where to buy healthy furniture?

[riversong]

We'd like to replace our particle board bookcases and dressers with solid wood pieces that are finished with a healthy finish or paint.

We'd also like to replace our flame retardant filled couch with an organic couch.

When I search online I don't get lots of options and the ones I find are extremely expensive. Does anyone have suggestions for stores to check out?

[treegardner]

Do you have any stores in your area that sell unfinished pieces? You could always buy unfinished and then stain/paint/finish it any way you want.

[SunshineJ]

I'm not sure of the finishing process, but do you have anyplace near you that sells Amish furniture? I just read the other day that with the economy you can get some good prices on it right now, and I know the quality is usually top notch.

[riversong]

The unfinished furniture is a good idea, but I'm kinda afraid I might ruin it when I try to paint it.

I'm thinking about buying an Amish organic couch, since they make the cheapest organic couches I've seen online. But they're still pretty expensive!

[PenelopeJune]

For wood furniture, I'm a big fan of vintage/antique. Of course, I don't know how they are finished, so that may not interest you.

[Owen'nZoe]

We've had very good luck with a store near us that sells Amish-made furniture. I'd start there, but you should still shop around. In the city where I live, there are 3 stores which sell Amish-made furniture that I know of; one is very reasonable, one has average prices, and one is insanely expensive.

As for finishes, to be honest, I'm not sure what was used on my furniture, but my understanding is that with real wood furniture (as opposed to particle board stuff) the real health concern is for the people who apply the finish - it won't be much of an issue once it is in your house. I've just figured that if the Amish families who finish the furniture are OK with the finish, it is probably fine for my family.

[doubledutch]

for wood, i like "vintage" (that is, um, thrift store, craigslist, left on the curb . . . ) and i repaint if i want to / need to.

for a couch, what about a futon? i think you can get a cotton (or cotton & wool) futon mattress without flame retardants and/or foam.

[jazzharmony]

I would either look on Craigslist or find an unfinished furniture store. You can paint or stain with low or no VOC products to avoid the chemical issues.
We just used low VOC paint in our kitchen and it's amazing.

[russsk]

I just got a custom made Amish dining table and bench made from old barnwood. The price was really good, and they'll make pretty much anything you want. Where are you located? I'll send you their info if you're nearby.