1. Choosing upholstered furniture
Let's start with home furniture, where you can find the word organic on the label or in the product description.- Cushioned furniture: Look for chairs and sofas covered in natural, organic fabrics and filled with natural latex foam.
- Mattresses: organic cotton, organic wool and natural latex are good alternatives to the materials used to create conventional mattresses. Most organic latex mattresses have a core wrapped in wool (a fire retardant, naturally) or cotton or a combination of both, and some are usually wrapped in a combination of these materials. Choose mattress toppers made from organic cotton or organic wool.
2. Consider bamboo
Bamboo furniture is a good option. Although it is not technically a tree (it is a grass), it looks like a tree, and is typically grown without pesticides. Because it already grows so quickly that resistance to renewal is not a problem for it. The only drawback- transport trail.3. Transportation
Since transportation also uses energy, being responsible in transportation is also part of getting sustainable eco-friendly furniture.- Furniture must be transported efficiently without incurring excessive space and energy during transport.
- Local furniture using only local production and raw materials has less .
4. Stay away from toxic materials and finishes
The easiest way to avoid toxins such as formaldehyde is to buy furniture made from materials that do not contain them.Choose hardwood furniture that contains less paint. Less commonly, furniture made of glass and metal.
5. Try to avoid:
- Upholstery marked STAIN RESISTANT may be toxic
- Inflatable furniture, faux leather and vinyl furniture covers. All may contain phthalate based PVC.
- Furniture made from chipboard, fiberboard, plywood - anything that may contain formaldehyde adhesives.
- Avoid all tropical hardwoods (mahogany and teak) as well as mahogany and many western cedars, which are typically made from irreplaceable old-growth woods—unless they are certified.
Look for local furniture makers and artisans in local newspapers, classified websites and craft fairs. Look for artisanal furniture made from salvaged trees and wrought iron, organic wool and cotton, and recycled fabrics.
7. Choose functionality
Furniture should also be functional and durable.- Give preference to multifunctional furniture
- Durability also matters because well-made furniture with a longer functional shelf life contributes to the health of the planet without filling landfills.
8. Vintage furniture
Vintage and antique furniture are two of the most environmentally friendly choices you can make for furnishing your home. There are no hard distinctions when furniture becomes antique; For some people it's all that well forgotten old, others argue that the items should be at least 20 years old.Antique furniture is technically anything made 100 years ago. Most people simply assume that this is furniture made at the turn of the 20th century. In any case, if it is old, it does not use any additional energy, water or other resources associated with production.
If you choose antique furniture, keep the following in mind:
- Furniture must comply with current safety standards. Please note that the furniture is not radioactive.
- Vintage painted furniture manufactured before 1978 may contain lead. Old antiques - early 19th century - most likely not. Lead paint is a problem, if it peels, you can cover it with varnish for example, but this may affect appearance and the value of the work. If you have small children around, you may want to think twice before purchasing these items or delay purchasing them until your children are older.
- Refinishing or restoring antiques is also usually best left to the experts. If you are thinking about paint coating or repainting 20th century furniture, you will find that all paint contains lead and you should take appropriate precautions when working with it.
9. , restoration and repurposing
A creative approach to reusing household items is great way to come up with furniture and accessories that are truly one of a kind. This can also reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. According to the American Society of Interior Designers, 90 percent of everything manufactured in the United States ends up in landfills less than a year after production.10. Furniture
If you like to make things or have a friend who is a craftsman, you can make your own own furniture from scratch. Work with wood that has been salvaged from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, old buildings - or work with wood that has a history that can make the furniture even more special.My home is my castle! This phrase can often be heard from people trying to make their home as safe as possible from external enemies. However, we do not always think about the internal security of our home. Meanwhile, invisible enemies can easily attack us and harm our health. It's about about toxic chemicals our internal environment, which do not at all contribute to the strength of our health.
The fact is that at the moment there is a wide variety of furniture on sale that is beautiful and comfortable. However, in the process of a competitive race, manufacturers often do not focus on the safety of their products, but rather think more about how to sell them better and faster due to beauty, functionality, and a cheap price. In such cases, the consumer has to learn to navigate the peculiarities of the furniture market on his own.
Let's figure out what materials it's made from. modern furniture and determine the most suitable ones for use in our home.
Solid wood.
