My Chemical-Free House

A Guide to Creating a Healthy Home

Non-Toxic Desks (And Office Chairs) Compared

Published: November 8, 2020 |

This is a list of non-toxic eco-friendly desks and office chairs by type and material.

For healthy desks there are a number of options:

  • Solid wood is a classic. Most water-based finishes used on solid wood furniture cure rather quickly. This isn’t a cheap option though, especially if you want drawers. But cheaper furniture is made from Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) which is rather high in formaldehyde.
  • Metal and wood is another combination if you want to cut down on complexity and cost. Metal legs are generally safe, especially if they are made of a metal that doesn’t require a finish or they are powered coated.
  • Glass and metal desks are a totally inert option. The desk top is made of glass and the legs of metal.
  • All glass desks are also available for those wanting a completely inert and purist option. Those extremely sensitive to chemicals will appreciate not needing to worry about metal finishes or the factory oil residue that can sometimes be left on the metal.
a desk with a solid wood top and black metal legs with a moulded plastic chair. laptop and plants on the desk

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Desk chairs are not quite as simple, you will have to choose the materials that suit you best:

  • Metal is usually used as the chair base, especially on chairs with wheels.
  • Solid wood is an option for the seat as well as part of the base in one brand on this list. If it has a water-based polyurethane finish it’s likely safe. Natural oil options can also be used, especially by Amish companies.
  • Plywood is more commonly used in chairs than solid wood because it can be molded to make rounded backs and seats. Plywood is now made with phenol-formaldehyde which offgasses quickly. I expect that to be cured by the time it gets to you or within the first couple of weeks.
  • Hard plastics are popular now as the molded chair seat. Almost all hard plastics are considered safe, including acrylic and polypropylene. Though sometimes they need a very short time to offgas the plastic odor. The wood-plastic composites may not be safe (they are PVC).
  • Rubber is commonly used as the casters and sometimes as the armrests. SBR rubber does have an odor due to the VOCs. For some people, this will be minor and for others, it could be necessary to avoid. One option on the list has polyurethane castors, which is much healthier for highly sensitive solks. Some options use safer plastics for the armrests.
  • Polyurethane is the foam most commonly used in seats that have cushioning. For many who are not too sensitive, the level of offgassing of polyurethane is low enough to be acceptable. The offgassing does come to completion after some time. Most furniture foam these days does not have flame retardants, though it is still possible that this could be added to the foam in chairs.
  • Faux leather – I would personally only go with PU faux leather which has almost no offgassing and no PFAS, flame retardants or plasticizers. I would not go with PVC faux leather which offgasses and contains plasticizers.
Table of contents

Non-Toxic Desks

the medley solid wood desk in maple with a Apple monitor on top and a maple chair

Solid Wood Desks

  1. Medley carries a solid desk in walnut or maple. It’s finished with a plant-based hard-wax oil that is odorless.
    $2300
  2. Pottery Barn has a solid wood desk with one small drawer. The website claims it’s pine and veneer. Anything from Pottery Barn needs to be double-checked with the company to make sure it’s not actually MDF and veneer.
    $500
  3. Urban Natural carries solid wood desks.
    $800 for options without drawers.
  4. Viesso carries a number of solid wood desks. A simple solid bamboo option is their most affordable desk.
    $600
    $1000+ for more complex designs with drawers.
  5. Vermont Woods Studio makes solid wood desks.
    $1000 and up

Wood and Metal Desks

a desk with a solid wood top and metal legs, the chair is plywood and metal, there is a computer monitor and plants on the desk
  1. Amazon sells metal legs that you can attach to a solid wood desk top of your choice.
    Around $50
  2. West Elm makes a simple solid wood top (mango wood) with metal legs desk.
    $500
  3. Staples has a sit/stand wooden top desk (with metal legs).
    $1374
  4. Uplift makes sit/standing desks with solid wood as an option for the top, and metal as the legs. The finish has been reported as extremely low odor and has GreenGuard Gold certification. Those with severe chemical sensitives may pick up the offgassing odors from the mechanical parts that raise and lower the desk.
    $670 and up

Glass and Metal Desks

a glass top desk with metal legs in a sparse modern office with a mesh ergonomic chair
  1. Amazon sells a simple glass and metal computer desk.
    Around $100
  2. Staples carries a metal and glass L-shaped desk.
    $265
  3. Amazon (Canada) sells this more stylish-looking glass and metal desk.
    Low $200s CAD
  4. Walmart simple glass and metal desk $170
  5. Walmart glass and clear acrylic (with very little metal) $390

