Is Your Furniture Safe?
What You Need to Know About Australia’s New Furniture Safety Laws
When furnishing your home, you’re probably thinking about how it looks, feels and functions—not about whether your new bookcase could fall over. But from 1 July 2025, new Australian laws are helping to make our homes safer by requiring clearer safety standards for certain types of freestanding furniture.
As an interior designer, safety and practicality are just as important to me as creating a beautiful home. So I wanted to take a moment to explain what’s changed—and how I help guide my clients through these decisions when we’re furnishing their homes.
What’s Changed?
Under the new standard, certain types of tall or heavy furniture now need to meet strict safety rules before they can be sold in Australia. This applies to things like:
✔ Bookcases and shelving units
✔ Tallboys and dressers
✔ Wardrobes and freestanding cabinets
✔ Buffets and entertainment units
These products must now:
Carry a permanent warning label about the risk of tipping
Come with clear instructions on how to anchor them safely to a wall
Provide written safety information wherever the item is sold—whether in-store or online
If you’d like to read more about the regulations, the ACCC shares helpful information here: Toppling Furniture: Anchor It and Protect a Child.
Why Has This Changed?
Furniture tip-overs sadly cause hundreds of injuries—and even some fatalities—each year in Australia. The ACCC highlights that young children under five are most at risk, but tip-overs can happen in any household.
These new rules aim to make safety warnings clearer and anchoring much simpler—so that families are better protected.
What This Means for You
If you're furnishing your home—whether working with me or shopping on your own—it’s worth taking a moment to:
✔ Check the labels: Look for safety warnings and anchoring instructions on tall furniture items
✔ Anchor when needed: If a piece has the potential to tip, it should be secured to a wall
✔ Consider your household: If you have children or pets, anchoring furniture becomes even more important
✔ Think about placement: A tall bookcase in a high-traffic area or a heavy cabinet on uneven flooring can be a risk if it’s unsecured
How I Help
When I work with you to furnish your home, safety is part of our conversations—just like comfort, durability and style. I’ll:
✔ Recommend furniture that meets Australian safety standards where possible
✔ Let you know when anchoring is recommended
✔ Provide product info and installation guidelines from suppliers
✔ Refer you to a professional installer or handyman if you’d like help anchoring your furniture (as I don’t install items myself)
Ultimately, my goal is to help you create a home that feels beautiful and inviting—and is practical and safe for the way you live.
Want to Learn More?
If you're planning to furnish your home and want support choosing items that work for your space, lifestyle and budget—while making safety a priority—I’d love to help.