Do I Have to Attach a Dresser to a Wall? Mornington Homeowners Need to Know

In Mornington, Australia—a coastal suburb known for its relaxed living and beautiful family homes—interior safety is as important as interior design. Among the common questions asked by homeowners and renters alike is: Do I have to attach a dresser to a wall?

At first glance, a dresser might seem stable and unassuming, but the truth is, these seemingly innocent furniture pieces can pose serious risks if left unanchored—especially in households with small children or pets. With Mornington Cabinet Makers, let’s have an in-depth, practical, and locally relevant exploration of whether or not you should secure your dresser to the wall and under what circumstances it’s not just advisable, but essential.

Why Securing a Dresser Matters

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has repeatedly raised concerns about furniture tip-over accidents. These incidents—often involving unanchored dressers and bookshelves—can result in serious injuries or even fatalities, particularly for children under five.

Flat-pack furniture, which is very popular in Mornington homes due to its affordability and availability from retailers like IKEA and Fantastic Furniture, is especially prone to tipping. While these pieces are engineered for simple assembly, they’re often lightweight and top-heavy—making them less stable unless wall-anchored.

Tipping Risks in Mornington Homes

Many homes in Mornington, from beachside villas to modern apartments, have hard flooring such as hardwood, laminate, or tile, which can exacerbate dresser instability. If a child pulls out drawers to climb or a pet bumps into the base, the entire unit can topple. Additionally, the region’s occasional coastal tremors, while minor, can still disturb unsecured furniture.

Are You Legally Required to Attach a Dresser to the Wall in Australia?

As of now, there is no federal law in Australia mandating that homeowners or renters anchor dressers to walls. However, product safety guidelines and the Australian Furniture Association strongly recommend it, especially for furniture over 600mm in height.

Retailers such as IKEA Australia now include anti-tip wall anchoring kits with most of their dressers and require prominent safety warnings. In fact, IKEA has run national campaigns encouraging customers in areas like Mornington and across Victoria to anchor furniture after several tragic incidents worldwide.

For landlords, it’s a grey area. Under Residential Tenancies Regulations (2021) Victoria, tenants may request modifications like wall anchors for safety. If you’re renting in Mornington, your landlord cannot unreasonably refuse a request to secure heavy furniture for child safety.

When You Should Definitely Attach a Dresser to the Wall

While not every piece needs anchoring, there are specific circumstances in Mornington homes where wall attachment is strongly advised:

1. If You Have Children or Pets

Kids naturally explore their environments, often using furniture like ladders. Unanchored dressers with multiple drawers pose a serious hazard. Pets, too, can bump or jump against unstable furniture.

2. Tall or Narrow Dressers

Tallboys, vertical dressers, and narrow drawers are more likely to tip due to a high centre of gravity. These designs, common in modern Mornington apartments, should be anchored.

3. Uneven Flooring

Some homes in Mornington, especially heritage-style properties, may have sloped floors. In such cases, a dresser can tilt slightly and gradually become unstable over time.

4. Heavily Loaded Drawers

The more you store in top drawers—especially dense items like books or electronics—the more top-heavy your unit becomes. Anchoring prevents accidents caused by unbalanced weight distribution.

How to Properly Attach a Dresser to the Wall in Mornington Homes

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or hiring a local handyman, anchoring a dresser can be done safely and efficiently. Here’s a step-by-step outline:

1. Use the Right Anchoring Kit

Most dressers now come with anti-tip brackets. If yours didn’t, you can purchase a universal furniture wall anchor kit from Bunnings Mornington or local hardware stores. Look for ones with steel brackets, not just plastic tethers.

2. Find a Wall Stud

Use a stud finder to locate timber framing behind your plaster wall. For Mornington Peninsula homes built post-2000, studs are usually 450mm or 600mm apart. Anchoring into a stud ensures long-term durability.

3. Drill and Secure

Drill pilot holes, attach one end of the bracket to the dresser (usually at the top back), and the other end into the wall stud. Tighten screws securely.

4. Check for Electrical Wiring

Before drilling, make sure you’re not going into walls that may house electrical wires. If unsure, it’s wise to consult a licensed local tradie in Mornington.

For professional work, visit Mornington Cabinet Makers.

Local Insights: Mornington Style Meets Safety

Mornington homeowners are known for combining laid-back aesthetics with smart practicality. Hamptons-style interiors, for example, often incorporate tall white furniture pieces that add elegance but may require anchoring. Coastal boho themes, popular in beachside homes, include reclaimed timber dressers—heavier, but still tip-prone if not properly installed.

If you’re shopping locally at Mornington’s furniture retailers, ask about built-in anchoring features or whether the dresser includes a kit. Retailers like Early Settler Mornington and Forty Winks in nearby Frankston often offer guidance for anchoring pieces in family homes.

What If You Can’t Attach to the Wall?

Renters or those in heritage homes where drilling isn’t an option can still take steps to stabilise a dresser:

• Anti-tip straps with adhesive mounts (less reliable but better than nothing)
• L-brackets attached to skirting boards (with landlord permission)
• Placing heavy items in bottom drawers to lower the centre of gravity
• Using furniture gripper pads to prevent sliding

Final Thoughts: Safety Over Style

So, do you have to attach a dresser to a wall? Technically, no—but if you’re living in Mornington or anywhere on the Peninsula, it’s a best-practice choice.

With a rising focus on childproofing furniture and smart home safety, anchoring your dresser adds peace of mind and protects what matters most. Whether you’re styling a coastal-themed master bedroom or furnishing a nursery in Mount Martha, don’t overlook safety in pursuit of style.

Remember:

• Anchor if it’s tall, narrow, or top-heavy.
• Always use wall studs.
• Prioritise safety—especially for kids and pets.
• When renting in Mornington, you can request landlord permission for anchoring.

For locals unsure where to start, consult a Mornington Peninsula handyman or visit Bunnings Mornington for expert DIY advice.