Just a moment

Every year, serious accidents happen when unanchored furniture tips over. Children and older people are especially at risk. A tip-over accident can happen in an instant. And once it happens, it's too late to stop it. But there is an easy way to help prevent it. Anchor your furniture to the wall. It's something anyone can do – and if you're well prepared and know how, it only takes a moment. In this guide we'll show you how, in 5 simple steps. Ready? Let's get right into it.

Prefer a video tutorial? Tap to watch ▶️

1. What you need

1. Screwdriver
2. Drill (hammer drill for solid walls)
3. An 8 mm (5/16") drill bit (masonry bit for solid walls)
4. A 3 mm (1/8") drill bit (masonry bit for solid walls)
5. Hammer or mallet
6. Wall scanner (stud finder that can detect wires and pipes)
7. Hearing protection
8. Protective goggles
9. Vacuum cleaner
10. Pencil
11. Piece of tape
12. Push pin

The wall-anchoring kit

IKEA chests of drawers and wardrobes come with a wall-anchoring kit included (there are a couple of different variants available, so be sure to always follow the assembly instructions). The kit contains everything you need, including universal plugs (anchors) that work for all the common wall types we show in this guide.

Lost your kit? No worries, just tap to order a new one for free. (Or pick one up from your local IKEA store.)

2. Knowing your walls

Before you start, you need to know what type of wall you have. Here are a couple of ways to find out:

The push pin trick

If you can easily stick a push pin ? into the wall, it's most likely made of drywall. You might also spot some white dust.

The knock test

A stud wall often sounds hollow when you knock on it ✋. A solid wall doesn't.

Drilling a hole

Drilling a small hole often can reveal a bit more about what's inside your wall. Try to find a hidden spot, and don't drill too deep. ⚙️

Just asking someone

Do you have a landlord or knowledgeable friend to ask? Great. ❓

Wall Types

Stud walls

Built on a structure of vertical studs made of wood or metal. Always try to anchor at least one side of the furniture into a stud.

Drywall

The most common wall type. Made of sheets of gypsum that are easy to drill into.

Lath & plaster

A layer of plaster applied to a structure of wooden studs and laths. Common in US homes built before the 1950s.

Wood paneling

Decorative wood panels come in many shapes and styles.

Solid walls

A bit tougher to drill into. But use a proper hammer drill with a masonry drill bit and you'll be fine.

Masonry

Bricks or stones bound together with mortar make up this classic wall type.

Concrete

Ranging from lightweight concrete to reinforced with steel bars. Made of blocks or complete wall sections.

Cinder block

A special type of concrete blocks with a cavity in the middle.

3. Preparing for drilling

Make sure you've assembled your piece of furniture according to the assembly instructions. Then, take out any drawers and move it away from the wall.

Check for wires and pipes

Drilling into wires or pipes could cause serious injury or property damage. Use a good quality wall scanner to scan the wall before you start drilling. This is especially important if you're drilling close to any power outlets, light switches or kitchen or bathroom walls.

Stud wall: Locate studs

If you have a stud wall, use a stud finder, wall scanner or a strong magnet (for lath & plaster walls) to find a stud to attach to, and mark its edges with a pencil. Then position your piece of furniture so you can attach at least one of the screws into the middle of it.

Mark the position of the holes

Stick a pencil through the wall-anchor brackets (or holes) in your piece of furniture, and make a mark on the wall where you'll need your holes to be.

Tip top tip: A piece of tape

Measure the drill bit against the plug and wrap a piece of colored tape around it. This way, you'll know how deep you'll need the hole to be, and when to stop drilling.

4. Drilling the holes

Stud wall (into a stud)

Drill a 3 mm (1/8") pilot hole for the screw. (Metal studs require a bit more force.)

Stud wall (no stud)

Where you can't anchor into a stud, drill a 8 mm (5/16") hole.

Solid wall

Use a hammer drill with a masonry bit to drill a 8 mm (5/16") hole.

Clean out the holes

Remove all the dust from the holes, so the plugs and screws can fit and grip securely.

Don't forget your ear and eye protection! ??️

5. Anchoring it

Get the plugs in place

Move the furniture away from the wall again. Insert one of the universal plugs into each 8 mm (5/16") hole. Then strike it carefully with your hammer (or mallet) to make sure it's flush to the wall.

Position the furniture

Line up the piece of furniture to the match the holes in the wall.

Use the screws to anchor it

Use the included screws and washers, insert them through the bracket or hole in the piece of furniture (please check the assembly instructions) and into the holes or plugs in the wall. Tighten each screw thoroughly all the way in.

When done, carefully test to make sure your piece of furniture is stable and firmly attached to the wall.

And ... done!

Give yourself a big pat on the back! You've just made your home a bit safer for yourself and your family.

While you're at it, why not take the opportunity to check the rest of your home as well? By anchoring your TV or any other furniture, for example. Or by making sure the kids' rooms are safe.

By the way, this guide covers the most common wall types and practices. But homes are different, so if you're unsure in any way, please find someone to ask for help – such as a knowledgeable friend or a professional contractor.

And remember, it just takes a moment. ?