ᐅ How can I effectively secure Ikea BESTA furniture to prevent tipping, especially in homes with children?

Hello everyone,

I’m currently facing the challenge of how to effectively secure my Ikea Besta furniture against tipping, especially since we have small children at home who often climb on or pull at it. I know that Besta furniture comes with some kind of anti-tip device, but I’m concerned that might not be enough on its own.

My goal is to find a safe and durable solution—not just a quick DIY fix, but something that is structurally reliable in the long term and easy to install. Are there any proven tips on which types of brackets or fastening systems work best? Is it absolutely necessary to anchor the furniture to the wall, or are there other methods to increase stability?

I would appreciate concrete advice or experiences, especially with safety considerations for households with children under 5 years old. Thanks in advance!

Basically, always attach it to the wall. Ikea usually includes a safety kit for this purpose. Install it, and additionally use floor plates to increase the base area. Other tricks usually do not work reliably.

Hello israeltu,

I’d like to give you a brief guide on how to secure IKEA BESTA furniture against tipping:

- Use the IKEA anti-tip kit: This is a metal strap with anchors that you attach to the upper back part of the furniture and connect to the wall.
- Check the wall before installation: This works best with solid walls (concrete, brick). For drywall (plasterboard), use special wall anchors.
- Equip the furniture with additional base plates or anti-slip pads: This improves stability and prevents unwanted sliding.
- Distribute the load: Place heavy items at the bottom of the cabinets, not on top.

Common mistakes include attaching anti-tip devices loosely or without the proper wall anchors – in such cases, the anti-tip function won’t be effective.

If you move the furniture frequently, it’s theoretically possible to secure it with heavier floor fasteners, but this is usually not allowed in rental apartments.

I hope this helps you!

Deoma schrieb:
Ikea usually includes a safety kit. Install that

Yes, I completely understand how anxious you can become with small children around. I always felt a bit uneasy about the furniture as well. Definitely install the safety kit as recommended, and additionally keep in mind some everyday tips, such as avoiding placing items like TVs or flower vases on furniture that children can pull on.

Sometimes it also helps to hold the children’s hands and playfully explain that furniture is not for climbing. I know it sounds obvious, but that really provides some reassurance for everyone.

What also helped me was regularly checking the furniture to make sure the screws aren’t loose – that can’t hurt.

Hello,

I would like to add that the force with which children climb or pull is often underestimated, especially on larger BESTA units. Therefore, I recommend:

- Always use the Ikea anti-tip kit and, if in doubt, reinforce it with stronger metal brackets.
- Secure the furniture to the wall using the appropriate type of wall anchors, not just directly into the drywall.
- You can also install safety strips that prevent children from fully opening drawers or doors, which can shift the center of gravity.
- If you still have small broken pieces on the corners, protect them with edge guards to prevent injuries.

The combination of these measures makes it safer.

Securing means wall mounting and anti-slip pads underneath. Nothing else provides safety. The Ikea sets are fine; in principle, you don't need more than that.