Pier 1 Imports Recalls Temani Wicker Furniture Due to Violation of Federal Lead Paint Standard

What was recalled

If you have ever visited a Pier 1 Imports store or shopped at their online outlet, you may be familiar with the Temani collection of furniture. This specific recall concerns a particular set of pieces from that line: the Temani chair, the Temani settee, and the Temani ottoman. These items were part of a decorative home furnishing series characterized by an ivory-colored finish and constructed from rattan wicker. A key visual identifier for this collection is that the furniture was sold without any accompanying cushions, allowing the woven texture and color to be fully visible. To help consumers identify these specific pieces, each item bears the Pier 1 Imports logo on its underside.

The recall applies strictly to the ivory-colored Temani collection. It does not extend to other colors or styles within the broader Temani line if they differ in composition or finish. The affected models are defined by their specific dimensions and unique stock keeping unit (SKU) numbers, which serve as the primary way to verify if your item is part of this recall. For the chair, the SKU number is 2769765; it measures 29 inches wide, 29.5 inches deep, and 35.5 inches high. The settee, designed for seating multiple people, has the SKU number 2860548 and measures 51.5 inches wide, 29.5 inches deep, and 35.5 inches high. The ottoman, which serves as a footrest or side table, carries the SKU number 2769778 and measures 27 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 16 inches high.

This recall was initiated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on May 23, 2017. The decision to issue this recall was based on the discovery that the paint used on these wicker furniture pieces contained excessive levels of lead. This finding represents a violation of the federal lead paint standard, which sets strict limits on the amount of lead allowed in surface coatings for consumer products, particularly those likely to be handled by children. While the recall focuses on these specific Temani items, it is important to note that no incidents or injuries have been reported in connection with this violation at the time of the recall announcement. However, the presence of excessive lead is a serious safety concern that necessitates immediate action from consumers who own these items.

If you purchased any of these ivory-colored Temani wicker furniture pieces directly from Pier 1 Imports, whether in-store or online, you should check your receipt or order confirmation for the SKU numbers listed above. The recall covers all units of these specific models that were sold during the period when they were available to the public. Since no further details on the exact number of units sold are provided in the current record, it is advisable to treat any ownership of these items as potentially subject to the recall until verified otherwise through official channels.

The hazard, explained

The core issue with the recalled Pier 1 Imports Temani wicker furniture is not a structural failure or a mechanical defect, but rather a chemical one. Specifically, the ivory-colored paint applied to these rattan pieces contains excessive levels of lead. Lead is a heavy metal that was historically common in paints and finishes because it helped colors stay vibrant, dried quickly, and resisted moisture. However, modern safety standards have strictly limited the amount of lead allowed in consumer products for children, and this recall indicates that the paint used on these specific Temani items violates those federal limits.

To understand why this matters, it is helpful to look at how lead becomes a physical threat. Lead itself is stable when sealed inside a solid layer of dry paint. The danger arises when that protective coating degrades, chips, cracks, or wears away over time. Wicker and rattan furniture, by its very nature, involves natural materials that can expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature. This movement, combined with regular use—such as sitting on a chair, leaning against a settee, or placing an ottoman under feet—can cause the paint surface to micro-fracture or flake. Once the paint is compromised, microscopic particles of lead-contaminated dust are released into the immediate environment.

This hazard is particularly insidious because it is invisible and odorless. You cannot see the lead, and you cannot smell it. The risk comes from incidental exposure. When the paint chips or wears down, those tiny particles settle on surfaces nearby or become airborne as dust. People can then ingest these particles by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their mouths, or by breathing in the dust. This is especially dangerous for young children, who are more susceptible to lead poisoning because their developing brains and nervous systems are highly sensitive to neurotoxins. Even low levels of exposure can lead to serious health issues, including learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and delayed development. While no incidents have been reported with this specific batch, the potential for harm exists as long as the painted surface remains intact enough to hide the risk but fragile enough to shed particles.

It is important to note that the hazard is specific to the finish of these items. The rattan material itself may not be the problem; rather, it is the coating applied to it that exceeds safety limits. This means that simply handling the furniture with clean hands does not eliminate the risk entirely, as normal household activities like dusting, vacuuming nearby areas, or even just the natural settling of dust can spread contaminated particles. The violation of the federal standard means that the concentration of lead in the paint is high enough to pose a significant health risk under normal conditions of use, which is why the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has deemed an immediate recall necessary. Ignoring the condition of the paint and continuing to use the furniture allows this exposure to continue unchecked, turning a beautiful decorative piece into a silent source of household contamination.

