What was recalled
In the world of home furnishings, we often choose pieces based on how they look and feel in our living spaces. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently issued a notice that serves as an important reminder to check the details of the furniture we bring into our homes. The recall involves specific ottomans manufactured by Meridian Furniture. These items were marketed under the brand name "Meridian Furniture" and were sold primarily through the online retailer Wayfair. It is crucial for consumers to identify exactly which products are affected, as this is not a blanket recall of all Merian products, but rather a targeted issue with a specific line.
The specific product at the center of this recall is the Meridian Furniture Joy Velvet Ottoman/Stool. If you purchased this item through Wayfair, it may have been listed under a different name: the Fredson 14.5" Wide Velvet Round Standard Ottoman. This distinction in naming can sometimes cause confusion, so it is important to look at both the brand and the physical characteristics of the piece. The ottomans are upholstered in velvet fabric and are designed with a distinctive metal band encircling the base. This band was available in two metallic finishes: gold or silver. The dimensions of the ottoman are approximately 17 inches in height and 14 inches in width, making it a compact seating or footrest option for various room layouts.
To help you determine if your item is part of this recall, please note the color options that were available. The models with the gold metal band came in six colors: black, cream, green, gray, navy, and pink. For those who preferred the silver band finish, the ottomans were sold in three colors: black, gray, and navy. The CPSC notice does not specify the exact total number of units sold or recalled in this initial report, but it confirms that these specific configurations were distributed to consumers. The recall was officially announced on October 27, 2021. If you bought one of these ottomans during or before that date from Wayfair, you should inspect the base carefully. The presence of the sharp-edged metal band is the key identifier for this safety concern, distinguishing it from standard, safe ottoman designs that use smooth, rounded bases.
The hazard, explained
When we talk about a "laceration hazard" in the context of furniture, it is important to understand exactly what that means physically. A laceration is essentially a cut or tear in the skin caused by a sharp object. In this specific recall involving Meridian Furniture ottomans, the danger does not come from the soft, plush velvet material that covers the top and sides. Instead, the risk originates from the structural element at the very bottom of the piece: the metal band that encircles the base.
The recall notice indicates that these metal bands can possess sharp edges. While the ottomans are designed to be stylish and functional, with a velvet finish available in colors like black, cream, green, gray, navy, and pink (some with gold bands) or black, gray, and navy (with silver bands), the underlying hardware may not have been finished smoothly. If the metal band has burrs, rough spots, or exposed sharp points, it creates a hidden danger zone that is often overlooked because people rarely look at the bottom of their furniture.
This hazard becomes active through simple, everyday interaction. Ottomans are typically placed in high-traffic areas like living rooms, bedrooms, or entryways. They are used as footrests, extra seating, or even as makeshift coffee tables. Because they sit low to the ground, it is very common for people—especially children who might be playing on the floor or adults who may trip while carrying items—to brush against the base of the ottoman with their shins, knees, ankles, or feet. The skin on our lower legs and feet is relatively thin and sensitive. If you stumble and your leg makes contact with a sharp edge on the metal band, the force of that impact can easily break the skin, leading to a cut.
The severity of these injuries is not just theoretical. According to Meridian Furniture, they have received six reports of laceration injuries directly resulting from these sharp edges. While six incidents may sound like a small number, each one represents a real person who was hurt by what should have been a harmless piece of home decor. These injuries can range from minor scrapes that require a bandage to deeper cuts that might need stitches, depending on the angle of impact and the sharpness of the edge. The danger is compounded by the fact that the ottoman is often stationary and stable, giving users a false sense of security about its safety, while the actual threat lies in the unseen, jagged metal at the base.
Understanding this mechanism helps clarify why the recall is necessary. It is not enough for a product to look good or function well; it must be safe during all normal uses, including accidental bumps and scrapes. When a metal component meant to provide stability instead becomes a source of injury due to poor finishing or sharp edges, it fails its primary duty: protecting the user.
