Shop by Room ➜ Living Room ➜ Couches
Organic Couches
By Dr. Meg Christensen | Updated November 2025
I don't trust "non-toxic couch” marketing—instead, I examine every layer: foam, adhesives, fabric treatments, and wood finishes. I decode how healthy GOTS, GreenGuard, and OEKO-TEX actually are, and rate and rank couch brands from healthiest to least healthy.
Extremely healthy sofas, with a range of totally natural options, especially for their OEKO-TEX or GOTS certified organic fabric upholstery which comes in a ton of healthy options and colors. All of their organic sectional sofas contain totally organic couch cushions made with GOLS certified latex — they don’t use polyurethane foam at all. Frames are solid wood and their springs are handmade, meaning these couches will last generations. Essentially an organic online couch company with a large display of pre-designed couches on their website, many in the organic modern furniture style. The ratings below represent their healthiest options.
Totally organic and super healthy couches, all handmade and custom order. High quality, made by skilled craftspeople using traditional techniques, so you know it’ll last forever. Zero-VOC glues used only when necessary. Entirely solid wood couch frames and only natural and GOTS certified organic couch upholstery; no polyester or other plastic-based fabrics whatsoever. They use latex, kapok, down, cotton, and wool filling; no foam. Can replicate any couch you like aesthetically, but with healthy materials. You can design your own non toxic sectional couch, or organic floor couch, for example.
Savvy Rest uses only natural materials and is unique for using softer, more plush Talalay latex, which can be nice for a couch (most latex couches use Dunlop latex, which is organic, but firmer). Their Talalay is C2C certified, which means it’s made without fillers and meets the highest health standard available. They’re an online couch company with one straightforward couch, loveseat, and armchair option. They don’t use foam or synthetic fabrics at all— just the latex, organic cotton, and hemp. They have the modern organic couch look perfected, and use organic fabrics, water based glues, and solid wood. Importantly, their certifications are easily displayed and understandable.
Cisco Home
Really beautiful couches you can customize with their range of materials. Choose from regular foam to GOLS certified organic Dunlop latex to all feathers. Their Iris Linen collection is their upholstery choice that is GOTS certified organic. They also use Crypton Home performance fabrics, which are free of PFAS and an overall better choice when choosing polyester fabrics. They also use solid wood frame, water based stains, plant based finishes, and water based glues. The ratings below represent their healthiest options, if you go their totally natural route.
This is the non toxic couch brand I chose for my home. They’re handmade with organic materials, but they have a spectrum of options, too, including plant-based performance upholstery. This makes it the best couch for pets, and the best couch for kids. I have their Mota Sectional in latex and wool, and love it. Their Lala sofa is the most affordable truly organic sofa available anywhere. You can customize yourself online, or have them help— they were so nice. They have non toxic sectional couches, and organic sleeper sofas, too.
TFS uses both USDA certified cotton and GOTS certified organic cotton— but just because a fiber is certified organic in the field by USDA doesn’t mean it stays organic throughout processing, which is what GOTS ensures. I’m a little prickly about this — no one should be tricked into thinking something is healthier than it is. That said, they do use GOLS certified organic latex and OEKO TEX certified wool and coconut coir, as well as healthy finishes and glues. I simply recommend reading the ingredients of each couch carefully and asking questions. They do have organic sectional couches, and organic futons, too.
Roger and Chris make all of their non toxic furniture out of solid wood and use low-VOC glues and water-based low VOC stains, including their very pretty organic sofas. They also handcraft non-toxic sectionals, ottomans, and sleeper beds, with customizable health options for every layer. Choose between flame retardant free CertiPUR foam or GOLS certified organic latex. They have OEKO TEX certified and PFAS free non toxic upholstery, as well as a variety of other options. The ratings below represent their healthiest options.
Green Row is unique in the world of natural couches: they have patterned slipcovers and a very different style than most healthy options. They use natural but uncertified latex, and OEKO TEX fabrics. These materials make them healthier than standard couches, though I didn’t get a response on what kind of wood stains, finishes, or glues they use; I assume standard low VOC because they use a low-VOC sealant on the springs inside. I asked if they use engineered wood; they said each couch is made differently, so you’d have to ask about each one separately. before you buy— worth an email before purchasing. Owned by Williams Sonoma.
