Crate and Barrel · Outdoor Furniture Cushions
20"x20" Soft Textured Indoor/Outdoor Throw Pillow
Lower concern. No water/stain treatment typically applied to basic throw pillows.
Standard indoor/outdoor throw pillow in polyester/cotton blend. No PFAS-related treatments or certifications disclosed by Crate and Barrel. Typical soft textiles rarely receive fluorinated coatings unless explicitly marketed as water/stain resistant.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
polyester/cotton blend fabric, no surface treatment disclosed
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
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
This pillow combines polyester and cotton fibers, a common blend chosen for durability and cost. Polyester is a synthetic polymer resistant to mildew and fading, while cotton adds breathability and softness. The blend itself does not inherently off-gas volatile organic compounds after initial manufacturing, though the fill material (likely polyester fiberfill) may emit trace VOCs in the first week of unpacking. Crate and Barrel's description does not mention water-repellent, stain-resistant, or flame-retardant finishes, suggesting this is a basic textile without chemical treatments that would introduce hazards.
The brand's record and disclosure
Crate and Barrel does not publish detailed chemical composition or hazard certifications for individual home textiles on product pages. The brand has not disclosed public positions on formaldehyde resins, azo dyes, or intentional flame retardant application to throw pillows. No recalls or safety complaints specific to this product line are on record. Lack of transparency is typical for mass-market home furnishings; the brand is not known for certifications like OEKO-TEX or GOTS on standard throw pillows.
How it compares in its category
Basic polyester-cotton blend throw pillows are the industry standard and carry minimal hazard risk compared to heavily treated alternatives. Products marketed as stain-resistant, water-repellent, or flame-retardant typically contain PFAS, antimony catalysts, or brominated flame retardants, none disclosed here. Organic cotton or certified low-impact alternatives (OEKO-TEX, GOTS-labeled) command higher prices and lower chemical load, but this product sits in the mainstream segment where chemical residues are within typical exposure thresholds. Outdoor variant designation suggests possible UV-stabilizer additives in fiber but not a confirmed hazard here.
If you buy it
Wash before first use to remove loose fibers and trace manufacturing residues (dyes, sizing agents). Use mild detergent and warm water; avoid bleach on colored fabrics to prevent azo dye degradation. Polyester does not require special drying and resists shrinkage. Inspect seams and filling for wear annually, especially if exposed to outdoor moisture or UV; replace if fabric tears or fill compacts significantly. Store in a cool, dry place during off-season to prevent mold growth in the fill.
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.”
Formaldehyde resins (durable press/wrinkle resistance finishing)
No durable-press or wrinkle-resistant finish is disclosed for this product. Polyester-cotton blends without such treatment do not require formaldehyde-based resins; risk is negligible unless hidden finishing is applied.
Azo dyes and colorant stability
Polyester fabric dyes may include azo compounds, which are common in synthetic textiles. Azo dyes are not inherently hazardous in finished fabric but can leach if exposed to excessive heat or strong alkaline washing. Crate and Barrel does not specify dye class; assume standard commercial azo chemistry.
Antimony catalyst residues in polyester
Polyester is synthesized using antimony trioxide as a catalyst; trace residues may remain in the finished fiber. Dermal contact with low-level antimony is not established as a hazard in textiles, and U.S. regulations allow this. No specific recall or health finding for this product.
Flame retardant chemicals (if undisclosed)
Throw pillows are not regulated as furniture requiring flame retardants in most U.S. contexts, and none are disclosed here. If present, they would likely be listed; absence of claim suggests they were not applied.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing from fill and sizing
Polyester fiberfill and fabric sizing agents may emit trace VOCs during the first 1-2 weeks after purchase. Airing the pillow indoors and washing before use substantially reduces this. Levels are typically below occupational exposure thresholds in a normal home setting.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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.
More outdoor furniture cushions 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.