From this article you will learn:
- What harmful substances can be contained in furniture
- How do they affect the human body?
- What materials are such furniture made of?
- What rules to follow when choosing furniture
- What is remarkable about such furniture for a nursery
Home environment is of great importance for the maintenance and preservation of human health. If floor and wall finishes, furniture or textile materials have been manufactured using harmful substances, they can exacerbate chronic diseases and also cause serious complications. Therefore, environmentally friendly furniture is so popular among buyers who care about their health. Many modern manufacturers focus on the manufacture of safe products, the features of which we will analyze in detail in this article.
We do not scare, but inform about harmful substances in furniture
Virtually any wooden piece of furniture that is not environmentally friendly releases a significant amount of free formaldehyde into the environment. Usually, when creating them, such raw materials as chipboard, MDF (fiberboard), plywood are used. They are produced using formaldehyde resins as an internal adhesive.
Another no less toxic substance is phenol. The fact is that in a short time it enters the body through the skin and upper respiratory tract, reaching the gastrointestinal tract. After that, this dangerous substance accumulates in the kidneys and liver, undermines the immune system, irritates the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, pharynx and gastrointestinal tract. The result of such a negative impact is a runny nose, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, shortness of breath, insomnia.
When phenol is inhaled, the mucous membranes are strongly irritated, and its contact with the skin is fraught with burns. If phenol poisoning occurs regularly, then the kidneys and liver are affected, and later a pathogenic change in the blood occurs.
Urea-formaldehyde resins are also very often used in the creation of wood products. They are especially noticeable in objects where fiberboard and chipboard are used - the main materials for applying plywood or veneer (in economical options, they can be replaced by a paper or plastic-based laminate).
The creation of the majority of all wood composite materials for furniture occurs by means of hot pressing of prepared waste. And in this case, a phenol-formaldehyde alcohol-soluble resin often becomes a substance for connecting raw materials. It is distinguished by a dangerous quality - the release of free formaldehyde, which is called "chronic toxin" in medicine. This volatile substance adversely affects human health.
Inhalation of formaldehyde vapors leads to irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat, and also adversely affects the skin and provokes a variety of allergic reactions. The result of prolonged inhalation of the vapors of this substance can be:
- Headache.
- Atypical fatigue.
- Insomnia.
- Depression.
- Asthma.
Symptoms of formaldehyde poisoning:
- Dizziness.
- unnatural thirst.
- Nausea.
- Watery discharge from the nose.
- Cough, salivation.
- Irritation, infection of the sinuses.
- Sore throat.
- The appearance of a rash.
- Diarrhea.
- Nose bleed.
- Menstrual disorders.
- Chest pain, abdominal pain.
In many residential areas, the level of formaldehyde is above the norm. Instead of the established 0.04 - 0.06 ppm, its concentration reaches 0.07 - 0.09. Installing the necessary household items in the bathroom or kitchen alone can increase the level of this substance to 0.10 ppm or more. Therefore, in order to completely protect yourself and loved ones from such a dangerous impact, it is better to buy environmentally friendly furniture.
What are the features of furniture made from environmentally friendly materials
Environmentally friendly furniture sets are always made from natural wood (birch, ash, oak, pine, beech) using safe PVA-based glue.
The creation of environmentally friendly furniture from an array of natural species occurs due to high-quality wood processing.
For furniture upholstery, non-electrifying materials from organic fibers of flax, cotton, soy, bamboo, and silk are used. These plants are grown without the use of pesticides and other chemicals.
Of all the options for environmentally friendly sofas and armchairs, leather products dyed with eco-colors have the longest service life.
Another fairly popular modern material is cork. It is light, pleasant to the touch and environmentally friendly. Cork flooring has the property of noise insulation and is widely used for floors and walls. Cork makes excellent environmentally friendly bedroom furniture.
To protect the flooring and improve the microclimate in the room, you can lay a mat (matting). It is woven from such environmentally friendly natural materials as reed, linen, coconut fiber.
Among eco-friendly kitchen furniture, stone countertops are popular. They are very practical. Such countertops are most often made of marble or granite, sometimes slate, limestone, travertine, onyx.