Are 7th Avenue couches non toxic? Of the sofas made with foam and OEKO TEX certified polyester (and there are many now), 7th Ave currently comes out as the least toxic. Their upholsteries are polyester-linen blends with OEKO TEX certification and contain no PFAS, formaldehyde, or flame retardants. Their frames are solid wood. They are highly responsive to questions about materials, which I always think is a good sign and appreciate. All in all, this is the best non toxic modular sofa available so far.
Is Anabei non toxic? Anabei cleverly uses a steel frame instead of a wooden one, meaning there are no wood stains or formaldehyde-filled particleboards to worry about. This, combined with their OEKO TEX fabrics, makes Anabei a decent choice for a foam couch. No PFAS, and they have pet- and kid- friendly washable performance fabric. They make relatively non toxic loveseat, sectional, and sofas, and are also very affordable. Memory foam has more undisclosed additives than standard foam, so choosing standard may reduce exposure. They stated that if needed, they use water-based glues in their cushions. So, some off-gassing is possible, but should be less than a standard couch.
Is Silk and Snow non toxic? Their modular couches, sectionals, and ottomans are OK, though not nearly as non-toxic as their mattresses are! I had to do a little emailing to find out that the frame is made with engineered wood (LVL) and though they didn’t tell me what type of wood stains, finishes, and glues they use, they did state that they do not use formaldehyde in the creation of the sofa. Without GreenGuard certification, it’s hard to know whether any off-gassing will occur. Happily, they did confirm that their stain-resistant upholsteries are OEKO TEX certified, and all are PFAS free. Likewise, their polyurethane foam is free of flame retardants. They were very responsive to my questions.
Burrow
Is Burrow non toxic? My burrow couch review changed in late 2024, when they added healthier options like OEKO TEX certified fabric and formaldehyde-free engineered wood (in addition to steel and hardwood) in their couch frames. A live chat agent told me they also now use low-VOC stains and glues. All of which was not the case in an email conversation in early 2024, when they were still advertising themselves as “non-toxic.” I still feel a little betrayed by that early advertising— I am quite prickly about healthwashing. That said, they are affordable, they are making steps in a healthier direction, and this is exactly why I have an objective rating scale that takes my emotions out of it! They now rank above several of the other brands from a material health point of view.
Is Inside Weather non toxic? Sort of. They have one modular sofa, loveseat, and sofa, and the brand is often referred to as a non toxic couch company. They do have the option to choose OEKO TEX certified upholstery, and have regular foam instead of solely memory foam. They use a solid ash frame, and low VOC stains and glues, so they’re OK. (Inside Weather owns Anabei, Jackfruit, and Diorama. I won’t even rate Diorama because they are just made of so.much.foam, which has health concerns —read more here. Likewise, Jackfruit only has a memory foam option, which has more undisclosed additives than standard foam.)
Is Sabai non toxic? Sabai makes eco-friendly couches, and while I love their committment to sustainability and the fact that you can repair them instead of throw them away when they need fixing, their materials are more eco-friendly than non-toxic. Their plywood frames are second-best to solid wood, still better than MDF, OSB, and other types of fake wood, which contain more added formaldehyde. I don’t love recycled fabric from a health point of view, because the plastic it comes from is of unknown origin and may have nasties like BPA in it. Nor do I love Olefin which requires quite a bit of chemical additives to turn it from a hard plastic to a soft fabric-like one. But! They do have hemp upholstery, and though it isn’t OEKO TEX certified, hemp doesn’t require pesticides to grow, so this would be your healthiest option.
Maiden Home
Is Maiden Home non toxic? They use standard polyurethane foam, and have some fabrics that contain PFAS for stain and water resistance. But, they do offer 4 OEKO TEX certified fabrics (Stonewashed Linen, Woven Chenille, Belgian Linen, and Textured Tweed) which do not have PFAS. Most of their fabrics contain at least some polyester. I highly recommend you email them to ask specifically when choosing the specific fabric you want— they have a wide selection that changes, so I can’t speak for each one, but they are very responsive to questions. The rating below is for their OEKO TEX certified fabrics only. A PFAS fabric would get an X. Their frame is solid wood, and they use synthetic but low VOC stains and glues.
Are Crate and Barrel couches non toxic? GreenGuard Gold couch line just means they off-gas VOCs under a set limit. GreenGuard Gold doesn’t address non-VOC chemicals like PFAS, phthalates, or flame retardants. But! Crate and Barrel has banned flame retardants and all PFAS in non-cookware items, putting them a step ahead of other big couch companies. Mostly polyester upholstery; if you go with a performance option, choose one that is OEKO TEX certified to make it healthier. They use standard polyurethane foam, an engineered hardwood frame, and though Customer Service couldn’t tell me what brand of stains and glues they use, though they are likely low VOC since they have that GreenGuard certification. I appreciate their step in the right direction setting a better standard for big name brands.