It is usually considered the most environmentally friendly furniture. Such furniture is made from pine, birch, oak, walnut, mahogany, alder, etc. It is the most expensive on the market and often lacks trendy appeal (in the form of print, color, design), and in order to to meet your needs - most often made individually, to order. It is more durable and safer from the point of view of releasing hazardous substances. However, even in it there may be some danger from the point of view of the environmental friendliness of the adhesives used in its manufacture, varnishes, paints, as well as special additives for treating surfaces against pests and water ingress. Such furniture must be ordered only from reliable manufacturers with quality certificates for their products.
Chipboard.
Woody - particle board made from sawdust and chips that stick together special resins, alas, most often containing formaldehyde, are then sanded and painted with enamels, which may contain phenol. After the production of the boards, they are usually laminated - covered with a paper-resin film, and then the material acquires the name laminated chipboard.
Typically, such a film prevents the release of harmful aldehydes into the air. Therefore, if you have furniture made of chipboard, then check its integrity on the surfaces, and, if necessary, seal these places with PVA or varnish. Also ensure that all edges and seams exposing chipboard material were intact, this will reduce the concentration of dangerous resins that may be released through them.
Fiberboard.
Fiberboard is made by pressing wood fibers with the addition of binding elements, which also most often contain phenol and formaldehyde, etc.
MDF.
Medium-density fiberboard is made by dry pressing fibers and gluing them together using paraffin and lingin (natural wood glue). Thus, MDF boards are safer for our health, but only if they are high quality workmanship, since manufacturers can use instead of natural adhesives epoxy resins, chemical adhesives, which also release formaldehyde.
Plastic.
Plastic furniture is safe only if it is manufactured in accordance with quality standards and is used in rooms without temperature changes, outside the influence of sun rays and heating (batteries, next to gas stoves etc.) In this case, the risk of release of polymer compounds (styrene) is quite low. However, you should not abuse its quantity in the interior, because over time, the outer covering layer is imperceptibly destroyed and harmful substances are released.
Furniture made from other natural materials
: vine (branches of shrubby willows), rattan - palm vines, reeds meet all environmental requirements and will add pleasant variety to your interior.
Whatever furniture you choose, always ask for an environmental safety certificate from the seller, which will indicate the formaldehyde emission coefficient: E 0- perfect option, E1 is an acceptable option, E2 is an average level, E3 is a dangerous option.
Thus, the safest for furniture are natural materials and MDF, provided they are made of high quality.
Leading furniture manufacturers around the world are increasingly striving to use environmentally friendly products in their production. clean materials. Tables and chairs, walls and cabinets, sofas and armchairs made from natural ingredients, or at least without toxic or harmful components, will bring peace and comfort to your home. We list materials that will not cause harm to human health and the environment.
Let's start with upholstered furniture. In upholstered furniture, the use of environmentally friendly materials; for example, natural fabrics (cotton, wool, linen, velvet) instead of synthetic ones in the upholstery of sofas and armchairs. , will last longer. Genuine, carefully crafted leather is the most prestigious and at the same time practical type of covering. At proper care it will retain its appearance for a long time. Nubuck is also environmentally friendly - it is genuine leather that has been treated by special means, so that it acquires a soft and fleecy texture, reminiscent of suede. Let us dwell on nubuck in more detail, because this material has recently begun to be actively introduced into the production of upholstered furniture. Nubuck has high strength, as well as water-repellent properties, increased wear resistance, antistatic effect, and heat resistance. So, for example, to remove ink or grease stains from furniture made of nubuck, you need to moisten with water or a solution washing powder cloth and rub the contaminated area in a circular motion. Using a dry cloth, carefully remove any remaining moisture. That's all!
Let us remind you that the “specialist” in sofas and armchairs with leather and nubuck upholstery is the Keoma factory, which recently presented in Moscow at the iSaloni exhibition 2013, their latest new products.Separately, in the production of environmentally friendly upholstered furniture, it is worth mentioning polyurethane foam - it is often used in seat cushions, backrests and armrests. This high-tech material is also environmentally friendly, and at the same time it allows you to achieve maximum comfort in upholstered furniture: there are different degrees of hardness.
Products close to upholstered furniture are mattresses for beds. As for them, here you can also find options made only from natural fillers. These include coconut coir, natural latex (from the sap of the rubber tree), horsehair, sisal, and seaweed. Natural ingredients are usually more expensive, but they are no less durable than their synthetic counterparts, and, unlike them, are hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly.
Now let’s get back to cabinet furniture and the environmental friendliness of the materials used in its production.
