How to stop furniture tipping over: anchoring furniture in kids' rooms
Tall and heavy furniture can tip forward if a child climbs it or pulls out several drawers at once. Fixing it to the wall is one of the simplest safety jobs in a family home, and most furniture comes with the parts you need.
Which furniture to anchor
- Wardrobes and nursery wardrobes
- Chests of drawers, dressers and changing units
- Bookcases and shelving units
- TV stands and anything with a TV on top
- Tall storage units in playrooms and hallways
As a rule, if a piece is taller than it is deep, or a child could climb its drawers or shelves, fix it to the wall.
Use the fixings supplied
Many wardrobes, chests and bookcases are supplied with a wall-fixing kit, often a strap or bracket. The kit fixes the furniture to the wall, but the right wall plugs and screws depend on your wall type, so you may need to buy those separately:
- Solid brick or block walls: masonry plugs and screws.
- Plasterboard (stud) walls: fix into a timber stud where possible, or use cavity fixings rated for the job.
- Older lath and plaster: find a stud or ask a professional.
Always check for hidden pipes and cables before drilling. A detector is inexpensive and worth having.
Step by step
- Assemble the furniture and stand it in its final position.
- Mark where the bracket or strap meets the wall, near the top of the furniture.
- Check the area for pipes and cables, then drill and plug the wall to suit its type.
- Fix the bracket to the furniture and the wall as the instructions show.
- Pull gently on the top of the furniture to check it's held firmly.
Everyday habits that help
- Put heavier items in the bottom drawers and on lower shelves.
- Don't keep toys or treats on top of tall furniture, where they tempt climbers.
- Teach children not to climb furniture or hang on open drawers and doors.
- Open one drawer at a time.
- Stand furniture on a level floor; on thick carpet, check it doesn't lean forward.
- Re-check fixings when you move furniture or redecorate.
Choosing furniture with safety in mind
- Lower, wider chests are naturally more stable than tall, narrow ones, and children can reach their own clothes.
- Check the product page for wall-fixing information.
- Look at drawer runners: drawers with stops are less likely to pull right out.
- In nurseries, choose a changing unit that has storage close to hand so you don't need to leave your baby to reach something.
Don't forget the TV
Flat-screen TVs can topple if pulled. Wall-mount them, or secure the TV and its stand with a suitable strap, and keep cables out of reach.
This guide gives general advice. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your furniture, and use a professional if you're unsure about your wall type.
A quick room-by-room check
- Nursery: changing unit, wardrobe, chest of drawers, bookcase.
- Kids' bedrooms and playrooms: wardrobes, chests, bookcases, toy storage units and any desk hutch.
- Living room: TV and stand, tall bookcases, display cabinets.
- Hallway and landing: tall shoe cabinets and shelving units.
Shop kids' chests of drawers
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fix a chest of drawers to the wall?
It's strongly recommended, especially in children's rooms. Use the wall-fixing kit supplied with the furniture and wall plugs and screws suited to your wall type.
What if my furniture didn't come with a wall fixing?
Anti-tip straps and brackets are widely available from DIY shops. Choose one suitable for the weight of the furniture and your wall type, and follow its instructions.
Can I anchor furniture to a plasterboard wall?
Yes, but fix into a timber stud where you can, or use cavity fixings rated for the load. If you're unsure, ask a professional.