The Ultimate Guide to a Non-Toxic Bedroom
Introduction
Your bedroom should be a place of rest and rejuvenation, but did you know that conventional furniture, bedding, and decor can release harmful toxins into the air? From flame retardants in mattresses to VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in paint—chemicals that off-gas into the air and can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and long-term health effects, many hidden chemicals can affect your sleep quality and overall health. The good news? Creating a non-toxic bedroom is easier than you think!
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In this guide, we’ll cover simple swaps and product recommendations to help you design a healthier, toxin-free sleep sanctuary. Whether you’re on a budget, looking for sustainable options, or just starting your non-toxic journey, these tips will help you create a cleaner and safer bedroom space.
Even though we cannot be perfect in this world, I think it is important to do the best we can! Below I have a list of ways that we try to incorporate better choices in our bedrooms. I also think it is important to mention that non-toxic is not 100% achievable and it’s unrealistic to expect such a thing. I prefer to relay the message of low-tox instead of non-tox, but non-tox is usually what people are searching for. Just wanted to remind you that it is okay to not have everything be “non-tox”, but taking the steps to making cleaner and healthier choices is a process and it doesn’t happen over night! You will get there, be patient with yourself and don’t let it stress you out.
1. Choose a Non-Toxic Mattress
When choosing a mattress it is important to opt for an organic mattress made with organic and natural fibers like wool, cotton or a natural latex. To me the mattress is one of the most important things to consider when switching to a low tox lifestyle, you will be sleeping on this mattress for approximately 8 hours a day – that is a lot of time spent on your mattress!
A traditional mattress may contain harmful chemicals like flame retardants, polyurethane foam, and formaldehyde, all of which can off-gas while you sleep. If at first you cannot afford an organic mattress you can go for an organic wool or cotton mattress topper to at least put a barrier in between you and your traditional mattress!
Sourcing a Non-Toxic Mattress:
- Avocado Green Mattress – GOTS-certified organic, non-toxic, and eco-friendly
- They also offer an additional $50 off orders over $500 to those that support us all. This offer is valid for qualified and verified service members: nurses, doctors, military, law enforcement, firefighters, teachers, and emergency medical technicians.
- Naturepedic – Great for families and babies, free of harmful chemicals and certified organic
- My Green Mattress – Budget-friendly and made with natural materials and certified organic
- They also offer a military discount for service members
For a larger list of non-toxic mattresses I have a list of The 10 Best Organic Mattress Brands for a Non-Toxic Sleep that you can check out if you would like a more of a variety to choose from! In this list we go more into detail about each brand and their mattresses. Things like materials, certifications, features, company values, price range, and the pros/cons based on customer reviews! I hope you find this helpful!
2. Switch to Organic Bedding
Next on my list is organic bedding. For the same reasons above, organic bedding is the next step to creating a healthier sleep environment. Conventional bedding is often treated with pesticides, synthetic dyes, and chemical finishes. When choosing a non-tox alternative choose organic cotton, linen, or wool bedding.
Sourcing Non-Toxic Bedding:
Sheets & Covers:
- Coyuchi – Certified organic and sustainable linens – more on the expensive side, but they also have incredible quality, and in my opinion worth it.
- Boll & Branch – Soft, high-quality, toxin-free and organic
- Pact – Affordable organic cotton bedding and they also have organic clothing
Pillows:
- Avocado – As listed under mattresses
- Holy Lamb Organics – Also a great place to source mattress protectors, sheets, other bedding, etc
- Savvy Rest – They have a variety of different organic pillows and also have a blog post on how to find the right pillow for you.
3. Upgrade to Non-Toxic Furniture
Most conventional furniture is made with MDF or particle board, which contains formaldehyde and other toxic glues. Instead, choose solid wood furniture with low-VOC finishes.
Best Non-Toxic Furniture Brands:
- Medley – Handmade, eco-friendly, and free of harmful chemicals. They still have pieces with synthetic fibers, so if you are looking to stay away from everything synthetic then be sure the look into the materials of each piece you are considering.
- Thuma – Solid wood bed frames with non-toxic finishes. They’re bed frames are pretty simple, but I personally prefer that over having a toxic piece of furniture in my home.
- Vermont Woods Studio – Sustainably sourced, non-toxic wood furniture – they also have a buy now, pay later option that might be worth looking into!
4. Non-toxic Paint & Finishes
Paints and finishes can release VOCs into the air, affecting indoor air quality. Choosing zero-VOC or natural paints can significantly reduce exposure.
Best Non-Toxic Paint Brands:
- Clare Paint – Zero-VOC, eco-friendly, and designer-approved – only downside is they don’t have a ton of colors, but I still think it’s worth it to check them out!