Solid wood is certainly the most natural material in the production of cabinet furniture. Wood is used to decorate countertops and furniture facades. Typically, coniferous and hardwood types of wood are used for this - oak and beech, pine and ash, walnut and cherry, yew and larch. The coating is often treated special compounds(stains, impregnations) to give it water resistance and more bright color or to create an unusual visual effect(patina, gilding). Paints, waxes and varnishes that are applied to the surface of an object undergo the most thorough examination. According to GOST, in furniture production It is recommended to use only compounds of the 3rd (moderately hazardous) and 4th (low-hazardous) classes. Solid wood furniture is considered the most expensive and elite. Here you can also name wicker furniture made of rattan and bamboo. Armchairs, stools, bookcases and other pieces of furniture from Indonesia can certainly also be classified as environmentally friendly and made from natural materials.
Veneer comes immediately after solid wood - it is practically not inferior to it in popularity and is just as environmentally friendly, but much more a budget option. This facing material is a thin sheet of wood, so it retains the texture of wood. In addition, veneer can be used to create plywood.
Chipboard (chipboard) is a material that you should definitely avoid in your home, although in Russia it is still used in the production of furniture: beds, tables, cabinets and other items. This material is the leader in the number of harmful substances. It contains phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde resins, which are unsafe for health, which act as its binding component and provide strength. The intensity of formaldehyde release depends on the temperature and humidity in the room: the warmer it is, the higher the formaldehyde content in the air. Therefore, all chipboard products are glued protective film or veneer. Now chipboard is being replaced by other, more harmless modern compositions and materials.
MDF (finely dispersed fraction) is considered an environmentally friendly material. It is created by pressing very small wood chips, and the binding element is lignin, a substance that wood releases when heated. Carcinogenic epoxy resins and phenol are not used in production. Furniture made from MDF boards, is not susceptible to mold and other fungi, and this is another plus in its favor, especially in rooms where children are. MDF is durable and wear-resistant; it can be washed using cleaning agents.
In production kitchen sets HPL plastics are often used. This synthetic material, but it is also considered environmentally friendly. Decorative plastic consists mainly of cellulose and natural resins. It is famous for its resistance to moisture and abrasion, therefore it is suitable for cladding facades and countertops.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastics can also be called environmentally friendly. They are light, strong and at the same time durable. At the same time, furniture made of plastic attracts dust, and plastic surfaces can act as sources of static electricity, which forces such coatings to be modified.
Provide bad influence Materials such as glass, aluminum and stainless steel are also not capable of affecting human health.
Furniture made from environmentally friendly, natural materials is usually sold at a higher price than its counterparts made from synthetic substances, the safety of which is highly questionable. However, to paraphrase a well-known proverb, we can safely say: this is the case when health can be bought.
From this article you will learn:
- What harmful substances may be contained in furniture?
- How do they affect the human body?
- What materials are such furniture made from?
- What rules to follow when choosing furniture
- What is remarkable about such furniture for children's rooms?
The home environment has great importance to maintain and preserve human health. If floor and wall decorations, furniture or textile materials were made with harmful substances, they may contribute to an aggravation of chronic diseases, and also cause serious complications. This is why environmentally friendly furniture is so popular among health-conscious buyers. Many modern manufacturers place emphasis on the manufacture of safe products, the features of which we will examine in detail in this article.
We don’t scare, but inform about harmful substances in furniture
Almost any wooden furniture that is not environmentally friendly emit a significant amount of free formaldehyde into environment. Typically, when creating them, raw materials such as chipboard, MDF (fiberboard), and plywood are used. They are manufactured using formaldehyde resins as the internal adhesive.
Another no less toxic substance is phenol. The fact is that in a short time it enters the body through the skin and upper respiratory tract, reaching gastrointestinal tract. After which this dangerous substance accumulates in the kidneys and liver, undermines the immune system, irritates the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, pharynx and gastrointestinal tract. The result of such negative effects is a runny nose, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, shortness of breath, and insomnia.
When phenol is inhaled, the mucous membranes are severely irritated, and its contact with the skin can cause burns. If phenol poisoning occurs regularly, the kidneys and liver are affected, and subsequently a pathogenic change in the blood occurs.
Urea-formaldehyde resins are also very often used in the creation of wood products. They are especially noticeable in objects where fiberboard and chipboard are used - the main materials for laying plywood or veneer (in economical options instead, there may be a laminate on a paper or plastic basis).
The creation of the majority of all wood composite materials for furniture occurs using hot pressing of prepared waste. And in this case, the substance for combining the raw materials is often phenol-formaldehyde alcohol-soluble resin. It is distinguished by a dangerous quality - the release of formaldehyde in free form, called in medicine a “chronic toxin”. This volatile substance has a negative impact on human health.
