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Is your headboard made from toxic materials? Are you sleeping in a room full of toxins every night? If you’re not sure, it’s time to find out.
Over the past few years, I’ve spent a lot of time researching many sleep-related topics and products to help you keep the toxic nasties out of your sustainable sleep sanctuary.
And now it’s time to delve deep into the world of non-toxic headboards!
In this article, I’ll reveal the hidden dangers of traditional headboards and show you how to choose a non-toxic headboard for a healthier sleep environment.
✔ Easy Installation
✔ Three Sophisticated Shapes
✔ No Polyurethane Foam
We Say: The wall-mounted design of Avocado's upholstered headboard solved a common problem I encountered when testing headboards - that of bed frame compatibility. I was able to position it exactly where I wanted without worrying about whether it would fit a particular frame.
Avocado offers three shapes (Rounded, Arch, and Semi-Circle) in Natural and White colorways. I chose the Arch shape in Natural because it matched our existing linen bedding - and because my wife told me to!
The Avocado Upholstered Headboard contains 100% Wapato linen fiber from Belgium, needle-punch wool, and a 2" layer of GOLS-certified organic latex foam. Avocado states the headboard contains no polyurethane foams, which meets my family's preference for home goods made from only natural materials.
The linen texture of this Avocado headboard is pleasing to the touch. The foam layer compresses comfortably when I lean back while reading and has maintained its shape throughout the three-month testing period.
Avocado includes solid aluminum French cleats that make installation straightforward. I drilled the mounting holes, inserted the provided anchors, and hung the headboard in about 20 minutes. The French cleat system holds the Avocado Upholstered Headboard firmly against the wall without any movement or jiggling.
We Say: My sister-in-law asked for help finding a coastal-inspired headboard that would remind her of her honeymoon in Bali. She wanted something natural that would work with the wood bed frame she'd already purchased. I researched dozens of rattan options and narrowed the field to three finalists before the Bali & Pari Jasmine won out.
The Jasmine headboard from Bali & Pari beat the other two options we considered because it combines Indonesian craftsmanship with a simple, standalone design.
My sister-in-law has owned the Bali & Pari Jasmine Headboard for approximately six months. She loves how the handwoven floral pattern brings warmth to her bedroom without overwhelming the minimalist décor.
This Bali & Pari headboard arrived fully assembled and slipped into place between her queen bed frame and wall within minutes. The rattan has remained stable, without warping or mold growth that, in my experience, sometimes occurs in humid climates.
The rounded silhouette of the Bali & Pari Jasmine Headboard sits flush against the wall and has remained secure through regular bedroom activity.
We Say: My Moroccanology Leather Strap Headboard arrived from Marrakesh within three weeks of ordering. As soon as I opened the packaging, I was impressed by the color variations of the hand-woven leather strips. This kind of variation instantly makes this headboard look like a genuine artisan piece, rather than a mass-produced factory product.
The leather strips used by Moroccanology have held their tension well over four months of use. I love how the woven pattern of this headboard creates interesting shadows on the wall throughout the day as natural light shifts across our guest room.
I mounted the Moroccanology Leather Strap Headboard directly to the wall studs using the included hanging system, which only took about 15 minutes with a level and drill.
Moroccanology works with medina leather artisans in Morocco who hand-weave each headboard. This production method allows you to customize the size of your headboard to match your bed dimensions.
Shipping from Morocco takes longer than domestic options, so you need to plan if you're working on a tight timeline. Etsy offsets the carbon emissions on all orders. This makes the long-distance shipping to the US more acceptable from a sustainability perspective.
✔ Sustainable Reclaimed Wood
✔ Non-Toxic Sealant
✔ Offsets Carbon Emissions
We Say: I bought a KaseCustom headboard for my youngest daughter's bedroom to replace her old metal headboard with something more sustainable. The twin-size headboard arrived within the estimated build timeframe of two months and looked even better in person than the online photos suggested.
The reclaimed wood used by KaseCustom shows visible nail holes, knots, grain patterns, and fade. This gives each board authentic character without looking artificially distressed. The natural finish option I selected highlights the wood's original color and texture without heavy staining.