Who is most at risk
While anyone who owns one of these Meridian Furniture ottomans faces a potential threat, the nature of the hazard creates specific vulnerabilities for different groups in your household. The core issue lies in the design flaw: a metal band encircling the base that can possess sharp edges due to manufacturing inconsistencies or wear over time. This is not merely an aesthetic defect; it is a physical danger that interacts with human behavior and physiology in distinct ways.
Children are likely among the most vulnerable users of this product. Ottomans are frequently used as informal seating, footrests, or even climbing structures in living rooms and bedrooms. Children often interact with furniture more vigorously than adults, kicking their legs, jumping on seats, or dragging the ottoman across floors. These actions can cause the metal band to shift, become exposed, or develop sharper points if the finish chips away during impact. Furthermore, children have less developed spatial awareness and may not notice a small, sharp protrusion until they brush against it with bare skin or thin clothing. Their skin is also more delicate than that of adults, meaning even a minor nick from a rough edge can result in a deeper laceration than an adult might experience. The six reported injuries confirm that this is not a theoretical risk but one that has already caused harm to users.
Elderly individuals and those with mobility challenges also face heightened risks. Many people use ottomans to help them stand up from sofas or chairs, placing their hands on the sides for support. If the metal band at the base is sharp, gripping it for balance can lead to cuts on the palms or fingers. For older adults, whose skin may be thinner and more fragile due to age-related changes, a laceration can heal more slowly and carry a higher risk of infection. Additionally, if an elderly person falls while using the ottoman, they might inadvertently press their legs or arms against the sharp metal band, turning a simple slip into a painful injury.
Pets are another group often overlooked in safety considerations. Dogs and cats frequently rest near or under furniture. If the metal band is exposed and sharp, an animal brushing past it or lying against it could suffer cuts to their paws or fur-covered skin. While pets may not vocalize pain as clearly as humans, these injuries can become infected if left untreated. Therefore, households with young children, elderly members, or pets should prioritize the immediate removal of this product to prevent accidental harm to all family members, human and animal alike.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Determining whether your ottoman is part of this specific recall requires a careful look at several details, as these items are sold under multiple names and variations. The first step is to check the brand label. You are looking for products manufactured by Meridian Furniture. If your piece does not bear this brand name, it is likely not part of this particular safety notice, though you should always verify with the manufacturer if you have doubts.
Next, examine the model name and where the item was purchased. This recall specifically targets the Meridian Furniture Joy Velvet Ottoman/Stools. However, identification can be tricky because these items were also sold on Wayfair under a different retail name: the Fredson 14.5" Wide Velvet Round Standard Ottoman. If you bought your ottoman from Wayfair, check the original order confirmation or product listing for either of these model names. If you purchased it directly from Meridian Furniture’s website or other retailers, look for the "Joy Velvet" designation.
The physical appearance of the ottoman is also a key identifier. These are velvet-upholstered pieces that stand approximately 17 inches high and are about 14 inches wide. The most distinctive feature is the metal band encircling the base. You need to check if this band is finished in gold or silver, as both versions are included in the recall. This metal band is critical because it contains the sharp edges that pose the laceration hazard.
Finally, verify the color of your ottoman against the specific list provided by Meridian Furniture. The recall includes units in the following colors:
- With a gold band: Black, cream, green, gray, navy, and pink.
- With a silver band: Black, gray, and navy.
