Amara Naqvi
Carpets and area rugs not only enhance the decor of a room but also absorb sound, improve acoustics, and increase comfort. They provide a soft surface and reduce the risk of slips and falls, making them a great choice for families. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the materials and chemicals used in these products, as they can have negative effects on both human health and the environment. Learn what to look out for and how to choose low or nontoxic, eco-friendly carpets and rugs, along with some companies offering these safer options.
Each brand we share is carefully selected to support your journey toward healthier living spaces. Through our affiliate links, you can easily access products, allowing us to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Materials Used to Make Carpets and Rugs and their impact
Carpets and rugs are crafted from a variety of fibers, each with distinct characteristics and benefits. Understanding these materials can help you make an informed choices when selecting them. For more detailed information, visit “How To Pick The Right Carpet For Healthy Indoor Environment”.
Natural Fibers:
- Wool: Fire-resistant, stain-resistant, and comfortable, but requires care to prevent mold.
- Sisal: Durable, ideal for high-traffic areas, but coarse and needs professional cleaning.
- Seagrass: Stain-resistant and durable, great for rustic/coastal decor, but may fade in sunlight.
- Jute: Affordable, adds a warm color, but can be damaged by moisture and stains.
- Coir: Water-resistant, durable, perfect for high-traffic areas, but may shed fibers over time.
Synthetic Fibers:
- Nylon: Durable, stain-resistant, easy to maintain, ideal for high-traffic areas, but may accumulate static.
- Polyester: Affordable, stain-resistant, but less durable; good for short-term or budget spaces.
- Polypropylene (Olefin): Low-cost, moisture-resistant, but lower-quality grades may emit higher VOCs.
- Triexta: Superior stain resistance and durability, more expensive, but outperforms many synthetic options.
- Acrylic: Affordable, stain-resistant, low-maintenance, but wears down faster than nylon.
Chemical Concerns in Carpets and Rugs
While carpets provide comfort and beauty, they may also harbor chemicals that can negatively affect your health. Here are some common substances to watch out for:
- Formaldehyde: Found in adhesives and backing, it can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat.
- VOCs: Released by new carpets, these chemicals contribute to indoor air pollution and can cause headaches and respiratory issues.
- Pesticides: Used in manufacturing, they can remain in carpets and pose health risks.
- Phthalates: Found in synthetic carpet backing, linked to hormone disruption and respiratory problems.
- PFCs: Used in stain-resistant treatments, these chemicals can lead to long-term health concerns.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects of Carpet Chemicals
While the immediate effects of carpet chemicals may be uncomfortable (e.g., headaches or respiratory issues), the long-term effects are more concerning. Chemicals like formaldehyde, PFCs, and phthalates can lead to serious health risks, including cancer, developmental issues, and hormonal disruptions. Here is more chemicals found in our indoor environments
How to Choose safer Carpets and Area Rugs For healthy Interiors
- Look for Low-Toxicity Options:
Opt for carpets made from natural fibers or those labeled as low-emission. Certifications like GREENGUARD Gold, OEKO-TEX, or Green Label Plus ensure low chemical emissions. - Choose Non-Toxic Backing and Coatings:
Avoid carpets with formaldehyde, phthalates, or PFCs in their backing or stain-resistant treatments. Look for natural backing materials or those free from harmful chemicals. Wool naturally resists flame without chemical treatments. - Consider Washable Rugs:
Washable rugs are great for high-traffic or spill-prone areas. They’re easy to clean and often don’t require harsh chemical treatments. Look for machine-washable natural fiber rugs. - Opt for Natural Fiber Rugs:
Natural fibers like wool, cotton, jute, and hemp are durable and require fewer chemical treatments. They often resist stains and odors naturally, reducing the need for additives. - Air Purification and Regular Cleaning:
Maintain good indoor air quality by vacuuming regularly, using HEPA-filter air purifiers, and ensuring proper ventilation to reduce dust, allergens, and bacteria.