Ceramic, glass tiles, and mosaics are also environmentally friendly materials.
1. Selection of environmentally friendly products.
Furniture labeled or described with the word "organic":
- Sofas and chairs upholstered in natural organic fabrics filled with natural latex foam.
- Mattresses made using materials such as organic wool, natural latex, organic cotton. Often organic latex mattresses have a core wrapped in wool (flame retardant) or cotton, or a combination of the two. And some of them are completely wrapped in a combination of these materials. The best mattress covers are made from organic wool or organic cotton.
2. Bamboo products.
Although bamboo looks like a tree, it is actually grass. It grows very quickly, so pesticides are usually not used for it. Eco-friendly bamboo furniture is in high demand.
3. Transportation.
The quality and sustainability of environmentally friendly products also depend on how they were transported.
4. Beware of toxic materials.
The best way to protect yourself from toxins (such as formaldehyde) is to choose environmentally friendly furniture made from safe materials that do not contain them. Hardwood products are the best option, as they contain less paint. And the number of glass and metal objects in the room is best minimized.
5. Try to avoid:
- Upholstery labeled "stain resistant": These can be toxic.
- Inflatable and made of artificial leather products, vinyl covers. They may all contain PVC-based phthalate.
- Items made from chipboard, fiberboard, plywood - anything that may contain formaldehyde adhesives.
- All tropical hardwoods (mahogany and teak) and some Western cedars if not certified.
6. Give preference to local production.
Local producers and artisans can be found in newspapers, on the Internet, at thematic fairs.
7. Functionality.
Choose eco-friendly items, considering not only their appearance, but also convenience, functionality and durability.
- Multifunctional products should always be a priority.
- Durability is also important, as well-made items with a long functional shelf life prevent landfills from quickly filling up, thereby maintaining the health of the planet.
8. Vintage furniture.
Vintage and antiques are two of the most sustainable furniture options. There are no strict rules at what point objects become antique. For some, all well-forgotten old items fit into this category, while others believe that their age should be at least 20 years old.
Antiques are those items that were made 100 years ago. Most people refer to them as those made at the turn of the 20th century.
When choosing antique furniture, consider the following points:
- It must comply with current safety regulations. Make sure the items are not radioactive.
- Vintage painted items made before 1978 may contain lead. In the antiques of the early 19th century, it most likely will not be. The disadvantage of lead paint is that it peels off. At the same time, the appearance, as well as the value of the product, may suffer from the varnish coating. If there are kids in the house, you should think twice before purchasing such things. And best of all - to postpone their purchase until the children grow up.
- Finishing and restoration of antiques should be handled by experts. For example, if you want to varnish or repaint 20th century items, you should be aware that the paint may contain lead, and you should take the necessary precautions when working with it.
9. Recycling, recovery and repurposing.
You can come up with objects and accessories that will be one of a kind if you get creative with the reuse of various household products. In addition, it will reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
10. Ecology certificate.
When buying environmentally friendly furniture, you can ask the seller for a certificate. It guarantees that the product does not contain harmful substances (for example, cadmium or lead).
11. New products that emit a pungent odor raise doubts about their environmental friendliness.
According to GOST, such a smell should disappear after a maximum of 2.5 months. However, this acquisition can turn into an unnecessary headache for you, since well-being depends largely on the air in the living room.
12. DIY furniture.
Perhaps you enjoy crafting or you know artisans. Then you can create exclusive items. It is best to work with wood extracted from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, old buildings. It is even more interesting to use a tree that has its own unique history. Then your furniture will definitely be special.
When choosing environmentally friendly furniture for children, first of all, the materials from which it is made are evaluated. The most environmentally friendly items are made from solid wood. They are large monolithic bars, for the production of which the least various toxic adhesives are used. After all, inhalation of harmful vapors exposes the child's body to the risk of developing a number of diseases.
Manufacturers of environmentally friendly wood products use poison-free casein glue to fasten parts, bolts and screws. Companies specializing in the manufacture of furniture for children and adolescents do not use substances harmful to health (formaldehydes, phenols, resins) in their work. All varnishes and paints with which they cover wooden surfaces are safe.
