Richard, a reader of this site, was kind enough to review the Medley sofa. He does have chemical sensitivities so this can help others who are sensitive. We also do a general review of its quality and everything that went along with ordering a sofa online. So even if you are not chemically sensitive this review will still help.
This article is not sponsored and the sofa was not gifted. The article contains an affiliate link to Medley; upon purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
About Medley
Medley sofas are made with either polyurethane & polyester, or organic (GOLS certified) natural latex & wool.
They use no-VOC glues, no flame retardants, fabric options that include all-natural or organic options (none contain PFAS), solid alder frames with natural or zero-VOC finishes, and organic cotton internal frame lining.
They offer a sample kit which is really helpful for those who want to check out the materials first. If you are looking for a hypoallergenic option this sample box will help to narrow in on what you are allergic to.
Medley is a top pick for most people with allergies and sensitivities.
They carry loveseats, standard-size sofas, sectionals, and sleeper sofas.
They offer leather as an upholstery option. One option they have is vegetable-tanned and chrome-free, which is the best there is (I talk more about safe leather in the leather furniture post).
Made in the USA. They deliver to the US, Canada, and beyond.
Prices start at $2200.
If you want to compare this to other non-toxic sofa brands, you can see other options here.
Medley Sofa Review
Richard said he chose Medley because of their commitment to use the least toxic materials.
The model he went with was the Blumen sofa. The price starts at $3,011.
I chose this style, he said, because my apartment is decorated in a 70’s brutalist style. I felt that Medley’s other sofa models were contemporary, but that the Blumen is truly a 1970s Italian brutalist modern style sofa.
How long have you had the sofa now?
I have had it now for about nine months.
How did the ordering process go?
I finalized my order on the 28th of March, 2022, and received the sofa on the 21st of June, 2022. It took just under 3 months to arrive.
However, I placed my original order in November 2021 and then adjusted it three times before my final decision at the end of March 2022! I mention this because I am a pretty typical sensitive person who asks a million questions, changes their mind often, and has a fear of committing to anything that could be a possible issue. They were absolutely WONDERFUL with all of this. Laura, in sales, ‘held my hand’, told me what other sensitive people did best with and gave me incredible customer service.
How was the sofa for someone with chemical sensitivities?
I went with the regular polyurethane foam option because they said that most sensitive people do best with that (as opposed to the natural latex option). The sofa smelled at the beginning. I had it covered for a couple of months. I believe that it was from the fabric smell, not the foam or wood frame. I chose a synthetic fabric because I do poorly with cotton and wool odorants. Corinne here, these posts have more information on how to sequester and offgas new furniture.
However, after about three months the smell dissipated and I have been thrilled ever since.
Richard would categorize himself as having moderate chemical sensitivities.
(Note from Corinne: within Multiple Chemical Sensitivity there is a huge range from people who are barely sensitive and would be fine with this sofa from the start to people who are so extremely sensitive that they could not have any furniture with engineered wood or synthetic fabrics in their home.)
I was also trepidatious about having lumber in my living space and told them my background with chemicals and mold and requested that any lumber be inspected for mold. I offered to pay more for clear lumber, but they said they would do their best to help me and declined any extra payment.
Is it comfortable?
It is extremely comfortable! I went to Design Within Reach and CB2 to compare dimensions and materials and so I knew what I wanted from the sofa. I added an extra inch in depth to make it roomier for me.
The sofa, mid-range quality, is comparable to those brands in my opinion. It is superior to Ikea in my opinion, but below B&B Italia or Linge Roset, where the prices would have been more than doubled. For comparison, I once had a Mitchel Gold sofa and I found this comparable as well.
What fabric did you choose?
I went with Deluxe Havana fabric, 100% polyester, OEK-TEX standard 100 certified. The swatch that they sent was a perfect match for my sofa.
How has it held up to wear and tear?
I have not spilled anything on it. There has been no damage to it.
I couldn’t be more happy with the product and the company. They went above and beyond for me.
Thanks so much, Richard for reviewing the sofa! You can shop Medley here.
To see other non-toxic sofas, see my main sofa post.
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