Non-Toxic Kids’ Furniture: What “Low-VOC” Really Means
If you’ve searched for non-toxic kids’ furniture in New Zealand, you’ve probably seen phrases like “low-VOC”, “safe finish”, “eco”, or “natural materials”. It’s a great sign that parents care — but the real question is: what do those claims actually mean for your child’s bedroom?
This guide explains VOCs in plain English, what to ask before buying, and why finishes matter (especially on furniture surfaces you wipe every day).
1) What are VOCs?
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are chemicals that can evaporate into the air from some building materials, furniture and finishes. In New Zealand, MBIE’s Building Performance guidance explains that VOCs can come from materials and furnishings (including engineered timber products), and that choosing low-emission products and using sealed/covered surfaces can help reduce exposure.
Read more: Building Performance (MBIE) — Materials inside your home
2) “Low-VOC” isn’t just a label — it’s questions you can ask
Rather than relying on marketing terms, ask simple, specific questions:
- What finish is used? (water-based finishes are often lower-VOC than solvent-based options)
- Is the surface sealed and fully cured before delivery?
- What ventilation is recommended after setup?
- How do we clean it properly?
MBIE also highlights that good ventilation helps manage indoor pollutants — especially when something in the home is new (new furniture, new paint, new flooring).
Helpful read: Building Performance (MBIE) — Managing pollution and unhealthy air
3) Why finishes matter most in real family life (spills, wipes, crayons)
Here’s the practical truth: in kids’ rooms, furniture isn’t just “looked at” — it’s used hard. Parents wipe surfaces constantly: sticky hands, yoghurt drips, felt pens, dusty toys, snack crumbs.
That’s why a child-safe, easy-clean finish matters. A properly finished surface is easier to keep hygienic with gentle cleaning — which supports a healthier bedroom routine overall.
At KitSmart, our birch plywood pieces are designed with a smooth, easy-clean, child-safe finish. If you’re looking for a bed that stays practical as your child grows, our Birch Ply Flippable Bed is a great example of a family-friendly design built for daily life.
4) Healthier bedrooms are a mix of materials + habits
Low-VOC choices are important, but they work best together with good habits — especially in NZ homes where bedrooms can be compact.
BRANZ shares research and guidance on indoor air quality and how contaminants and ventilation affect comfort and wellbeing in homes:
LEVEL (from BRANZ) also covers common airborne contaminants (including VOCs) and practical ways to control them in buildings:
LEVEL — Controlling airborne contaminants
5) Simple steps to reduce “new furniture smell”
- Ventilate the room well for the first few days (fresh air in, stale air out)
- Avoid introducing multiple “new smell” items at once (paint + rug + furniture)
- Keep the room uncluttered so air can circulate
- Choose storage that makes cleaning easier (less dust-catching piles on the floor)
If you’re setting up a kids’ bedroom, good airflow + easy cleaning makes a noticeable difference. Practical choices like a bed with under-bed storage can also reduce “stuff on the floor” and make daily tidying faster — see our Storage Beds collection.
For younger kids, a low, accessible setup supports independence and calmer routines. You can browse our Montessori-style options in the Montessori Inspired Floor Beds collection, or read our parent guide: Montessori Floor Bed: The Ultimate Guide for Parents.
If you’re planning ahead for shared rooms or need to save floor space, our Wooden Bunk Bed is a practical option many families consider as kids get older.
“Low-VOC” isn’t about perfection — it’s about choosing safer materials, asking clear questions, and creating a bedroom that’s easy to keep clean and well-ventilated. When parents understand what’s behind the labels, they can make confident choices that support both comfort and wellbeing.
As a NZ maker, we design our birch plywood furniture to be practical, durable, and family-proof — with a child-safe finish that makes everyday care simple.