Natural Upholstery Vendors

Are you looking to buy safe, healthy natural materials for your upholstery project? This includes latex foam, wool batting, cotton batting, and various other natural fibers and fabrics – many with GOTS, GOLS or OekoTex certifications.

Before retiring in September, 2023, I made it my business to help people source ‘natural upholstery’ materials for over 12 years. Sourcing natural materials for use in upholstery has always been, and remains a challenge.

My intention has always been to help upholstery professionals, designers, and DIYers understand the ins & outs of working with these materials in a wide range of upholstery projects, so I’m happy to share what I know to help you source healthy materials for your own business or personal needs.

Below is a brief listing of online vendors with whom I have had personal contact or ordered from during my time in business. My own commentary is included as a brief review where applicable.

Two Sisters Ecotextiles

Two Sisters Ecotextiles stocks certified upholstery fabrics, and are the most transparent & knowledgable resource I know when it comes to textiles that are truly safe and non-toxic.

Patty Grossman has been researching, developing, and selling safe fabrics since 2006. I have had regular contact with her about non-toxic upholstery fabrics since 2012. Patty has always been friendly and helpful. She has presented many talks and webinars over the years to educate designers, upholsterers, and furniture manufacturers about the very real risks of using conventional fabrics in homes and businesses, and the benefits of a clean home environment. Over the years we’ve developed a trust that has stemmed from a goal we both share – to help people learn about using natural & organic materials, and to help them source healthy fabrics for their projects.

Below are the materials they provide through their website (please contact them with any questions)

  • Commodity Fabrics such as muslin, flannel & sateen are commonly used in upholstery foundation work.
  • Upholstery Fabrics are heavier than standard fabrics, and well-suited to upholstery use.
  • They also offer drapery fabrics & liners, along with other home-dec fabrics.

 

DIY Natural Bedding

DIY Natural Bedding sells all-natural and organic ‘parts’ for DIY bedding, many of which happen to be the same ‘parts’ used in upholstery.

Deborah Brenton has been selling natural & organic non-toxic materials for DIY bedding since 2011. I had regular correspondence with her about upholstery materials between 2016-2022. During that time Deborah always demonstrated an upbeat and friendly approach.

Below are the materials they provide through their website (please contact them with any questions)

  • Wool Batting produced in the USA – Sold by the yard (88″ wide), 1.8 lbs/linear yard with thin spun backing – use as a cushion wrap (requires ticking fabric when used under a woven cover fabric)
  • Kapok Fiber – harvested from the seed pods of Ceiba trees growing in rain forest latitudes. Sold by the pound – for stuffing cushions or pillows.
  • GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Sateen Fabric – a lightweight fabric with a tight enough weave for use as a ticking fabric to prevent wool fibers from migrating through to the surface of your outer fabric.
  • GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Twill Fabric – a heavier twill weave with a tight enough weave for use as a ticking fabric, and ideal as a decking fabric.
  • Wooly Bolas – produced in the USA – for stuffing cushions or pillows.
  • Wool Felt – use in areas where light padding with minimal loft is called for, to replace thin foam, or as a foundation layer between springs and latex foam to protect the foam.

Enkev

Enkev has been selling a full range of natural materials to the European market, and has recently (2021) established a presence in the US. I have met and talked with Karsten Siewert, Enkev’s U.S. representative in North Carolina, who has always been forthcoming with helpful with info about new & alternative materials. He currently works with small U.S. work rooms & designers to help source natural materials for clients & projects. You can fill out their contact form here – and request that Karsten get in touch with you.

Foam Order

Foam Order sells a full range of natural materials, from GOLS organic latex foam, to wool & cotton battings, organic fabrics, covers, and more. They carry, but are not limited to natural & organic products.  Chemically sensitive individuals take note: the workroom is ‘mixed-use’ meaning polyurethane foam is being cut with the same tools as the organic foams. They assured me they do clean the tools between uses, but this may be a concern for some people. DO ask them about their current practices, as this may change.

Latex Sleep

Latex Sleep sells natural latex foam wholesale to the trade as well as direct to the DIY consumer. I recommend Dunlop GOLS certified (they identify as GOTS, which is the same thing – this may be a typo). Talalay is not available in GOLS.

Natural Felt

Natural Felt sells cotton & wool battings, as well as synthetic fiber. I have ordered their organic cotton batting 20 lb roll which comes in a 27″ wide x roughly 10 yd length – manufactured at their facility in Oregon. At times they’ve fallen behind on stock, with wait times up to 3 weeks. I’ve found the staff very friendly and helpful.

Shepherd’s Dream

Shepherd’s Dream sells domestically produced wool batting. I have not purchased from this vendor recently.

White Lotus Home

White Lotus Home offers natural fiber battings and fabrics. They have been friendly & helpful when I call with questions. One customer who contacted me reported that the wool batting has a plastic backing. I have not confirmed this, but you may want to ask if you order this.

Organic Cotton Plus

Organic Cotton Plus stocks organic cotton batting, fabrics and notions.

Also see a list of Natural & Organic Fabrics for Upholstery, and check out ‘Choosing Latex Firmness for Upholstery’.