Are Room and Board couches non-toxic? They use CertiPUR foam and go the extra step of clarifying that they don’t allow phthalates, antimicrobials, PFAS, formaldehyde, or flame retardants in their couches. They have some natural fiber upholstery options, but with an undisclosed stain repellant finish (likely a C0 DWR, much better than PFAS). They use solid and engineered hardwood for the frame and all of their glues and stains are low VOC.
IKEA
Are IKEA couches non toxic? No, but they’re still better than most. IKEA is incredible for their transparency, and they’ve banned certain chemicals like lead, BPA, and added formaldehyde much faster than the majority of couch companies in the US. They’re also super affordable, and I respect both of these things so much, I hate to rank them last! Still, my material health ratings are objective, so here is where it stays. With a few strategies (like a couch cover or pad, and ventilation), their imperfectly healthy furniture can be an affordable less toxic couch option. They use standard polyurethane foam, and polyester and polypropylene upholstery, along with frames made of veneer lumber, fiberboard, plywood, and plastic frames. Their glues can off-gas noticeably, as well.
Pottery Barn and West Elm
Owned by the same company, Pottery Barn and West Elms’ GreenGuard Gold couches doesn’t mean their couches are perfectly healthy, but that they will off-gas VOCs under strict limits (my video on this topic here). They use standard polyurethane foam and an engineered wood frame. Their upholstery options are mostly polyester, but they do have a 100% cotton option. No OEKO TEX certifications. They do not use Flame Retardants, but I would email them to confirm there are no PFAS in the fabric you want; they have not banned these like Crate and Barrel has. Their finishes, stains, and glues are confirmed low VOC. The GreenGuard Gold verification does mean that it won’t off-gas as much as a sofa with similar fabrics and stains, so that is good! Shop West Elm here or Pottery Barn here.
More Healthy Design for You
Organic Mattresses, Rated and Ranked
Shower Purifier Heads, Rated and Ranked
What I Use in My Home
Non Toxic Couch Protectors
Non-Toxic Couch FAQ: Certifications, Materials & Safety Explained
What is an organic couch?
What is an organic couch made of?
Natural couches are made of solid wood frames and legs, screws and non-toxic glue that holds it together, springs, organic rubber latex wrapped in wool to act as a natural flame retardant, and an organic cotton or linen upholstery. Importantly, organic couches do not have the Flame Retardants, PFAS, lead, phthalates, BPA, or formaldehyde that standard couches do.
What is the best organic sofa brand?
The best non toxic couch for you may rely on other factors besides health, which the couches on this page are ranked in order of. So, how to choose a non toxic couch?
Medley’s Lala sofa is the most affordable truly organic couch, if you’re prioritizing healthy materials on a budget.
Anabei couches start in the triple digits and are less toxic, not non-toxic, but still healthier than standard.
Sabai is the best eco friendly couch brand, since they incorporate recycled materials, though it is not quite as healthy for people as the other ones listed. Any of the first 8 couches listed above are also a good choice for sustainabile couches, since they’re made by hand in the US with natural and organic materials— no shipping or pesticides involved.
Ecobalanza is the best organic couch if aesthetics are your priority. They can work with you to replicate any style or specific design, and have a broader range than many other natural couches— which admittedly often have a similar, “California Modern” style.
Finally, any couch you choose, no matter how healthy, is great— Interior Medicine is not about perfection, but about informed decision!
Is an organic couch worth it?
Yes! The list of chemicals used to make couches is quite sobering— IKEA is amazingly transparent about what they prohibit and what levels of chemicals like BPA, formaldehyde, and flame retardants they do allow— see the list here. Most standard couch companies are not this healthy, nor this transparent, which is why this page and Interior Medicine exists! Sofas are materially complicated, and a high-touch surface, making a healthy one important. They’re arguably the most important part of a non toxic living room, since you’re likely spending time in direct contact with it every day. Read about each layer by clicking on the symbols below each brand above. This way, even if you don’t choose the absolute healthiest option (which can be quite an investment) you’ll be thoroughly informed about your decision and can mitigate any imperfectly healthy aspects of it.
