Looking for sustainable furniture brands that align with your values? Look no further! In this article, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best eco-friendly furniture brands that prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and environmentally friendly materials.
Whether you’re in search of a stylish new sofa or a unique dining table, these brands offer a range of products to fit your needs. Plus, we’ve included a guide to some of the top sustainability certifications to help you make informed choices.
Our Pick for The Best Sustainable Furniture Brand – Avocado
Our findings show that Avocado stands out as a clear leader in sustainable furniture brands.
With a comprehensive range of certifications that covers nearly all aspects of eco-friendliness, Avocado offers more than just sustainable mattresses – their line also includes non-toxic and organic bedding, pillows, and other furniture. Constantly pushing the boundaries of sustainable and ethical practices, Avocado has earned recognition from renowned publications like Architectural Digest, US News, and Healthline. Their flagship product, the Avocado Green mattress, has amassed an impressive 34,000+ five-star reviews.
Table of Contents
How to choose your sustainable furniture?
Looking for sustainable furniture can be a daunting task, especially with all the different materials and certifications available. At The Conscious Insider, we’ve done the work for you and narrowed it down.
We’ve analyzed dozens of brands based on two key criteria: the quality of the materials used and the values of the brand.
- When choosing sustainable furniture, consider the materials used in both the products and packaging. Look for organic, non-toxic, sustainably sourced, or recyclable materials.
- Additionally, consider the values of the brand. Is it socially and environmentally ethical? Does it give back to the community? Is it part of green initiatives or programs?
Several not-for-profit organizations deliver certifications to brands that meet their high standards for sustainability. These independent agencies provide unbiased information to customers, allowing you to make an informed decision.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a simplified glossary of the best eco-friendly certifications to look out for:
- CertiPUR-US: For non-toxic foam.
- GREENGUARD Gold certified: For products with low chemical emissions.
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified: For wood sourced in responsibly managed forests.
- OEKO-Tex certified: For non-toxic textiles.
- GOTS or Global Organic Textile Standard certified: For organic textiles.
- GOLS or Global Organic Latex Standard certified: For organic latex.
Note that a company can still be sustainable even if it doesn’t possess these certifications.
Here’s our top pick for the best sustainable furniture brands on the market now and why we chose them.
17 Best Sustainable Furniture Brands
Avocado
Sustainability | Certified B Corp, GREENGUARD Gold certified, GOLS and GOTS certified, climate-neutral processes, handmade in California, use renewable energy in their factories, gives back to 1% for the Planet.
Furniture categories | Mattresses, bedding, bed frames, furniture, bath, sleeping clothes
Price | $$
Avocado, founded in 2016, set out to create a non-toxic, green, and affordable mattress made from natural and organic materials, and they have certainly succeeded. Now, they offer not only mattresses, but also non-toxic and organic bedding, pillows, and other sustainable furniture.
Avocado constantly strives to improve their already high standards for sustainable, ethical, and conscious practices. The brand has received numerous awards from well-known publications such as AD, US News, and Glamour and cumulates more than 34,000 5-star reviews for the Avocado Green mattress.
With stores in California, New York City, and Washington DC, Avocado offers a 1-year sleep trial, 25-year warranty, easy financing with Affirm®, and optional in-home delivery and setup.
This innovative brand is changing the game in sustainable and organic sleep options.
Maiden Home
Sustainability | CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified, made in the USA, handcrafted furniture, sustainably sourced wood, and recycled materials.
Furniture categories | Sofa, benches, bed frames, tables, and chairs.
Price | $$$
Maiden Home, an online-only furniture brand, is dedicated to providing handcrafted luxury pieces customized to the unique needs of modern homes. Designed in New York and crafted with heritage techniques of North Carolina furniture artisans, each piece is made to order with eco-friendly materials and ethical processes, ensuring both quality and sustainability.
Their non-toxic furniture is certified GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US®, free from harmful chemicals such as flame retardants, mercury, lead, and formaldehyde.
With a lifetime warranty, Maiden Home’s long-lasting and highly comfortable furniture is a smart investment for any home.
West Elm
Sustainability | GOTS certified, FSC certified wood, Better Cotton, non-toxic and sustainable materials, handcrafted, assembled in the US, Fair Trade practices.
Furniture categories | Seating, bed frames, tables, lighting, outdoor, home decor.
Price | $$—$$$$
West Elm, launched in 2002 as the sister brand of Poetry Barn, offers a selection of mid-century modern furniture and home decor that is highly qualitative, sustainably produced, and affordable.
With over 100 stores throughout the United States, the popular brand collaborates with independent designers each season to bring unique and one-of-a-kind home furnishing items.
