Whether you’re looking for sustainable chairs to dine in, work in, or relax in, this guide will help you find just what you’re looking for.
What Makes a Chair Sustainable?
Before we get into the brands, let’s talk about the criteria for a “sustainable chair”. As with anything in sustainability, there isn’t necessarily a black-or-white definition, but here are some general guidelines to keep in mind.
Materials
Recycled and low impact natural materials are ideal when it comes to searching for that perfect eco-friendly chair.
Some materials you may want to look for are recycled aluminum (which is naturally rust-resistant) and reclaimed or sustainably-harvested hardwood.
For upholstered chairs, look for fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, linen, and recycled fabrics. And for the foam, some alternatives to synthetic foam include natural organic latex, coconut fiber, and organic wool.
Finishes
When looking for wood furniture, check to see if the furnishes are free of toxic chemicals. Zero-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) is best and there are also many low-VOC options. Just try to leave any low-VOC furniture outside for a bit before taking it into your home if you can! [Check out more non-toxic home tips in this post.]
Production Practices
Given how heavy and bulky furniture is, local production is particularly important since the emissions from shipping can really add up.
Searching for domestic production is great, and local production within the area/state of the company can allow for even better transparency.
Where to Find Sustainable Chairs
Now, let’s get into where you can find eco-friendly chairs that meet some or all of this criteria! We’ll start off with some options to find used chairs and then get into the brands with sustainably-made chairs.
Note that this guide includes partners and affiliates. As always, all brands featured meet strict criteria for sustainability and are brands we truly love — and that we think you’ll love too!
Secondhand Sources for Sustainable Chairs
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are two classic options when it comes to finding used furniture! Here are some others to know:
OfferUp (buy and sell locally)
AptDeco (available in New York metro, Philadelphia metro, and Bay Area only)
Chairish (vintage)
Kaiyo (free pickup in NJ, can pay for delivery)
EBTH (like an online estate sale)
Places to Find New Eco-Friendly Chairs
If you can’t find what you’re looking for secondhand, check out these brands and retailers with eco-friendly office chairs, dining chairs, armchairs, and more. [Looking for outdoor chairs? Check out this guide to outdoor furniture instead.]
1. Savvy Rest
Savvy Rest is a seriously impressive non-toxic furniture brand that has every single element covered when it comes to sustainable chairs! The Verona Organic Armchair is made using GOTS-certified organic cotton and/or hemp upholstery, organic wool batting, sustainably-sourced solid hardwood maple, Cradle-to-Cradle Gold Certified Natural Talalay latex foam, natural coir, jute webbing, and zero-VOC finishes.
Conscious Qualities: Organic & Eco Materials, Sustainable Wood, Non-Toxic Finishes, Locally Made
Price Range: $2,799-$3,099
Use Code CONSCIOUSSTYLE20 for 20% off!
Shipping: White Glove delivery within continental U.S. Contact their team for shipping quotes outside of the 48 contiguous states.
2. Made Trade
Sustainable retailer Made Trade has a variety of eco-friendly dining chairs, office chairs, and accent chairs made from thoughtful materials like sustainably sourced hardwood and recycled aluminum.
Conscious Qualities: Sustainable Materials & Practices, Carbon Neutral Certified Company
Price Range: $420-$1,150
Shipping: Ships furniture within the US
3. noho
The sustainable office chair meets dining chair from noho is not only designed to maximize ergonomic comfort, but it’s made using ECONYL regenerated nylon sourced from ocean waste. And, the chair is made in a production facility that uses 80%+ renewable energy.
Conscious Qualities: Recycled Materials, Made with Renewable Energy
Price Range: $375
Shipping: Free shipping within the contiguous U.S.
4. Burrow
Out to transform the way furniture is made and sold, Burrow makes modular furniture that can expand and grow as your needs change. The eco-friendly armchairs are made with responsibly-forested wood and non-toxic upcycled fabric upholstery.
Conscious Qualities: Responsibly-Sourced Wood, Eco-Conscious Fabric, Compact Packaging
Price Range: $425-1,790
Shipping: Free shipping within the continental U.S.
5. Medley Home
Non-toxic furniture brand Medley creates quality non-toxic and eco-minded furnishings, and their armchair collection is no exception. You’ll find sustainable chairs crafted just for you in LA using materials like FSC-certified hardwood, CertiPUR-US® certified foam, and organic natural latex.
Conscious Qualities: Non-Toxic and Eco Materials, Domestic Production
Price Range: $1,060-$1,940
Shipping: Ships internationally; contact to get quotes for shipping outside of the US
6. Viva Terra
Green lifestyle retailer Viva Terra has eco-friendly chairs made from rattan, banana tree bark, regenerated fibers, and other natural or recycled materials. Their collection ranges from simple accent chairs to dining & patio chairs to upholstered armchairs.
Conscious Qualities: Eco-Conscious Materials, Handmade, Local Options
Price Range: $199-$2,795
Shipping: Ships within the U.S.; some pieces ship free
7. Urban Natural
Urban Natural has many eco-minded options in their vast selection of furnishings. They have eco-friendly dining chairs made from sustainably sourced hardwood and armchairs from brands like Environment by Cisco Home made with organic materials.
Conscious Qualities: Eco-Minded Natural Materials & Processes
Price Range: $450-$7,000
Shipping: White Glove Delivery in the contiguous U.S. for $250 flat rate (free for orders $2,500+)
Pin to Reference Later:
You May Also Want to Check Out:
8 Non-Toxic Sofas for Truly Restful Relaxation
