Metal furniture can be an excellent healthy choice for your home’s interior, since it is easy to clean and in many cases no chemical treatment is necessary. Often, manufacturers combine metal with glass, both of which are generally inert. More popular then ever, brass, wrought iron, painted steel, stainless steel and chromed pieces are easy to find at most local furniture stores, bedroom shops and import stores. You can also buy metal desks, bookcases and chairs at many office-supply stores. These particular pieces often work very well in your den or home office.

 

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A number of companies offer metal furniture through the mail. There are metal-based, glass-topped dining tables, end tables, coffee tables and bookcases. Metal-wire shelves and racks are available. There is heavy, yet good-looking, chromed-steel shelving as well as all-stainless-steel tables.

For years, beds have been made of various kinds of metal. While brass beds have consistently been popular, wrought-iron beds and forged steel have also become available.

Note: Metal furniture that has been painted or lacquered (brass items are often coated with a clear lacquer) will often require some time to air out for sensitive people. This can be done in uncontaminated surroundings before being brought indoors. If possible, choose only products with a baked-on finish, because they usually require less airing.

Bring Patio Furniture Indoors

One classification of metal furnishings you may not have considered for the interior of your home is patio furniture. Actually, this furniture can often be suitable for most rooms in your house. It will give your rooms an unexpected “fresh” look, or a casual country look, depending on how you decorate. However, if chemical sensitivity is an issue, to make sure patio furniture is healthy you’ll need to replace any vinyl and synthetic-foam seat cushions with washable, removable, natural-fabric-covered cushions filled with natural-fiber batting. You can either make them yourself or have an upholsterer do it for you.

As you well know, you can purchase metal patio furniture locally in patio shops, as well as in many furniture, department and discount stores. However, good-looking metal pieces are often available in garden catalogs, too. (Note: The paint on metal patio furniture may need time to air sufficiently before bringing it into the house, if you’re a sensitive person.)

 

From Creating a Healthy Household: The Ultimate Guide For Healthier, Safer, Less-Toxic Living, © 2000 by Lynn Marie Bower.