West Elm’s motto, “Good for people, Good for the planet. Good for you,” reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. They were the first home retailer to join Fair Trade USA, ensuring workers fair wages, healthy working conditions, and community development. In fact, West Elm has been featured on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies list for the past four years, highlighting their dedication to social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
The Citizenry
Sustainability | FSC certified wood, Oeko-Tex certified, GOTS certified, Fair Trade practices, handcrafted, low carbon emission, zero waste processes, and fair wages.
Furniture categories | Rugs, bedding, pillow, mirror, home decor.
Price | $$
The Citizenry has made a name for itself by partnering with master artisans from various corners of the world to offer a collection of unique and reasonably priced creations. Their focus on small-batch handmade goods and sustainable methods has earned them a reputation for being a premium, eco-conscious furniture brand.
The company’s commitment to ethical initiatives such as zero waste, fair wages, and low carbon emissions adds to the value of their green furniture. Whether you’re in the market for exclusive furniture, home decor, tableware, or accessories, The Citizenry has got you covered.
You can visit their shop in Soho, NYC, to experience their products in person.
Live Outer
Sustainability | FSC certified wood furniture, climate-neutral certified, organic and sustainable materials, 1% For The Planet program.
Furniture categories | Outdoor seating, outdoor table, rugs, fire pits.
Price | $$$
Live Outer, founded in 2017 by Jiake Liu and Terry Lin, aims to revolutionize outdoor furniture. They use responsibly sourced materials to create long-lasting, high-quality, and comfortable pieces that are recyclable and covered by a warranty.
Their ethical approach extends to providing fair wages and safe working conditions for employees. Live Outer products are tested to be weather-proof, spill-proof, and durable.
Live Outer does not have an in-store location.
Thuma
Sustainability | Greenguard certified, CertiPUR-US certified, One tree Planted, carbon-neutral shipping, recyclable paper for packaging.
Furniture categories | Bed, mattress, nightstand, side table.
Price | $$
Thuma, a San Francisco-based brand, offers four pieces of furniture with a modern and minimalist design. The bed, mattress, nightstand, and side table are all covered by a lifetime warranty and made with organic and non-toxic materials.
Thuma is committed to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, using recyclable packaging and carbon-neutral shipping. The mission of this San Francisco-based brand is to create a “perfect combination of functionality, minimalism, and luxury design while being mindful of our environmental impact every step of the way.”
Featured in Forbes, New York Magazine, and Business Insider, Thuma is a brand that values both style and sustainability.
Made Trade
Sustainability | Fair Trade, handcrafted, made in the USA, sustainable & recycled materials, vegan, woman-owned shops, climate neutral.
Furniture categories | depends on the vendor.
Price | depends on the vendor.
Made Trade is your go-to online destination for everything eco-friendly and ethically made. More than just a shop, it’s a platform that gathers an extensive range of products from sustainable furniture to home decor, silverware, apparel, and much more.
Discover brands like Looma, Korissa, and Soil to Studio, as well as affordable and sustainable furniture options. What sets Made Trade apart is its reliable review-verified system for each piece available on the website, so you can trust that you’re making the right purchase.
Made Trade is exclusively online.
Floyd
Sustainability | CertiPUR-US certified, FSC certified wood, recyclable materials, renewable energy, second-hand shop, almost carbon neutral.
Furniture categories | Sofa, table, storage, outdoor furniture.
Price | $$
Floyd’s commitment to design simplicity and sustainability is a breath of fresh air in the furniture industry. The brand’s mid-century modern furniture is not only stylish, but also long-lasting and easy to assemble.
Floyd prides itself on using non-toxic and recyclable materials, as evidenced by their numerous sustainable certifications. Their signature bed frame is a standout piece, boasting a flat-pack design that makes storage and moving a breeze. And with a 10-year warranty, you can rest easy. Floyd is also dedicated to reducing waste with a resale and refurbishment program, further solidifying their eco-friendly commitment.
As an online-only brand, Floyd makes it easy to shop for sustainable furniture from the comfort of your home.
Medley
Sustainability | CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold certified, FSC certified wood, handcrafted in the USA, organic and non-toxic textile.
Furniture categories | Sofa, Bed Frames, Storage.
Price | $$-$$$
Medley Furniture creates premium and eco-friendly furniture pieces from their Los Angeles workshop. Their commitment to organic, non-toxic, and sustainable materials is reflected in the numerous certifications they hold in the furniture industry.
From bed frames to ottomans, Medley’s pieces are crafted with exceptional attention to detail, ensuring that each piece is both comfortable and unique.
