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Many a times, when buying a furniture, we do not consider the effect of the furniture on our health rather we focus on design, price and quality pique their interests.

It is of great necessity to consider the effect of furniture on health in the long run, as this not only helps prevent health hazards, but also determines the state of the furniture.

The two most important factors to be taken into cognizance when choosing furniture are:

. The make of the main material (body).
. The make of the constituent binders (Nails, Screws, ET AL)

It's advisable to go for furniture made from Eco-friendly materials as it serves the purpose of promoting both health and environment. Below are tips for choosing furniture made from different materials;

Wood:

Wood is derived from trees that have been cut and treated, hence, their eco-friendly nature. When choosing wooden furniture, the following are tips to be taken into cognizance:

- Only purchase finished wooden products.

- Choose furniture that would not shed part with climatic changes.

- Go for furniture with properly concealed binders.

- Choose firm furniture. Reject furniture with defects and report any case if noticed after purchase.

- Only purchase furniture with trimmed edges as it helps lower the risk of injuries.

- Choose wooden furniture that have been treated against insect attack or purchase insect-resistant wood.

- Choose furniture made from solid wood, as veneers and chip board furniture contain chemicals that pose health risks.

Care for wooden furniture:

- Clean wooden furniture with a damp rag.

- When removing stubborn stains, use cleaning agents.

- Never use furniture for purposes they weren't meant for.

- Check regularly for insect attacks.

- Refinish regularly with coconut oil.

Glass:

Glass is sustainable and fully recyclable, contributing to mitigating climatic conditions, generating renewable energy and saving natural resources.

When choosing glass furniture, it's essential to consider the following:

- Low-E (Low emissivity) glasses — in fittings like windows and doors — serve as insulators and significantly boost energy efficiency. This should be a priority for people living in very hot or cold regions.

- Select glasses that suit your environment. For example, people living in densely populated and noisy urban areas, acoustic noise-reducing glass should be a priority when choosing furniture and fittings.

- Choose glass furniture (Tables, stools, etc) with firm bases.

- Consider the nature of the material used to hold the glass together.

- Choose glass furniture with padded or finely trimmed edges.

Care for glass furniture:

- Clean regularly with damp rag.

- Never use abrasives as an option to remove tough stains. Use cleaning agents like turpentine and alcohol.

- To prevent cracks and shedding of parts, pad areas with glass furniture (coffee tables, center tables, etc) with rugs.

- Inspect regularly for defects.

- Clean regularly with turpentine and shine with coconut oil for an even shinier look.

Metal (Steel):

Steel, an alloy of iron, is generally used in the construction of furniture owing to its relative hardness, high tensile strength and lightweight, giving it and increased user accessibility.

Consider the following when shopping for metal furniture:

- Coat and finish: Ensure to purchase metal furniture with the right coating and finish. Powder-coated and painted and baked-finish steel have higher durability.

- Climatic conditions: For rainy areas, consider furniture with heavy waterproofing and easy mobility.

- Upholstery: Choose furniture with comfortable and attractive upholstery. Ensure that the coverings are made of suitable materials and would not wear out easily.

- Padded bases: Choose furniture with padded bases to avoid scratches on the floor and part shedding which may lead to choking hazards.