Why does my organic couch have a Prop 65 warning?
Very likely, this is for wood dust. Prop 65 considers the health of people throughout the entire life cycle of your couch, meaning not just you, but the people who manufactured it, too. Without proper protection, if a worker breathes in wood dust, it increases their chances of getting nasal cancer. Once it gets to you, this is not a risk. Prop 65 can be very, very confusing. I recommend reaching out to the manufacturer of your couch to learn more.
Non Toxic Couch Materials
What is the least toxic couch material?
A couch made with natural or organic latex and fabric, without the use of high VOC glues or wood stains are what the best sofas are made of.
What is natural latex?
Natural latex is the same thing as natural rubber. It comes from the Hevea brasiliensis tree. It is a milky white liquid that can be baked to form a springy, foam-like substance. There are two types, depending on how it is processed— Dunlop and Talalay. Read about the difference in my guide to foam, here. FYI, natural rubber latex is often confused with synthetic (human-made) latex, which is made of the chemical mixture styrene-butadiene— but they’re obviously very different!
Does latex last as long as foam?
It lasts longer! Polyurethane foam is typically rated to last 8-10 years before it breaks down and needs replacing, whereas latex lasts 10-12 years.
Are new couches toxic? Are old couches non-toxic?
Are foam couches toxic?
Yes, most likely. While I’m tempted to say with certainty that all PU foam is toxic, I can’t quite say 100% yes because of the lack of transparency in the ever-changing ingredients lists. The lists are considered a proprietary secret, so that different companies can create different textures and types of foam without being copied. The little that we do know about the ingredients is unflattering when they are revealed, and they keep changing in reaction to updated health and environmental policy rules. For example, the blowing agents used in foam manufacturing changed in 2020 from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) because HFCs were causing environmental harm (now, the new HFOs may be banned because they qualify as a forever chemical in some states). The main catalyst used in foam, stannous octoate, was declared a reprotoxic 1B chemical that may damage unborn children (fetuses) and some (not all) foam started being made without it in 2023. Flame retardants are no longer allowed in some foam in some states as we’ve learned how harmful they are to the human body and the environment (and cats— cats get hyperthyroidism, an endocrine disruption disorder, due to flame retardant exposure!). The level of VOCs foam emits is also lower now than it used to be, because consumers were bothered by the fact that foam off-gasses toluene, xylene, and acetone, among many other compounds, and the industry adjusted to make their foams less smelly. While all of the above certainly qualifies foam, in my opinion, as 100% yes, toxic — if you choose foam made without any of these things, is it still toxic? My hunch is: probably! There are very likely more unsavory chemicals being used in it now that we may discover and ban in the future. But, without knowing what they are, and how they interact with the body, I can’t say for sure. For this reason, I practice the Precautionary Principle with foam, and avoid it as often as I can.
Are old couches a safer non-toxic option than new ones?
No, while older couches have finished off-gassing VOCs, which is nice, my concern lies with the foam and the additives like flame retardants within it. Foam breaks down over time, releasing the chemicals of concern into your environment. Moreover, flame retardants have been phased out successfully over the last 10 or so years, but were very common in couches starting in the 1960s through the early 2010s. If you get an older couch, look for one that has only been used lightly, so isn’t experiencing much foam breakdown, and that has a TB117 tag stating that it doesn’t contain flame retardants. Read more below about how foam chemicals move from the cushions into your body, and more affordable alternatives to old couches.
How do I check my couch for flame retardants?
Your couch should have a tag on the underside that states whether it meets TB117, a law that ensures the couch isn’t too flammable. If it says it meets TB117, with no other information, it very likely has flame retardants. This is almost a guarantee if your couch was made before 2013. If it has a checkmark next to “contains no added flame retardants” then you are in luck! The Duke University Foam Project has been tracking samples from couch foam for many years, and happily shut down in May 2024 because less than 10% of the furniture foam consumers were sending in for testing came back with flame retardants. We are headed in the right direction!
Should I prioritize safe couch foam or safe upholstery fabric?
This is one of the most common questions I get, and it's a smart one! When you can't afford both GOLS-certified latex foam and GOTS-certified organic upholstery, I recommend prioritizing safe foam over safe fabric, most of the time, for most people.
Why foam should be your priority:
Foam can contain so many times more chemicals compared to fabric, simply because of the volume used in a couch. This study found that 2.9% of an upholstered chair’s foam was flame retardants by weight—that's 29,000 parts per million of flame retardant chemicals in a single cushion! That translates to an estimated human exposure of 35–80 ng/kg/day!
