At Simple Deals we want every piece of furniture we sell to be safe in your home. Freestanding furniture — chests of drawers, bookcases, shelving, wardrobes and cabinets — can tip over if it isn't secured to a wall. This short guide explains why furniture tip-over happens, who is most at risk, and how to anchor your furniture properly.

What is furniture tip-over?

Furniture tip-over is when a freestanding item topples onto a person and causes injury. It usually happens when weight is applied to the front of the furniture — a child climbing a drawer front, several heavy drawers open at once, or someone pulling down on a shelf. Once the centre of gravity moves beyond the base, the item falls forward.

Who is most at risk?

Young children are most at risk. They're naturally curious and often climb or pull on furniture to reach something, without recognising the danger. If a piece tips, a small child can't react quickly enough or lift the furniture off themselves. Adults can be seriously hurt too, but the majority of tip-over injuries involve children.

Where do tip-over accidents happen?

They can happen in any room, but the most common are bedrooms, nurseries, living rooms and kitchens — anywhere with tall or heavy freestanding furniture and TVs. It's worth anchoring furniture even in rooms where children don't usually play, because a curious child can wander anywhere.

Does heavy furniture still need anchoring?

Yes. Weight doesn't prevent tipping — any freestanding item can go over when the centre of gravity shifts past its base. Heavier furniture actually causes more serious injuries when it falls, so heavy chests, wardrobes and cabinets should always be secured to a wall.

Do low chests of drawers need anchoring?

Yes. Low furniture tips too. When several drawers are open at once — especially when they're full — or when a child climbs on an open drawer, the centre of gravity moves forward and the unit can fall. Low units need to be anchored just like tall ones.

Do drawer latches or child locks replace anchors?

No. Latches and child locks are designed to stop a child opening a drawer or door — they do not stop the furniture tipping over. A child hanging or climbing on the outside of a cabinet can still bring it down. Latches and anchors do different jobs; you need the anchor for tip-over protection.

How do I anchor furniture safely?

Anchoring is quick and inexpensive. Use a furniture anchor or anti-tip strap kit (many flat-pack items include one; if yours didn't, kits are widely available and low-cost). The basic steps:

• Position the furniture against a wall, ideally near a wall stud.
• Fix one bracket to the top rear of the furniture and the matching bracket to the wall stud, using the fixings suited to your wall type.
• Connect the two with the strap and remove any slack so the furniture can't lean forward.
• Secure televisions to the wall or to the unit they sit on with a TV anti-tip strap.
• Store the heaviest items in the lowest drawers to keep the centre of gravity low.

If you're unsure which fixing suits your wall (plasterboard, brick or timber), check with a hardware store or a qualified tradesperson.

Furniture safety checklist

• Anchor all tall and heavy freestanding furniture to a wall.
• Anchor low chests of drawers as well — they tip too.
• Secure TVs with an anti-tip strap.
• Keep heavy items in the bottom drawers.
• Don't rely on drawer latches for tip-over protection.
• Anchor furniture in every room a child can reach, not just play areas.

Simple Deals is a family-run Australian retailer. If you have a question about a product or its assembly, our team is here to help on 1300 456 786.