When we want to level up our spaces but can’t afford an entirely new sofa or loveseat, we think of ottomans and poufs. Big enough to make a difference in the room’s style and comfort (especially for us floor-sitters), but not so much that we break the bank. As we’re deciding on which ottoman or pouf to settle for, it’s important to consider options that are nontoxic and sustainable for a healthy home with little impact to our environment.
Why is nontoxic furniture important?
Nontoxic furniture is crucial, especially for items like ottomans and poufs, due to their proximity to people and frequent use. Ottomans and poufs are often placed in living rooms, bedrooms, or other areas where people spend a lot of time relaxing or entertaining, making them a significant part of indoor environments. Nontoxic materials in these pieces ensure that harmful chemicals or substances (such as formaldehyde and VOCs) aren’t released into the air or absorbed through contact, which helps promote a healthier indoor environment. This is particularly important for individuals with sensitivities or allergies, and especially for households with children and pets who may come into close contact with furniture surfaces.
Nontoxic materials are also better for our environment, as they reduce the production and release of harmful substances during manufacturing and disposal. Investing in nontoxic ottomans and poufs not only benefits your health but also contributes to a cleaner and safer planet!
Our team has sought to furnish our homes with the most sustainable, nontoxic furniture we can find throughout the years (or secondhand if we can find it!). We’ve selected the ottomans and poufs below thanks to their nontoxic materials, responsible manufacturing, and — of course — impeccable design.
If you’re in the market for more new furniture, here are our top picks for sustainable couches and eco-friendly coffee tables. And you’re on the hunt for some decor for your place, we’ve got it handled with our guide on the best marketplaces where you can buy art online!
1. Lorena Canals
Features | Natural wool & cotton fabrics, machine washable, nontoxic dyes, handcrafted one by one in India, hypoallergenic
Prices Starting At | $129
Lorena Canals, along with her dedicated team, epitomizes creativity and practicality in designing sustainable and socially responsible products. Known for crafting the world’s first washable rug, the brand’s meticulous attention to detail, quality, and originality can be seen throughout their products, including their handcrafted poufs. Designed to complement their washable rugs and other home accessories, these one-of-one hypoallergenic poufs are non-toxic and machine washable, making it a perfect addition to a child’s room (or your own cozy reading nook!).
2. LannaPassa
Features | Handcrafted by artisans, cotton and kapok tree fibers, carbon-neutral shipping
Prices Starting At | $60
LannaPassa partners with the Hmong and Lisu hill tribe communities in Northern Thailand to share their character and traditions with you. Instead of mass production, each pouf is traditionally handwoven with organic cotton and either filled with natural kapok fibers or left unfilled, whichever you prefer. We especially love these for meditating or floor seating, adding a little cushion but a lot of warmth and style. Shipping is carbon-neutral, wherever you are.
3. GrasShangai
Features | Ethically made by women in China, organic plant fibers & straw, fair wages, carbon-neutral shipping
Prices Starting At | $48
GrasShangai (literally) weaves together ancient straw techniques from China and modern decor with handmade mats, baskets, placemats, ottomans and poufs. Using naturally dried cattail and banana leaves, women artisans in Hubin County soak the plants until they’re soft enough for weaving. Every piece is made to order by the locals, so you can help preserve their traditions while adding these accents to your space.
4. Berber Stuff
Features | Handmade in Morocco, natural wool, carbon-neutral shipping
Prices Starting At | $440
Berber Stuff adds the checker and chevron flair to your home that you never knew you needed. Handmade in Morocco, each square pouf is available in your choice of color and size to effortlessly match your style and specs. All orders come unstuffed so that you can fill them with a pillow or old blankets and clothes (sustainable upcycling!). As a thoughtful added touch, the undersides include a hand-knotted kilim (rug).
5. YaYa & Co.
Features | Organic cotton, organic pine fill, upcycled materials
Prices Starting At | $290
YaYa & Co.’s colorful collection of cozy poufs pays homage to centuries-old techniques and historical cultures. Crafted from 100% organic cotton with hand-embroidered details and filled with organic pine shavings, each pouf is unique. Designed to effortlessly blend with various decor styles, these vibrant and one-of-a-kind decorative pieces offer both aesthetic appeal and sustainability. The brand prioritizes sustainability through recycled and natural materials, fair compensation for artisans, and community empowerment initiatives like their women’s institute in Punjab, India. By embodying a holistic approach to ethical sourcing and production, YaYa & Co. is paving the way for a better future for both consumers and communities.
6. Sabai
Features | Ethically made in North Carolina, only sustainably sourced & nontoxic materials, recycled packaging, Certi-PUR certified foam
Prices Starting At | $395
Sabai’s commitment to sustainability is truly impressive. Products are made with eco-friendly materials like recycled plastic bottles and responsibly sourced wood and then assembled with fasteners, to entirely avoid VOCs and off-gassing. Choose your preferred fabric on The Essential Ottoman (our favorite is the dusty rose recycled velvet—swoon!). You can also find gently used furniture at discounted prices through Sabai Revive.
7. Maiden Home
Features | Handcrafted by artisans, CertiPUR-US® soy-based foam core, all natural materials
Prices Starting At | $450
When you’re looking for heritage quality home goods made right here in the USA, you can’t go wrong with Maiden Home. This luxury brand makes every piece in North Carolina and Virginia, working with local artisans to handcraft each custom order. The brand uses eco-friendly and responsibly sourced materials whenever possible, always non-toxic and with a lifetime guarantee– which is how long you’ll keep these gorgeous, heirloom pieces. We love their Mott Stool, which comes in more than 75 fabrics and seven sustainable wood finishes.
8. The Citizenry
Features | Vegetable-tanned leather, cotton, or locally sourced rattan, handcrafted by artisans, fair wages, responsibly sourced materials
Prices Starting At | $399
The Citizenry scours the globe to find the best in artisan goods and techniques, from Peruvian master weavers to block printers in India. The brand carries a line of ottomans made in small batches; some are crafted in fair trade spaces in Portugal using vegetable-tanned leather and others are workshopped in Jaipur, India using natural cotton. Yet all are timeless and luxurious.
9. Urban Natural
Features | Recycled & sustainably sourced materials, handcrafted, ethically-sourced products
Prices Starting At | $369
Urban Natural is a furniture marketplace like no other. Committed to their five pillars which include ethically sourced, handcrafted, organic materials, sustainably made, and American made, each product on their site must meet at least three of these five values. Their handcrafted, heirloom-quality ottomans and poufs are built to last and enjoy, for life. With a focus on ethical sourcing and sustainability, Urban Natural ensures fair compensation for artisans and supports community empowerment initiatives. They partner with trusted workshops that prioritize safe, organic materials and sustainable practices, to help create a healthy home environment. And by prioritizing American-made products, Urban Natural reduces its carbon footprint and supports local artisans and communities. Now that’s a cause we can stand behind.
Featured image from Lorena Canals
