Many furniture manufacturers use mdf, particle board and petroleum-based glues and finishes that are harmful to be around. Our focus at Healthier Homes is on sustainable shelving, bookcases and case goods furniture that are non toxic. Whether you’re looking for decorative wall shelving, a set of drawers or a sturdy bookcase, our storage systems prioritize environmental sustainability and promote positive indoor air quality for people and pets alike, inside our homes.

We believe natural wood shelving and solid wood storage furniture should be handcrafted using materials and manufacturing processes that minimize environmental impact and the use of synthetic petroleum chemicals and toxic varnishes. We also believe furniture is an investment in not only your home, but also your wellness. Quality built pieces in timeless designs are heirloom pieces that are long-lasting and durable. We take it a step further to incorporate organic designs and eco friendly materials which further optimize space and reduce waste.

Eco friendly storage can be achieved by using renewable and recyclable materials. As members of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, Healthier Homes makes it a priority to implement best practices such as energy conservation, packaging recycling and measures that aim to reduce air pollution. It is also important to us that our manufacturing partners follow energy-efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes, prioritize fair trade practices, and mindful source healthy materials.

Our priority is to highlight furniture collections that promote wellness and functionality inside you and your family’s home. That said, all our products, from a set of natural shelves to a biodegradable bookcase, are thoroughly vetted by us to ensure they are beautiful, nontoxic and ethically sourced.

Materials matter when it comes to furniture durability, stability, sustainability, and, of course, aesthetics.
First, our team looks for sustainable storage pieces made from high-quality materials such as solid hard woods and metals for our natural shelving collection. Hardwoods such as oak, maple, cherry, and walnut are strong and naturally resistant to wear and tear. It’s important that our furniture manufacturing partners adhere to responsible forestry best practices if the pieces are handcrafted from virgin wood.
Avoid case goods made from particleboard or MDF, which are made with glues, resins, and other chemicals and formaldehyde that can harm the environment and your health. Instead, we look for woods sourced from sustainably managed forests to ensure the harvesting process preserves the environment and promotes the forest’s long-term health. This means as trees have matured and lived their fruitful life, only then are they harvested and seedling trees are planted in their place.
We encourage shoppers to choose their non toxic shelving and mindful bookcases wisely – as either unfinished or finished with natural, eco friendly, water-based coatings. It’s very important to note that many water based coatings still contain exempt VOCs (volatile organic compounds), biocides, paraffin wax, and formaldehyde.
The Healthier Homes ‘Paint It Yourself’ collection features handmade wooden shelves made out of solid Parawood that is rescued from rubber wood plantations around the world. The natural shelves are unfinished and finely sanded to be enjoyed beautifully as furniture in the raw, or with the option to apply a nontoxic clear coat or one of our DIY chemical free paint kits.

Natural wood shelving is truly the gold standard in sustainable shelving options. Sustainable shelves offer numerous benefits that make them a popular choice in homes, offices, and anywhere requiring organization and storage.
First, and most simply, they look great! Natural wood shelving offers unique and beautiful grain patterns that can add a warm, natural aesthetic to complement any space or decor.
The Healthier Homes ‘Paint it Yourself’ (PIY) collection is incredibly customizable, which lets you flex your creativity when designing organic storage solutions. Our furniture paint color match technology means the sky is the limit on colors, which is especially handy if you have existing pieces or walls that you’d like to color match.
Finally, sustainably sourced natural wood is a renewable resource, making it an environmentally friendly choice compared to synthetic materials. (You won’t find any hybrid plank materials that incorporate plastics here.) We love mixed materials, such as iron or steel that is incorporated into our handmade shelving with upcycled wood. Metal (a natural mineral) can also be recycled or repurposed after it’s useful life.

With so many option available, here’s a few important factors to think about when selecting organic, eco-friendly storage solutions:
First, when it comes to design, look for non toxic storage solutions that are functional, visually appealing and available in a size that fits your unique needs. Floating shelves, room dividers, and open shelving are a wonderful way to display fun decorative items that are essential to making a house feel like home!
Keep efficiency and space optimization in mind when displaying your favorite décor for a cleaner, more organized, and visually appealing home or work space.

Choose natural materials such as stone, hardwoods and metal with natural finishes. Avoid anything with a lot of glue or varnish and avoid harmful finishes that contain chemicals or toxins, such as formaldehyde or VOCs.
Also consider fair trade options, which means a brand values fair worker conditions. Our manufacturing partners care as deeply as we do about adhering to fair trade practices that provide good working conditions and fair living wages for skilled artisans and their families in communities all over the world.

Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining natural wood shelving:
…Remember to dust your natural wood shelves regularly using a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent the buildup of dirt. Avoid scented dusters, as sometimes store bought dusters can have hidden scents and fragrances.
…Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the wood or natural finishes. When cleaning your shelves, use a mixture of water and white vinegar or a gentle, plant based cleaner that is designed for wood, such as Healthier Clean.

…Also keep water away, as wood shelving can be damaged by excessive moisture. To prevent the most common type of damage to wood, the answer is simple: use coasters if you’re planning to set down a drink on wooden furniture or shelving. And depending on your preference, you can also apply a protective nontoxic finish of your choosing, such as Healthier Homes Clear Coats and Paints.

…If something spills, wipe it up promptly with a soft, dry cloth to prevent staining to the wood. Also keep the wood away from heat sources such as radiators, stoves, or fireplaces. Heat can dry out wood and cause it to crack. Do keep in mind that some hardwood will crack over time. Hairline cracks do not mean a piece is defective but rather it’s a natural process that adds character to the wood.