert, and won't flake or chip over time. This elegant curved gold metal bed frame is available in king, queen, and full sizes at a budget-friendly price point. For more on why powder coating is non-toxic, see my paint guide.
Best Healthy Bed Bases and Foundations
Naturepedic’s organic bed base is a great box spring or bed frame alternative. This organic mattress foundation is one of the healthiest available. It’s made with solid wood and wrapped in organic cotton. In a pinch, this elevates your mattress off the floor, allowing for proper air flow to avoid moisture and mold from building up underneath. Can also be used instead of a box spring.
This King size metal bed frame from Plush Beds is affordable, with tool-free assembly. Comes in Twin, Queen, Full, and Cal King options, too. It’s squeak-free and made of reclaimed steel. Super easy to set up, and a good option on its own, or if you’re getting one of their organic mattresses.
Avocado makes the best non toxic adjustable bed foundation. It fits into your existing bed frame, if you like the look of it already, or works well on its own. You can get two split units that fit together so you can your sleeping partner can choose different comfort settings. Has a massage feature! Made of GOTS-certified organic cotton canvas, natural rubberwood legs, and a durable metal base.
Doctor’s Complete Guide to Non Toxic Bed Frames
What is a non toxic bed frame?
A non toxic bed frame contains no formaldehyde, high-VOC glues, solvent-based stains, foam, PFAS, or plastic. Specifically, non-toxic wooden, metal, and upholstered bed frames would have the following characteristics:
A non-toxic wooden bed frame is made from 100% solid wood, and held together with zero-VOC, low-VOC glues, screws, or joinery. Ideally it would have a water-based stain or plant-based finish. This is in contrast to many “wooden” bed frames that are actually made with fake woods including MDF, particleboard, or other engineered woods, which can contain formaldehyde or other resins that off-gas. They are often held together with high-VOC glues containing toxic solvents. Some are finished with solvent-based stains that off-gas, and many have veneers— a thin piece of plastic that looks like wood, glued on to the outside.
A non-toxic metal bed is made of iron or steel, is coated in a cured powder coat finish, and is held together with screws instead of glues.
A non-toxic upholstered or cloud bed is made of either a wood or metal base, and is made soft with organic latex, fabrics, and stitching, instead of foam, polyester, and adhesives.
Do bed frames off-gas?
Yes, bed frames can off-gas, depending on what materials they’re made with, and what finishes are applied when they’re done. Engineered wood products like MDF or particleboard, common in bed frames, as well as synthetic finishes, paints, stains, are more likely to release VOCs and other chemicals into your bedroom air. Additionally, upholstered frames with foam padding covered in fabric can release VOCs and decrease bedroom air quality.
Metal, solid wood frames with natural oil finishes, or truly organic upholstered bed frames produce minimal to no off-gassing.
What material is best for a bed frame?
Solid wood or metal are the best materials for bed frames for your health, and if it contains any foam or fabric parts, organic natural latex and organic fabrics are healthiest.
What is the safest bed frame material?
Solid hardwood and metal are the safest bed frame materials for a non-toxic bedroom. Solid wood bed frames with natural oil or water-based finishes contain minimal chemicals, while metal frames are inherently inert and don't off-gas. Avoid particleboard, MDF, or plywood frames that may contain formaldehyde-based adhesives.
What bed frame material is best for allergies?
Metal bed frames are the best choice if you suffer from allergies because they're non-porous, easy to clean, and don't harbor dust mites or mold. Solid hardwood with a non-toxic finish is the second-best option, as it is also resistant to allergen accumulation. Avoid upholstered bed frames, which can easily trap allergens in fabric and foam. Finally, avoid MDF or particle board bed frames, as the off-gassing chemical VOCs from these can worsen allergies, cause airway irritation, and exacerbate asthma symptoms.
What certifications should a non-toxic bed frame have?
The following third-party certifications verify that a bed frame meets strict standards for safer materials:
Greenguard Gold certification can be helpful to confirm that a bed frame has been tested and certified to meet strict limits on how much it off-gasses.
Formaldehyde-free plywood, or CARB Phase 2 compliant engineered wood ensure formaldehyde emissions are strictly limited. You can read more in my free guide to healthier wood here.
GOTS certified organic or OEKO-TEX certification is important for the fabric on upholstered bed frames. You can read more about fabric chemicals in my free guide to healthier textiles and upholstery here.
GOLS certified organic, C2C, or ecoINSTITUT is important for the latex in an upholstered frame. You can read more about latex in my free guide to healthier foams here.
CertiPUR for a bed frame upholstered in polyurethane foam does not mean that it is non-toxic. A very short list of chemicals are limited, and many others remain. You can read more in my free guide to foam here.
FSC certified: this is fine, but just means that the forest the timber comes from was grown sustainably— it doesn’t mean that the wood or what it’s finished with is safe for your health. Be sure to look for GreenGuard GOLD certification in addition to this, or truly healthy stains and finishes.
What does Greenguard certified mean for bed frames?
