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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.
✔ Handcrafted in Indonesia
✔ World Fair Trade Organization Approved
✔ Easy to Install
We Say: I love the ethos around The Citizenry. It was established to honor the makers of our products. ‘The Citizenry’ refers to the group of people (artisans, designers, and dreamers) who come together to create their collections.
Their Java Rattan Headboard is made with lightweight yet durable manau rattan. It’s sturdy and simple to install.
Cleaning is also simple. The manufacturer recommends a damp or dry microfiber cloth, but I prefer an organic cotton cloth.
I particularly love the light natural color. It goes great with our bedroom décor.
From start to finish, each unique Java Rattan Headboard is handmade in a fair trade environment. It's been approved and certified by the World Fair Trade Organization. This makes me feel good about supporting sustainable practices that benefit hardworking artisans and their families.
Free shipping is available within the continental US. There is an easy returns policy if you’re not 100% delighted with this headboard (which is highly unlikely!).
You’ll get a 100% refund if you opt for store credit. A $65 restocking fee applies if you opt for a refund to your original payment method.
✔ Handwoven in Malawi
✔ World Fair Trade Organization Approved
✔ Easy to Install
We Say: Do you like the sound of The Citizenry and love the rustic charm of a rattan headboard but want something a little more intricate?
Then the Azibo Woven Headboard could be perfect for you.
This stunning headboard, made by artisans in Malawi (in certified fair trade conditions), takes up to five days to finish.
The result is a unique headboard that is quite the conversation starter. Due to the handmade artisan nature, sizes and shapes can vary slightly from piece to piece.
As a rough guide to sizes, The Citizenry lists two sizes available:
I tested the Full/Queen option, and the sizing was exactly as advertised.
This item ships for free to the continental U.S., and there is an easy returns process should you need it.
✔ Ethically-Sourced
✔ Vegetable-Tanned Leather
✔ World Fair Trade Organization Approved
We Say: And this is the third mention of The Citizenry. Told you I was getting a little obsessed! ????
With good reason, though. They have fantastic eco-credentials and sell some unique bespoke creations.
This headboard is made in Alcanena by a small team of master craftsmen. The leather used is ethically sourced cow leather.
Alcanena, also known as the ‘Land of Leather’, is where Portugal’s leather industry thrives.
The village is home to brothers Luis and Pedro, who own a well-known leather workshop that was started by their grandfather 85 years ago. The family business initially focused on tanning hides, but they have since mastered the art of preparing and finishing all types of leather.
Their products highlight leather’s intrinsic beauty by utilizing a deep understanding of both the tanning process and leather as a whole. B
y carefully taking each step from cutting to sewing to finishing with artistry, they bring out unique textures, weights, and hues in every product…ensuring that no two items are alike.
All of this passion and care comes through in this Hanging Leather Headboard. It’s a high-quality statement piece that pairs beautifully with our guest room's solid wood bed frame. It looks and feels like it will last a lifetime.
Like the other two offerings from The Citizenry, shipping is free to the continental U.S., the headboard is approved by the World Fair Trade Organization, and it’s simple to install.
✔ Sustainable Reclaimed Wood
✔ Non-Toxic Sealant
✔ Offsets Carbon Emissions
We Say: When testing wooden headboards, I knew I wanted to put some reclaimed options through their paces. So, there was only one place to go. Etsy!
The KaseCustom Reclaimed Wood Headboard blew me away and is definitely the best wooden headboard I tested.
It’s made from sustainable reclaimed wood, and the sealant is non-toxic, perfect for people with chemical sensitivities.
This product's sustainability doesn’t stop at the reclaimed wood. The headboard is made in an Arizona workshop powered by renewable energy.
KaseCustom takes pride in reclaimed wood furniture and ensures that each piece tells a unique story. The nail holes, markings, fade, and wood grain color variances are all part of the wood's history, making this headboard even more special.
A non-toxic, zero-VOC sealant is used to protect the wood, meaning there will be no off-gassing issues with this headboard.
The KaseCustom Reclaimed Wood Headboard is handmade to order. It usually takes around a month to make and ship.
Shipping is free to the U.S., and Etsy will offset the carbon emissions from the delivery and packaging of this purchase.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, sustainable headboard crafted with care and made from reclaimed wood, look no further. This is a cracker!
✔ 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 only to use 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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