Who is most at risk

The Temani wicker furniture recalled by Pier 1 Imports presents a specific type of hazard that affects everyone who comes into contact with it, but the severity of the health consequences varies significantly depending on age and physiological development. While any individual handling this ivory-colored rattan chair, settee, or ottoman is exposed to excessive levels of lead in the paint, certain groups are disproportionately vulnerable to the toxic effects of this chemical. Understanding who is at greatest risk helps clarify why the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued this recall with such urgency, even though no incidents have been reported to date.

Children are universally recognized as the most susceptible demographic to lead exposure, and they are the primary focus of this safety alert. Toddlers and young children often explore their environment by touching surfaces and then placing their hands in their mouths. If a child plays on or leans against the painted surface of the Temani furniture, microscopic particles of lead-contaminated paint can transfer to their skin and subsequently be ingested. Children’s bodies absorb lead more efficiently than adults’ bodies, and their developing nervous systems are far more sensitive to its toxic effects. Even low levels of exposure can lead to permanent cognitive deficits, behavioral issues, and slowed growth. Because the recalled items were sold without cushions, the painted wicker surface is directly accessible to bare skin and clothing, increasing the likelihood of direct contact for young family members who might sit on or crawl around these pieces.

Pregnant women are also a critical group at risk, though often overlooked in product safety contexts. Lead can cross the placental barrier, meaning that exposure during pregnancy can harm the developing fetus. High levels of lead in a pregnant person’s bloodstream can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and developmental delays in the child after birth. Since the Temani settee and chair are common living room furniture items where parents might sit for extended periods, the potential for dermal contact or incidental ingestion of dust from chipping paint poses a silent but serious threat to fetal development.

Elderly individuals and those with compromised immune systems may also face heightened risks. While lead toxicity is primarily associated with developmental damage in children, it can cause hypertension, kidney damage, and reproductive issues in adults. For older adults, who may already manage chronic health conditions, the additional physiological stress of heavy metal exposure can exacerbate existing health problems. Although no incidents have been reported yet, the cumulative effect of long-term low-level exposure should not be underestimated for any household member, particularly those with weaker immune defenses. Therefore, the risk is not limited to one group but requires immediate remediation for all occupants in the home.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action, it is essential to confirm that your furniture piece is part of this specific recall. Because recalls often target very particular batches or styles, double-checking the details prevents unnecessary worry if you have a different model. The recall issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on May 23, 2017, involves only the Pier 1 Imports Temani collection. If your furniture does not match this exact name and style, it is likely not subject to this specific safety notice.

The first thing to look for is the material and color. The recalled items are made of rattan wicker and are finished in an ivory color. It is important to note that this recall applies exclusively to the ivory-colored Temani collection. If your wicker furniture is a different shade, such as natural brown, black, or white, it is not included in this recall. Additionally, these specific pieces were sold without cushions. If your chair or settee came with upholstery, it is not part of this issue.

Next, check the dimensions of your furniture to ensure it matches one of the three recalled products: the chair, the settee, or the ottoman. You can measure these yourself or compare them to the official specifications provided by the recall notice:

• The Chair: Measures 29 inches wide, 29.5 inches deep, and 35.5 inches high.
• The Settee: Measures 51.5 inches wide, 29.5 inches deep, and 35.5 inches high.
• The Ottoman: Measures 27 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 16 inches high.

To definitively identify your item, look for the manufacturer's label or logo. The recall notice states that each of these items has a Pier 1 Imports logo on the underside of the chair, settee, and ottoman. Flip your furniture over carefully to inspect the bottom surface for this branding.

