Furniture Store Analyzes National Product Accident Data, Explains Why 'Rail-less Chests' Are Recommended for Families with Small Children

Okawa Kagu Dot Com Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture; Representative Director: Taiyo Tsutsumi) has released an article analyzing the safety of storage furniture for families with small children, based on data from the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) regarding 'accidents involving children due to furniture tipping over.'

Why 'Rail-less Chests' are Recommended for Families with Small Children

The Reality of Storage Furniture Accidents Seen in NITE Data

NITE documents introduce cases of storage furniture accidents caused by small children, such as opening multiple drawers simultaneously, using drawers as steps, and furniture tipping forward. Small children often use furniture in ways adults do not anticipate. They may treat storage units like 'playground equipment' by climbing, hanging, or opening multiple drawers. Okawa Kagu Dot Com believes that based on this accident data, it is necessary to consider storage furniture not just for 'convenience,' but also for 'safety' and 'long-term use.'

'Opening Easily' Does Not Always Mean Safe

In recent years, chests with slide rails have become mainstream. While they offer the convenience of smooth opening and closing with light force, there are situations that concern us as furniture experts when small children are present. For example, cases where children lean on drawers, apply lateral force, or cause rails to slide or close forcefully, leading to finger-pinching. Bearings in slide rails make them move smoothly, which can sometimes make them move with even the slightest force. Additionally, being able to open multiple drawers easily can shift the furniture's center of gravity forward. 'It is not that furniture with rails is dangerous. However, we feel that for families with small children, there are situations where "not moving too easily" leads to peace of mind.'

'Rail-less Drawers' Actually Require Advanced Woodworking Skills

This structure, where wooden drawers are supported by wood, actually requires the skill of a craftsman. Because wood expands and contracts with humidity and seasons, it is difficult to balance; if it is too tight, it won't open, and if it is too loose, it will rattle. Therefore, the 'wood-on-wood' structure is not simply 'not having rails,' but requires the technique of reading and adjusting to the movement of the wood. While rail-equipped furniture has become mainstream due to mass production, wood-on-wood structures have features such as being less likely to close abruptly, having a simple structure, fewer parts failures, and being easier to use for a long time.

Rail Parts Can Break After Years of Use

As a furniture store that has handled sales and repair consultations for many years, we often receive inquiries regarding rail parts, such as bearing malfunctions, rail deformation, misalignment, and rattling. There are cases where only the rail parts fail while the furniture body is still usable, and after 10 years, repairs may become difficult due to discontinued parts. In that respect, the wood-on-wood structure is very simple and rational as 'furniture to be used for a long time.'

Rail-equipped Furniture is Not Bad

We do not want this to be misunderstood. Not all chests with rails are bad. For those with less strength, the elderly, or those who prioritize ease of opening, rail-equipped furniture may be easier to use. The important thing is not which is absolutely better, but whether it fits your lifestyle. For families with small children, we believe it is important to choose not only for convenience but also by considering 'what happens if the child uses it in an unexpected way.'

About Okawa Kagu Dot Com

Based in Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, we mainly sell domestic furniture and Okawa furniture. With the concept of 'furniture that can be used with attachment for a long time,' we handle furniture made by craftsmen that emphasizes safety and durability.