Untreated Upholstery Fabrics

Chemical finishes are often added to upholstery fabrics to make them resistant to water, dirt or fire, but these treatments may emit toxic and irritating volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). According to the Environmental Working Group, Teflon and other stain- and water-resistant fabric coatings can break down into PFOA, which was recently classified as a likely human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Now consumers are becoming aware that the fallout from these chemicals may be worse than scuffs and dirt. "A lot of people with young children don't want them climbing all over a toxic couch," says Susie Little, president of A Natural Home, a furniture manufacturer and retailer.

The EPA is calling on companies to voluntarily phase PFOA and related perfluorochemicals out of products by the year 2015. In the meantime, it's worth exploring the many stylish textiles that are produced without unhealthy finishes.

It's possible to find untreated fabrics in weaves and fibers that resist stains on their own. In addition, "Natural fabrics are not much harder to care for, and they feel better because they breathe. We recommend using baking soda and water to spot clean your furniture," says Donna Halloran, general manager of Furnature, a Boston-based manufacturer of custom, chemical-free furniture.

You can buy fabric and then have your furniture reupholstered ($800-$3,000 for a sofa, not including fabric) or save a little money by having a custom slipcover made instead ($450-$600 for a sofa, $325 for a chair, not including fabric). Ask for an easily removable, washable slipcover.

The following companies sell greener furniture fabric:

Hemp Basics offers several upholstery-weight hemp fabrics without after-treatments. Their Natural Hemp Canvas in a Herringbone Pattern is $20 a yard, and their natural hemp linen in a twill weave is $17 a yard (www.hempbasics.com; 888-831-3747).

Climatex Lifeguard's Renew pattern is a blend of untreated rayon and wool available in 12 colors. It is naturally stain resistant and produced at a Swiss factory whose waste trimmings are used by farmers for mulch ($67/linear yard; www.carnegiefabrics.com, 800-727-6770).

twenty2's colorful, mod fabrics are designed by a Brooklyn husband and wife team. The untreated textiles in their line are Casa Mila and Maxwell ($135/yard, www.twenty2.net, 888-222-3036).