Study the offers of suppliers, paying attention to the types of wood used in the manufacture of products. The most environmentally friendly furniture for children is one that is made of pine, birch, larch, walnut and beech. Such wood has tonic and healing properties. For example, pine is the most economical material that does not stand out for any special decorative qualities, but in terms of ecology it is priceless. The unique antiseptic properties of pine can protect the baby from many diseases.
- "BELFAN" is a combination of modern classics and the most fashionable trends.
We closely follow the novelties in the world of interior design and produce furniture in accordance with the latest trends. What you will see at the Milan Fair in April will be available in our store in autumn.
Furniture from the company "BELFAN" remains relevant and does not go out of fashion for many years. Our clients do not have to regularly update the interior. It is enough to add new elements or swap modules (for example, if we are talking about hanging living rooms).
- Natural wood furniture.
Our products are environmentally friendly and safe, thanks to the natural materials used in the production. You and your loved ones will certainly appreciate the health care. And the pleasant aroma and energy of natural wood in the apartment will fill it with an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility.
- Wide range of products.
Here you will find furniture for the living room, bedroom, hall, nursery, and you can also choose complementary interior items.
A ready-made interior solution will save your time. Moreover, with us you do not have to spend a budget on the services of designers. Our specialists will be happy to draw up a plan for arranging furniture that will meet all your requirements.
- Comfort every day.
In the manufacture of furniture, the company "BELFAN" uses the best modern fittings. You do not need to make any effort to open or close the drawer or door. Mechanisms made in Austria will ensure the absence of annoying sounds.
In addition, the inside of the drawers is upholstered with high-quality velor fabric, so you can carefully store your personal belongings.
- Decent quality at the best price.
We produce furniture at partner factories in Russia and Belarus, so we are ready to offer our customers comfortable prices.
Think about whether you are ready to overpay for foreign-made furniture. Our factories produce furniture from such a world-famous brand as IKEA, the quality of which is beyond doubt.
With us, you do not overpay for the brand, but get excellent quality for a reasonable price.
- Most items in our range are in stock.
And this means that by placing an order today, in a couple of days you will receive our furniture with home delivery. You don't have to wait for long weeks.
- The company "BELFAN" has been successfully operating in the market for 15 years.
We represent a federal network that produces furniture under several brands (BELFAN, Velij, Loft). The company's products are in great demand, which allows us to expand production even in times of crisis. They come back to us, they recommend us to friends.
High-quality after-sales service and the provision of a guarantee are two more undoubted advantages of cooperation with BELFAN!
Eco-furniture Furniture made from environmentally friendly natural materials (wood, stone, glass, leather, bamboo) that do not contain toxic substances harmful to human health.
Harm
Harmful substances in furniture
Almost all wood furniture sets, including solid wood, can emit significant amounts of free formaldehyde in the living areas of homes. Typical materials used in making furniture include chipboard, MDF (fibreboard) and plywood, which use formaldehyde resins in their production. For wood products, these resins are used as internal adhesives.
Phenol is extremely toxic. It is very quickly absorbed by the skin, through the upper respiratory tract it easily penetrates into the human body and its gastrointestinal tract. Phenol is concentrated in the liver and kidneys. It destroys the immune system, has an irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the mouth, nasopharynx, upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract. Such exposure leads to a runny nose, dizziness, headaches, insomnia, vomiting, shortness of breath.
Inhalation of phenol causes severe irritation of the mucous membranes, its contact with the skin causes burns, and chronic poisoning leads to damage to the liver and kidneys, subsequently to a pathogenic change in the blood.
Most of the wooden furniture sold is made from wood-based materials using urea-formaldehyde resins. They are especially noticeable where fiberboard and chipboard are used - which are the main materials on which plywood or veneer is applied (or, in the case of inexpensive furniture, paper or plastic-based laminates).
Almost all wood composite materials are created by hot pressing of prepared waste. The binder in this process, as a rule, is a phenol-formaldehyde alcohol-soluble resin, which tends to subsequently release free formaldehyde, which doctors call "chronic toxin". This volatile substance can adversely affect human health.