All Glass Desks

an all glass table/desk that is one continuous pieces rounded at the corners
  1. Wayfair Canada and Wayfair US sell an all-glass desk (pictured above).
    $500
  2. Walmart also carries the same style all glass desk.
    $500

Non-Toxic Desk Chairs

Acrylic and Hard Plastic Desk Chairs

a moulded one piece white plastic chair with a wood and metal desk in front and laptop computer
  1. Amazon sells this clear acrylic chair.
    Around $100
  2. Amazon also sells a simple black solid plastic chair.
    Around $60
  3. IKEA offers an all-plastic option polypropylene and a wood-plastic composite chair. Usually, a wood-plastic composite is PVC-based, so you would want to check this out in person first to make sure it’s acceptable.
    $129
  4. Walmart solid polypropylene mid-century chair. $130

Upholstered Office Chairs

a grey upholstered desk chair in grey fabric with metal base and a mid centre desk behind
  1. IKEA makes a simple option that is mostly plywood (plywood offgasses formaldehyde but cures rather quickly I would expect this is already finished offgassing by the time it gets to you). The small seat cushion has some polyurethane foam. IKEA does not use flame retardants in their foam in North America. They also don’t use PFAS on the fabrics.
    $240
  2. IKEA also makes a more traditional office chair that is all padded. It’s made from polyester fabric and polyurethane foam. Again, no flame retardants in North America, and no PFAS.
    $160

Faux Leather Desk Chairs

a faux leather desk chair with minimal padding on the seat and back and metal base, in front of a desk that is wood over metal
  1. Amazon carries a PU leather with metal arms chair. This is quite comfortable while still being simple in its material composition. PU leather is generally not treated with flame retardants or PFAS.
    Around $100
  2. Walmart sells various PU leather chairs
    Black PU Leather $70 Minimalist tan PU leather $195

Mesh Desk Chairs

a mesh back chair with cushioned upholstered seat in front of a melamine desk
  1. Amazon carries this mesh chair. The plastic mesh will work well for many people. This particular chair is made with polyurethane castors, eliminating that smelly rubber that is usually used. The armrests look like solid plastic (not rubber-based). No foam so no flame retardants and no fabric so no PFAS.
    $500-600
  2. IKEA makes mesh chair that doesn’t have synthetic rubber arms, the plastics here are much safer than rubber.
    $170 No flame retardants or PFAS.
  3. Amazon sells another all mesh chair. No foam so it’s not expected to have flame retardants, and no fabric so no PFAS would be expected.
    Under $150
  4. Walmart all mesh chair with no foam. $89
  5. Herman Miller makes a very simple mesh chair with no foam. The mesh is nylon with some polyester.

Wood-Based Office Chairs

Wooden chair with round seat isolated on a white background
  1. Eames-inspired wood and polyurethane faux leather (pictured) can be found on Amazon.
    $150
  2. Amish companies make all-wood chairs. This could be an option for the purist. You can then add your cushion of choice.
    $500
  3. Viesso carries a more high-end fixed-leg solid wood chair (with metal legs).
    $430
  4. Eames makes classic leather chairs. This is one of a few companies using truly non-toxic (real) leather. My leather post goes into more detail.
    $1700 and up

Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.

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Comments

  1. Jordan S Davis

    Would you consider this chair toxic? Mimoglad Home Office Chair, High Back Desk Chair, Ergonomic Mesh Computer Chair with Adjustable Lumbar Support and Thickened Seat Cushion (Modern, Beige)

    https://www.amazon.com/Mimoglad-Ergonomic-Computer-Adjustable-Thickened/dp/B0C98PN7TM/ref=asc_df_B0C98PN7TM/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1514280752257414762&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007937&hvtargid=pla-2281435179818&psc=1&mcid=91e145d908d5395db978a773b6762a1e&hvocijid=1514280752257414762-B0C98PN7TM-&hvexpln=73&gad_source=1

    Thanks so much!!

    Reply

  2. Conor

    Hi Corinne,

    I’m getting an office chair with a standard polyurethane foam cushion. If I take the piece of foam out and wash it, is there any way to get rid of the fire retardants? A specific type of cleaner perhaps?

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Corinne Segura, Building Biologist

      No flame retardants are all throughout the foam, but it depends on what type of flame retardant. Most foam does not have flame retardants these days.