If your ottoman matches these dimensions, brand, model names, and color/band combinations, it is highly likely to be one of the recalled units. When in doubt, do not rely solely on memory or visual guesswork. Contact Meridian Furniture directly using the contact information provided in the recall notice to confirm if your specific serial number or purchase date falls within the affected range. It is always better to be certain than to risk injury from a sharp edge.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Meridian Furniture ottomans, the first and most critical action is to stop using the product immediately. This is not a situation where you can simply tuck it away in a closet for later consideration or hope that the sharp edges might soften over time. The recall notice explicitly states that the metal band at the base contains sharp edges capable of causing laceration injuries. Since Meridian Furniture has already received six reports of such injuries, the risk is real and present. By ceasing use right away, you eliminate the possibility of further harm to yourself, your family, or your pets who might brush against the base of the furniture. Once you have safely moved the ottoman out of regular traffic areas in your home, you need to initiate the remedy process provided by the manufacturer. You have two distinct options for resolving this issue: returning the physical product for a full refund or providing photographic evidence of its disposal. If you prefer to return the item, contact Meridian Furniture directly. They will provide you with a prepaid mailing package and a shipping label, meaning you do not have to pay out of pocket for the return shipment. This step is straightforward but requires you to reach out through one of their designated channels. To proceed with either option, you must contact Meridian Furniture using one of the following methods: call 800-808-0015 at any time, send an email to MeridianRecalls@gmail.com, or visit their website at https://www.meridianfurnitureusa.com/sitefiles/_recalls.html. Alternatively, you can go to www.meridianfurnitureusa.com and click on "Important Safety Information" located at the top of the page. Be sure to have your purchase information ready, particularly if you bought the item as the Fredson 14.5" Wide Velvet Round Standard Ottoman from Wayfair, as this helps them verify your claim quickly. If you choose not to return the physical ottoman, you can opt for the photographic evidence route. In this case, you will need to dispose of or destroy the product yourself. Take clear photos showing that the item has been destroyed or discarded in a way that prevents anyone else from using it. Send these photos to Meridian Furniture through the contact methods listed above. Upon verification, they will issue a full refund. This option is often faster if you have a convenient place to discard the large furniture piece and do not wish to wait for shipping logistics. Throughout this process, keep all correspondence and confirmation numbers in a safe place until you receive your refund or return label. The goal is to resolve the safety hazard efficiently while ensuring you are made whole financially. Do not attempt to repair the sharp edges yourself with tape or other materials, as this may not fully mitigate the risk and could void your eligibility for the official remedy. Following these steps ensures your safety and complies with the recall instructions issued by the CPSC.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have identified one of the recalled Meridian Furniture ottomans in your home, the most important step is to stop using it immediately. The good news is that Meridian Furniture has established a straightforward remedy designed to make this process as stress-free as possible for you. Unlike some recalls that require you to wait weeks for a technician to visit your home, this recall offers two clear paths for resolution: returning the product for a full refund or disposing of it yourself in exchange for a full refund. The company is committed to ensuring that you are not left out of pocket for a defective item, so they have removed most of the traditional barriers associated with returns.
For those who prefer a hands-off approach, Meridian Furniture will provide you with a prepaid mailing package and shipping label. This means you do not need to pay for shipping or packaging materials yourself. You simply contact them, receive these items, place the ottoman in the box, and drop it off at the designated carrier. Once they receive the returned item, you will be issued a full refund. This option is ideal if you want to ensure the product is handled properly during transit or if you have difficulty disposing of large furniture items yourself.
If you would rather not deal with shipping logistics, you have an alternative option. You can provide Meridian Furniture with photographic evidence that the product has been disposed of or destroyed. This is a practical choice for many consumers, as it allows you to get rid of the hazard immediately without waiting for courier pickup or drop-off. As long as the photos clearly show the destruction or disposal of the item, you will still receive a full refund. This flexibility acknowledges that your time and convenience matter, especially when dealing with a safety recall.
To initiate either of these remedies, you can contact Meridian Furniture through several convenient channels. You may call their toll-free number at 800-808-0015, which is available any time of day or night. Alternatively, you can send an email to MeridianRecalls@gmail.com. For those who prefer online resources, the company has dedicated a specific page for this recall at https://www.meridianfurnitureusa.com/sitefiles/_recalls.html. You can also navigate to their main website at www.meridianfurnitureusa.com and click on "Important Safety Information" located at the top of the page. Regardless of how you choose to reach out, your refund is guaranteed under the terms of this recall, so do not hesitate to act promptly to ensure your safety and receive your money back.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to throw away a piece of furniture that looks perfectly fine on the surface. The Meridian Furniture Joy Velvet Ottoman may seem like a harmless, decorative addition to your living room, and the issue lies in a structural detail rather than an obvious flaw. However, ignoring this recall carries specific, tangible risks that extend far beyond mere inconvenience. The core danger here is physical injury caused by sharp metal edges located at the base of the unit. When you choose to continue using the ottoman, you are leaving those unshielded, potentially jagged metal bands exposed in an area where human skin frequently makes contact.
