A child goes to the hospital every 30 minutes from injuries caused by falling furniture. Furniture anchors make this a very preventable tragedy, especially once your child is trying to pull themselves up on everything and climbing. Below, you’ll find our recommendations for the best furniture anchors and a handy buying guide so you know what to look for.
Best Furniture Anchors
The Hangman Anti-Tip Kit is made from aircraft grade steel and able to hold up to 400 pounds, while the Furniture Anchor Straps are made from nylon and designed for anchoring much smaller and lighter furniture.
Hangman Anti-Tip Kit
The Hangman Anti-Tip Kit is a great choice if you need something heavy-duty. Each cable withstands up to 400 pounds of weight and resists falls in an earthquake or windstorm.
This kit is made from high-grade galvanized steel cable approved for use on an airplane, as well as other steel components. To install it, you’ll need to screw one of the brackets into a stud on the wall and another into the furniture. This particular kit comes with a total of six brackets and three cables, which is enough for three pieces of furniture.
One benefit of this type of hardware is that it can be moved and reused as necessary since there aren’t any adhesive or other materials that are going to break down over time. Additionally, this comes with a quick-release pin that makes it easy to move the furniture forward if you need to for cleaning, accessing power outlets, or other reasons.
Something to note is that some people found their stud was a little deeper in the wall than the screws would reach. If this happens, the best alternative is to switch the included screws out for a longer option. The screws included for the side attached to the furniture are a little shorter, which minimizes damage from drilling holes.
Pros
- Uses aircraft-grade steel parts
- Withstands up to 400 pounds of pressure
- Shorter screws minimize damage to furniture
- Easy to install
- Comes with enough parts for three pieces of furniture
- Reusable
- Quick-release pin
Cons
- Included drywall screws might not be long enough
Quakehold! 2830 Furniture Cable Anchor
The Quakehold! 2830 Furniture Cable is ideal for tall, heavy furniture like bookcases, grandfather clocks, and china cabinets. It is made from thick, steel-coated aircraft cable and comes with sturdy brackets and screws. The company states that it can withstand up to 1,000 pounds of force.
This doesn’t have the same adjustable features as some of the longer straps. Additionally, with the shorter cable, this can be a little more difficult to install than some of the other options. The instructions do not make it easier to install these. While they are written okay, they don’t have enough images and are lacking information about where to drill the holes in the wall and furniture, which changes based on the piece of furniture. You can find this information online, though.
This comes with durable screws and brackets for holding the cable in place. The screws are long enough to easily reach the stud in the wall, while the screws for the bracket that goes on the furniture are shorter but still long enough to securely hold the furniture in place. This kit is meant to withstand falls in earthquakes and windstorms, too.
Pros
- Wall screws are long enough to reach the stud
- Furniture screws are well-sized
- Has steel coated aircraft cable for increased durability
- Instructions for specific types of furniture online
- Each cable holds up to 1,000 pounds of weight
- Withstands earthquakes and windstorms
- Incredibly durable overall
Cons
- Instructions could be written better
- Not adjustable, so you need to be precise
- A little harder to install with the limited space
Eapele Anti Tip Furniture Anchors Kit
The Eapele Anti Tip Furniture Anchors Kit comes with enough pieces to secure 2 pieces of furniture. They have a weight limit of up to 400 pounds and even stop furniture from falling over during windstorms and earthquakes.
The parts in this set are made from impact-resistant materials including steel cable tethered between two iron brackets. These are easy to install- just find the stud and use screws to position the bracket. This also features cotter pin quick removal, which makes it easier to move the furniture if you need to.
This set also comes with two sizes of screws. The longer screws make sure you can get to the stud through the wall, while the shorter screws make sure you don’t protrude through the underside of tables, bookshelves, or desks.
The one downside of this set is that some people who have bought it didn’t receive all the pieces. A few people also noted that the metal brackets didn’t all have holes drilled where they should be. This made the brackets significantly harder to install.
Pros
- 400-pound weight limit
- Holds furniture in windstorms and earthquakes
- Cotter pin quick removal
- Easy to install
- Strong materials like steel and iron
- Longer screws make sure you can reach the stud
- Shorter screws so they don’t poke through the furniture
Cons
- Pieces were sometimes missing
- Brackets didn’t always have holes in them
Booda Brand Furniture Anchors
The Booda Brand Furniture Anchors have a 400-pound weight limit and are designed to work through earthquakes. They are constructed from stainless steel brackets and cables for increased durability.
