Non-toxic Sofa Ideas for < $2000? - Page 2

[bobcat]

I have thought about this somewhat. We have two couches, and I'd like to replace both. Here is what I have decided, with my own personal logic:

-For me, I am picky with how it "feels." I have a bad back, so I need something that won't "break in" quickly, and is somewhat firm/springy. And I can't afford to spend a lot of money on something that may start to sag in a year or two. I *would* go totally green, but I am too worried that in a few years, it'll be worthless for some reason (it will sag, i'll be sick of how it looks, or I'll discover something wrong with it health-wise, like I'm allergic to latex , etc) so I am not really willing to spend more than, say....$2500 because of the '"what if's"

-I have done some research on flame retardants. Basically, I feel okay about what's out there "now." As in, since 2005. Bonus points if the couch is leather or a leather-like substance, because even less chemicals will come out of it from the foam. I also feel (my sense) that certain microfibers may be dense enough to prevent chemicals "puffing" out from the cushions, and even though some of those fabrics are considered "stain resistant," they aren't treated with any chemicals....it is just literally the tight, specific weave of the fabric itself that repels liquids (of course, double check). So that tight weave makes me feel more secure that less chemicals are coming out. That, or leather. And if it isn't the high quality leather, it is isn't always expensive. I am currently looking at www.modani.com, they have some cool leather stuff that is affordable.

Anyways, the flame retardants that are now illegal to be used in couches sold in the U.S. (since 2005) accumulated in human fat. The ones that are legal now, to my knowledge, do not? So I figure worst case scenario, if I come in contact with something, at least I am peeing it out, and it isn't accumulating in my body, and my breastmilk. That makes me feel better. That is why I'm so anxious to get rid of the couch I have now.....it's old, and the longer I have it, the more is accumulating in my body. Luckily, I bought my mattress in 2005.

I am also very aware of whatever flame retardants will be on the next TV we buy. The flame retardants that accumulate in fat are still used in electronics. I think they are being phased out soon. Whatever they come up with next, I'll just try to manage the dust in our home. Also, not eating a lot of animal fat helps, because those chemicals end up in fish and chicken and full fat dairy, etc. Nothing we can do about it. :( So even if your couch is fine, it's still in your food. So I'm just doing the best I can. Not sure if that helps at all, but that's my logic. Good luck!!!!

[4evermom]

Originally Posted by bobcat  Bonus points if the couch is leather or a leather-like substance, because even less chemicals will come out of it from the foam. I also feel (my sense) that certain microfibers may be dense enough to prevent chemicals "puffing" out from the cushions, and even though some of those fabrics are considered "stain resistant," they aren't treated with any chemicals....it is just literally the tight, specific weave of the fabric itself that repels liquids (of course, double check). So that tight weave makes me feel more secure that less chemicals are coming out. That, or leather. And if it isn't the high quality leather, it is isn't always expensive. I am currently looking at www.modani.com, they have some cool leather stuff that is affordable.

I know from working in picture framing that cigarettes smoke easily coats the inside of glass of framed pictures. It gets between the glass and the picture. Knowing how easily something in the air gets in the tiniest of cracks and the fact that all upholstery, no matter the quality, is just the padding and the covering material stretched around a wood frame and stapled down, I think the type of covering material used in upholstery is irrelevant to how much the chemicals in the interior padding can off gas. Even an all leather couch has plain fabric material with padding under it on the part that doesn't show beneath the cushions. The bottom of the couch just has a dust cover of porous fabric. No matter how high end a piece of furniture is or what material is used to upholster it, the padding is in no way encapsulated. So I do think that you'd have a false sense of security thinking leather is going to block chemicals.

[talia rose]

The organic futon route is definitely not as comfy as a real couch. Since our personal priority is a non-toxic home we made that sacrifice but I do miss the comfyness of a couch at times. I wish there were better options. We tried to deal with greensofas.com but could never get them to answer e-mails and their phone was always disconnected. I would love to hear if anyone has actually purchased from them...