Inhalation of formaldehyde vapor leads to irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat, and also has a harmful effect on the skin and provokes a variety of allergic reactions. The result of prolonged inhalation of the fumes of this substance can be:
- Headache.
- Unusual fatigue.
- Insomnia.
- Depression.
- Asthma.
Symptoms of formaldehyde poisoning:
- Dizziness.
- Unnatural thirst.
- Nausea.
- Watery discharge from the nose.
- Cough, salivation.
- Irritation, infection of the nasal sinuses.
- Sore throat.
- The appearance of a rash.
- Diarrhea.
- Nose bleed.
- Menstrual irregularities.
- Chest pain, abdominal pain.
In many residential areas, formaldehyde levels are higher than normal. Instead of the established 0.04 - 0.06 ppm, its concentration reaches 0.07 - 0.09. Installation necessary items everyday life in the bathroom or kitchen alone can increase the level of this substance to 0.10 ppm or more. Therefore, in order to completely protect yourself and your loved ones from such dangerous influences, it is better to buy environmentally friendly furniture.
What are the features of furniture made from environmentally friendly materials?
Eco-friendly furniture sets are always made from natural wood(birch, ash, oak, pine, beech) using safe PVA-based glue.
The creation of environmentally friendly furniture from solid natural wood occurs through high-quality wood processing.
For furniture upholstery, non-electrifying materials are used from organic fibers of flax, cotton, soy, bamboo, and silk. These plants are grown without the use of pesticides or other chemicals.
Of all the options for environmentally friendly sofas and armchairs, they have the longest service life Leather Products, painted with eco-paints.
Others are quite in demand modern material is a traffic jam. It is light, pleasant to the touch and environmentally friendly. Cork covering It has sound insulation properties and is widely used for floors and walls. Cork makes excellent eco-friendly bedroom furniture.
For guard flooring and improve the microclimate in the room, you can lay a mat (matting). It is woven from environmentally friendly natural materials such as reed, flax, and coconut fiber.
Stone countertops are popular among eco-friendly kitchen furniture. They are very practical. Such countertops are most often made of marble or granite, sometimes from slate, limestone, travertine, and onyx.
Ceramic and glass tiles, as well as mosaics, are also environmentally friendly materials.
1. Selection of environmentally friendly products.
Furniture that may contain the word “organic” on its label or description:
- Sofas and chairs upholstered in natural organic fabrics filled with natural latex foam.
- Mattresses made using materials such as organic wool, natural latex, organic cotton. Often organic latex mattresses have a core wrapped in wool (fire retardant) or cotton, or a combination of both. And some of them are completely wrapped in a combination of these materials. The best mattress covers are made from organic wool or organic cotton.
2. Bamboo products.
Although bamboo looks like a tree, it is actually a grass. It grows very quickly, so pesticides are not usually used for it. Eco-friendly bamboo furniture is in great demand.
3. Transportation.
The quality and sustainability of environmentally friendly products also depend on how they were transported.
4. Beware of toxic materials.
The best way to protect yourself from toxins (such as formaldehyde) is to choose eco-friendly furniture made from safe materials, which do not contain them. The best option are products made from solid wood, as they contain less paint. And the number of glass and metal objects indoors it is better to minimize it.
5. Try to avoid:
- Upholstery labeled "stain resistant": These may be toxic.
- Inflatable and artificial leather products, vinyl covers. They may all contain PVC phthalate.
- Items made from chipboard, fiberboard, plywood - anything that may contain formaldehyde adhesives.
- Furniture made from any tropical hardwood (mahogany and teak) and some western cedar unless certified.
6. Give preference to local production.
Local producers and artisans can be found in newspapers, the Internet, and at theme fairs.
7. Functionality.
Choose eco-friendly items, considering not only their appearance, but also their comfort, functionality and durability.
- Multifunctional products should always be a priority.
- Durability is also important, as well-made items with a long functional shelf life prevent landfills from quickly filling up, thereby supporting the health of the planet.
8. Vintage furniture.
Vintage and antique pieces are two of the most eco-friendly furniture options. There are no hard and fast rules for when items become antique. For some, all well-forgotten old items fit into this category, while others believe that they should be at least 20 years old.
Antiques are those items that were made 100 years ago. Most people include those that were made at the turn of the 20th century.
When choosing antique furniture, consider the following points:
- It must comply with current safety regulations. Make sure the items are not radioactive.