GreenGuard certification means a bed frame has been independently tested and meets strict chemical emission limits for indoor air quality. To meet the standard GreenGuard level, VOC emissions must be less than 500 ug/m3. To meet the elevated GreenGuard GOLD level, VOCs must be less than 220 ug/m3.
It’s important to note that while GreenGuard or GreenGuard Gold certification is an important step toward guaranteeing your bed frame will not contribute to indoor air pollution, it does not mean the bed frame is healthy in its entirety. There are harmful chemicals in stains, glues, and finishes that don’t off-gas as VOCs and should still be considered for other routes of exposure like dermal absorption and ingestion.
That said, it is still a useful certification when choosing between a standard wood product and one with GreenGuard certification. It is still a step in the right direction.
Are FSC certified bed frames non-toxic?
Not necessarily. FSC certification means that sustainable forestry practices were used in harvesting the timber to make the bed frame, but it doesn't directly address toxicity or chemical emissions. However, FSC-certified bed frames often pair with other safety features like water-based finishes and low-VOC adhesives, making them a good indicator of overall environmental and health consciousness. For complete non-toxic assurance, look for FSC certification combined with the other certifications listed above.
Non-Toxic Metal Bed Frames
What are metal bed frames made of?
Now, almost every metal bed frame is made of powder-coated steel. Steel is a mixture of two naturally occurring metals, iron and carbon. Sometimes it can be mixed with other metals or elements, like silicon, chromium, or nickel. You can read more about steel, nickel, and why these elements are included in my free Steel Guide here.
Are metal bed frames squeaky?
Some are, if they’re not made well, or if they’re older, and you haven’t done a little maintenance on them in awhile. Listed above, I have metal bed frames that are highly rated for not being squeaky. They’re all sturdy and don’t contain moving parts like springs, so they aren’t prone to squeaking. Box springs are the most common cause of a squeaky bed, and many metal bed frames actually get around this problem by not requiring one. Below, why your metal bed frame is squeaky, and what to do about it.
Why is my metal bed frame so squeaky?
Squeaking is caused by friction, or two parts of your frame rubbing together incorrectly. This is often because of screws that have become loosened over time, because the lubrication between parts has worn away, or because your floor is uneven, causing more pressure on certain parts of the bed to rub against each other and squeak, and less pressure on others.
How can I make my metal bed frame stop squeaking?
Tighten the screws, lubricate the joints, make sure it’s evenly balanced on the floor, and consider placing your bed on a rug or other padding. To lubricate the joints, a great non-toxic alternative to WD-40 is olive oil cooking spray — because it’s solvent free, VOC free, and still convenient and effective. This is what I use on my own metal bed frame (and squeaky gate outside.)
Are metal bed frames toxic?
No. Metal bed frames are generally considered one of the safest and least toxic options available. They don't contain formaldehyde, VOCs, or chemical treatments that can off-gas into your bedroom air. Look for powder-coated finishes rather than painted ones to minimize any potential chemical exposure.
If you’re confused by this question, the fear that metal bed frames (or spring-containing mattresses) can act as EMF antennae stems from a single, poor-quality, study done in 2010 that was misinterpreted on Scientific American’s blog. It's still spreading like wildfire 14 years later, because it sounds scary, and electromagnetism is hard to understand, making it scarier. Snopes debunks it and does a great job breaking down all the details, and their thinking is very much in line with my thinking.
Exposure to the known carcinogen formaldehyde used in beds made with high-VOC glues and engineered wood is a much higher concern.
Sometimes it’s comforting to see visual proof of this instead of trusting the article, so I used an EMF reader in my house to show you the readings near my microwave, WiFi router, on a metal bed frame, and in the middle of the bed where your body would be. Readings remain at 0.0 when the electronics are off, when you step a few feet away from the electronics even when they’re turned on, and are always at 0.0 everywhere on the bed and bed frame. You can watch the video below to see:
The purpose of this video is to show you your relative risk, not to stir up debate about whether all EMFs are safe or all EMFs are dangerous. This a big conversation with a lot of nuance!
If you are concerned about EMF exposure, this video may help you see why I would recommend prioritizing standing away from the microwave when it’s on, turning off your WiFi router at night, or hiring a professional to take readings for your home. I would worry less about your bed frame.
If you are not concerned about EMF exposure, then there is no need to start being concerned about your bed frame now.
What is powder coating on a metal bed frame?
Powder coating is a paint-like finish applied to metal products including bed frames, furniture, appliances, dish racks, and decorative items. Despite looking like matte paint, it's not actually paint. Powder coating is applied as a dry powder using static electricity to make it adhere to the metal surface. The coated object is then cured under heat or UV light, which causes the powder to melt and form a hard, durable finish that chemically bonds to the metal. Powder coating typically contains polyester, other polymers (plastics), pigments, and curing agents.
Are powder coated metal bed frames toxic?