This comes with all the hardware you need to support ten different pieces of furniture. While the weight limit is 400 pounds, you should note that each cable only holds two hundred pounds on its own. The 400-pound weight guideline is for the pair of anchors.
In addition to 10 cables and 20 brackets, this comes with all the screws you’ll need to start securing furniture around your home. The screws are well-designed, though some people with thicker walls found the long screws didn’t reach all the way to the stud. You’ll need to use a longer screw if this happens- otherwise, the anchor can easily rip out of the wall.
The cable wraps around the brackets once they are secured and then you twist the ends together. If you need to move the furniture, you’ll also be able to do this by releasing the cable. This kit comes with easy-to-follow instructions and is simple to install.
Pros
- Durable steel cable and brackets
- Easy to release the lock and move the furniture when you need to
- Comes with hardware for ten pieces of furniture
- Installation is easy
- Included guide is simple to follow
- High enough weight limit for a lot of the furniture in your home
Cons
- Wall screws aren’t always long enough
- Not as strong as some other steel options
KIDDIESSENTIALS Furniture Wall Anchors
The KIDDIESSENTIALS Furniture Wall Anchors is a good choice for smaller pieces of furniture like dressers or desks in your baby’s room. It uses heavy-duty nylon materials instead of metal, so these are a cheaper alternative as well.
Something to note is that these are best for smaller pieces of furniture- the recommended weight limit is only 132 pounds. However, it is a good choice for your small desks, organizers, or dressers in your baby’s room. The only metal in this set is the screws but the rest of the pieces are tensile Nylon 6T material. It is crack-resistant and withstands wear and tear well.
Another nice feature of the nylon strap is that it’s easy to adjust. If you ever need to move the furniture, there is a button you can press to release the hold on the strap as well.
Pros
- Made from durable materials
- Easy to install
- Quick-release button
- Very affordable
- Comes with 10 anchors for 5 pieces of furniture
- Great for smaller pieces of furniture
Cons
- Only has a 132-pound weight limit
Best Furniture Straps
The Safety 1st TV & Furniture Straps use durable metal hardware and triple-stitched nylon straps but the straps are not adjustable, however, the QuakeHOLD! Universal TV Safety Straps use durable adhesive rather than screws and two nylon adjustable straps.
Safety 1st TV & Furniture Straps
The Safety 1st TV & Furniture Straps are a good choice if you want something more versatile for babyproofing your home. It comes with the hardware for different configurations, including TV to wall, TV to stand, and furniture to wall.
In addition to the hardware you usually find in furniture anchor kits, this comes with three different screws compatible with TVs. Some TVs come with a VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) compatible backing that may be used for mounting. You can use one of the three screws with the mounting hardware already in the back of the TV, which gives more security than you would get from a furniture anchor using adhesive. Even though there are three screws included, though, not all TVs will be compatible so you should check yours before buying if that is how you plan to use this kit.
This also comes with standard wood screws for furniture attachment and drywall screws for securing to the wall. The ability to use these straps in different ways makes babyproofing easier.
The kit uses durable metal hardware and triple-stitched nylon straps. There is also a piece that goes between the two straps to hold them in place. This metal piece holds well, even while being shaken or pulled on, and it also makes it easy to remove one of the straps if you need to adjust the furniture or television for some reason.
You’ll need a little measuring to get the size just right because the straps are not adjustable. On the plus side, the included instructions are easy to follow and installation isn’t too difficult.
Pros
- Durable metal and triple-stitched nylon
- Easy to move when needed
- Different configurations, very versatile
- Comes with different types of screws for increased compatibility
- Works with VESA mounting hardware to directly mount TV
- Instructions are easy to follow
- Installation was easy and straightforward
Cons
- Screws may or may not match your TV
- Straps are not adjustable
QuakeHOLD! 4520 Universal Flat Screen Safety Straps
The QuakeHOLD! 4520 Universal Flat Screen Safety Straps is a great choice if you need safety straps for your TV. Instead of screwing into your wall, these come with connectors that use a powerful adhesive. They are advertised as being tough enough to withstand earthquakes and work well if you want to mount a TV directly to the entertainment stand.
Since these use adhesive instead of other hardware, they are easier to install than some other furniture anchors. They are also advertised as being easier to remove- but some of the adhesive can get stuck. You should also note that these are not reusable because the adhesive becomes damaged after it’s removed.
This comes with enough pieces to secure 1 TV. It has two nylon straps with adjustable buckles, which makes installation even easier.