Formaldehyde vapors irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes and upper respiratory tract (nose and throat), have a harmful effect on the skin and all kinds of allergic reactions. Prolonged inhalation of its fumes can lead to:
- headaches
- insomnia
- Atypical fatigue
- depression
- asthma
Due to formaldehyde poisoning, the following symptoms appear:
- Mucous watery discharge from the nose
- Irritation and infection of the sinuses
- Bleeding from the nose
- Cough and salivation
- Sore throat
- A rash appears
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Chest pain and abdominal pain
- Menstrual irregularities
- unnatural thirst
In most apartments, the level of formaldehyde exceeds the norm - instead of the prescribed 0.04-0.06 ppm, its indicators are 0.07-0.09 ppm. Only bathroom or kitchen furniture can raise the level of formaldehyde in a living space to 0.10 ppm or more, especially if it is new.
Benefit
Environmentally friendly furniture
In the manufacture of environmentally friendly furniture, only natural wood (pine, beech, ash, birch, oak) and environmentally friendly PVA-based glue are used.
The production of eco-friendly furniture from natural wood is accompanied by high-quality wood processing.
Upholstery options for natural, non-electrifying textile fabrics - organic cotton, bamboo, linen, silk, soy. When growing them, pesticides and other chemicals are not used. The production of environmentally friendly materials of this textile must be certified by OEKO-TEX, Organic Exchange or GOTS, confirming that the material does not use harmful chemicals and azo dyes.
Leather upholstered furniture, painted with eco-friendly paints, lasts the longest.
Cork is a fairly demanded today, light and pleasant to the touch environmentally friendly material. Used for floors and walls. It perfectly absorbs noise, which is especially important for a child's room. Unlike wood, cork does not rot and does not burn, without releasing hazardous substances into the air.
You can lay a mat (matting) on the floor. It is woven from environmentally friendly natural materials - from reed, flax, coconut fiber. The mat not only protects the floor, but also improves the microclimate in the room.
A countertop is made of natural stone in the kitchen, which is very practical, but quite expensive. The most common materials are marble and granite. Onyx, travertine, slate, limestone are less common.
Also, ordinary ceramic or fashionable glass tiles or mosaics are environmentally friendly.
Eco-friendly materials for furniture
To protect yourself from the harmful effects of chemicals that harmful furniture evaporates, carefully inspect all your furniture - all scratches and cracks seen on it must be covered with PVA glue, or furniture varnish, polish or paint. Ventilate the rooms where the chipboard furniture is located more often. Disperse chipboard furniture so that it does not accumulate in one place - this can reduce the concentration of toxic substances in the atmosphere of the home.
In order to save money, unscrupulous manufacturers leave chipboard open in areas invisible to the eye (the bottom of countertops, internal partitions near cabinets, the inside of bedside tables, etc.). Manufacturers who are not indifferent to the health of their customers must cover all surfaces and edges of chipboard with a protective film or veneer, and seal all drilled holes, which at least partially protects against harmful fumes.
When choosing furniture made of chipboard, fiberboard or MDF, make sure that the veneer evenly and tightly covers the furniture around the entire perimeter. But even the highest quality chipboard tables and cabinets can crack and chip on the surface over time. Chipboard emits poisons for a very long time - at least 10-15 years. MDF furniture is considered safer. MDF is more expensive than chipboard by about 13-15%.
Formaldehyde is found not only in wood, but also in plastic furniture. Furniture made from plywood and solid wood, or entirely from solid wood, can also be a significant source of formaldehyde. In this case, they are used in the manufacture of oxidizing finishing (paint and varnish, etc.) materials containing urea-formaldehydes that are actively released into the environment, especially during the first six months after application. Once the bulk of the volatile formaldehyde has been released (typically a 50 percent or more reduction), indoor levels may be only a fraction of what they were when these products were new.
Furniture made of natural wood solid wood is 10-25% more expensive than MDF (including due to the laboriousness of production and the complexity of processing). In most types of wood, the natural content of formaldehyde is only slightly lower than in chipboard, but in some varieties it reaches 12 mg100g. In the production of solid wood furniture parts, glue, varnishes and stains are used, all of these materials contain formaldehyde, phenol and other chemicals.
