Room & Board · Outdoor Cushions & Pillows
Room & Board Modern Upton Outdoor Pillow
Silent on PFAS. Outdoor fabric likely water-repellent coating-treated; unclear if fluorinated.
Room and Board does not disclose PFAS use or treatment details for this outdoor pillow. Performance outdoor fabrics typically use water-repellent coatings that may or may not contain PFAS; this brand provides no transparency.
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
Outdoor pillow with performance fabric, waterproof 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 Upton uses a performance outdoor fabric, typically polyester blended with acrylic or solution-dyed synthetic fibers, paired with waterproof/water-repellent (water-repellent coating) finishing. water-repellent coating treatments on outdoor textiles are almost universally fluorinated PFAS compounds (like C6 or C8 chains) to achieve the durable water resistance needed in outdoor settings. Performance fabrics themselves are stable when intact, but the finish chemistry and potential migration during washing or wear is the core concern Room & Board has not disclosed.
The brand's record and disclosure
Room & Board does not publicly disclose PFAS content, water-repellent coating treatment chemistry, or fluorine-free alternatives for its outdoor line. The brand has no established history of transparency on textile finishing chemicals or third-party certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or bluesign) for this product. This silence is typical of mid-market furniture makers but leaves buyers without specifics on whether the water-repellent coating uses legacy PFOS, restricted C8, or permitted C6 chemistries.
How it compares in its category
Outdoor pillow covers in this price and style range almost universally rely on fluorinated water-repellent coating; truly PFAS-free options exist but are marketed explicitly as such (e.g., Sunbrella's limited PFAS-free line or wax/silicone-based treatments) and are less common in performance blends. Room & Board's lack of disclosure puts this in the middle of the market default, neither notably worse nor ahead. If PFAS avoidance is a priority, competitors like Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware rarely disclose either, making direct comparison difficult without contacting manufacturers.
If you buy it
Check the hang tag or request a care sheet specifying dry-clean, hand-wash, or machine-wash instructions; hot water and harsh detergents can degrade water-repellent coating coatings and potentially increase leaching of finish chemicals. Store indoors during winter or extended non-use to minimize UV breakdown of the synthetic fibers and finish. Inspect annually for mildew, mold, or cover tears; if the cover degrades, discontinue use to avoid inhalation or skin contact with degraded finish particles. Consider contacting Room & Board directly to request disclose of water-repellent coating chemistry before purchase if PFAS content is a deciding factor.
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.”
PFAS in water-repellent coating finish (fluorinated water repellent)
Outdoor performance fabrics almost universally use fluorinated PFAS for durable water repellency. Room & Board has not disclosed the specific chemistry, making it impossible to confirm whether restricted C8-PFOS or approved C6 variants are used. Migration risk during washing and wear is documented in literature but not quantified for this product.
Formaldehyde resins in synthetic fabric sizing or dyes
Performance polyester fabrics often use formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance, dye-setting, or fabric finishing. Room & Board provides no material safety data sheet or OEKO-TEX certification for the Upton, so presence cannot be ruled out. Off-gassing is typically minimal in finished textiles but possible if fabric is new or not pre-washed.
Azo dyes in color fastness treatments
Solution-dyed and conventionally dyed outdoor fabrics may use azo dye compounds, some of which can break down to aromatic amines under UV exposure or in certain washing conditions. No certification or restricted substance list from Room & Board is available to confirm avoidance of banned azo dyes.
Microplastic shedding from synthetic fibers
Polyester and acrylic blends shed microfibers when washed, worn, or degraded by UV. This is not specific to Room & Board but inherent to outdoor performance textiles; care (gentle washing, mesh bags) can reduce shedding. Not a direct health hazard in typical use but an environmental concern.
Coating degradation and particulate inhalation
If the water-repellent coating finish or fabric backing peels or flakes due to poor care or age, inhaled particles are a theoretical hazard. No recalls or documented cases for Room & Board outdoor pillows; risk is minimal with proper storage and maintenance.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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.