The health regulations on polyurethane foam are much more relaxed (CertiPUR) than they are for fabric (GOTS, OEKO TEX.)
When fabric might be your priority instead:
Tighter budget: even if you opt for regular polyurethane foam and an OEKO TEX certified or GOTS certified upholstery, it is still a great, healthier option— I promise! Health is about so more than any single object in your home and I certainly don’t want you stressing. (Please read why I think so in Interior Medicine’s philosophy here.)
Upholstery allergy: if you or a family member is allergic to flax (linen), cotton, or are worried about being allergic to plant-based DWR, prioritize the fabric that works best for you instead of the foam.
How do couch chemicals get into your body?
Understanding the two ways foam chemicals leave couch cushions, and the three ways they enter your body through exposure routes, explains why choosing a non-toxic couch matters for your health.
How chemicals leave polyurethane couch foam:
Polyurethane foam and memory foam couch cushions (memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam with extra additives) are made mostly from polyols and isocyanates, two chemicals bonded together. However, the dozens of additives mixed into furniture foam—flame retardants, catalysts, plasticizers, and proprietary chemicals—are not chemically bonded to the foam structure. Over time, as couch cushions degrade from sitting pressure, body heat, friction, and oxidation, these additives fall out via two pathways:
Into the air (VOCs - Volatile Organic Compounds): Lightweight chemicals evaporate from couch foam as gases, creating the distinct "new furniture smell." This off-gassing continues for months to years as foam slowly releases volatile chemicals like benzene, toluene, and styrene into your living room air. Body heat accelerates this process—every time you sit on your couch, your body acts like a heating pad pressed against the cushions, driving faster VOC release directly into the air you're breathing.
Into dust (sVOCs - Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds): Heavier chemicals, especially flame retardants like PBDEs, can't evaporate into the air. Instead, they fall out of degrading couch foam into household dust and settle onto floors, coffee tables, and other furniture surfaces. Flame retardants are particularly persistent in household dust because they're chemically designed to resist breakdown. As couch cushions compress and release thousands of times from normal use, they shed microscopic foam particles laden with these chemicals.
Three ways couch chemicals enter your body:
After chemicals have left the foam cushions, there are three ways they then enter your body: inhalation (breathing), ingestion (swallowing contaminated dust), and dermal absorption (through skin).
Inhalation (breathing): You breathe VOCs and lightweight chemical particles suspended in your living room air while sitting on your couch. If you spend 3-5 hours daily on your sofa with your face close to cushions and upholstery, you inhale significant quantities of off-gassing chemicals directly into your lungs, where they enter your bloodstream. This is the primary exposure route for VOCs from couch foam.
Ingestion (swallowing contaminated dust): Adults ingest approximately 50mg of household dust daily through hand-to-mouth contact—touching dusty surfaces (like your couch armrest or coffee table), then touching your face, eating, or drinking. Children ingest 100mg daily due to more floor time and frequent hand-to-mouth behavior. Flame retardants and other couch chemicals in this dust are swallowed and absorbed through your digestive system. This is the primary exposure route for sVOCs like flame retardants from furniture foam.
Dermal absorption (through skin): Not every chemical passes through skin, but some are small enough and have the right properties to do so—especially during prolonged direct contact while sitting, lounging, or napping on your couch. Flame retardants and other additives that have migrated to the cushion surface or upholstery fabric are dermally absorbed through exposed skin (arms, legs, neck) and enter your bloodstream.
Why this matters for couches specifically:
Couches represent one of your highest exposures to furniture foam chemicals. Unlike occasional-use items, you sit on your sofa for hours daily—often 3+ hours of direct contact. When you're relaxing with your face near cushions, reading, watching TV, or napping, you're in the breathing zone for off-gassing VOCs. The direct skin contact on arms, legs, and sometimes your face also maximizes dermal absorption of chemicals that have migrated to the surface.
Children face even higher exposure because they play on couches, put their faces directly on cushions, and spend time on floors near furniture where chemical-laden dust settles.
Is CertiPUR foam safe for couches?
No, CertiPUR-US certified foam is not truly non-toxic for couch cushions, despite marketing claims suggesting otherwise. Many upholstered couches and sofas advertise "CertiPUR-US certified" foam as if this designation means non-toxic furniture. It doesn't. CertiPUR-US is an industry-created certification (not a true third-party standard) that prohibits some of the worst chemicals while allowing most others under "acceptable limits." These limits still permit formaldehyde, benzene, flame retardants, heavy metals, and phthalates in your couch foam—just in lower concentrations.
