If you’ve ever moved furniture around your home, you know it can be a challenge. Not just from the physical labor of lifting and carrying them but also in finding the right spot for them that doesn’t damage any walls or floors!
The concerns are real – abrasions on your wall paint, scratched floors, or dents caused by furnishings slamming into each other can ruin even the most carefully put together space. If this sounds familiar to you, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to prevent furniture from damaging walls while still creating an inviting living environment.
In this blog post on how to prevent furniture from damaging walls we’ll outline a few simple tips and tricks to help keep your walls safe and intact when moving heavy pieces around your home.
What Will You Need?
Before diving into the different methods you can use to protect your walls, let’s start with a list of what you’ll need. Gathering all necessary tools and materials beforehand is always best, so you’re not scrambling mid-move. You will need:
- Furniture sliders or gliders
- Felt pads or rubber stoppers
- A helper (optional)
- A step stool or ladder (optional)
That’s it! With these items in hand, you’re ready to move furniture without damaging your walls.
10 Easy Steps on How to Prevent Furniture From Damaging Walls
Step 1. Use Wall Anchors
One of the best ways to prevent furniture from damaging walls is to use wall anchors. Wall anchors are small metal or plastic pieces inserted into the wall and used to secure furniture. When using wall anchors, it is essential to ensure they are correctly installed so they do not come loose over time. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the right size and type of anchor is used for each piece of furniture.
Step 2. Use Pads and Cushions
Another way to prevent furniture from damaging walls is to use pads and cushions between the wall and the furniture. These can be placed on either side of the wall to provide a cushion between the two surfaces, which will help to reduce any potential damage caused by friction or vibration. Additionally, pads and pillows can help absorb some of the noise generated by moving furniture around.
Step 3. Choose Furniture Carefully
Finally, it is important to choose furniture carefully to prevent it from damaging walls. Heavy items such as bookshelves or armoires should be secured with wall anchors to ensure that they do not cause any damage over time. Additionally, lighter items such as chairs or tables should be chosen with care to ensure that they have non-marking feet or legs, which will help reduce any potential damage caused by movement or contact with the wall surface.
Step 4. Use Furniture Coasters
Use furniture coasters to distribute the weight evenly and prevent pressure damage on your floors. They’re typically made of hard plastic or rubber and come in various sizes to accommodate different types of furniture legs. They protect your floors and make it easier to move heavy furniture around.
Step 5. Apply Felt Pads
Felt pads can be attached to the bottom of furniture legs to prevent scuffs and scratches. They provide a smooth surface that glides across the floor, eliminating the friction that causes floor damage. The pads can be cut to size to fit any furniture leg and can be easily replaced when worn out.
Step 6. Regularly Rearrange Furniture
Regularly rearranging your furniture can prevent prolonged pressure on a particular spot on your walls or floors. This reduces the likelihood of dents, scratches, or color fading in specific areas. Regular rearrangement also allows you to remove dust and debris that collect behind furniture and can cause scratches when the furniture moves.
Step 7. Use Corner Bumpers
Corner bumpers are a simple yet effective solution to prevent furniture corners from damaging your walls. They are typically made of soft materials like silicone or rubber, which absorb the impact of the furniture hitting the wall. These self-adhesive bumpers can be easily affixed to any furniture corner, offering an added layer of protection to your walls.
Step 8. Install Wall Guards
Wall guards or wall protectors can be installed in areas where furniture frequently comes into contact with the wall. They provide a barrier between the wall and the furniture, thereby safeguarding the wall from any potential damage. Wall guards come in a variety of materials and sizes and can be easily installed with either adhesive backing or screws. They can be painted over to match your wall color, making them a discreet solution to prevent furniture from damaging your walls.
Step 9. Use Furniture Straps
Furniture straps can be an excellent method for preventing damage to your walls. These straps secure taller furniture, like bookshelves or wardrobes, to the wall, preventing them from tipping over and causing damage. They are especially beneficial in homes with children or pets, as they help prevent accidents caused by furniture being pulled down. The straps are typically made of durable material like nylon and can be easily attached to both the furniture and the wall with screws.