Top Brands and Where to Find Low- or Non-Toxic Carpets & Area Rugs
Certifications & Labels: OEKO-TEX, GOTS Certified, FSC Certified. Sustainable. Organic
Best For: Organic, eco-friendly rugs
Products: Rugs
Unique Features: Organic Weave Shop specializes in GOTS-certified organic rugs made from natural, non-toxic materials, ensuring a healthy home environment. Their rugs are crafted from organic cotton and FSC-certified materials, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly option. Known for their softness and durability, these rugs combine environmental responsibility with high-quality craftsmanship, making them a top choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Price: Mid-range, $35+ per item
Labels & Certifications: FSC Certified, GREENGUARD Gold, Sustainable
Best For | Contemporary, eco-friendly furniture
Products | Sofas, chairs, rugs, tables, beds, lighting, storage solutions, accessories
Unique Features | Blu Dot is known for its modern, minimalist design and commitment to sustainability. The brand offers a wide range of contemporary furniture and home accessories that are both stylish and functional.
Price | Mid-range to Luxury
Labels & Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly, Sustainable.
Best For | Luxury, sustainable bedding and home textiles.
Products: Bedding, throws, decorative pillows, table linens, furniture and more
Unique Features | Fig Linens & Home is known for its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. They offer a range of products made from organic and sustainable materials, often emphasizing natural fibers and ethical production.While they may not have specific certifications for every product, their focus on sustainability and use of natural materials align with eco-conscious principles. It’s always a good idea to check specific product descriptions for detailed information on materials and certifications.
Price | Mid-range to luxury
Certifications: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, ISO 9001
Best Seller: Eco-friendly, washable rugs and textiles for kids’ spaces
Products: Rugs, cushions, wall hangings, blankets, home textiles
Unique Features: Lorena Canals specializes in washable rugs and home textiles made from natural, eco-friendly materials such as cotton. Their products are designed with both sustainability and practicality in mind, making them a popular choice for homes with children. The brand is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, ensuring their textiles are free from harmful substances. Lorena Canals is committed to ethical production and works with local artisans in India, using environmentally friendly dyes and promoting fair labor practices.
Price: Mid-range, $100+
Labels & Certifications | GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, GOLS Certified Organic Latex, USDA Organic, CertiPUR-US Certified Foam
Products | Futons, mattresses, sofa beds, pillows, bedding
Best Seller | Organic Latex and Wool Mattress
This mattress combines organic latex and wool for a firm yet comfortable support. It’s ideal for those seeking an eco-friendly, chemical-free sleep solution, with natural temperature regulation and moisture-wicking properties.
Unique Features | The Futon Shop offers a wide range of organic and chemical-free futons, mattresses, and bedding products, focusing on safe and sustainable materials like organic cotton, wool, and latex. They’re known for their commitment to health and environmental standards, ensuring each product is crafted with non-toxic materials. Many products are also customizable, letting customers select materials and firmness to suit personal preferences.
Price | Mid-to-high range
Certifications: Fair Trade, Artisan-Crafted
Best For: Ethically made, artisan-crafted home decor
Products: Rugs, pillows, bedding, furniture, decor
Unique Features: The Citizenry partners directly with global artisans, ensuring ethical practices and fair wages. Each piece, crafted from natural materials like organic cotton, alpaca, and linen, highlights cultural heritage and sustainable production. They offer unique items sourced from around the world, such as Zapotec textiles from Mexico and Portuguese linen bedding.
Price: Mid-range, $50+
Certifications: No specific certifications mentioned
Best For: Eco-friendly furniture and decor for natural, sustainable living
Products: Furniture, lighting, accessories
Unique Features: Urban Home Natural focuses on creating stylish, functional pieces that are made with natural, sustainable materials. Their products include furniture crafted from reclaimed wood and other eco-friendly materials, offering a rustic yet modern aesthetic for interiors. The brand highlights a commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability, ensuring that each item is thoughtfully designed to contribute to a more natural home environment.