The headboard has remained solidly in place through six months of use. My daughter tells me that she loves how it has transformed her bedroom from basic to rustic chic.
KaseCustom's made-to-order process means orders are final sale, so I recommend using their complimentary design service if you're uncertain about dimensions.
My favorite wooden headboard is actually the Avocado City Bed Headboard, which I tested for my article on eco-friendly bed frames. The problem is that it's only available for purchase with the Avocado City Bed, so it's not an option if you already have a different frame.
So, my advice is this.
✔ Organic Cotton
✔ Carbon Emissions Offset
✔ OEKO-TEX Certified Fabrics
We Say: I love the vast array of fabric options available from CottonedShop (all OEKO-TEX certified and fully customizable).
However, if you have any specific size or style requirements, simply message Ivan and he'll gladly make whatever you request.
The zipper at the bottom of the headboard for easy cotton adjustment or adding/removing filling is a nice touch. As is the complimentary mending kit.
These excellent headboards are hand-crafted in Sofia, Bulgaria, and shipped for free to the US.
International shipping is not great in terms of environmental sustainability. However, because Etsy offset the entire impact of the delivery and packaging on this purchase, I'm happy to recommend this seller.
When it comes to headboard materials, there is a wide range of options available. However, not all of these headboard materials are created equal.
Some of them can contain nasty chemicals such as flame retardants and volatile organic compounds that can off-gas into your home and harm your health.
The most popular headboard materials are:
When choosing a non-toxic headboard, the company you purchase from can make all the difference.
Not only are some companies responsible for producing toxic materials, but they may also take advantage of people in developing countries by using unfair labor practices and child or environmental exploitation.
You should also make sure to use only manufacturers that adhere to strict environmental standards regarding energy consumption and waste production and ensure that the company is committed to recycling, repurposing, and reducing waste.
Several organizations certify headboard materials' safety and how they’re manufactured.
These certifications can give you peace of mind when choosing a headboard, so make sure to look for these important seals of approval:
Material Certifications
Ethical Certifications
You can read more about these certifications (and many more) in my eco-labeling and green certifications article.
There are several health concerns associated with headboards. Here are just a couple:
Now that you know some of the health concerns related to traditional headboards, you may be wondering how to choose a toxin-free headboard that’s perfect for your bedroom space.
Here are just a few tips:
Not all bed frames contain formaldehyde, but some of the cheaper engineered wood bed frames might (because formaldehyde is used in some wood glues).
Opting for metal frames or solid hardwood bed frames can help dramatically reduce your risk of exposure to formaldehyde. You should definitely consider a non-toxic bed frame to go with your toxin-free headboard.
There are many different types of headboard alternatives that you can use. For example, wall-mounted shelving, decorative panels, a padded fabric mount on the wall behind your bed, or even a series of framed mirrors.
You could also opt for no headboards and simply have non-toxic bed frames sitting against your walls.
I was hoping to recommend a low-priced, non-toxic metal headboard. However, I’m yet to find one that makes the grade. I’ll keep searching and will update this article if/when I find one.
None of the bamboo options I tested met my sustainability requirements. I’ll keep looking and will update this article if/when I test one worthy of inclusion.
When it comes to choosing a headboard to pair with your natural wood bed frame, there are many factors you need to consider.
Not only do you need to think about the type of material the headboard is made from, but you also need to research the company that produced it. Make sure they adhere to strict environmental standards and have certifications from ethical third-party organizations.
You should also be aware of the potential health concerns associated with traditional headboards, such as allergies, dust mites, and chemical sensitivities.
If you’re looking for a unique and sustainable headboard, consider a secondhand or vintage option.
With proper research and planning, you can choose the perfect headboard for your bedroom space.
If you get stuck, let me know. I’m here to help.
Do you have a separate sustainable headboard to complement your non-toxic bed frame?
What is your material of choice? Or are you happy to go without a headboard? Maybe you have a metal bed frame with an integrated headboard? Drop me a line and let me know.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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