The concern is particularly significant for couches because you're in direct, prolonged contact with this foam daily—sitting, lying, and sometimes sleeping on these cushions for hours at a time.
What CertiPUR-US prohibits in couch foam:
Some flame retardants: DMMP, HBCD, PBB, PCT, and TDBPP
Some blowing agents: CFCs, HCFC, and methylene chloride
Chlorinated phenols
What CertiPUR-US still allows in couch cushions (just under specific limits):
Formaldehyde: Known carcinogen and respiratory irritant (limited to 0.5 ppm)
PBDE flame retardants: Endocrine-disrupting, bioaccumulative chemicals (limited to 1 ppm)
Benzene, toluene, styrene, and other VOCs: Cause headaches, dizziness, respiratory irritation, and can enter your bloodstream during typical couch use
Aromatic hydrocarbons: Linked to lung cancer and heart disease
Stannous octoate: Reproductive hazard (limit only added in 2023—before that, unlimited amounts were allowed in "certified" couch foam)
Heavy metals: Antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and selenium (under limits)
13 types of phthalates: Endocrine disruptors (note: there are 20+ types of phthalates total, so others aren't addressed at all)
Why "under limits" doesn't mean safe couch foam:
"Under limits" represents a step in the right direction, but considering your constant exposure to polyurethane foam throughout your home (couches, mattresses, car seats, upholstered dining chairs, office chairs, throw pillows), limits in just your couch cushions don't mean safe overall exposure. These chemicals bioaccumulate over time, meaning small daily exposures from sitting on your sofa add up to significant body burden over months and years.
When you're choosing furniture you'll use for 3-5+ hours daily, the cumulative chemical exposure from CertiPUR foam couch cushions becomes a legitimate health consideration.
Truly non-toxic alternatives for couch cushions: Look for couches with GOLS-certified organic latex foam cushions or GOTS-certified organic wool filling. These materials provide comfortable, durable seating without the chemical additives found in polyurethane foam.
What should I do if I can’t afford a non-toxic couch?
If you need to keep a foam couch, dusting, mopping, and vacuuming weekly can pick up any sVOCs (like Flame Retardants) that come from couches invisibly shedding over time. You can ventilate by opening windows daily to help release any VOCs off-gassing from foam. And, you can consider an organic couch cover which may help protect you from anything nasty underneath.
If you can buy a new couch, and can spend a moderate amount:
Consider buying a floor model from an organic couch company that sells them at clearance prices. You can see Medley’s clearance section here and their Lala couch is the most affordable option of any organic couch. Couch Seattle’s clearance section is here.
Consider buying a couch made with a mixture of materials— choosing regular foam but an organic or OEKO TEX certified upholstery can save you money. Or, vice versa. Choose CertiPUR foam and healthy upholstery. Embrace the baby steps and grey area.
If you need to buy the most affordable non toxic couch, consider an IKEA couch and add an organic or natural couch cover to it. A cover may help in three ways:
Reducing foam breakdown by reducing the amount of friction on the foam. Foam degradation releases semi-volatile organic compounds (sVOCs), which are relatively heavy molecules, meaning they don’t vaporize or off-gas into the air. An example of sVOCs are Flame Retardants, a very common foam additive in mattresses, which settle into dust. Having an organic and safe layer between your body’s movements and the couch containing sVOCs may help.
Decreasing body heat in contact with the foam. Body heat in contact with foam is known to speed up off-gassing of VOCs. A couch cover should reduce the amount of heat transfer between your body and the polyurethane foam.
Protecting you from fabric finishes. Even IKEA, which is more health-forward than most standard couch companies allow some BPA and formaldehyde in some of their upholstery. A healthy cover or pad may protect you from direct skin contact.
Finally, wait it out and play the long game— keep emailing companies with questions about their materials and asking for less toxic options. Continued consumer pressure on the foam industry and furniture businesses should drive more couch companies to make healthier options with natural materials, driving competition up and prices down, as we’ve seen with the mattress industry, where there are now many natural options at the same price as standard foam.
What is the best non toxic couch fabric?
What does GOTS certified organic mean for couches?
