Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Travel
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Property
  • Health
  • TV
  • Podcasts
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Travel
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Property
  • Health
  • TV
  • Podcasts
Subscribe
YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to give old wrought iron furniture a makeover

How to give old wrought iron furniture a makeover

Reader project: From old coffee table to Hamptons-style ottoman

Reader project: From old coffee table to Hamptons-style ottoman

6 household items that can remove ink from furniture

6 household items that can remove ink from furniture

Tara’s clever flat pack drawers hack

Tara’s clever flat pack drawers hack

{headline}

{headline}

10 best furniture stores in Sydney

10 best furniture stores in Sydney

Top picks from Big W’s spring collection

Top picks from Big W’s spring collection

Where to shop for the best quality sofas in Australia

Where to shop for the best quality sofas in Australia

{headline}

{headline}

Research reveals flatpack furniture is a cause of conflict in Australian households

Research reveals flatpack furniture is a cause of conflict in Australian households

A country-style cabinet gets an amazing Hamptons makeover

A country-style cabinet gets an amazing Hamptons makeover

3 reasons why you should never release a balloon into the sky

3 reasons why you should never release a balloon into the sky

How to make cheap furniture look expensive

How to make cheap furniture look expensive

This is how much money you could save by giving up single-use plastic

This is how much money you could save by giving up single-use plastic

11 products you can get from Ikea that are actually handmade

11 products you can get from Ikea that are actually handmade

How to restore antique furniture

How to restore antique furniture

  1. Home
  2. Decorating

How to choose non-toxic furniture

That's also good for the environment. - by Rebecca Lowrey Boyd
  • 30 Aug 2019
How to choose non-toxic furniture
Getty

An increasing number of studies have revealed that toxic chemicals can be found lurking in a number of places around your home – from your sofa to your fabric softener.

Pesticides, phthalates, flame retardants and bisphenol have been found in many household products, including furniture.

According to a report in The Guardian earlier this year, furniture with polyurethane foam, for example, could have flame retardant chemicals present and should be avoided.

So how can you be sure that your furniture doesn’t contain harmful chemicals?

Sofa with vase of flowers on coffee table
Getty

Hobart-based furniture maker and designer Nick Randall says that one of the best ways is to buy quality, handmade items sourced locally. Not only is it safer, but it’s also better for the environment and can save you money in the long run.

“By finding a reputable local maker who can design and make custom works which fulfil your exact needs, you can also specify that you require the materials such as timber be sustainably harvested and that glues and finishes are non-toxic.”

“Cheap, mass-produced furniture often only lasts for a short period of time, meaning that people have to regularly buy new work,” said Nick.

Nick Randall console table

One of Nick's handcrafted pieces

Nick Randall

Nick said consumers should consider the following tips to ensure that their furniture is not only free of toxic materials, but it helps to reduce their environmental impact: 

  1. Using organic materials such as untreated timber will mean your furniture is free of toxic chemicals.
  2. Selecting organic and non-toxic finishes and glues.
  3. Consider using sustainably harvested or salvaged timber – and seek the advice of a skilled furniture maker.

“By buying high-quality products in the first instance, you’ll save yourself money in the long run and you’ll create a safer and more environmentally-friendly home,” adds Nick.

WATCH this healthy home walk-around on Better Homes and Gardens

You might also like:

Why there is no escaping cancer-causing chemicals

This is where you can buy the healthiest eco-friendly paint in Australia

How many times you need to reuse enviro bags to be green

  • Decorating
  • Health
  • Living Room Ideas
  • Lounge Room Ideas
Rebecca Lowrey Boyd
Rebecca is the Digital Managing Editor of Better Homes and Gardens.

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Subscribe for $4.95 per issue

Subscribe Now
Get your mag delivered!

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Subscribe for $4.95 per issue

Subscribe Now
Get your mag delivered!

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to give old wrought iron furniture a makeover

How to give old wrought iron furniture a makeover

Reader project: From old coffee table to Hamptons-style ottoman

Reader project: From old coffee table to Hamptons-style ottoman

6 household items that can remove ink from furniture

6 household items that can remove ink from furniture

Tara’s clever flat pack drawers hack

Tara’s clever flat pack drawers hack

{headline}

{headline}

10 best furniture stores in Sydney

10 best furniture stores in Sydney

Top picks from Big W’s spring collection

Top picks from Big W’s spring collection

Where to shop for the best quality sofas in Australia

Where to shop for the best quality sofas in Australia

{headline}

{headline}

Research reveals flatpack furniture is a cause of conflict in Australian households

Research reveals flatpack furniture is a cause of conflict in Australian households

A country-style cabinet gets an amazing Hamptons makeover

A country-style cabinet gets an amazing Hamptons makeover

3 reasons why you should never release a balloon into the sky

3 reasons why you should never release a balloon into the sky

How to make cheap furniture look expensive

How to make cheap furniture look expensive

This is how much money you could save by giving up single-use plastic

This is how much money you could save by giving up single-use plastic

11 products you can get from Ikea that are actually handmade

11 products you can get from Ikea that are actually handmade

How to restore antique furniture

How to restore antique furniture

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Instyle
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
  • Health Engine
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Shop This Offer
Get your mag delivered!