This post breaks down how to create a natural and non-toxic bedroom!
Your bedroom is where we spend more time than any other room in our home. It’s also where we are the most vulnerable, being (mostly) undressed for long periods of time. The materials that touch our skin when we sleep, the floors we walk on barefoot, and the particles in the air we breathe in overnight matter to our health and wellbeing.
When it comes to the furniture and decor in your bedroom, synthetic materials and toxic chemicals used in glue, finishes, and paints are common, especially from high street companies. They use these because they are cheap and easy to come by, not because they are the best materials for the job.
Synthetics are petroleum-derived and chemically treated to be shaped into the final product. This has significant environmental impacts, and synthetic products are also usually of lower quality, so they need replacing more often. They also shed microplastics, polluting your home with toxic particles that can be breathed in and irritate your skin, as well as being non-breathable.
There are also the chemicals used (like formaldehyde) and the VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) found in furniture and paints. These evaporate in the air and can cause a number of health issues. Even natural materials can release (lower) levels of VOCs, which is why it is important to “off-gas” all new furniture when opening it in a well-ventilated room before moving into the bedroom.
So, if you want a low-tox bedroom instead, the best thing to do is switching to natural and non-toxic bedroom furnishings. Don’t immediately throw out everything synthetic you own though, but gradually swap things as they naturally need replacing. Here are my top 18 essential non-toxic bedroom swaps to make!
18 Natural and Non-Toxic Bedroom Swaps
1. Bed sheets
Let’s start simple with bedding, though they are also one of the most important swaps to make as your skin touches it every night. Firstly, your bed sheets, which are fitted or flat sheets that protect your mattress. Many common and cheaper options are made from synthetic or polyester, but you’ll want to choose 100% natural fabrics like organic cotton or linen.
Cotton is more widely available and affordable, and a great option as it is soft, breathable, and natural (I use brushed cotton sheets, which are extra soft!). Linen sheets are more luxurious and more sustainable, since they need less water to grow, but are also more expensive.
2. Duvet covers
For duvet covers, organic cotton and linen are also your best options. For these, I do recommend investing in a 100% flax linen cover, since they feel nice and cool on the skin, are super breathable, and look beautiful. They’re very durable too, so the higher upfront cost is worth it over time.
3. Blankets and Throws
For any other bedding you like to use, like blankets, coverlets and throws, again choose natural fibres. Since blankets are often used for extra warmth, wool is an amazing option! A great lighter option is cotton muslin, which is often used for baby blankets since they are so gentle and breathable, but they also come in adult sizes.
4. Pillow Cases
Let’s not neglect pillow cases, which touch your face every night. Synthetic cases have been known to disrupt your skin balance, so if you suffer from breakouts, choosing a natural fabric might help.
Cotton and linen are again great options, but my favourite is silk. It’s breathable and cool, but also has amazing benefits for your skin and hair, helping to prevent breakouts and hair breakage. It can do wonders for clearing your skin and improving your hair over time.
Don’t get duped into buying polyester satin pillow cases, which are often marketed as “silk”. Satin is the weave, and polyester and silk are possible materials to make it with. Mulberry silk is the best option, which can be an investment but is so worth it.
5. Mattresses
You probably only buy mattresses once every decade or two, but if you are due for a replacement, it’s worth investing in a natural mattress.
Many mass-produced mattresses use mainly cheap synthetic materials like polyester, polyurethane foam, memory foam, and synthetic latex. One of their main noticeable issues is their inability to regulate temperature effectively, accumulating heat and sweat rather than letting it evaporate. They are also much less durable, often lasting less than 10 years compared to 15+ years for most natural mattresses. And they have a much higher environmental impact, with many synthetic mattresses ending up in landfills where they stay for decades.
