TV, Bookcase & Media-Console Tip-Overs
Spot it
A TV on a dresser, a narrow stand or a media console that isn't wall-mounted or strapped; a bookcase or entertainment center with nothing holding it to the wall; remotes, toys and snacks on high shelves that make a toddler climb.
Fix it
CPSC's advice: anchor TVs and furniture such as bookcases and dressers securely to the wall. If you can't anchor a TV, put it on a sturdy, low base, push it back as far as it goes, and keep the cords out of reach. Put heavier items on lower shelves. We'd also keep toys and remotes off high shelves so there's no reason to climb (our reading). The same anchoring applies to kids' bedroom furniture — see the nursery page linked below.
Safer swaps
What actually fixes this — the category to look for, not a brand we were paid to name.
Move toys and remotes off high shelves; put heavy items on the lowest shelvesHabit
Free; CPSC's own advice, and it removes the reason to climb
TV not mounted? Push it back on a sturdy, low base and tuck the cords awayHabit
Free; CPSC's fallback when you can't anchor
Wall anchor or strap kit for each bookcase, console and TV
CPSC: anchor TVs and furniture to the wall
Handyman to anchor into studs or wall-mount the TVService
If you can't find a stud or the wall is plaster or masonry (our reading — not on the cited CPSC page)
Furniture-to-wall anti-tip straps
Use at least one strap per tall piece; a 2-pack covers one TV stand or bookcase with two anchor points. Anchored is safest; a strap does not make a wobbly stack safe. An example we have listed, not tested.
Cardinal GatesCardinal Gates Furniture-to-Wall Safety Straps, 2 Pack | Furniture anchoring straps help reduce tip-over risk by securing compatible furniture to the wall.
$9.95View on Amazon
Related product category: Home safety equipment
Sources cited
Sources
- Of 217 tip-over deaths CPSC counted from 2013 to July 2023, 47% involved a television and 55% were children aged 1 to 3 — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (incl. SaferProducts.gov), 2024 (how we check this source)
Every source we cite is checked against our criteria first — see how we check our sources.
Related checks
- Furniture & TV Tip-Overs — Anchoring dressers and TVs in kids' bedrooms is the same fix.