The odd smell of solid wood beds comes from 2 sources:
- Natural wood scent: Woods like pine or oak have a light natural fragrance (pine is more noticeable)—this is a natural scent, harmless to humans;
- Water-based paint odor: High-quality solid wood beds use E0-grade water-based paint, which leaves a mild paint scent after application—this fades after 3-7 days of ventilation.
How to distinguish “normal odor” from “formaldehyde smell”? Formaldehyde has a irritating pungent scent (like glue) that causes dry throat or tearing; wood/water-based paint scents are “mild natural odors” with no irritating effects.
To remove the odor: Keep the bedroom ventilated (2-3 hours daily), place activated carbon bags (replace weekly), or add adsorption plants (e.g., pothos, bamboo charcoal)—the scent usually fades in 1-2 weeks.