Thus, the statement that natural wood furniture is absolutely environmentally friendly is not entirely true. Even solid wood furniture is a source of formaldehyde (it completely disappears only after 7-12 years). Although a significant decrease is expected, the problem does not disappear, as one might think. Significant continuous release of formaldehyde can occur as the polymer resin undergoes hydrolytic degradation. For this reason, the release of free formaldehyde from products with formaldehyde resins can occur for an indefinite period.
Many consumers believe that wood furniture is completely environmentally friendly and safe, but if natural wood processing technologies (alder, pine, etc.) are not followed, the quality of such boards leaves much to be desired, despite the natural origin. In this case, an alternative option for eco-furniture can be the manufacture of furniture boards yourself from wood (pine, beech, alder, birch, oak, etc.).
It can be concluded that in terms of environmental safety, MDF or chipboard furniture does not differ significantly from solid wood furniture, and is much cheaper at a price. The main difference is in what "emission class" of free formaldehyde they belong to. Chipboard and MDF have the same mechanical strength as natural wood. MDF can even surpass it in some mechanical properties, and retains its shape better in terms of variable humidity than solid wood products.
The ideal emission class for eco-furniture in terms of formaldehyde emission is considered to be zero (E0), but such furniture is difficult to find. A one (E1) is acceptable, a two (E2) is average, and a three (E3) is unhealthy.
When buying upholstered furniture, avoid products on foam rubber - over time, it decomposes, which leads to the release of harmful substances.
When buying eco-furniture, give preference to upholstery made from natural, non-electric fabrics.
Today, environmentally friendly furniture is quite difficult to find, but more and more people are doing eco-repair and are interested in materials that are safe for health, although the prices for eco-furniture are an order of magnitude higher than for mass low-quality furniture that emits toxic toxic substances.
Leading furniture manufacturers around the world are increasingly striving to use environmentally friendly materials in their production. Tables and chairs, walls and cabinets, sofas and armchairs made of natural ingredients or at least free of toxic and harmful ingredients will bring peace and comfort to your home. We list materials that will not harm human health and the environment.
Let's start with upholstered furniture. In upholstered furniture, the use of environmentally friendly materials is extremely important; for example, natural fabrics (cotton, wool, linen, velvet) instead of synthetic ones in the upholstery of sofas and armchairs. will last longer. Genuine, neatly dressed leather is the most prestigious and at the same time practical type of covering. With proper care, it will retain its appearance for a long time. Also environmentally friendly is nubuck - this is genuine leather that has been treated with special means so that it acquires a soft and fleecy texture, reminiscent of suede. Let us dwell on nubuck in more detail, because this material has recently been actively introduced into the production of upholstered furniture. Nubuck has high strength, as well as water-repellent properties, increased wear resistance, antistatic effect, heat resistance. So, for example, to remove ink or grease stains from furniture made of nubuck, it is necessary to moisten a napkin with water or a solution of washing powder and rub the contaminated area in a circular motion. Using a dry cloth, carefully remove any remaining moisture. That's all!
Recall that the “specialist” in sofas and armchairs with leather upholstery and nubuck upholstery is the Keoma factory, which recently presented in Moscow at the iSaloni exhibition 2013, their latest novelties.Separately, in the production of environmentally friendly upholstered furniture, it is worth mentioning polyurethane foam - it is often used in seat cushions, backrests and armrests. This high-tech material is also environmentally friendly, and at the same time it allows you to achieve maximum comfort for upholstered furniture: there are different degrees of rigidity.
Products close to upholstered furniture are mattresses for beds. As for them, here you can also find options made only from natural fillers. These include coconut coir, natural latex (from rubber tree sap), horsehair, sisal, seaweed. Natural components are usually more expensive, but at the same time they are no less durable than their synthetic counterparts, and, unlike them, are hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly.
And now let's get back to cabinet furniture and the environmental friendliness of the materials used in its production.