While these will work for the average flatscreen TV, the weight limit for these straps is just 150 pounds. You also cannot use them on TV bigger than 70″. This is likely because the adhesive is not as strong as hardware that has been screwed into a stud. However, it is a good alternative if your TV falls within the weight restrictions. Something else to note is the adhesive won’t stick as well to TVs with rounded backs.
Pros
- Very easy to install
- Can secure TV directly to the entertainment stand
- Adjustable nylon straps
- Very strong adhesive
- Easier to remove than traditional furniture anchors
- Withstands earthquakes
- Good for TVs up to 70″ and 150 pounds
Cons
- Works best on televisions with flat backs
- Not reusable
Aibrisk Furniture Straps
The Aibrisk Furniture Straps come with mounts, steel wire straps, and all the hardware you need for setting up. With the durable materials used, these support up to 400 pounds each.
This set of furniture straps has a simple bracket-to-bracket design. The steel wire stretches between the two brackets and then you close the screw closure. Another advantage of the screw closure is that you can move the furniture as needed.
Since this has a short cable, it does keep furniture close to the wall. However, it is difficult to screw the wire shut after installing unless you have small hands. Aside from the design making it a little harder, the included instructions are easy to follow.
Overall, these work well for securing furniture. You should note, however, that a few people reported that the screws for the drywall slipped through the bracket because the head was too small. If you do have problems, you can contact the company for a refund or use your own drywall screws with wider heads.
Pros
- Supports 400 pounds
- Made of metal and steel materials
- Screw closure on the wire makes it easy to release the anchors
- Shorter cable keeps furniture close to the wall
- Installing the anchors is easy
- Instructions are easy to follow
Cons
- Heads of drywall screws might not be big enough for the bracket
- Hard to use wire closure once the brackets are installed
4Our Kiddies Furniture Straps
The 4Our Kiddies Furniture Straps support up to 132 pounds of weight, so they’re better for smaller pieces of furniture. It has a close fit design that keeps furniture closer to the wall and less likely to fall forward, which may cause books or drawers to fall out.
Since this has a loop-style closure, it can be single-mounted or double-mounted. With a single mount, you’ll need to put it around the leg or a pole on the furniture. This lets you use it for a wider range of furniture, including those that you can’t attach a traditional furniture anchor to because it’s not flat.
While the shorter cable is nice, it also makes it a little harder to finish installing after you’ve put the anchors in place. You’ll also need to reach your hand into a cramped space to remove it. However, there is a quick release so it’s easier to disengage the safety strap.
This is made from durable materials. However, with it being plastic, it is recommended that you replace these furniture straps every 2 years. They are rated to be used in earthquakes and windstorms for the first two years of use.
Pros
- Can be single- or double-mounted
- Works well for furniture that can’t be traditionally anchored
- Shorter cable keeps furniture close to the wall
- Durable, high-quality hardware
- Quick release for moving the furniture
- Holds up to 132 pounds of weight through earthquakes
- Loop-style closure
Cons
- Hard to reach behind furniture with the short cable
- Needs replaced every two years
Skyla Homes Anti-Tip Furniture Straps
The Skyla Homes Anti-Tip Furniture Straps kit comes with all the hardware you need for up to five pieces of furniture. It includes 10 straps, 10 anchors, 20 short screws, 10 long screws, 10 washers, and 50 TV bolts.
These straps are made from ABS plastic and triple-stitch fabric. Each strap supports up to 160 pounds and has an adjustable length between 2″ and 35″. The adjustable length makes these straps really easy to use. They also feature a quick-release that makes it easy to move the furniture when you need to.
Additionally, with all the included hardware, they are very versatile for securing different pieces of furniture around your home. While all the included hardware is nice because of the versatility, it’s worth noting that all the extra parts can make the instructions a little more confusing. The screws also could be better quality- you’ll have to be careful not to strip them.
On the bright side, this does have a pretty standard installation that is easy if you are already familiar with installing anti-tip straps. You can also find installation videos from the company on the Internet.