Mattresses made using natural materials are a bigger investment, but are totally worth it in terms of non-toxicity, durability, comfort, and environmental impact. Natural mattress materials can include
- Animal fibres: Wool, horsehair, silk, cashmere, mohair, and alpaca
- Plant-based fibres: Cotton, bamboo, hemp, coir, and natural latex
The main benefits of organic mattresses are being breathable and great at temperature regulation. Natural fibres actively wick sweat away from your body, letting it evaporate. In winter, they trap warm air close to your body, whilst in summer they allow heat to dissipate freely. They also have a much lower impact during production and last way longer, springing back repeatedly to their natural form instead of staying compressed like most synthetics do.
Be aware of brands that try to greenwash you into thinking their mattresses are natural while still containing mainly synthetics. If they say their mattress “contains” wool, natural latex, etc, look into the specifics, as often only a small percentage of the materials will be natural. A hybrid mattress can be a good, more affordable option, but only if the majority of the materials are natural, especially the top layer closest to your skin.
6. Pillows
Choosing natural and non-toxic pillows is just as important as mattresses for a low-tox and comfortable sleep. The most common synthetic materials include polyester, memory foam, silicone gel, microbead, and synthetic latex. Just like synthetic mattresses, these materials are not breathable and don’t regulate temperature well. They can also break down into smaller particles over time and off-gas toxic VOCs.
There are plenty of options for organic pillow materials. For the outer casing, organic cotton is the best option, as it is natural and has the least amount of chemicals involved, even compared to conventional cotton or semi-synthetics like bamboo viscose.
For the filling, the main organic options are
- animal fibres: wool, feather and down, silk
- plant-based fibres: organic cotton, natural latex foam, buckwheat hulls, kapok, and millet
7. Duvets
Of course, you shouldn’t forget about your duvets, which are even more important than your bed sheets and covers for temperature regulation and breathability. Most cheaper duvets are made with polyester or filled with microfibre, synthetics that are not breathable and toxic.
The organic options for duvets are pretty similar to the ones mentioned before. For the outer casing, you should again prioritise organic cotton, or possibly linen or hemp. For organic duvet fillings:
- animal fibres: wool, feather and down, silk
- plant-based fibres: organic cotton, linen, hemp, and kapok
8. Bed Frame
The bed frame itself is another important consideration for a non-toxic bedroom. The best options are solid wood or metal bed frames, which are durable, non-toxic, and can last for decades. Solid wood is my favourite because it brings warmth and a natural feel to a bedroom, but metal frames can also be a good low-tox option. Headboards can also be made with materials like woven rattan.
If you choose a bed with upholstery, pay close attention to the materials used. Many upholstered frames contain synthetic fabrics and foam fillings. Instead, look for natural fabrics like linen, cotton, or wool, paired with natural fillings like natural latex foam.
9. Furniture
Besides your bed, think about all the other furniture in your room too. Wardrobes, bedside tables, dressers, desks, and shelving units are all potential sources of VOCs and synthetic chemicals.
Solid wood furniture is by far the best option. It is durable, beautiful, and doesn’t rely on synthetic binders. Rattan furniture is another great choice if it suits your style, as it is made from a natural and renewable material. Avoid furniture treated with toxic finishes like formaldehyde-based glues or varnishes.
One thing to be wary of is engineered wood products like MDF, particleboard, and plywood. These materials are made by bonding wood fibres together with synthetic glues, often containing formaldehyde. As a result, they can continue off-gassing VOCs into your home long after you purchase them. If you do buy engineered wood furniture, try to choose options certified as low-VOC or formaldehyde-free, but simple, solid wood is usually much healthier and more durable.
10. Flooring
Your flooring covers a big area of your bedroom, so it has a major impact on your indoor environment. Again, natural materials are generally the healthiest and most durable options.
Wooden flooring is a classic choice that works with almost every interior style and can last for generations if cared for properly. Natural stone tiles are another excellent option, although it tends to be more expensive, and I find them a bit cold for walking barefoot.