Solid wood is by far the most natural material in the production of cabinet furniture. Wood is used to decorate countertops and facades of sets. Usually, coniferous and hardwood types of wood are used for this - oak and beech, pine and ash, walnut and cherry, yew and larch. The coating is often treated with special compounds (stains, impregnations) to give it water resistance and a brighter color, or to create an unusual visual effect (patina, gilding). Paints, waxes and varnishes that are applied to the surface of an object undergo the most thorough examination. According to GOST, in furniture production it is recommended to use only compositions of the 3rd (moderately hazardous) and 4th (low-hazardous) classes. Solid wood furniture is considered the most expensive and elite. Here you can also name wicker furniture made of rattan and bamboo. Armchairs, chairs, bookcases and other pieces of furniture from Indonesia, of course, can also be classified as environmentally friendly and made from natural materials.
The veneer comes right after the array - it is practically not inferior to it in popularity and is the same environmentally friendly, but much more budget option. This cladding material is thin sheets of wood, so it retains the texture of wood. In addition, veneer can be used to create plywood.
Chipboard (chipboard) is a material that you should definitely give up in your home, although in Russia it is still used in the manufacture of furniture: beds, tables, cabinets and other items. This material is the leader in the number of harmful substances. It contains phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde resins that are unsafe for health, which act as its binding component and provide strength. The intensity of formaldehyde release depends on the temperature and humidity in the room: the warmer, the higher the formaldehyde content in the air. Therefore, all chipboard products are pasted over with a protective film or veneer. Now chipboard is being replaced by other, more harmless modern compositions and materials.
MDF (finely dispersed fraction) is considered an environmentally friendly material. It is created by pressing very small wood shavings, and the binding element is lignin, a substance that wood releases when heated. The production does not use carcinogenic epoxy resins and phenol. Furniture made from MDF boards is not susceptible to mold and other fungi, and this is another plus in its favor, especially in rooms where there are children. MDF is durable and wear-resistant, it can be washed with cleaning products.
In the production of kitchen sets, HPL plastics are often used. It is a synthetic material, but it is also considered environmentally friendly. Decorative plastic consists mainly of cellulose and natural resins. It is famous for its resistance to moisture and abrasion, so it is suitable for cladding facades and countertops.
PVC plastics (polyvinyl chloride) can also be called environmentally friendly. They are light, strong and yet durable. At the same time, plastic furniture attracts dust, and plastic surfaces can act as sources of static electricity, which forces such coatings to be finalized.
Materials such as glass, aluminum and stainless steel are also not capable of exerting a harmful effect on human health.
Furniture made from environmentally friendly, natural materials usually sells for a higher price than its counterparts made from synthetic materials, the safety of which is a big question. However, to paraphrase a well-known proverb, we can safely say: this is the case when health can be bought.
There is no organic category for furniture, as is used in food and clothing labeling. Although some items may have the word organic in the product name or description.1. Choosing upholstered furniture
Let's start with home furnishings, where you can find the word organic on a label or in a product description.- Upholstered furniture: Look for chairs and sofas upholstered in natural organic fabrics and filled with natural latex foam.
- Mattresses: organic cotton, organic wool and natural latex are good alternatives to the materials used to make conventional mattresses. Most organic latex mattresses have a core wrapped in wool (naturally flame retardant) or cotton or a combination of both, and some are usually wrapped in a combination of these materials. Choose mattress pads made from organic cotton or organic wool.
2. Consider bamboo
Bamboo furniture is a good option. Although technically not a tree (it's a herb), it looks like a tree, and is usually grown without pesticides. Because it is growing so fast that resistance to renewal is not a problem for it. The only downside is the traffic trail.3. Transportation
Since transportation also uses energy, responsibility in transportation is also part of getting sustainable furniture.- Furniture must be transported efficiently without overcoming excessive space and energy during transport.
- Local furniture using only local production and raw materials has less.
4. Stay away from toxic materials and finishes
The easiest way to avoid toxins like formaldehyde is to buy furniture made from materials that don't contain them.Choose hardwood furniture that contains less paint. Rarely glass and metal furniture.
5. Try to avoid:
- Upholstery marked SPAIN RESISTANT, it may be toxic
- Inflatable furniture, faux leather and vinyl furniture covers. All may contain phthalate-based PVC.
- Furniture made from chipboard, fiberboard, plywood - anything that may contain formaldehyde adhesives.
