As parents, we meticulously check the labels on the food our children eat and the fabrics they wear. But there is one area of the home that often goes overlooked, despite being where our children spend nearly half of their lives: the materials inside their bedroom furniture.
At Tanglewood Design, we believe that a child’s room should be a sanctuary—a place where the only thing "off-gassing" is their imagination. Here is why the materials used in children’s furniture aren't just a technical detail, but a cornerstone of their long-term health.
1. The Formaldehyde Factor: Breathing Easier with NAF
Most mass-market children’s furniture is constructed using MDF or plywood held together by resins that contain formaldehyde. Over time, these materials release gases into the air—a process known as off-gassing.
Because children breathe more rapidly than adults and their immune systems are still developing, they are more sensitive to these airborne chemicals. That is why Tanglewood exclusively uses NAF-certified (No Added Formaldehyde) materials. By choosing NAF birch and hardwoods, we ensure that the air in your child's room remains as pure as the day they moved in.
2. Beyond "Non-Toxic": Medical-Grade Finishes
It’s not just about the wood; it’s about what covers it. Children interact with their furniture in every way imaginable—they touch it, they lean on it, and (especially during the toddler years) they might even chew on it.
We have moved beyond generic "non-toxic" labels to utilize Alcea medical-grade finishes. These are low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) coatings that provide a rock-solid, durable surface without the chemical cocktail found in traditional lacquers. Our finishes are water-based, meaning they are safer for our craftsmen to apply and even safer for your children to live with.
3. Built for a Lifetime (and the Planet)
Luxury is often defined by longevity. When furniture is built with high-quality, sustainably sourced materials, it doesn't end up in a landfill in five years. Our use of architectural-grade birch and domestic hardwoods ensures that your investment is an heirloom-quality piece that can be passed down through generations.
The Tanglewood Commitment
When we moved into our new 5,700-square-foot facility in Utah, we didn't just increase our space; we increased our standards. Every cut Ian makes and every finish our team applies is done with the safety of our own six children in mind.
We aren't just building beds; we are engineering healthy dreamscapes. Because at the end of the day, the most important thing we build is your peace of mind.
Ready to design a safer sanctuary for your family? Contact Us to learn more about our healthy material standards.