If you prefer carpet, look for options made from natural fibres like wool. Wool carpets are durable, naturally flame-resistant, and much better at regulating moisture than synthetic alternatives.
Avoid vinyl flooring where possible, as it is made from PVC and can release harmful chemicals over time.
11. Rugs
Rugs are great for adding warmth and comfort to a bedroom, but many are made from synthetic fibres like polyester, polypropylene, or nylon. These materials shed microplastics and are often treated with various chemical finishes.
Instead, choose rugs made from natural fibres such as wool, cotton, jute, sisal, or seagrass. Wool rugs are especially nice for bedrooms because they feel soft underfoot and naturally regulate temperature. Cotton rugs are an affordable and easy-to-clean option.
12. Wallpaper
Your walls should also not be neglected when designing a non-toxic bedroom! If you choose wallpaper, be aware that many conventional wallpapers often contain PVC, PFAs, synthetic coatings, chemical adhesives, synthetic flame retardants, and toxic heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, and tin. Avoid vinyl or PVC-based wallpaper!
Look for wallpapers made from natural materials (mainly FSC-certified paper), and printed with water-based and low or zero-VOC inks. The adhesive used to install them is also important, so make sure to find low-VOC and natural adhesives. These can be made from ingredients like cellulose, natural resin, or latex milk.
13. Wall & Furniture Paint
Paint is one of the biggest potential sources of VOCs in a home, which can continue releasing into the air long after the paint has dried.
When repainting your bedroom, choose VOC-free or low-VOC paints wherever possible. You can go even further by looking into natural paints made from ingredients such as clay, lime, and natural oils. These paints are not only healthier but also create beautiful, soft finishes that work perfectly in a nature aesthetic bedroom.
14. Curtains
Curtains are another item that sits close to you every day and can affect both air quality and comfort. Many cheaper curtains contain polyester and other synthetic fibres.
Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and hemp are much better choices. They are breathable, durable, and create a more natural look. They also allow light to filter through more gently, making your space feel calmer and more aesthetic.
15. Storage
Storage is often overlooked, but plastic storage boxes, baskets, and organisers can contribute to unnecessary synthetic materials in your room.
Instead, look for storage solutions made from wood, metal, woven natural fibres, or cardboard. Wicker baskets, wooden storage chests, wooden hangers, and fabric storage bags are all easy swaps and look much nicer!
16. Lights
Lighting fixtures can also be made from more natural materials. Look for lamps and light fittings made from metal, glass, ceramic, or wood instead of plastic.
If you want lampshades, choose natural fabrics like linen, cotton, paper, or woven natural fibres. Pair these with warm LED bulbs to create a cosy and relaxing bedroom environment.
17. Accessories
Once you have all the main furnishings done, you’ll want to consider any smaller accessories, too. Decorative accessories can either add more plastic clutter to your space or help reinforce a natural, non-toxic environment.
Choose materials like ceramic, wood, metal, stone, and glass for decorative items. Ceramic vases, wooden picture frames, stone candle holders, and handmade pottery all add character without relying on synthetic materials. These kinds of decor items are great to find in thrift shops or local artisan markets!
The goal is not to fill every surface with decoration, but to carefully choose pieces that are beautiful, functional, and made from natural materials.
18. Plants!
Last but not least, don’t forget to add some actual nature in your bedroom with houseplants. They add colour and life to your space, and are known for their air-purifying qualities (though the effect is mild, don’t rely on them to fix indoor air pollution). Even just one or two plants on a bedside table or windowsill can make a room feel fresher and more grounded.
If you’re new to plants, start with easy options like snake plants, pothos, or ZZ plants. They are forgiving, low-maintenance, and perfect for beginners.
Creating a non-toxic bedroom can definitely be a long process, but it’s so worth it for your health and for the environment. Remember that the goal is not instant perfection, but gradually replacing naturally worn-out items with better alternatives. Start with the things you can easily find and use most often, like your bedding, and slowly work your way up from there.