      Reply

      • Conor

        Thanks Corinne. They’re not telling me what type of flame retardant, so I just made a new cushion from the offcuts of a White Lotus foam mattress I got after your recommendation 🙂

        Reply

  3. Melanie

    Any recommendations for lap desks? I’ve been hunting high and low with little, if any luck. I’ve had issues with almost every one I’ve ordered.

    Reply

  4. M

    Do you have suggestions for PFAS-free desk chairs? I understand from Herman Miller that their Aeron mesh chair does have PFAS, which is arguably more toxic than any of the other concerns.
    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Corinne

      I don’t have a list of PFAS free chairs but if you go to the sofa post there are a list of companies that are PFAS free and some of those make chairs.

      Reply

  5. Sarah

    Any suggestions for something to use as a lubricant for ball bearings on a new file cabinet? Whatever product they used at the factor smells awful. I’ve never had this problem w/a metal file cabinet before this. We’ve wiped away any excess, but something is needed to keep everything moving smoothly. Any and all ideas would be welcome.

    Reply

    • Sarah

      Thanks. I’m concerned about that going rancid. Meanwhile, I was about to post an update on the result of my research. I found two products that seem like they are non-toxic and odorless: E-Z-1 and Squeaks Gone. Spoke w/someone from each company this afternoon and will try them both out in a few days after they arrive. Happy to give you an update if that’s something you’d like to know about…

      Reply

        • Sarah

          Thank you for taking the time to check that. Much appreciated. Meanwhile, I found two manufacturers who make lubricant that has no odor (I bought both and can attest they have no odor) and that seem to be made of pretty innocuous ingredients: Sqeaks Gone and EZ1.

          Reply

  6. Sarah

    Corrine, do you have any perspective on off-gassing a new file cabinet? It’s 100% metal, but of course, has a coating on it (forgot what it’s called). I’ve never had an issue w/metal file cabinets before, but when the drawers are closed, it’s smelly. I’m going to take them out tomorrow and let them air out, but was wondering if you have any impressions of how long something like that might take. Of note, I vacuumed all surfaces and wiped all surfaces w/a rag. Thank you!

    Reply

      • Sarah

        Thank you. Was thinking of using alcohol wipes. Using soap and water makes me a bit nervous as it will get into various nooks and crannies where it may sit, though I can try to cover most of the area and steer clear of more complicated places where the metal joins and/or where the hardware is for the drawers to slide. It’s a large, deep, tall cabinet (3 drawer lateral file). Also, your suggestion sounds like you’re thinking the smell is mostly topical, something sitting on the surface, rather than something deeper that will continue to off gas for however long it may take. Will tackle this tomorrow w/soap and water. Fingers crossed. Thank you, again!!!

        Reply

  7. Sarah

    Another option is to find a place that makes unfinished furniture and to ask them if they use or are willing to use a water-based stain (or you could paint the piece).

    Reply

  8. Alice Mcmiller

    A big thank you to the author for compiling this informative guide on non-toxic desks and office chairs. Your blog post offers valuable recommendations for those seeking healthier and eco-friendly options for their workspace. We appreciate your effort in providing such important information. Keep up the excellent work!

    Reply

  10. Nancy

    Vermont Woods Studios furniture has the CA Warnings sadly. Do you know of any desks that do not have to carry this warning? Is there truly a company that is so non toxic they are not required to slap this label on?

    Reply

    • Corinne

      It could be for wood dust, all wood products sold in California must bear the Prop 65 warning. Ask them what it’s for. It’s the label that’s really ridiculous.

      Reply

  11. Fowleri

    The comment about the standing desk is real. The frame and it’s part off gas like crazy is because the frame is made in China by Jiecang who manufactures frames for all the standing desk companies

    The control box smelled bad, the legs have grease or something too, the motor off gases as well it off gases when not in use but more when using it

    I returned this lol

    Reply

    • Parnell

      Which brand/model did you buy and then return? Have you been able to find any standing desk that doesn’t have these off-gassing issues?

      Thank you!

      Reply

  13. Kimberly Berghauer

    Hello Corinne,
    I just found your wonderful website. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I am wondering if you would give my family and I your opinion to keep peace in our home. I am the mother of three teenage sons ages 14,16,18. My youngest son has just purchased a birthday gift of a new computer chair for our middle son. I have MCS and I am hoping you could suggest if this will be safe chair for our environment. Or how to make it safe if not. All three of my sons like this chair. They honored me by not buying a gaming computer chair that was made of vinyly. Now, I have to make sure this chair is safe. Any and all advice is welcomed from you. Thank you for your time and help!
    Blessings,
    Kimberly
    https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B089GXTBDQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Reply