Product Care

Furniture tip-over accidents are a serious hazard, especially in homes with young children or pets. Freestanding pieces like bookcases, wardrobes, dressers, and even small tables can be dangerous if they fall over​. Tragically, toppling furniture has killed at least 28 people in Australia since 2000 and causes nearly 20 injuries each week. To keep your home safe, always secure furniture that poses a tip-over risk and follow the guidelines below, which align with ACCC (Australian Competition & Consumer Commission) safety standards.

Tall Storage Units (Wardrobes, Bookcases, Cabinets)

• Risk & Rationale: Tall storage units (generally above ~686 mm in height) have a high centre of gravity and can tip over if not secured​. These items (e.g. wardrobes, tall bookcases or cabinets) are especially dangerous because a child pulling on the door or climbing open drawers can easily cause an unanchored unit to topple​. The weight of the furniture and its contents can crush anyone underneath, so the risk of severe injury is high.
• Anchoring: Always anchor tall furniture to a wall using the provided anti-topple kit. In fact, Australian safety standards require permanent wall-fixing warnings on furniture above 686 mm tall​, underlining that anchoring is essential for these pieces. Follow the installation instructions to firmly attach the unit to a solid wall (into studs or masonry)​. Never use tall storage units freestanding in the middle of a room or as room dividers – they should be installed flush against a wall where they can be secured.

• Placement Do’s & Don’ts: Place wardrobes, bookcases, and other tall units on flat, stable flooring. If the unit wobbles on an uneven surface or thick carpet, adjust the leveling feet or use wedges to stabilise it​. Do not put heavy objects on top of tall furniture (for example, never place a TV or fish tank on top of an unanchored wardrobe). A heavy item up high makes the unit top-heavy and dramatically increases the chance of it tipping over. It's safest to keep the top of tall storage essentially empty or only lightly decorated (e.g. with soft, light items), and store heavier belongings in lower sections to keep the unit’s weight distribution balanced.

Medium-Height Units (Chests of Drawers, Sideboards)

• Risk & Rationale: Medium-height furniture such as dressers, chest of drawers, buffets, and sideboards (typically about 70–150 cm tall) also present tip-over dangers​. While shorter than wardrobes, these pieces can become unstable if multiple drawers are opened or if a child tries to climb on them. Opening several drawers at once shifts the weight forward, and a curious toddler pulling out drawers could topple a chest if it’s not secured. In Australia, even pieces like hall tables, buffets, and sideboards above ~686 mm fall under the ACCC’s anti-topple safety standard, meaning they require the same warning labels and precautions as tall units.
• Anchoring: It is strongly recommended to anchor medium-height units as well, particularly if you have young children at home or if the furniture is above the ACCC’s 686 mm threshold. Many serious injuries have involved unanchored dressers and drawers, so installing the supplied wall brackets or straps is a prudent safety measure. Whenever possible, position these pieces against a wall and use the provided anchors to secure them. Even if a sideboard or dresser feels stable, anchoring adds an extra layer of protection that prevents it from tipping if weight shifts suddenly.
• Placement Do’s & Don’ts: Use medium units for their intended purpose and avoid misuse that increases risk. For example, do not use a standard dresser or sideboard as a TV stand unless it is firmly anchored – a heavy television on a drawer unit that isn’t designed for it can make it front-heavy and unstable​. Likewise, do not place fish tanks or other heavy electronics on top of a medium-height cabinet that isn’t anchored. Keep these pieces on level ground; if placed on carpet, ensure the piece doesn’t rock (carpet edges can sometimes cause a slight tilt​). If the furniture has adjustable feet, take the time to level it properly. Always distribute stored items evenly (heavier items in lower drawers) so the unit stays balanced. In homes with children, consider installing drawer stops or locks to prevent kids from opening all the drawers at once or climbing them like stairs – this simple childproofing step can help avert a tip-over incident​.

Safe Usage & Installation Tips

Even once your furniture is placed in the proper location and anchored, you should follow these key safety guidelines to minimise the chance of any tip-over incident:

• A heavy TV or fish tank can make a furniture piece dangerously top-heavy. The ACCC specifically warns not to put TVs on furniture not designed for them (for example, on top of a tallboy or dresser)​. If you need to put a TV on a cabinet or table, use a proper low TV unit and secure the TV with straps to the unit – and ensure the unit itself is anchored to the wall. Heavy items that sit unsecured on top of furniture may fall off during a tip-over, worsening the injuries​.
• Always use the provided wall anchors and install them correctly. Wall anchoring kits (brackets, straps, or anti-tip straps) are supplied with most tall and medium furniture – use them! Proper installation of these anchors firmly secures the furniture to a stud or masonry wall, greatly reducing the risk of a tip-over​. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check that the anchor is tight. If you’re not confident installing it yourself, seek help from a professional or someone experienced with wall-mounting. The best way to prevent a tip is to physically restrain the furniture by anchoring it to a fixed structure​productsafety.gov.au. (Tip: If your furniture did not come with an anchor kit, you can purchase appropriate anti-tip restraints from hardware stores.
• Always use the provided wall anchors and install them correctly. Setting up furniture on an even floor is crucial for stability​productsafety.gov.au. If a piece straddles an uneven spot or sits partially on a thick rug, it may lean or rock – even a slight tilt could make it more likely to topple when weighted. Ensure all legs make firm contact with the floor. If you have carpet, check that it isn’t causing the unit to wobble (sometimes carpet edges near walls bulge and prevent rear legs from sitting flat​.
• Distribute weight evenly and store heavy items low. How you load shelves and drawers impacts stability. Keep heaviest items in bottom drawers or on lower shelves – this keeps the centre of gravity low, making the unit more stable​productsafety.gov.au. Avoid placing lots of heavy items all on one side or at the top. For example, in a bookshelf put the largest books on the bottom shelf. In a dresser, don’t overload the top drawer while the bottom is empty. Balanced loading prevents the furniture from becoming top-heavy or front-heavy. Remember, a piece of furniture that is top-heavy is much easier to tip over​. If you notice a cabinet leans forward when a drawer is opened, reconsider the contents’ placement. Balance is key to stability.
  

By following these practices – anchoring properly, mindful placement, and sensible loading – you significantly reduce the risk of a furniture tip-over. Even if something does jar the unit (for instance, during play or an earthquake), these precautions ensure it remains upright.

If your Centrum furniture comes with such a safety label, do not remove it – it is a permanent reminder for you (and anyone to whom you might give or sell the furniture in the future) to secure and use the item safely. Pay attention to the guidance on these labels and in the instruction manual​. They reinforce the same points covered in this guide: secure the furniture to the wall, never let children climb on it or tip it, and use the piece correctly. The presence of a warning label means that piece has been identified as having a high risk of tipping if not anchored. Always heed these warnings.

• Move with Care: Always lift your furniture when moving it; avoid dragging to prevent stress on joints and legs. For heavier items, it’s best to use two people or a furniture dolly.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Over time, direct sunlight can cause fading and warping of materials. We recommend placing your furniture away from windows or using curtains to limit sun exposure.
• Stable Environment: Ensure your furniture is placed in a room with consistent temperature and humidity levels. Extreme fluctuations can lead to cracking or warping of wood and leather.

Goat hide adds a unique texture to furniture but can be sensitive to dirt and wear.

• Cleaning: Brush the hide regularly with a soft brush to remove dust and debris. For small stains, use a damp cloth with a little mild soap, but avoid rubbing too harshly to prevent damage to the hair.
• Protection: Keep your goat hide furniture away from direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause the hair to fade or dry out over time. Similarly, avoid placing it in high-traffic areas to reduce wear.
• Spill Management: If liquids spill on the hide, blot the area immediately with a dry cloth. Allow the hide to air dry naturally—never use heat or direct sunlight to dry it.

Leather adds elegance and durability to your furniture, but it needs proper care to preserve its luxurious feel and appearance.

• Cleaning: Dust regularly with a clean, dry cloth. For more stubborn dirt, use a damp cloth or a leather-specific cleaner, but avoid harsh detergents. Always test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first.
• Conditioning: Every 6-12 months, use a leather conditioner to maintain the softness and prevent cracking. Ensure you use a product that is appropriate for your specific type of leather.
• Avoid Sharp Objects: Leather can scratch easily, so be cautious around pets or sharp objects. Use cushions or throws to provide added protection in high-use areas.
• Sun and Heat Exposure: Like timber, leather can fade and dry out when exposed to direct sunlight or heat sources. Keep your furniture away from direct sunlight to preserve the leather’s color and quality.

Rattan furniture adds a natural, airy feel to any space. While it’s durable, it does require specific care to maintain its strength and appearance.

• Cleaning: Dust rattan furniture regularly using a vacuum with a brush attachment or a soft cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a damp cloth with mild soap and water, but avoid soaking the rattan.
• Avoid Excess Moisture: Rattan can absorb water, which may lead to swelling or mildew. Wipe up spills immediately and avoid placing rattan furniture in humid environments for prolonged periods.
• Maintain its Shape: Over time, rattan can loosen. If you notice any sagging, lightly mist the rattan with water and allow it to air dry. This should help the fibers contract and regain their original shape.

Our solid timber pieces are designed to age beautifully, but they still require care to maintain their quality.

• Cleaning: Wipe timber surfaces with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. For regular maintenance, a mixture of mild soap and water works best. Make sure to dry the surface afterward.
• Polishing: Use a good-quality furniture polish or beeswax once every 6-12 months to nourish the timber and keep it looking fresh.
• Heat & Water Protection: Always use coasters, placemats, and trivets to protect from heat and moisture, which can damage the wood. Wipe up spills immediately to avoid staining or watermarks.
• Seasonal Movement: Solid timber can expand and contract with seasonal changes in humidity. This is a natural process and should not be cause for concern. Avoid placing timber furniture near heat sources, like radiators or fireplaces.