Price: Mid-range, $100+
Certifications: No specific certifications mentioned
Best For: Modern, eco-conscious furniture with an emphasis on quality and design
Products: Furniture (sofas, chairs, tables), lighting, accessories
Unique Features: Article combines contemporary design with a commitment to sustainability, offering high-quality, affordable furniture crafted from natural and eco-friendly materials. They focus on creating pieces that are not only stylish but also durable, featuring sustainable sourcing and a direct-to-consumer model to reduce waste. Their collections blend minimalist aesthetics with comfort, making them ideal for modern homes.
Certifications or Labels: FSC-certified wood, Recycled textiles.
Best For: Modern Scandinavian furniture and home decor with an emphasis on sustainable design
Products: Furniture, lighting, textiles, decor accessories
Unique Features: Ferm Living is known for its minimalist Scandinavian design, with a focus on sustainability and ethical production. The brand integrates sustainable materials such as FSC-certified wood, recycled textiles, and organic cotton into its collections. Ferm Living blends functionality with artful design, offering a range of products that bring both aesthetic beauty and eco-conscious practices into the home. They prioritize responsible sourcing and aim to minimize waste, making them a great choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
Price: Mid-range, $100+
Certifications or Labels: Fair Trade Certified, Sustainable Practices
Best For: Handcrafted, eco-friendly rugs and textiles
Products: Rugs, textiles, home accessories
Unique Features: Armadillo & Co. specializes in luxury rugs that are handcrafted by artisans using sustainable materials such as wool, jute, and cotton. Their commitment to environmental and social sustainability is reflected in their Fair Trade certification and use of natural fibers. The brand’s rugs combine timeless design with eco-friendly practices, ensuring a high-quality, sustainable product. They focus on supporting artisan communities and minimizing their environmental footprint by using sustainable production methods and eco-conscious materials.
Price: High-end, $300+
Certifications: No specific certifications mentioned
Best For: Handcrafted, eco-friendly rugs with a focus on sustainability
Products: Rugs, home textiles
Unique Features: Loomy Home creates high-quality, handcrafted rugs using eco-friendly materials such as recycled cotton and natural fibers. Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in their design process, where they focus on reducing waste and promoting ethical production. Loomy Home works with skilled artisans to create timeless, durable pieces that are both functional and beautiful, while supporting sustainable practices in the textile industry. The brand offers a variety of rugs that complement modern, eco-conscious home decor.
Price: Mid-range, $100+
More Responsible Brands
Here are a few more brands that are genuinely committed to either low or non-toxic, eco-friendly, or sustainable practices:
Ruggable
Labels or Certifications: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, BPA-Free
Best For: Washable, eco-friendly rugs designed for easy maintenance
Products: Area rugs, doormats, runners
Unique Features: Ruggable specializes in washable, eco-friendly rugs made with recycled materials and non-toxic dyes. The brand’s innovative two-piece system allows the rug cover to be removed and washed, making it ideal for homes with pets and children. Ruggable’s rugs are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, ensuring they meet high environmental and safety standards. They focus on providing stylish yet functional rugs that are durable, easy to maintain, and environmentally conscious.
Tumble
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Certified, Free from harmful chemicals
Sustainable
Health-Focused
Best For | Non-toxic, eco-friendly, pet- and kid-friendly rugs
Products | Washable rugs, non-slip pads, and spillproof options
Unique Features | Tumble Rugs are designed to be safe for homes with pets and children, offering durability with non-toxic materials. They are OEKO-TEX certified, meaning they are free from harmful chemicals like VOCs, phthalates, and formaldehyde. The rugs are also washable, spillproof, and hypoallergenic. Tumble Rugs focus on safety and comfort with a cushioned, non-slip pad for stability, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and family homes.
Price | Mid-range, starting around $150
Point Of Alignment
For a healthy, stylish living space, it’s important to choose carpets and rugs that not only look great but also contribute to a clean, toxin-free environment. Regular maintenance and selecting non-toxic materials can go a long way in improving your indoor air quality and overall well-being.
