When we choose bedroom furniture, we typically focus on style, price, and functionality. But safety—particularly in homes with young children or elderly family members—deserves equal consideration. Each year in Australia, thousands of injuries occur from furniture tip-overs, sharp corners, and other preventable hazards. In this guide, we'll cover essential safety considerations for bedroom furniture, with particular focus on bedside tables and nightstands.
Understanding Furniture Safety Risks
Before diving into prevention strategies, it's important to understand the main safety risks associated with bedroom furniture.
Tip-Over Hazards
Furniture tip-overs are among the most serious home hazards, particularly for young children. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) regularly issues warnings about unstable furniture. While tall dressers and bookcases pose the greatest tip-over risk, bedside tables can also become unstable if climbed on or if heavy items shift on or within them.
Sharp Corners and Edges
The corners of bedside tables sit at exactly the wrong height for toddlers and young children, aligning with their head level as they toddle around the bedroom. Sharp corners can cause cuts, bruises, and in severe cases, more serious head injuries.
Drawer Hazards
Drawers that pull out completely can fall on feet or trap small fingers. Heavy items stored in top drawers can make furniture top-heavy and more prone to tipping if the drawer is extended fully.
Important Safety Statistic
According to Australian injury data, furniture-related injuries send thousands of children to emergency departments each year. Many of these injuries are preventable with proper furniture selection, anchoring, and household safety measures.
Choosing Safe Bedside Tables
Safety starts with selecting the right furniture. Here's what to look for when choosing bedside tables, especially for homes with children.
Stability and Base Design
Look for bedside tables with a wide, stable base. Tables with splayed legs or a solid base that extends to the edges of the tabletop are inherently more stable than those with narrow central pedestals or very slim legs. If the table feels tippy in the showroom, it will be tippy in your home.
Weight and Material
Solid wood tables are generally more stable due to their weight than lightweight particleboard or hollow designs. However, very heavy furniture poses its own risk if it does fall. The ideal is a moderately heavy piece that's resistant to tipping but not so heavy it could cause serious injury.
Rounded Corners
If you have young children, consider bedside tables with rounded corners rather than sharp 90-degree edges. Many modern and Scandinavian designs naturally incorporate softer edges. If you love a table with sharp corners, corner protectors can be added after purchase.
Drawer Safety Features
Quality furniture often includes drawer stops that prevent drawers from being pulled all the way out and falling. Check for this feature when shopping, or install aftermarket drawer stops on existing furniture. Soft-close mechanisms are another safety plus, preventing fingers from being slammed in closing drawers.
Non-Toxic Finishes
For children's bedrooms, ensure furniture is finished with non-toxic, low-VOC paints or stains. Look for certifications indicating the product meets Australian safety standards for furniture finishes.
Anchoring and Securing Furniture
Even stable furniture can benefit from anchoring, particularly in homes with young children, in areas prone to earthquakes, or if furniture is placed on carpet or uneven flooring.
Wall Anchoring
While wall anchoring is most commonly discussed for tall furniture like dressers and bookcases, it can also be appropriate for bedside tables in certain situations—for example, if you have particularly active toddlers or if the table is tall and narrow. Anti-tip straps attach the furniture to wall studs and prevent forward tipping.
Anti-Slip Pads
Furniture placed on smooth floors can slide when bumped or leaned against. Anti-slip pads or furniture grippers under the legs increase stability and prevent movement. These are inexpensive, easy to install, and don't damage floors.
Checking Stability Regularly
Over time, furniture can become less stable as joints loosen or feet wear unevenly. Periodically check your furniture's stability, tightening any visible screws or bolts and ensuring the piece sits level on the floor.
Wall Anchoring Checklist
- Use anchors designed for your wall type (plasterboard, brick, etc.)
- Always anchor into studs when possible for maximum strength
- Follow manufacturer instructions for anti-tip straps
- Check anchors periodically to ensure they remain secure
- Re-anchor furniture after moving or after any earthquake
Childproofing Bedside Tables
If you have babies, toddlers, or young children, additional safety measures can make your bedroom safer.
Corner Protectors
Soft corner protectors adhere to furniture corners and cushion impacts. They're available in clear versions that are relatively unobtrusive, or in colours if you don't mind a visible safety feature. Look for protectors that stay securely in place—cheap versions tend to fall off with regular contact.
Drawer Locks
If your bedside table contains items that should stay away from little hands—medications, small objects that pose choking hazards, or anything sharp—install drawer locks. Magnetic locks are particularly effective as they're invisible from outside and difficult for children to defeat.
Cord Management
Lamp cords and phone charger cables dangling from bedside tables are tempting for children to pull. Use cord clips or channels to secure cords to the wall or back of furniture, keeping them out of reach. This also prevents tripping hazards for everyone.
Clear the Surface
Keep bedside table surfaces clear of items that could harm children. This includes medications and supplements, glasses of water that could spill or break, small objects that pose choking hazards, heavy items like hardcover books that could cause injury if pulled down, and electronic devices with small batteries.
Electrical Safety
With smart bedside tables featuring USB ports and wireless charging, and with most people charging devices overnight, electrical safety deserves attention.
Power Board Safety
If you use a power board or surge protector near your bed, ensure it's not overloaded and is rated for the devices you're plugging in. Avoid running power boards under rugs or bedding where heat can build up. Replace any power boards showing signs of damage or wear.
Charging Devices Safely
Don't charge devices directly on bedding or under pillows, where heat can accumulate and create fire risk. A bedside table provides a safe, stable surface for overnight charging. If your phone or device becomes unusually hot while charging, investigate the cause.
Lamp Safety
Ensure bedside lamps are stable and won't easily tip over. Use bulbs that don't exceed the lamp's recommended wattage. LED bulbs are the safest choice—they produce minimal heat and are extremely unlikely to cause burns or fire. Keep lamp shades clear of flammable materials like curtains or bedding.
Safety for Elderly Family Members
If elderly family members use the bedroom, additional considerations apply.
Accessibility
Ensure the bedside table is at an accessible height for reaching from the bed. Items used regularly, particularly medications or personal alarms, should be easy to locate even in low light or without glasses.
Night Lighting
Falls are a significant risk for elderly people, particularly at night. Consider a bedside table with a built-in night light, or add a motion-activated light that illuminates the path to the bathroom. Touch lamps are easier to operate than switches for those with limited dexterity.
Stable Support
Some elderly people use their bedside table for support when getting in and out of bed. If this is the case, the table must be extremely stable and positioned correctly. However, a purpose-built bed rail or grab bar is a safer support option and should be considered if support is regularly needed.
Regular Safety Checks
Make furniture safety checks part of your regular home maintenance routine. Quarterly checks are appropriate for most households, with more frequent checks if you have young children. During each check, ensure all furniture is stable and level. Verify that any wall anchors remain secure. Check that drawer stops and locks function correctly. Inspect electrical components, including lamp cords and power boards. Confirm corner protectors are still firmly attached. Remove any new hazards that have accumulated on surfaces.
Final Thoughts
Furniture safety is largely about awareness and prevention. By choosing stable, well-designed pieces, anchoring where appropriate, and childproofing as needed, you can significantly reduce the risk of furniture-related injuries in your home. The effort required is minimal compared to the peace of mind that comes from knowing your bedroom is as safe as it is beautiful.