Pros
- Very versatile
- Comes with a lot of hardware
- Installation is pretty straightforward
- Good for securing furniture or TVs
- Adjustable straps
- Made from durable materials
- Quick-release for moving the furniture
Cons
- Only supports 160 pounds
- Screws might strip
- Instructions aren’t the best
Best Furniture Anchors Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| QuakeHOLD! 4520 Universal Flat Screen Safety Straps | - | 9.4 | 28.27 |
| Hangman Anti-Tip Kit | 7.1 | 9.4 | 25.86 |
| Booda Brand Furniture Anchors | 9.9 | 9.4 | 12.99 |
| 4Our Kiddies Furniture Straps | 9.9 | 9.2 | 9.99 |
| Safety 1st TV & Furniture Straps | 9.8 | 9.2 | 9.98 |
| Eapele Anti Tip Furniture Anchors Kit | 8.7 | 9.2 | 6.99 |
| Skyla Homes Anti-Tip Furniture Straps | 6.6 | 9.0 | - |
| Quakehold! 2830 Furniture Cable Anchor | 3.9 | 9.2 | - |
| Aibrisk Furniture Straps | - | - | - |
| KIDDIESSENTIALS Furniture Wall Anchors | 7.3 | 8.8 | - |
How We Selected Furniture Anchors
Easy Installation
There are a lot of things new parents have to do to get ready for their baby. One thing you don’t want to do is waste time trying to install complicated furniture anchors. In addition to looking for anchors that are easy to install, you’ll want them to be accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions. If you understand the instructions, it makes it less likely that the anchors will be installed improperly.
Large Maximum Weight
As you choose furniture anchors, you’ll also need to consider the maximum weight they support. If your child manages to tip heavier furniture, the anchor will need to support both the weight of the furniture and the weight of your child. While some furniture anchors withstand up to 400 pounds, others only support around 100-150 pounds of weight. This usually depends on the type of furniture anchor (something screwed into a stud is going to support more weight than something using an adhesive), as well as the materials used (aircraft-grade steel is stronger than nylon).
Effective and Durable
The most important thing to look for in a furniture anchor is that it will keep your child safe. With metal brackets, you should choose materials that won’t become rusty over time. If you choose a no-screw furniture anchor, it should hold steadfast to the wall without loosening or losing its grip over time.
For the anchor to be effective, it will need to be installed properly. It’s also important to follow recommendations on weight limitations.
FAQs – Furniture Anchors
Do I need to anchor my furniture before my baby comes home from the hospital?
Between 2017 and 2019, over 11,000 children were brought to the emergency room for treatment following an appliance, television, or piece of furniture tipping over. Furniture tip-overs also result in death in a small percentage of cases.
When your baby comes home from the hospital, they aren’t going to be walking around and pulling on things. However, once your baby starts to crawl, they’re likely to grab onto surfaces to pull themselves up. It only takes 50 pounds of weight to tip many dressers and other pieces of furniture, which a baby can do easily.
While you don’t have to anchor furniture before bringing your baby home, it is a good idea. After all, it might be hard to get a break long enough to put up the safety features before your baby starts pulling themselves up.
How do you anchor furniture to the wall?
There are several styles of furniture anchor and the type that you have depends on how to anchor the furniture to the wall. With L-brackets, you use a drill to secure the bracket to the wall and the dresser. With furniture straps, you’ll use a similar technique of securing the strap or zip tie using a bracket or other mount. There are also no screw furniture anchors that prevent tip-overs without putting holes in your wall.
If you are going to put screws in the wall, you’ll need a stud finder. (It’s important that the anchor is secured into a stud, otherwise, it can rip through drywall or sheetrock if the furniture falls). Find the stud and mark it with a pencil. Then, take a tape measure and measure about six inches up on the wall. You’ll want to use a drill to put a bracket here. Do this a second time farther down the wall, six inches up from the floor. Usually, you can find a second stud about 16-inches from the first. You should always use at least two anchors for each piece of furniture.
Next, attach the other side of the anchor to the pieces of furniture. Some people secure a piece of wood to the back if there isn’t anything secure to attach the anchor to. Most people attach it near the top of the furniture. Once the anchor is secured, you’ll need to tighten it so it is as close to the wall as possible. You can find more guidance on how to anchor heavy furniture here.
What furniture needs to be anchored to the wall?
You should anchor any furniture to the wall that has a tip-over risk. When a child grabs onto a surface to pull themselves up or climbs on a drawer, it causes the center of balance on the furniture to shift. As it shifts, the furniture leans forward and may fall on top of your child.
The furniture that needs to be anchored to the wall includes bookshelves, cabinets, dressers, and armoires. You’ll also want to secure furniture with drawers or shelves that your child might climb onto and furniture with a TV sitting on top of it. Televisions may fall forward even if the furniture they are sitting on doesn’t fall over.
It’s important to look in all the rooms of your home for risks. Even if you keep a close eye on your child, it’s possible for them to be in harm’s way in seconds. Check for hazards in the bedroom, living room, kitchen, and other areas of the house.