The primary consequence of ignoring this warning is the risk of laceration. These are not minor scrapes; they are cuts that can break the skin barrier and lead to significant bleeding or infection, particularly for children who might be playing on or around the furniture. The recall documentation notes that Meridian Furniture has already received six separate reports of laceration injuries directly resulting from these sharp edges. This statistic is a sobering reminder that this is not a theoretical hazard—it is an active safety failure that has already harmed real people. If you continue to use the product, you are essentially gambling with your family’s physical safety, hoping that no one will brush against the base or sit down in a way that puts pressure on the sharp metal rim.
Beyond the immediate risk of cuts, ignoring the recall can lead to secondary complications. A laceration from furniture often requires medical attention, such as stitches or tetanus shots, which adds unexpected financial and emotional stress to your life. For households with young children or elderly members who may have thinner or more delicate skin, even a small sharp edge can cause disproportionate harm. Furthermore, the psychological toll of discovering you have been using a defective product can be unsettling. It creates a sense of vulnerability in what should be a safe home environment.
There is also a practical consequence to waiting too long: convenience. The longer you delay, the more likely you are to forget the recall details or lose the original purchase receipt, although Meridian has made the process accessible without strict proof of purchase requirements. By acting now, you avoid the hassle of discovering the defect at the worst possible moment—perhaps during a visit from guests or while cleaning. The current remedy offers a full refund and handles all shipping costs, but that grace period exists to help consumers act promptly. Ignoring it doesn't make the hazard disappear; it only increases the likelihood that someone you care about will get hurt before you take action.
Staying safe: broader tips
While the recall of specific Meridian Furniture ottomans addresses a particular manufacturing defect regarding sharp metal bands, the underlying issue—protecting your home from hidden physical hazards—is a universal responsibility for every household. Furniture and home decor items often contain small components, fasteners, or materials that may not pose an immediate threat during normal use but can become dangerous over time due to wear, tear, or improper handling. By adopting a proactive approach to home safety, you can significantly reduce the risk of lacerations, punctures, and other injuries for yourself and your family.
One of the most effective ways to stay safe is to establish a routine of visual inspections for your upholstered furniture. Ottomans, stools, and similar seating items are subject to frequent use and should be checked periodically for any signs of structural compromise. Look closely at seams, joints, and bases where metal bands or legs are attached. If you notice any protruding screws, exposed wire, frayed fabric revealing internal padding, or rough edges on metallic parts, stop using the item immediately. Do not attempt to fix these issues with tape or glue; these are temporary measures that do not address the root cause of the hazard. Instead, contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about repair services or replacement parts.
Another critical aspect of home safety is staying informed about product recalls. Manufacturers and regulatory agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issue recalls when they discover defects that could pose a risk to consumers. These recalls are not just administrative notices; they are urgent alerts designed to prevent injury. To ensure you are always protected, subscribe to email alerts from the CPSC or check their website regularly. You can also register your major purchases with the manufacturers upon buying them, which often ensures you receive direct notifications if a safety issue is identified later.
Finally, consider the environment in which you place your furniture. Ottomans and stools are often used as footrests or extra seating, meaning they are frequently stepped on or leaned against. Ensure that any item with a metal base is stable and placed on a level surface to prevent tipping or shifting that could expose sharp edges. For households with young children or pets, be especially vigilant about the placement of decorative items. If an ottoman has a glossy finish or metallic accents, it might look like a toy or a plaything to a curious child. Keeping such items out of reach or choosing alternatives without exposed metal parts can provide an extra layer of protection for your loved ones.
Remember that safety is not just about reacting to known problems; it is about cultivating a mindset of awareness. By regularly inspecting your home goods, staying updated on recall information, and handling furniture with care, you create a safer living environment where accidents are less likely to happen. If you ever suspect a product might be unsafe, trust your instincts and seek professional advice or return the item rather than risking injury.