GOTS is short for the Global Organic Textile Standard. It is the gold standard 3rd party certification for organic fabrics made from natural fibers like wool, cotton, linen, and others. Fabric with the GOTS-certified organic label means that at least 95% of the starting fibers are certified organic, and ensures that the fabric remains healthy throughout the entire manufacturing process. This means the dyes and other chemicals used are safer for human and ecological health than standard fabric processing methods. No harmful finishes may be added to the final product.
What is OEKO TEX certification for couch fabric?
OEKO-TEX certification evaluates the finished upholstery fabric on your couch, testing both natural and synthetic materials for harmful chemical residues. Whether your couch is covered in organic cotton, linen, polyester, polypropylene, or blended fabrics, any of these materials can potentially qualify for OEKO-TEX certification—but only if the final upholstery meets strict limits for chemical content after all dyeing, finishing, and treatment processes are complete.
This matters because OEKO-TEX tests what you're actually sitting on and touching daily, not just the raw fiber before processing. Many chemicals are added during fabric production—dyes, stain repellents, anti-wrinkle treatments, softeners—and OEKO-TEX limits how much of these substances can remain in the upholstery you bring into your home.
What OEKO-TEX allows and prohibits in couch upholstery:
OEKO-TEX does allow some potentially harmful chemicals in couch fabric, but in much lower quantities than standard textile processing permits. The certification bans flame retardants in almost all cases, with narrow exceptions for specialized applications (like firefighter protective clothing, which obviously doesn't apply to residential furniture). This flame retardant restriction is particularly important for couch upholstery, since sofas have historically been treated with problematic fire retardant chemicals.
The specific limits and prohibited substances are updated annually as new research emerges. You can review the current year's limits and testing parameters here.
Why OEKO-TEX matters for couch safety:
Because you spend hours daily in direct contact with your couch fabric—sitting, leaning, sometimes napping—the chemical content of upholstery represents a significant exposure pathway. OEKO-TEX certification provides third-party verification that your couch fabric has been tested for hundreds of harmful substances and meets health-protective limits, making it a valuable standard when evaluating upholstered furniture options.
What else is in my couch fabric?
Making fabric is a surprisingly chemically-intensive process. For natural curtains, if the fibers are grown conventionally, pesticides and fertilizers are used. Synthetic sheets (polyester, microfiber, etc) come from petroleum. Acids, scouring chemicals, and other processing agents used to wash fibers. Fiber-strengthening chemicals are aded to turn the fibers into sheets of fabric. Detergents, solvents, bleaches, acids, and enzymes are used to remove chemicals from previous steps, make the fabrics lighter, or prepare them to accept dyes in the next step. Pigments, binders, plasticizers, PVC, and other polymers (plastics) are used in this step, to make the dyes stick to the surface of the fabric. Finally, chemical treatments are added to make the fabric perform a certain way. Formaldehyde resins offer wrinkle-resistance, other resins work for anti-pilling, PFAS for stain-resistance, polyglycols for anti-pilling, acrylates or PVC with plasticizers for protective coatings, and flame retardants for fire resistance. Read more about this process and fabric in general in my Fabric Guide.
What is C0 DWR couch upholstery?
C0 DWR stands for Durable Water Repellant made with zero fluorinated carbon. It’s a finish applied to fabric to make it stain- and water- resistant. It does not contain PFAS, which are the fluorinated chemicals that are very water- and stain- repellant, but have caused so many health problems. C6 and C8 DWR are types of PFAS-containing finishes.
What is C0 DWR made of?
I don’t know, and neither do the couch companies above— yet. They buy their performance upholstery from manufacturers that make the fabric, and generally don’t have access to the exact ingredients.
Since the world has learned about the detrimental effects of PFAS, manufacturers have been scrambling to find something to replace them. There are several formulas used on fabrics now that are PFAS-free but still offer water- and stain- resistance. They are generally known to be plant- or seed-based and OEKO TEX certified, but that is all the information we know. Crypton Home has a Health Product Declaration for their PFAS free performance fabric, which is generally a good step toward transparency, but ironically, most of the ingredients in the stain repellency part are still undisclosed.
I do understand why— trade secrets and proprietary information are common when developing new technologies, especially now, when there is a lot of competition to be the best PFAS-free alternative. However, the lack of transparency is causing some people to worry about "regrettable substitutions" — and the possibility that in 20 years we'll find out these PFC-free options are just as bad or worse than PFAS in some unforeseen way.
Is plant based stain repellant safe?