- Vintage painted items made before 1978 may contain lead. An antique from the early 19th century will most likely not have it. The downside to lead paint is that it peels off. At the same time, from varnish coating The appearance as well as the value of the product may be affected. If you have kids in the house, you should think twice before purchasing such things. And the best thing is to postpone buying them until the kids are older.
- Finishing and restoration of antiques should be done by experts. For example, if you want to varnish or repaint 20th century items, you should be aware that the paint may contain lead and you should take necessary measures precautions for working with it.
9. Recycling, remanufacturing and repurposing.
You can come up with items and accessories that will be one of a kind if you get creative by reusing various household items. It will also reduce waste going to landfill.
10. Ecology certificate.
When purchasing environmentally friendly furniture, you can ask the seller if there is a certificate. It guarantees that the product does not contain harmful substances (for example, cadmium or lead).
11. New products publishing Strong smell, raise doubts about their environmental cleanliness.
According to GOST, such a smell should disappear after a maximum of 2.5 months. However, this purchase may result in an unnecessary headache for you, since your well-being depends largely on the air in your living room.
12. DIY furniture.
Perhaps you enjoy crafting or know crafters. Then you can create exclusive items. It is best to work with wood taken from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and old buildings. It's even more interesting to use a tree that has its own unique story. Then your furniture will definitely be special.
When choosing environmentally friendly furniture for children, the first thing to evaluate is the materials from which it is made. The most environmentally friendly items are created from solid wood. They are large monolithic bars, for the production of which the least number of various toxic adhesives are used. After all, inhaling harmful fumes exposes the child’s body to the risk of developing a number of diseases.
To fasten parts, bolts and screws, manufacturers of environmentally friendly wood products use casein glue, which does not contain poisons. Companies specializing in the manufacture of furniture for children and teenagers do not use substances harmful to health (formaldehyde, phenols, resins) in their work. All the varnishes and paints they cover wooden surfaces, are safe.
Study suppliers' offers, paying attention to the types of wood used in the manufacture of products. The most environmentally friendly furniture for children is considered to be that made of pine, birch, larch, walnut and beech. This wood has tonic and healing properties. For example, pine is the most economical material, which will not stand out with any special decorative qualities, but in terms of ecology it is priceless. The unique antiseptic properties of pine can protect your baby from many diseases.
- "BELFAN" is a combination modern classics and the most fashionable trends.
We closely monitor new products in the world of interior design and produce furniture in accordance with the latest trends. What you will see at the Milan exhibition in April can be found in the assortment of our store in the fall.
Furniture from the BELFAN company remains relevant and does not go out of fashion long years. Our clients do not have to regularly update their interiors. It is enough to add new elements or swap modules (for example, if we are talking about wall-mounted living rooms).
- Furniture from natural wood.
Our products are environmentally friendly and safe, thanks to the natural materials used in production. You and your loved ones will certainly appreciate the care for your health. And the pleasant aroma and energy of natural wood in the apartment will fill it with an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility.
- Wide range of products.
Here you will find furniture for the living room, bedroom, hall, nursery, and you can also choose complementary interior items.
Ready interior solution will save your time. Moreover, with us you don’t have to spend your budget on designer services. Our specialists will be happy to draw up a furniture arrangement plan that will meet all your requirements.
- Comfort every day.
When manufacturing furniture, the BELFAN company uses the best modern fittings. You don't have to force yourself to open or close a drawer or door. Mechanisms produced in Austria will ensure the absence of annoying sounds.
Besides, inner part The drawers are lined with high-quality velor fabric, so you can carefully store your personal belongings.
- Decent quality at the best price.
We produce furniture at partner factories in Russia and Belarus, so we are ready to offer our customers comfortable prices.
Consider whether you are willing to overpay for foreign-made furniture. Our factories produce furniture of such a global scale famous brand, like IKEA, the quality of whose products cannot be doubted.
With us you do not overpay for the brand, but get excellent quality for a reasonable price.
- Availability of most items from our range in stock.
This means that by placing an order today, in just a couple of days you will receive our furniture delivered to your home. You don't have to wait for long weeks.
- The BELFAN company has been successfully operating in the market for 15 years.
We represent a federal chain that produces furniture under several brands (BELFAN, Velidzh, Loft). The company's products are in great demand, which allows us to expand production even during a crisis. People come back to us and recommend us to friends.
High-quality after-sales service and a guarantee are two more undoubted advantages of cooperation with the BELFAN company!