If you have the original packaging or receipt, check for the SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) numbers associated with each piece. These unique identifiers will confirm whether your specific item is part of the recall:

• Chair SKU: 2769765
• Settee SKU: 2860548
• Ottoman SKU: 2769778

If you have lost your receipt or box, do not panic. The physical characteristics described above—specifically the ivory wicker design, the lack of cushions, the specific dimensions, and the logo on the underside—are sufficient to identify the recalled items. If your furniture matches these details, please proceed with the remedy steps outlined in the next section.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you discover that you own one of the recalled Pier 1 Imports Temani wicker furniture pieces, your primary and most straightforward remedy is to return the item for a full refund or a merchandise credit. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has confirmed that Pier 1 Imports is offering this specific resolution because the product cannot be safely repaired due to the nature of the hazard. Since the issue involves excessive levels of lead in the paint, there is no way to strip or treat the surface to make it safe for continued use. Therefore, the company’s official stance is that you must stop using the furniture immediately and return it to any Pier 1 Imports store location. This is not a situation where they will offer to come out and fix the piece; the only acceptable remedy is removal from your home.

You have two distinct choices for how you receive your compensation back. First, you can choose a full refund, which means you will get your money back in the original form of payment used at the time of purchase. This is often the preferred option if you do not plan to shop at Pier 1 Imports again or if you want to recover the exact financial loss without any restrictions. Second, you may opt for a merchandise credit instead. This credit can typically be used toward future purchases within their stores or online. If you are a loyal customer who enjoys their style and decor, this might be a convenient way to keep your spending within their ecosystem while still resolving the safety issue.

To process this return, you do not need to call ahead or fill out complex paperwork before arriving at the store. Simply bring the recalled item to any physical Pier 1 Imports location. The staff will verify that it is one of the affected Temani collection pieces—specifically the ivory-colored rattan wicker chair, settee, or ottoman sold without a cushions—and process your refund or credit on the spot. If you are unable to visit a store in person, you can also seek assistance through their online channels. You should visit www.Pier1.com and scroll to the bottom of the page to click on "Product Notes & Recalls." This section provides detailed information on how to proceed with remote returns or additional inquiries if your local store cannot accommodate you.

If you need further clarification or have specific questions about your purchase history, you can contact Pier 1 Imports directly. Their customer service team is available toll-free at 855-513-5140. It is helpful to know their hours of operation to ensure you reach a live representative when you call. They are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. For Sunday support, the hours are slightly different, running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time. Having your original receipt or order number handy will speed up the process significantly.

What can happen if you ignore it

When a recall involves lead paint, the danger is rarely a sudden, dramatic event like a piece of furniture collapsing or catching fire. Instead, the risk is quiet, cumulative, and insidious. The Pier 1 Imports Temani wicker furniture was recalled because the ivory-colored paint used on the rattan surface contained excessive levels of lead, violating federal safety standards. If you choose to ignore this warning and continue using these items in your home, you are essentially allowing a slow-release hazard to become part of your daily environment. Lead does not simply disappear; it remains present in the paint film until it is either removed or completely worn away, which may take years.

The primary mechanism of harm from lead-based paint is the creation of invisible dust and tiny chips. As wicker furniture is used, sat upon, or brushed against, the painted surface undergoes microscopic wear and tear. This process generates fine, colored dust that settles on surrounding floors, carpets, and upholstery. More critically, this dust can be easily transferred to hands. For children, who often crawl on floors and put their hands in their mouths, this presents a direct ingestion pathway. Even for adults, touching the painted surface and then eating without washing hands can introduce lead into the body. Because lead is a cumulative toxin, it builds up in the bloodstream over time, meaning that low-level exposure over months or years can eventually reach dangerous levels.

The consequences of this accumulation are particularly severe for developing bodies. Young children absorb lead more easily than adults, and their brains and nervous systems are still forming. Exposure to lead at any level can cause permanent damage, including lowered IQ, attention deficits, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities. While the CPSC recall notice states that no incidents have been reported with this specific Temani collection, the absence of reported injuries does not mean the risk is zero. It often means that the harm has been subtle enough to go unnoticed until developmental delays become apparent. By ignoring the recall, you are gambling with the long-term health of your family members, especially infants and toddlers who spend the most time in close contact with household surfaces.

For pregnant women, the risks extend to the unborn child. Lead can cross the placental barrier, potentially affecting fetal development and leading to premature birth or low birth weight. Furthermore, lead stored in a parent's bones can be released into the bloodstream during pregnancy, adding an additional layer of risk. While the Temani chair, settee, and ottoman are large items that might not seem like typical sources of ingestion compared to old window frames, their location in living areas where families gather increases the likelihood of contact. Ignoring the recall means keeping a source of toxic dust in your most frequented rooms, turning your home into an unintentional reservoir for a heavy metal poison with no known safe level of exposure.

Staying safe: broader tips