Arhaus · Outdoor Cushions & Pillows
Arhaus Catia Outdoor Pillow
Outdoor pillow likely treated for water resistance; PFAS treatment unconfirmed.
Arhaus does not disclose PFAS use or absence. Outdoor pillows typically receive water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings, which may contain legacy PFAS, but specific treatment for this pillow is unknown.
The safe swap
Arhaus
Arhaus Ardennes Outdoor Pillow In Polyester
75/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
polyester/acrylic blend with water-resistant treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
furniture is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Catia pillow is a polyester/acrylic blend, likely chosen for durability and weather resistance in outdoor settings. Water-resistant treatments applied to outdoor textiles often rely on fluorochemical coatings (PFAS compounds) or silicone-based alternatives, though Arhaus has not disclosed which approach they use. Polyester itself is stable under normal use but can degrade when exposed to intense UV and heat, potentially releasing microfibers. Acrylic blends improve colorfastness and reduce moisture absorption compared to pure polyester.
The brand's record and disclosure
Arhaus is a mid-to-premium furniture brand with limited public transparency on chemical treatments and material sourcing. The company has not issued specific statements about PFAS use in outdoor textiles or water-resistant coatings across their product line. No major recalls or chemical safety controversies specific to Arhaus pillows are on record. Their silence on water-resistance treatment chemistry is typical for the outdoor furniture industry but leaves buyers without confirmation of whether legacy fluorochemicals or newer alternatives are used.
How it compares in its category
Outdoor pillows universally require water-resistance treatment, placing all competitors in the same exposure category regarding PFAS risk. Arhaus positions itself at the premium end; direct competitors like Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma also remain largely silent on treatment chemistry. Some specialty brands (like Sunbrella or Ballard Designs) occasionally disclose use of fluorine-free water repellents, but this is not yet an industry standard. Price and material blend are comparable; the key differentiator is manufacturing transparency, where Arhaus offers none publicly.
If you buy it
Wash the pillow only as needed and use cool water with mild detergent to minimize treatment leaching and fiber shedding. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight in extreme climates, as UV degradation accelerates microfiber release and coating breakdown. Replace pillows showing visible wear, color fading, or seam separation, as degraded coatings may shed treatment chemicals more readily. Store indoors during off-season to extend lifespan and reduce chemical leaching from weather exposure; do not machine wash or bleach.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Water-resistant treatment chemicals (likely PFAS, unconfirmed)
Outdoor pillows typically receive water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings; fluorochemical PFAS is standard in this class though Arhaus has not disclosed their specific treatment. PFAS can leach slowly into soil or water when the pillow degrades or is washed.
Flame retardants in filling or backing
Some outdoor pillows contain brominated or phosphorus-based flame retardants in polyester batting; no specific testing of Arhaus Catia is on record. Check product tag for ingredient disclosure; if unlabeled, contact Arhaus directly.
Microfiber shedding from polyester/acrylic blend
Polyester-acrylic textiles naturally shed microscopic fibers, especially when weathered, wet, or rubbed. Outdoor exposure accelerates this; shed fibers can enter soil and water systems and are not biodegradable.
Dye stability and azo dyes in pigments
No record of testing this specific pillow for restricted azo dyes or heavy metals in colorants. Outdoor fading does not indicate unsafe dye chemistry, but UV degradation can alter dye chemistry unpredictably.
Coating degradation and off-gassing
As water-resistant coatings break down under UV and weather, volatile compounds may be released into the immediate environment. This is typically minor in outdoor products but can be detected as odor early in the pillow's life.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 42% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Outdoor Cushions & Pillows
Arhaus
Ardennes Outdoor Pillow In Polyester
Polyester, unspecified finish
Lower concern. Polyester pillow unlikely to contain PFAS unless treated.
⚠Risky category by default
Room & Board
Modern Cast Outdoor Pillow
Cast polyester or acrylic fabric cover
Outdoor pillow with synthetic fabric.
⚠Risky category by default
Pier 1 Imports
Rizzy Home Jim Throw Pillow
polyester/cotton blend with standard fill
Lower concern. No PFAS-prone features identified in typical throw pillow.
⚠Risky category by default
More outdoor cushions & pillows grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.