Customization options are available, and all Medley furniture comes with a lifetime warranty.
Medley is an online-only company.
Sabai
Sustainability | FSC certified wood, CertiPUR-US certified, Repair don’t replace Initiative, second-hand shop, recycled & up-cycled materials, plastic-free shipping, ethical production, locally produced in North Carolina.
Furniture categories | Table, Seating, Home decor.
Price | $$
Sabai is a brand that strives to deliver furniture that is not only comfortable and affordable but also sustainably made. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in the materials they use, such as sustainably managed wood and eco-friendly fabrics that are free of harmful toxins.
Moreover, Sabai participates in several ethical initiatives and programs, making it a brand that truly cares about the environment and society. One of their noteworthy features is that their couches are designed for easy assembly and disassembly, ensuring that they can be moved around and stored with ease.
While Sabai doesn’t have a physical showroom, some of their products are showcased at ‘The Canvas Bowery’ in New York City.
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Sustainability | FSC certified wood, Oeko-Tex certified, natural materials, made in the USA, eco-friendly and recycled fabrics, and ethical initiatives.
Furniture categories | Dining furniture, seating, bed frames, storage & office, outdoor, lighting, home decor.
Price | $$-$$$
At MGBW, quality is the hallmark of every piece of furniture created since its founding in 1989. Their American-made furniture is not only unique and comfortable but also environmentally conscious. MGBW offers a wide range of furniture, from luxurious seating to functional office furniture, all made with non-toxic and organic materials.
The company is committed to sustainability, with various ethical and environmental initiatives incorporated into their fabrication process. You can conveniently purchase their products online or visit one of their showrooms.
The Alex Sectional Sofa is a must-have in their collection, serving as an iconic piece that boasts both style and comfort.
Room & Board
Sustainability | FSC certified wood furniture, recycled steel and fabric, reclaimed wood, 90% of products made in the USA, and ethical initiatives.
Furniture categories | Bed, table, seating, outdoor, home decor, lighting, office.
Price | $$-$$$
Room & Board has been a leader in the sustainable furniture industry since 1980. The brand prides itself on its American craftsmanship and modern style, with a broad range of furniture options available including beds, tables, outdoor pieces, home decor, lighting, and accessories.
The brand’s materials are sourced from ethically managed wood, recycled steel, and fabric. Room & Board also actively supports various environmental initiatives, ensuring that their furniture is not only beautiful but also eco-friendly.
With multiple locations across the US, Room & Board offers a convenient shopping experience for those seeking high-quality sustainable furniture.
Simbly
Sustainability | FSC-certified, non-toxic materials, made in the USA, 1% for the Planet, carbon-neutral, One Tree Planted program, and compostable packaging.
Furniture categories | Dining tables, coffee tables, benches.
Price | $$.
Created by award-winning environmental entrepreneur Josh Dorfman, Simply creates minimalist and eco-friendly furniture. With a commitment to reduce waste, the brand is actively working on transitioning to 100% recycled packaging. All of their pieces are thoughtfully designed and crafted in the United States.
Simply has also partnered with various environmental and ethical programs, such as 1% for the Planet and the One Tree Planted Program, further solidifying their dedication to sustainability.
Greenington
Sustainability | Eco-friendly bamboo, ethically sourced and non-toxic materials.
Furniture categories | Bed, seating, table, storage.
Price | $$$
As a bamboo furniture brand, Greenington has been creating sustainable and eco-friendly pieces since 2004. Their commitment to using Moso bamboo – a durable and fast-growing material – makes their products strong, long-lasting, and better for the environment.
In fact, bamboo is known to release more oxygen into the atmosphere than other trees, making it the ultimate sustainable material for furniture.
With a range of tables, beds, and storage pieces, Greenington’s clean and modern design is paired with a strong focus on quality and eco-friendly production processes.
Alabama Sawyer
Sustainability | Reclaimed locally sourced trees, made in the USA, non-toxic materials.
Furniture categories | Tables, accessories, benches.
Price | $$$
Alabama Sawyer is a thoughtful furniture brand that offers a unique and sustainable approach to design. The brand’s founders, a married couple, have made it their mission to use fallen trees that would otherwise go to waste in their creations.
With a focus on sustainability and ethical production, Alabama Sawyer offers elegant and modern furniture pieces made with natural, eco-friendly materials sourced from Alabama. From beautiful dining tables and kitchen accessories to benches and home decor, each item is a one-of-a-kind piece of art that you can feel good about owning.
Alabama Sawyer also offers a selection of environmentally committed home decor pieces from other conscious companies.