Step 10. Use Barrier Mats
In order to further secure the areas around your furniture, consider using barrier mats. These mats are placed on the floor between the furniture and the wall, acting as an additional protective layer. Not only do they prevent your furniture from sliding and scratching the floor, but they also provide a buffer to prevent furniture from hitting the walls directly. Choose a mat that complements your interior decor to serve a dual purpose – protection and aesthetics.
Following these ten easy steps ensures that your walls remain damage-free when moving and rearranging furniture.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use Of Rubber Stoppers: One easy and effective way to prevent furniture from damaging walls is by using rubber stoppers. These small devices can be placed on the edges of furniture, providing a cushion that helps avoid direct contact with the wall.
- Rearranging Furniture: Rearranging your furniture can reduce the likelihood of wall damage. Try to maintain a small gap between heavy furniture items and the wall. This will prevent them from rubbing against the walls and causing damage.
- Wall Protectors: Another effective way to prevent furniture from damaging your walls is by using wall protectors. These can be attached to the backs of chairs, shelves, or other furniture that frequently comes into contact with walls.
- Frequent Maintenance: Regular maintenance and upkeep of your furniture can also help prevent damage to walls. Tightening loose screws, fixing wobbly legs, or repairing sharp edges can all contribute to keeping your furniture in good condition and reducing the chances of it causing damage to your walls.
- Check For Sharp Edges: Finally, it is essential to check for sharp edges on furniture that may come into contact with walls. Sanding down or covering these edges with protective material can prevent scratches and gouges on your walls.
By following these additional tips and tricks, you can protect your walls from potential damage caused by furniture.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Ignoring Early Signs: Pay attention to scuffs and scrapes on your walls. These are early signs that your furniture is causing damage. It’s best to take action as soon as you notice these marks.
- Overloading Shelves: Avoid overloading shelves and cabinets. The additional weight can cause these pieces of furniture to lean or tip, increasing the risk of wall damage.
- Dragging Furniture: Never remove furniture across the room. Not only can this scratch your floor, but it can also lead to furniture colliding and damaging your walls.
- Neglecting Regular Maintenance: Avoid neglecting regular maintenance. Ensure all furniture is in good condition and that any loose or damaged parts are promptly repaired.
- Placing Furniture Too Close: Put furniture in a reasonable distance from the wall. Leave enough space to prevent direct contact and damage when using furniture.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can further reduce the risk of damaging your furniture’s walls. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
Why Do My Walls Mark So Easily?
Understanding why your walls are prone to damage can help you prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are a few reasons why walls may mark easily:
- Poor Quality Paint: Low-quality paint is more susceptible to marks, scuffs, and scrapes than high-quality paint.
- Furniture Material: Certain materials, such as metal or hardwood, are more likely to cause damage than softer materials like fabric or cork.
- Heavy Items: Heavy items of furniture, especially those with sharp edges, are more likely to cause damage than lighter pieces.
- Frequent Use: Furniture that is frequently moved or used is more likely to cause damage over time than stationary furniture.
By considering these factors and taking the necessary precautions, you can protect your walls and keep them looking pristine for longer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to prevent furniture from damaging walls can take effort and planning, but it’s worth the time and money saved in the long run. Solid surfaces like wood, vinyl, and tile don’t suffer since they have a harder time harboring mold or mildew. Plus, you won’t have to worry about expensive repair bills due to damage to the walls.
Life is better – and quieter – when our furnishings are kept safe from scuffs and dents. You can easily take preventative measures when moving in new furniture by applying a wall protector or using furniture pads underneath each leg of the item; this will help avoid any damages along the way and keep your home looking pristine for years to come!
Don’t let your beautiful walls fall victim to scratching or warped paint; take action now and preserve that wall’s glossy sheen!