Are Glass Coffee Tables Dangerous?
A glass coffee table can look stylish and modern, bringing an element of elegance to a living room. However, it may not be the safest option for families with small children or clumsy adults, who may find themselves at risk of injury from a broken glass table.
What Should You Consider Before Buying a Glass Coffee Table?
When considering the purchase of a glass coffee table, it is important to think about the following:
- Strength of the Glass
- Stability and Weight of the Table
- Table Design and Shape
- Table Thickness
- Table Edges
Glass tables are mainy made from either tempered glass or laminated glass.Tempered glass is four to five times stronger than regular glass and is less likely to break than laminated glass. Another consideration is that laminated glass has an inner layer of vinyl which will hold the pieces of glass together if broken, making it safer that tempered glass.
Look for a glass coffee table that is fairly heavy and stable, when you lift it up or move it. Lightweight coffee tables can be unstable and are more likely to topple over if bumped.
Glass coffee tables can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Generally, tables with rounded corners and soft curves are safer than sharp edged tables as they are less likely to cause injury if knocked into.
The thicker the glass, the more resistant it is to damage and the less likely it is to break. Try to choose a table with a minimum thickness of 3/8”.
Look for a table with rounded edges. This can help to reduce the risk of injury from glass cuts if people fall into the table.
Tips for Using Glass Coffee Tables Safely
To help ensure a safe environment when using a glass coffee table, it is important to:
- Keep Kids Away
- Avoid Overcrowding the Table
- Inspect the Table Regularly
- Placement & Leveling
It is important to keep small children away from glass tables as they are more likely to cause injury. To keep children safe, consider using corner edges and corner guards on the table.
Do not overcrowd the table as this can cause it to wobble or toppel over.
Inspect the table for cracks and chips. It is important to repair any damage as soon as it is spotted, to ensure the safety of those around the table.
Make sure the table is stable and leveled. If it wobbles, use a flat board underneath the legs to help level it out.
In conclusion, glass coffee tables can be a beautiful addition to your home, but it is important to consider the safety implications before purchasing one. Make sure to choose one that is strong and stable, and inspect it regularly for any damage. Finally, always make sure to keep kids away from glass coffee tables.
