Coffee tables can make or break a room. The right one can make a style statement by bringing all of your furniture together into a unified whole. However, one element that many people do not consider is whether their coffee table is really safe.
Most people when they buy a coffee table, even a glass one, automatically assume that security comes as standard. However, this is not always the case.
glass coffee tables
Glass coffee tables look sleek and modern and can make a room look more light and airy. However, they can also pose a danger to both young children and adults. This is because glass tables are not required in the US to be made of tempered glass.
Tempered glass is glass that has been treated so that if it breaks, it breaks into small, regularly shaped cubes that are unlikely to cause injury. However, many tables are not made of this type of glass. In fact, many coffee tables are made from a thicker sheet of cheaper ordinary glass. If this glass breaks, it can splinter into long spikes that can easily pierce the body.
For this reason it is vitally important to check when buying a glass coffee table if it has been made with tempered glass. Not only should you ask the sales assistant, but you should also seek confirmation that your answer is truthful, as it can be very difficult to tell what type of glass a table is made of just by looking. You may think it’s unlikely to break, but people do fall, especially children. Even sitting at a table when distracted could cause it to break apart and inflict devastating injuries.
Many people suggest that in homes with young children even a tempered glass coffee table is not suitable as the possibility of it breaking is too great. Of course, it is up to individual parents to make their own decisions in this matter, but it is always best to err on the side of caution when safety is at stake. For parents who consider a glass coffee table an absolute must, the option of safety films should also be considered.
wooden coffee tables
Wooden coffee tables generally have fewer security problems than glass ones; however, there are still dangers that may exist. One of the particular dangers commonly encountered is the problem of toddlers learning to walk cursing themselves in tight corners. Many baby and parent stores and even IKEA now sell corner guards; small rounded foam or plastic plugs that help prevent injuries. While these aren’t too visually appealing, they are a great way to prevent accidents and should only be used for a relatively short time while your child is in their toddler stage. Similarly, there are now “bumpers” available that can be placed along the edges of any wooden coffee table. These are heavily padded pieces of material that are attached to the surface to prevent injury. They can then be removed when they are no longer needed.
Drawers and lift-up lids
Lifting the top covers can also pose a hazard to small children. Very often, especially in the case of wooden coffee tables, the top can be very heavy. Because of this, there is always the possibility of small children getting their fingers caught. If you select such a table, it may be necessary to secure the top until your children are older to prevent injury.
Drawers are another hazard for young children. Fingers are easily pinched and trapped. As with so many other areas of the home, security features such as drawer locks may need to be incorporated to keep your child safe.
In addition to the safety features of the coffee tables themselves, there is also the important consideration of what is placed on the coffee table. While a dining table may be out of reach for young children, a coffee table is the perfect height for little fingers to investigate. Many young children have a particular fascination with coffee tables and spend hours investigating the treasures they may contain. Therefore, it is important to think before placing hot drinks, glassware, china, nuts or anything else that could pose a hazard on the surface.
Although all of these factors require some time and consideration, the benefits of keeping your child safe far outweigh any time or financial cost involved. Remember: when it comes to children, safety is always the number one priority.
