3 tips for purchasing new furniture for a safer home

The beginning of fall is an excellent time to update your home’s aesthetic! Whether you plan to purchase new furnishings or complete small home improvement projects, these changes — big and small — can go a long way in revamping your home decor for a cozier and updated look and feel.

No matter what furniture you choose, it’s always a good idea to shop with safety in mind. Check out these three safety tips that can help you create a beautiful and safer home.

Secure your furniture

Some pieces of furniture, especially clothing storage items, can easily tip over if not secured. To help eliminate this risk, make sure to anchor your furniture and purchase furnishings with tip-over safety features that meet the current standard for safety.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), tip-overs have long been the furnishing industry's most serious safety issue. In light of the problem, policymakers, safety advocates and furniture industry innovators took action to drive change and establish safety regulations. As a result, the Federal Stability Standard was born.

The federal mandate requires all newly manufactured clothing storage units to meet the new safety standards outlined in the Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth (STURDY) Act.

Over the past year, furniture retailers across the country have worked hard to design clothing storage furniture that meets more rigorous testing standards, helping consumers create safer homes.

One example of a manufacturer that is driving innovation in furniture safety is IKEA. The company was the first retailer to announce full compliance with the Federal Stability Standard.

IKEA has designed furniture with stability features like Anchor and Unlock. The company also offers free wall anchoring hardware kits as well as information on how to wall anchor furniture to help prevent tip-over accidents and promote a safer life at home.

“The work that goes into creating safer homes will never be over,” said Brett Horn, the founder of Charlie’s House based in Kansas City, Missouri.

Charlie’s House is a 501(c)3 dedicated to preventing accidents and injuries to children in and around the home through increased safety awareness, public education, and the distribution of safety devices.

“We see progress through strong collaboration within the industry, including furniture retailers, and the passing of much needed legislation like the STURDY Act. Step by step, together, we are creating a safer life at home for all,” said Brett.

Choose your window coverings wisely

If you’re looking to update your window coverings, consider switching to cordless blinds. Traditional blinds are operated with cords. Not only are corded window coverings unsightly, but they also pose a significant risk to families with young children.

The CPSC identified corded window coverings as one of the top hidden hazards in the home. Young children, especially those under 5 years of age, can become entangled in the cords, leading to strangulation.

Luckily, you can buy yourself peace of mind by installing cordless blinds. They’re easy to operate, come in a variety of colors and materials and — most importantly — help create a safer home for your family.

Beware of recalls

Buying furniture secondhand is a great way to save money! But recalled products can end up on the secondhand market and can pose a risk to the buyer. Each year, the CPSC recalls many household items that pose a hidden danger to consumers, including home furniture.

To help mitigate these risks, check and see if the used furniture items have been recalled before you purchase. Just a little bit of research can help keep your home safer. You can search for the latest recalls on the CPSC’s website.

Another steadfast solution to keep your home safer when buying secondhand, backed by parents, is wall anchoring.

“While it may seem simple, taking the critical step to anchor your furniture will go a long way in keeping your home safe,” said Brett. “No matter where you buy your furniture, wall anchoring is always the best way to help reduce the risk of tip-over accidents.”

Shop with joy and confidence

As you redecorate your home this autumn, be mindful of where you shop for new furniture. To find more safety information and other resources, visit CPSC.gov.