When you imagine your dream home, you probably picture a calm, beautiful space that makes you feel good just by being in it. But what if some of the furniture you bring into your home isn’t quite so kind in return?

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s becoming more and more important: toxic furniture — and why low VOCs are a key part of creating a healthier home. Let’s unravel the story behind the materials that fill our spaces and how we can make better, more thoughtful choices.

What are VOCs, and why should we care?

VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds, are chemicals that easily become gases at room temperature. They’re found in all sorts of everyday products — from paint to cleaning supplies, and yes, in furniture too.

When VOCs are released into the air, the process is called off-gassing. New furniture, carpets, and even freshly painted walls can all emit VOCs for weeks or months after they arrive in your home. Some of the most common VOCs include formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene — names that aren’t exactly music to the ears.

Long-term exposure to high levels of VOCs has been linked to a range of health issues, including headaches, dizziness, respiratory problems, and even more serious conditions over time. Children, pregnant people, and those with respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable.

At Eva, we believe your home should be your sanctuary — not a source of stress. That’s why understanding what’s in your furniture matters.

Why furniture is a major source of VOCs

You might not think of a sofa or a bed frame as a chemical hotspot. But many conventional furniture pieces are made with materials and finishes that quietly off-gas into your indoor air.

Common culprits include:

• Composite woods (like MDF or particleboard) held together with adhesives that contain formaldehyde.
  
  
• Foam cushions treated with flame retardants.
  
  
• Synthetic fabrics coated with stain-resistant or waterproof chemicals.
  
  
• Paints, stains, and varnishes that release VOCs as they cure.
  
  

Because we spend around 90% of our time indoors, and because homes are becoming more airtight in the name of energy efficiency, the quality of our indoor air matters more than ever.

Choosing low-VOC furniture is about creating a healthier, happier home from the ground up — or rather, from the living room out.

What does "Low VOC" actually mean?

When we say a piece of furniture is "low VOC", we’re saying that it emits fewer volatile organic compounds than conventional alternatives. Sometimes, materials and finishes are certified by third-party organisations, verifying that they meet strict standards for indoor air quality.

It’s important to remember that “low VOC” doesn’t mean zero VOCs — although some products do aim for that. It means that the emissions are significantly lower, reducing the health risks associated with off-gassing.

Look for certifications like:

• GreenGuard or GreenGuard Gold: These labels signify low chemical emissions.
  
  
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Especially for textiles, this ensures fabrics are tested for harmful substances.
  
  
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Certification for organic fibres with strict environmental and toxicological criteria.
  
  

Understanding these labels can help you shop smarter and breathe easier.

How Low-VOC furniture supports better design

Low-VOC materials are part of a more thoughtful design philosophy. Here’s why:

• Healthier homes: Lowering chemical exposure helps everyone, but especially vulnerable groups like kids, pets, and people with allergies.
  
  
• Better longevity: High-quality low-VOC finishes and materials often mean better durability, meaning furniture that stands the test of time.
  
  
• More conscious choices: Using low-VOC and sustainable materials is a reflection of care — for yourself, for your family, and for the planet.
  
  

Good design cares about the full lifecycle of a product: where it comes from, how it’s made, how it lives with you, and what happens when it’s no longer needed.

Common signs your furniture might be high in VOCs

Not sure whether your current pieces might be emitting more VOCs than you’d like? Here are some signs to watch out for:

• Strong chemical odours: That “new furniture smell” isn’t as harmless as it seems.
  
  
• Persistent irritation: Unexplained headaches, respiratory issues, or skin irritation after bringing new furniture home can sometimes be traced back to off-gassing.
  
  
• Material types: Furniture made from pressed wood, synthetic fabrics, or treated foams without certifications are more likely to release VOCs.
  
  

Of course, it’s not always easy to tell just by looking or smelling. That’s why transparency from manufacturers — and certifications — are key.

Practical steps to reduce VOC exposure

If you're furnishing a new space or simply want to improve the air quality in your existing home, here’s what you can do:

1. Choose Low-VOC or No-VOC Furniture

Look for brands that use solid wood, natural fabrics, low-emission adhesives, and non-toxic finishes.

2. Ventilate Your Space

When you bring new furniture home, open the windows! Good airflow can help speed up the off-gassing process. If possible, let larger items "air out" in a garage or well-ventilated room before bringing them fully into your living spaces.

3. Prioritise Natural Materials

Solid wood, wool, cotton, and linen are beautiful, durable, and much less likely to emit harmful VOCs compared to synthetics and composites.

4. Check for Certifications

Trust but verify. Certifications are your friend when it comes to navigating confusing marketing claims.

5. Take It Slow

If you're furnishing an entire home, consider doing it gradually. This gives you a chance to air out each piece properly and monitor how your space feels as you go.

How Eva is redefining furniture, the thoughtful way

At Eva, creating low-impact, high-quality furniture isn’t an afterthought — it’s woven into everything we do.

We use sustainable materials like FSC® certified timber—to protect our beautiful forests—and E0 and E1 glue which has one of the lowest amounts of formaldehyde. Our designs are made to be loved for years, not seasons. And we believe that better furniture starts with better materials—for the health of your home and the health of the world outside your door.

We’re here to help you build a home that feels as good as it looks. One that welcomes you in, wraps you up in comfort, and lets you breathe just a little easier.

Eva is a certified B Corp, committed to supporting spaces that maximise rest, connection, and sustainability.