What We Make
Sustainability | Reclaimed and sustainably sourced wood in the US, eco-friendly non-toxic materials, family-owned business, handmade.
Furniture categories | Table, seating, bed, storage, home office.
Price | $$$
At What We Make, sustainability and craftsmanship go hand in hand. The family-owned business has been creating handmade, customizable furniture from reclaimed wood for over a decade. Their wood is sourced from old barns in the Midwest, giving each piece a unique and storied character. What We Make’s commitment to sustainability is further reflected in their use of non-toxic finishes and eco-friendly materials.
The company prides itself on offering high-quality, sustainable products at a fair price. They offer a wide selection of furniture, including one-of-a-kind tables, benches, and beds.
While their only showroom is located in Illinois, their online store makes it easy to order from anywhere in the US.
Joybird
Sustainability | Reducing their carbon footprint, fair wages and benefits for workers, One Tree Planted.
Furniture categories | Table, seating, storage, outdoor, decor and home office.
Price | $$$
Joybird is a custom furniture manufacturer that specializes in mid-century modern designs. Their pieces are created with a strong emphasis on quality and durability, and they take pride in providing fair wages and benefits for their workers.
Joybird is dedicated to preserving the environment and has partnered with the One Tree Planted program to support reforestation efforts.
The brand has received awards from major publications such as the Washington Post, the New York Times, and Elle Decor.
They also offer a lifetime warranty on most of their furniture. If you want to see their pieces in person, Joybird has showrooms located throughout the US in cities like Brooklyn, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
FAQ
What is sustainable furniture?
Sustainable furniture is furniture made from environmentally friendly and socially responsible materials, using manufacturing practices that have a minimal impact on the environment. Sustainable furniture aims to reduce waste and the use of non-renewable resources.
What are some common materials used in sustainable furniture?
Common materials used in sustainable furniture include reclaimed wood, responsibly sourced wood, bamboo, cork, recycled plastic, and natural fibers such as organic cotton, linen, and wool.
Why is sustainable furniture important?
Sustainable furniture is important because it helps to reduce the environmental impact of furniture manufacturing, which is a major contributor to global deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and pollution. Choosing sustainable furniture also supports socially responsible and ethical manufacturing practices.
How can I tell if furniture is sustainable?
Look for furniture that is certified by third-party organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Greenguard Gold, CertiPUR-US, Cradle to Cradle (C2C), Better Cotton, or the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). You can also look for furniture made from recycled or reclaimed materials, or furniture that is designed to be durable and long-lasting.
Is sustainable furniture more expensive than regular furniture?
Sustainable furniture can be more expensive than regular furniture, but it is often a better investment in the long run. Sustainable furniture is designed to be durable and long-lasting, which means you won’t need to replace it as often as you would with cheaper, less sustainable options.
Where can I buy sustainable furniture?
You can buy sustainable furniture from a variety of sources, including online retailers, furniture stores that specialize in sustainable products, and artisanal furniture makers. Look for retailers and manufacturers that are transparent about their sustainability practices and certifications. Here are our recommendations.
What type of furniture is most sustainable?
In general, furniture made from natural, renewable materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, or recycled metal tends to be more sustainable than furniture made from non-renewable materials such as plastics or synthetic fibers. Furniture that is well-crafted and built to last also has a lower environmental impact than furniture that is cheaply made and frequently replaced. Additionally, choosing furniture from companies that prioritize local sourcing and production can also help ensure a more eco-friendly purchase.
What is the most eco-friendly material for furniture?
The most eco-friendly materials for furniture are those that are renewable, biodegradable, and have a low environmental impact. Examples of such materials include bamboo, reclaimed wood, cork, recycled metal, and natural fibers such as organic cotton, hemp, or wool. Additionally, furniture made from salvaged or repurposed materials also reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing new furniture. It’s important to consider not just the material itself but also the manufacturing and transportation processes involved in making the furniture to fully evaluate its eco-friendliness.
What is the most sustainable wood for furniture?
The most sustainable wood for furniture is wood that is certified by a credible forest certification organization, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These organizations ensure that the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests, where trees are replanted after they are harvested, and that the forest ecosystem is protected. Examples of sustainable wood species include bamboo, teak, oak, and walnut, as long as they are sourced from responsibly managed forests. Additionally, using reclaimed wood or salvaged wood from old buildings or furniture also reduces the environmental impact of using new wood.
To learn more about eco-friendly certifications or sustainable fabrics and green materials, read our articles. You might also be interested in our guide for organic pillows, or reclaimed wood coffee tables.
Image Credit: all product photos belong to respective brands