- Avoid all tropical hardwoods (mahogany and teak) as well as mahogany and many western cedars, which tend to be made from irreplaceable old woods - unless certified.
Look for local furniture makers and artisans in local newspapers, craft websites, and craft fairs. Look for artisanal furniture made from salvaged trees and wrought iron, organic wool and cotton, and recycled fabrics.
7. Choose functionality
Furniture should also be functional and durable.- Opt for multifunctional furniture
- Durability also matters because well-made furniture with a longer functional shelf life contributes to the health of the planet without filling landfills.
8. Vintage furniture
Vintage and antique furniture are two of the most sustainable choices you can make for home furnishing. There are no hard and fast distinctions when furniture becomes antique; for some people it's all that well forgotten old, others argue that the items must be at least 20 years old.Antique furniture is technically anything made 100 years ago. Most people simply assume that these are furniture made at the turn of the 20th century. In any case, if it is old, it does not use any additional energy, water or other resources associated with production.
If you are choosing antique furniture, keep the following in mind:
- Furniture must comply with current safety regulations. Please note that the furniture is not radioactive.
- Vintage painted furniture made before 1978 may contain lead. Old antiques - early 19th century - most likely not. Lead paint is a problem, if it peels off, you can cover it with varnish, for example, but this can affect the look and value of the piece. If you have small children around, you might want to think twice before purchasing these items or wait until your children are older.
- Finishing or restoring antiques is also usually best left to the experts. If you're thinking about refinishing or repainting 20th century furniture, you'll find that all paint contains lead and you should take appropriate precautions when working with it.
9. , recovery and repurposing
Getting creative with reusing household items is a great way to come up with furniture and accessories that are truly one of a kind. It can also reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. According to the American Society of Interior Designers, 90 percent of everything manufactured in the US ends up in landfills less than a year after production.10. Furniture
If you have a love of tinkering or have a craftsman you know, you can make your own furniture from scratch. Work with wood that has been pulled from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, old buildings - or work with wood that has a history that can make this furniture even more special.The situation in the house plays a significant role in the maintenance and preservation of human health. Wall and floor decoration, furniture, textile materials can cause serious complications and exacerbations of chronic diseases if harmful components were used in their production. In the modern world, many manufacturers focus on the production environmentally friendly furniture, which is in ever-increasing demand among buyers who prefer a healthy environment for their homes.
Furniture items are bought for more than one year, so even a slight content of harmful impurities in the materials, varnishes and paints that were used in their manufacture can be harmful during prolonged contact with a person. One of the most dangerous substances used in furniture production is formaldehyde. Even a small concentration of it in the air can provoke allergies and asthma. Therefore, when buying furnishings, especially for a children's room, for a bedroom, it is important to purchase environmentally friendly products.
Why choose wood furniture
Giving preference to furniture made of natural wood is the right choice, because the tree contains beneficial phytoncides that stand out even when the product has served for several years. In addition, it is no secret that trees have positive energy. Do not think that solid wood furniture is not affordable for everyone. Domestic manufacturers make excellent products from inexpensive species - birch and pine.
In addition, the tree fits perfectly not only in, but also in almost anyone.
Vine furniture - an eco-furnishing option for home and garden
Beautiful and practical wicker furniture is in increasing demand. Initially intended for country houses, it successfully took root in city apartments. Graceful tables, cabinets, armchairs and rocking chairs, especially beloved, are made of rattan, willow or bamboo. There are also combined options with glass or steel. Such items, despite their elegance and apparent fragility, can last up to 25 years. They do not require special care, are easily cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, and their only drawback is that they are afraid of rain.
How to check if furniture is environmentally friendly
- When buying, ask the sellers for an environmental certificate. Having a certificate guarantees that the product does not contain, for example, cadmium used in paints or lead.
- If new furniture emits a strong smell, you should think about its environmental friendliness. Despite the fact that according to GOST, the smell should disappear in no more than 2.5 months, such a purchase can turn into an unnecessary headache. After all, well-being largely depends on the air in the apartment.
- When choosing a bed or sofa, avoid products on foam rubber - over time, it decomposes, which leads to the release of harmful substances.
- Give preference to upholstery made of natural, non-electric fabrics.