Whether or not to use Cheap Bedroom Furniture

If you know what to use and what to avoid, you can create a bedroom that is healthy AND inexpensive. Bottom line, the less chemicals in your bedroom, the better it is for you!



Suggestions:

By following the principles found in Environmental Health and Medicine, here are some suggestions on what to look for and avoid with cheap bedroom furniture:



Wood furniture:


1) If you are using wood furniture, oak, birch, pine, or cedar are usually the least expensive. The last two woods can emit some odors naturally so keep that in mind if you are an allergic or sensitive person.. It may cause problems for you while sleeping- possibly headaches, respiratory or sinus problems. If they’re painted or sealed, they will usually be less of a problem.

More expensive woods typically are cherry, mahogany, teak and walnut.



2) Cheaper furniture such as bedroom dressers, nightstands, etc. can be found if part of the construction includes medium density fiberboard. This is similar to particle board in that glues are used, but is more wood-like in appearance. These both typically off-gas many chemicals.

If you choose to go this route, take the extra time to coat these pieces with a wood sealant to prevent off-gassing of chemicals. Formaldehyde is typically emitted along with other chemicals, if it’s not sealed. Plywood furniture also has the same problem.

Also keep in mind that some of the lighter woods or furniture pieces can tip more easily, and are not as durable. These are things to keep in mind especially if you have children who might decide to climb and explore!



3) Older or used furniture can be a cheaper option also. Just make sure of the paints or varnishes used, and re-do them with non-toxic paints or varnishes, if in doubt about any chemicals they may contain.

Cadmium, lead, petroleum distillates and formaldehyde are generally most often found in the chemicals used on most wood furniture. It’s best and healthier for you to avoid these whenever possible.

Purchasing cheap bedroom furniture from an Unfinished Furniture Store is another less expensive option. You can select the pieces you want, and finish them the way you want without any toxic chemicals. Some stores have really nice quality solid wood construction too!



Metal Furniture:


Metal furniture can be a good option. If painted, make sure the paint does not contain lead, especially if it will be used for children. It’s also important to avoid lead for adults as well, as just brushing against it, or touching lead paint allows lead dust to be inhaled or possibly ingested if it’s on your hands.

Aluminum furniture such as bunk-beds or chairs is usually inexpensive, but isn’t the most durable. But then it can be replaced a bit more frequently without breaking the bank, when you’re ready for a change in the room.

Brass beds or wrought iron bedroom furniture are also good choices, and less expensive than many other types of materials. Wrought iron is also quite durable and attractive.


Plastic Furniture:


Although this is probably the least expensive option for cheap bedroom furniture, it often is the most toxic in that it usually off-gases the most and continues to do so for months or years.

Styrene and other harmful chemicals are emitted from plastics and should be avoided in bedrooms. There are also fine residues emitted from plastics when touched, so this is the least healthy option for cheap bedroom furniture. It's also a good idea to avoid plastic storage containers in the bedroom as well whenever possible. Natural wood, organic or natural fibers will usually make for a much healthier choice.


Cautions About Mattresses and Upholstered Furniture:


Organic mattresses are the healthiest and should be considered a priority for the bedroom. This is the one item not to skimp on if at possible. Unfortunately, they are not cheap! But if you’re able to afford one, think of it as an investment in your health.

Standard mattresses emit MANY harmful chemicals including hazardous fire retardants which usually contain bromines. These are harmful chemicals to be exposed to on a regular basis. The unfortunate thing about them is that most people think their mattress is odorless because they can’t detect the chemicals in them with their sense of smell. But the chemicals are there, and in great amounts emitting their harmful effects night after night while you sleep.

If you must use an older or cheap mattress, then encase both the top and bottom (often a significant amount of fire-retardant is in the box spring mattress) with a good dust cover that zips and encloses the mattress. Then use a wool mattress pad over the top. This will reduce some of the chemical exposures.

There are also thick wool pads which can be purchased on-line made especially for absorbing chemicals from the mattress.


Used mattresses are even worse, and should not be used. Over time the foams break down when bodily fluids touch the mattress and create highly toxic chemicals.

The same is true for upholstered furniture most of which contain foams.

Both mattresses and furniture harbor large amounts of dust mites over time, and these can be bothersome for many individuals causing skin rashes, itching, and respiratory problems including coughs and asthma.



Sources:

Fire retardant chemical information




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