It might be! As explained above, the ingredients are still a tightly controlled secret. I am encouraged that they are plant-based, PFAS-free, and have OEKO TEX certification. If you are still concerned, I recommend using a couch pad or cover to minimize dermal contact, or, you can opt for a couch without performance fabric.
What is polypropylene fabric used in couches?
Polypropylene couch fabric is made from polypropylene plastic that has been transformed into textile fibers. The manufacturing process begins with rigid polypropylene—the same hard plastic used in items like outdoor furniture. To create upholstery-grade material, manufacturers form chains of propylene molecules, filter them, and reduce them to a powdered resin.
During production, manufacturers add several substances to enhance the fabric's performance as couch upholstery. UV stabilizer chemicals prevent sun damage from windows. Antioxidants and colorants improve weather resistance, thermal stability, and color options for interior design. When fire-resistant couch fabric is required, flame retardants are incorporated at this stage. Additional proprietary additives may also be mixed in to enhance specific performance characteristics.
The final mixture is melted and spun into fibers, then woven into the upholstery fabric that covers your couch.
Polypropylene is often used in couch manufacturing because it completely repels water and resists oil, creating naturally stain-resistant upholstery without requiring PFAS chemical treatments. It also withstands bleach cleaning, allowing you to sanitize colored polypropylene couch fabric without fading or discoloration.
Is polypropylene couch fabric safe? Is polypropylene upholstery toxic?
The safety of polypropylene couch fabric depends heavily on which additives are present in your specific upholstery and your level of exposure to them. Because you sit on, lean against, and regularly contact your couch fabric—often for hours daily—upholstery represents a high-exposure scenario compared to other household uses of polypropylene.
Research on polypropylene products reveals concerning patterns of additive use. A study examining polypropylene medical masks found antimicrobials, flavorings, antioxidants, plasticizers, and lubricants across different layers. Similarly, 2022 research analyzing polypropylene in consumer products identified common additives including antioxidants, UV stabilizers and absorbers, thermal stabilizers, lubricants, plasticizers, and flame retardants—some of which may pose health concerns as they degrade or leach over time.
While polypropylene polymer itself is relatively stable, the industry's lack of transparency about specific formulations makes it impossible to fully assess the safety of your couch upholstery. You simply don't know which additives are in your furniture or whether they'll migrate out during normal use. The environmental concerns are also significant: polypropylene is petroleum-derived, releases toxic compounds during manufacturing, and persists as microplastic pollution for centuries without biodegrading.
How to find safer polypropylene couch fabric:
When shopping for polypropylene upholstered furniture, prioritize couches with OEKO-TEX certification. This third-party certification tests finished upholstery fabrics for harmful additives and ensure they meet strict standards for prolonged skin contact—exactly the scenario you experience when using your couch daily.
Some manufacturers also reference "food-grade polypropylene," indicating FDA approval for not leaching harmful chemicals above certain limits when exposed to heat, acidity, or other stressors. While this wasn't designed specifically for furniture applications, it does suggest lower chemical migration potential. However, textile-specific OEKO-TEX certification remains the gold standard for evaluating couch upholstery safety.
What is olefin couch fabric? Is olefin the same as polypropylene?
Olefin refers to polyolefins, a broad category of synthetic upholstery fibers that includes both polypropylene and polyethylene. In the furniture and couch upholstery industry, manufacturers use "polypropylene" and "olefin" somewhat interchangeably, though polypropylene is the more commonly used term. When you see "olefin couch fabric," it almost always means polypropylene upholstery.
How to Choose the Best Non Toxic Couch
What is the best couch for pets and kids?
5 options, from healthiest to less healthy:
Consider an organic upholstery, but add a couch pad or cover.
If you’re committed to getting a performance fabric, look for one made with OEKO TEX certified, PFAS-free, plant-based coatings.
Or, if you’re committed to getting a performance fabric, select an OEKO-TEX certified olefin, polypropylene, or polyester fabric— these materials are plastic-based, relatively safe, and cannot absorb water, making them naturally stain- and water-repellant.
Choose any olefin, polypropylene, or polyester fabric— even without OEKO TEX certification, they are still much better options than a natural fabric coated in PFAS for stain resistance.
Sunbrella started phasing out PFAS in late 2023— if you choose one of their couch upholsteries, confirm with the company what year it was made or purchased and that it doesn’t have PFAS in it.
Shop by Room ➜ Living Room ➜ Couches