How to Avoid Toxins in Vintage, Second-Hand & Antique Nursery Furniture

Decorating a nursery with some second-hand or antique furniture? Amazing! Not only can this save you money and reduce waste, but it’s also a great way to incorporate heirloom pieces—giving you a warm, storied space full of charm. But before you say “yes” to Nana’s old rocking chair or that dreamy vintage dresser from the thrift store, you might be wondering if the finish and materials are safe for baby. Let’s talk about a few ways you can determine if your antique furniture is low-tox and if not, some ways to modify it.

1. Watch Out for Lead Paint

If a piece of furniture was made before 1978, there’s a chance it was painted with lead-based paint. Lead exposure is especially harmful to babies and young children, affecting brain development even at low levels. To check if a vintage or antique item contains lead, you can use a lead test kit, available online or at most hardware stores. For the most accurate results, look for a kit that’s EPA-recognized—it meets current safety standards and is more likely to give reliable results. Lead regulations have tightened over the years, so make sure you’re using the most up-to-date version. The kits are typically simple to use: you’ll wet the swab with water, rub it on the surface of the item, and watch for a color change that indicates the presence of lead. While no lead-test is 100% accurate, they are generally 96% accurate. Never sand lead-based paint—it releases lead dust into the air, which is even more dangerous than chipping paint.

2. Beware of Particleboard & MDF

Older furniture made from particleboard, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), or plywood is often held together with glues that contain formaldehyde (a known carcinogen). Over time, these materials release toxins into the air. To tell if furniture is made from solid wood versus MDF/particleboard, check for end grain—solid wood will have end grain whereas composite wood boards won’t. Some furniture is a combination of both materials, such as a dresser with solid wood drawer fronts and casing, but MDF drawer boxes. I would personally be comfortable with this and would just cover the drawer interiors with leftover non-vinyl peel-and-stick wallpaper, a piece of organic cotton, canvas or linen, or cedar drawer liners and call it a day, but you could take it a step further and coat the inside of the drawer boxes with a non-toxic sealant. Of course best practice would be to choose 100% solid wood furniture when possible!

3. Swap Out Drawer Liners & Cushions

On that note, if your vintage dresser or armoire came with old drawer/shelf liners that look musty, I recommend removing them and replacing with new. Wearing a mask and gloves, peel off the old liners and replace with new (see options above). Similarly with rocking chairs that have an old seat cushion—replace with something new and fresh (preferably upholstered in OEKO-TEX-certified fabric and natural GOLS-certified latex foam) that matches the seat shape of your chair.

4. Check for Mold & Musty Smells

That dreamy vintage dresser? If it smells off and has any black discoloration, it might have mold spores or mildew—both of which can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. I would pass on a piece in this condition but if it’s sentimental and you want to restore it you could give it a very thorough cleaning following professional directions and wear protective gear. Mold exposure is not something to mess with and mitigating it is not in my expertise, consider searching for proper methods online.

5. Choose a Safe Paint or Finish for Your Makeover

If you’re planning to give an old piece a fresh coat of paint, make sure you’re not adding new toxins in the process! Traditional paints and stains can release VOCs, which isn’t what you want in a nursery. The best non-toxic paint options are milk paint or chalk paint, zero-VOC paint brands like ECOS Paints, Clare Paint, or AFM Safecoat, or beeswax or walnut oil for sealing raw wood naturally.

6. Check for Safety Hazards

Beyond toxins, older furniture can have safety issues like tipping hazards, loose joints, or missing hardware. Thoroughly check your antique piece for damage before bringing into baby’s nursery. Additionally, do not use a second-hand crib that has a drop side, these were banned in 2010 because they pose an entrapment risk to babies and check that the slats are not spaced too far apart. And with any large and/or tall furniture pieces, make sure you anchor them to the wall to prevent tipping.

Final Thoughts: Second-Hand Can Be Safe & Stunning!

Second-hand and antique furniture can bring warmth, charm, and sustainability to your baby’s nursery—without bringing in unwanted toxins. By choosing solid wood, avoiding lead and formaldehyde, and giving pieces a proper refresh, you can create a nursery that’s both beautiful and safer for your little one.

So go ahead—hunt for that vintage treasure! Just follow these steps to make sure it’s as safe as it is stylish. And if you need help bringing it all together, I offer virtual nursery design services and love working with vintage pieces.