Huffington Post had an article today on flame retardants in furniture http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/28/flame-retardants-couches_n_2203242.html?utm_hp_ref=green

[here we are]

Not sure if i am repeating the obvious. Wondering about the buying a used couch frame to get replacement cushions for. I got the latex website and it sounded like maybe 500$ for the part you sit on, minus back cushions? Of course it probaby varies by sizes. And then , is the 100%latex cushions the only way to do that, compared to just topping the top 2inches on top of some other kind of material? Its so hard to know without feeling it and being able to try it out, but if ordering it, its a risk that must be taken i guess. So, about the frame..how do we know what is quality? My mom said go by how heavy it is, ruling out cheaper chipboard type wood. Many on craigslist dont seem to be original owners. Someone mentioned caneback style? Why? I am concerned about the old musty issues that some people have run into, and then theres just the smells that live in some couches. What to do? I looked at a couple, but they werent especially comfortable as is , so i wasnt sure how much new cushions could change that. Then i thought of buying the cushions and bringing them to try before buying the couch. The frames i saw were selling for 150-250$, is that too cheap to be quality? I assume they are comparable to what a new 650$-700 couch is like. Do these not hold up well? I am trying to learn about quality of springs, but then the sellere have no idea. Maybe only more initally expensive ones have quality springs? That would make sense. Just trying to make this simpler . Its crazy because i want to carry the whole couch outside to be able to smell it outside of its normal environment, otherwise i am afraid i cant smell it as well. Pregnant nose alert. Pregnant body wanting comfort. I need to figure this out soon. Cant afford to try and reupholster myself if anything goes wrong, i cant believe someone is doing that, thats awesome and i hope it works out. We deserve it.

[mum4vr]

What about wool & feathers/down?

In our cabin we are just building (ie built-in) a wooden bench (U-shaped around one end of a tiny sitting room), and using feather/ down pillows for seat and back cushions.

It is super-duper comfy (*way* more than our futon!);

the individual cushions are relatively inexpensive & easy to wash-- both the covers (consisting of pretty, assorted pillow cases w buttons & ribbon-loops sewn on), and the cushions/ pillows themselves, which can be machine washed on gentle or handwashed;

it is far more attractive (to me/ imo) than other options in our price range;

it is super-durable (I think the cabin will fall down before the benches do!);

it will not sag since the frame is sturdy hardwood, not springs/ foam/ board;

if the cushions are damaged by kiddos or pets, they are easy to repair/ replace.

I can build it myself, but if that's not your thing, you could have a handful of highschool wood-shop students do it for about $50 each and maybe a hungry-teen-home-cooked meal, hahah.

I can make the cushions myself, but if that's not you, you can buy feather/ down pillows for around $15 each and buy covers with buttons/ zips already on them.

Have you checked with a local shepherdess or chicken farmer? Seriously-- I have a -bale- of wool (too big to fit in my mini-van) in my shed that I can't sell locally, so we're using it for a replacement bed futon (we'll add a feather bed or 2 on top for more comfy-ness) & by next year at this time, I could do the entire set of cushions w our own feathers & down (our flocks are growing). Many people with the all natural goods find it hard to market to ppl who are seeking them & appreciate zero chemical treatments & ironically it's almost impossible to find these goods locally when they're needed C:

Still would love to hear more ideas & see pix of finished work C:

[mambera]

Subbing because I need to figure out what to do about the toxic couch.

FWIW Heather Stapleton's site at greensciencepolicy.org does list a number of flame retardant-free couch retailers; I think most of them might have been mentioned on this thread already but she does have them all in one place.  I found several options under $2000 listed.

http://blog.greensciencepolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/FlameRetardantFreeCouches.pdf

[vrclay]

i found this blog post with 2 options

http://laurasrules.org/2012/04/28/sofa-saga-part-4-success-two-great-sources-for-truly-green-sofas/
 

[kotapop]

Thanks for the link vrclay, that is very informative! I wish I had found that furniture maker before embarking upon my "Learn to Sew & Upholster Furniture Project". I also found a place in New England that says it offers the flame retardant-free foam in the cushions, Condo Furniture in the Portland, ME area. I also just came across this list of retailers: http://blog.greensciencepolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/FlameRetardantFreeCouches.pdf My only concern would be what foam they use to wrap the rest of the sofa, i.e.- arms, back, base; Is this FR-free foam too, or are they just switching out the cushions? If that was the case I'd personally hold off, but it is a big step in the right direction. Think I will contact them for clarification on this. Thanks again for the info!

[mambera]

OK we ended up buying a futon set from The Futon Shop. I think they are only in CA but they completely customize the filling - they have a number of nontoxic options, we went with 100% wool, no flame retardants needed as wool is apparently naturally fire retardant.  Win!  They have many options under $2000.