IKEA · Curtains
IKEA MERETE Room Darkening Curtains
Lower concern but opaque, IKEA doesn't disclose water-repellent coating/stain treatment chemistry on this product line.
MERETE curtains are polyester blend with a room-darkening backing, likely achieved through polymer coatings. IKEA does not publicly disclose whether PFAS-based water-repellent coating or stain treatments are used in the finish.
Shop IKEA on Amazon →Material
Polyester blend fabric; room-darkening mechanism likely polymer coatings on reverse
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
furniture is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
MERETE curtains are a polyester blend with a polymer-based room-darkening coating applied to the reverse side. This coating, likely acrylic or polyurethane based on industry standard for "room darkening", creates the light-blocking function. Polyester itself is chemically stable when worn or hung, but the coating's durability and off-gassing profile depend on cure quality and adhesion. IKEA does not publicly disclose the specific chemistry of this coating or whether it contains legacy flame retardants.
The brand's record and disclosure
IKEA publishes chemical restriction lists for some product categories (e.g., children's textiles) but maintains silence on treatment chemistries for home textiles like curtains. The company has not disclosed whether MERETE uses halogenated flame retardants, antimony catalysts in polyester, or PFAS-based water/stain repellents, despite PFAS scoring 75/100 on available criteria. This opacity is standard across the home-furnishings industry but reflects a lack of proactive transparency rather than known violations.
How it compares in its category
Room-darkening curtains typically use back coatings to block light; MERETE's undisclosed formulation is neither exceptional nor unusual. Competitors (Target, Amazon Basics, specialty drapery brands) similarly do not disclose coating chemistry. Natural-fiber alternatives (linen, cotton with mechanical blackout layers) avoid synthetic coatings entirely but cost more and may yellow over time. MERETE's mid-market positioning means coating durability is likely adequate but not premium.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water (no hot water) to avoid coating degradation and any potential off-gassing from heat-sensitive binders. Air-dry; machine drying and direct sunlight accelerate coating wear and may release volatile compounds. Ensure the room is well-ventilated when first hung to allow any residual manufacturing solvents to dissipate (typical for new textiles). Replace if the reverse coating begins to peel, flake, or crack, as fragmentation poses a low but non-zero ingestion risk in homes with young children or pets.
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.”
Synthetic coating off-gassing (VOCs)
Polyurethane or acrylic back coatings may release volatile organic compounds, particularly in the first 48 hours post-purchase and if exposed to heat. No VOC testing has been publicly reported for MERETE specifically; off-gassing risk is inherent to the category.
Flame retardant residues (if present)
IKEA does not state whether halogenated or other flame retardants are used in MERETE. Most room-darkening coatings in this price tier do not require added retardants, but undisclosed formulation leaves this unconfirmed.
Antimony in polyester
Polyester is often synthesized with antimony trioxide as a catalyst. IKEA does not disclose whether antimony is present or if catalysts are washed out post-production. Migration risk to skin or respiratory tract is low during normal use but non-zero if coatings degrade.
Coating adhesion loss and microparticle shedding
Polyurethane or acrylic-based back coatings on curtains commonly peel or flake after repeated washing or exposure to UV light. Shed particles are not classified as microplastics in regulatory terms but represent a minor ingestion and inhalation risk, especially in homes with young children.
Formaldehyde in dyes or finishing resins
Polyester textiles may retain trace formaldehyde from dye-fixing or wrinkle-resistant finishes. No formaldehyde testing has been reported for MERETE; risk is low given the category (non-apparel) and IKEA's general adherence to EU textile standards.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 62% 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 Curtains
Seventh Generation
Privacy Curtain - Tranquility
polyester with unspecified water-repellent treatment
Lower-concern option; Seventh Generation's MADE SAFE certification reduces but doesn't eliminate PFAS risk in treated textiles.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More curtains 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.