- ECOS Paints – Non-toxic and odor-free – they have a wide variety of colors to choose from!
- AFM Safecoat – Ideal for those with chemical sensitivities – downfall is they’re currently only sold at their stores and are not located in every state, so they may be hard to find. However, they have a store locator on their website to find one near you!
5. Choose Non-Toxic Curtains
Curtains can be a hidden source of toxins due to synthetic fabrics and chemical treatments. Opt for organic cotton, linen, or wool curtains that are free from flame retardants and synthetic dyes.
Best Non-Toxic Curtain Brands:
- Rawganique – 100% organic, chemical-free curtains – they don’t have a huge selection, but offer the basics.
- Etsy Shops – Many small businesses offer handmade organic linen curtains and you get the opportunity to help support someone’s family through their small business!
- West Elm (Organic Line) – GOTS-certified cotton curtains – they have a large selection of curtains, but they are on the pricier side.
6. Choose Non-Toxic Rugs
Many conventional rugs contain synthetic fibers, flame retardants, and chemical dyes that can off-gas harmful toxins. Instead, opt for organic wool, cotton, or jute rugs that are free from VOCs and other chemicals.
Best Non-Toxic Rug Brands:
- Earth Weave – 100% natural wool, chemical-free rugs – only downside is you have to contact them for information vs just being able to buy directly from the site.
- Hook & Loom – Non-toxic, un-dyed cotton and wool rugs – large selection!
- Lorena Canals – Machine-washable, natural fiber rugs – they also have some very unique and fun rugs! Super cool rugs for kids rooms if your’e looking for that as well
7. Improve Air Quilty in Your Bedroom
Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air due to off-gassing from furniture, dust, and mold. Keep your bedroom air fresh with natural purifiers.
I personally go for using plants in my home and using the method of “airing the house out” by opening all of the windows and letting fresh air in – even in the colder/hot months, just for less time. This is just how I personally go about keeping the air in my home fresh. I want to be honest and say that I have heard a lot of mixed reviews about having air purifiers in your home. I have not went out of my way to buy one because I’m truthfully not 100% sold, but wanted to provide options for the people who are!
Best Air-Purifying Plants:
- Snake Plant – Removes toxins and improves air quality
- Peace Lily – Helps filter indoor pollutants
- Aloe Vera – Absorbs VOCs and releases oxygen at night
** buy organic plants if possible **
Best Non-Toxic Air Purifiers:
- Austin Air – Medical-grade filtration
- AirDoctor – Captures VOCs and allergens
- Molekule – Uses PECO technology to destroy pollutants
8. Reduce EMFs & Blue Light Exposure
Excessive blue light and EMF (electromagnetic fields) exposure can disrupt sleep patterns and overall well-being. Reduce exposure with non-toxic lighting solutions.
Best Lighting Options:
- Soraa Healthy Bulbs – Low blue light, promotes melatonin production
- Lighting Science GoodNight Bulbs – Designed to improve sleep
- Edison Bulbs – Natural warm glow, reduces harsh lighting and can be dimmed to prepare your eyes for sleep
** There are also red light options you can look into **
Alternative + Budget Friendly Ways to Source
No matter what you are trying to replace in your home there are always cheaper ways than buying new, but it may just take a little more time and effort!
Buy Secondhand – Check secondhand marketplaces like local thrift stores, Poshmark, ThredUp, or local buy/sell groups on Facebook for gently used at a fraction of the price. You may even get lucky and find someone getting rid of things you need for free!
Build/Make Yourself – Depending on if you have the skills/tools, it may be easier to build or make some of these items for your bedroom easier! Even if you don’t have everything you need, you might have family or friends that do and could offer their help. For example, your grandma may love to sew, so you could buy the materials for some pillow shams and curtains, and ask her to make them! Or maybe your brother could easily build you a bed frame for a fraction of the price! The opportunities to DIY are endless and more cost effective if you have the time and/or resources!
Trade – Maybe you have a skill that could be traded for items you’re looking for. The barter system is not dead and you would be surprised at how many people would be willing to trade a service/item for what you are looking for!
Conclusion
Creating a non-toxic bedroom doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. By making small swaps—like switching to organic bedding, choosing solid wood furniture, and improving air quality—you can transform your bedroom into a healthy, toxin-free space. Whether you’re starting small or going all-in, every change makes a difference. Prioritize what works best for your budget and lifestyle, and enjoy a cleaner, healthier sleep environment! It takes time, but each step counts.
What are your favorite non-toxic bedroom swaps? Let us know in the comments below!
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