No, powder-coated products are safe to use in your home. After the heat-curing process, powder coating becomes chemically inert, meaning nothing can escape from it into your environment. You can safely touch it, and it won't off-gas chemicals into your home's air. Powder coating is far more durable than liquid paint and is highly resistant to chipping, scratching, corrosion, and fading. Because powder coating is applied as a dry powder rather than in liquid form with solvents, it contains no VOCs and emits almost no volatile organic compounds. Companies using powder coating easily comply with environmental regulations, and the process produces minimal air pollution compared to liquid paint application. For metal furniture and fixtures, powder coating is generally a safer choice than paint. The materials are not safe before they're combined and cured, which is why workers must wear protective gear to avoid inhaling any powder during application, but for end users, powder-coated products are among the safest finishes available.
Non-Toxic Solid Wood Bed Frames
Do wood bed frames have formaldehyde?
No. Solid wood bed frames contain no formaldehyde, but engineered wood products like MDF, particleboard, and plywood use formaldehyde-based adhesives that can off-gas over time.
What is an FSC certified wood bed frame?
FSC, or the Forest Stewardship Council certification, is focused on responsible management of forests. For wood, it means that the trees it comes from meet forest management standards, indigenous people’s rights are respected when harvesting, and old growth forests are not disturbed. It’s a fantastic certification in terms of our environment and community, but FSC-certified wood can still be treated or finished with less than healthy stains. Look for GS-11, low VOC, or other indicators that the wood is still healthy— learn more on my wood, finishes, and stains guide here.
Is plywood safe for a bed frame?
Plywood can be safe for a bed frame if it is formaldehyde free. Plywood is used in bed frames because it is a very strong material, made of many layers of super-thin pieces of solid wood. Each layer’s grain is stacked perpendicular to the one above and below it, and all the layers are glued together with an adhesive binder (plywood can have up to 3.5% binder by weight). Alternating the wood grain at perpendicular angles makes plywood even stronger than solid wood, and is why you see it used in bed frames— usually as a flat base or for the slats. As long as the glue or binder used in it is non-toxic, this can be an OK choice that’s second-best to solid wood — learn more on my wood, finishes, and stains guide here.
What is a non toxic wood stain for a bed frame?
A completely natural wood stain like coffee is completely safe, but of course, this isn’t common in store-bought furniture. Water-based wood stains are relatively non-toxic, especially ones with certifications like GreenSeal-11 ensuring the most harmful additives are avoided. Ones without VOCs, antimicrobials, chemical drying agents, or heavy metals are a better choice. Oil-based wood stains with standard chemicals that release high VOCs can irritate your respiratory system and more— learn more on my wood, finishes, and stains guide here.
What is the difference between wood stain and wood finish for bed frames?
Wood stains add color to natural wood, while a finish protects it.
What are plant-based oil finishes on wooden bed frames?
Linseed, hemp, and tung oil are types of plant-based oil finishes. Linseed oil comes from the flax plant. Hemp oil comes from the cannabis plant. Tung oil comes from the Tung tree (Vernicia fordii), native to China, Myanmar, and North Vietnam.
What are solvent-based finishes?
Varnish, acrylic, synthetic lacquer, and urethane-based finishes all require a much higher solvent concentration than water-based finishes, so are quite high in VOCs that irritate your respiratory tract. They also often contain carcinogenic chemicals.
Non-Toxic Upholstered Bed Frames
Are upholstered bed frames toxic?
Yes, conventional upholstered bed frames made with polyurethane foam and polyester can be toxic due to flame retardants and VOCs in the foam padding, fabric processing chemicals in synthetic fabrics, and high-VOC adhesives. In any room, the foam, fabric, and glues used in upholstered furniture are common sources of chemical off-gassing that can affect indoor air quality, which becomes a major problem in the bedroom, where your body heals every night.
However, now there are a handful of organic upholstered bed frames available, made with organic latex, wool, and natural fabrics. These are much safer for your health.
More About Healthy Bed Frames
What is the purpose of a bed frame?
The main reason bed frames are important is to provide air flow for the underside of your mattress or box spring. Without air flow, moisture, mold, and bacteria can thrive.
Is sleeping without a bed frame bad for you?
Yes, because it may be bad for your mattress, causing moisture and mold build up underneath, and this will eventually be bad for you. While sleeping with your mattress directly on the floor provides a firm, supportive surface, it doesn’t allow for any air to flow under the mattress, and along with moisture and mold, bacteria can easily build up, too. At a minimum, I recommend getting a basic foundation to provide airflow, even if you don’t want a full bed frame.
Would an ultra low profile platform bed provide enough air flow to prevent mold growth in the mattress?
It is possible. If your bedroom has low humidity and good air flow, it should be fine. You can use a hygrometer to understand humidity levels (higher humidity = more chance for mold to grow)— here are hygrometers and indoor air quality monitors I recommend. Add in good air flow with a fan or air purifier that circulates air effectively, and even a dehumidifier if you want to lower levels. If you live in a desert climate, you probably don’t need to worry as much.
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