What was recalled
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall notice concerning specific corner curio cabinets manufactured by Home Meridian under the Copeland brand line. This action, announced on June 18, 2019, targets particular inventory items that were sold exclusively through Havertys furniture stores. If you recently purchased or are considering buying a Copeland Corner Curio from this retailer, it is essential to verify whether your specific unit falls within the affected batch.
The recalled products are distinctive corner curio cabinets designed to fit into the corners of rooms, featuring four glass shelves and mirrored panels that create an elegant display space for collectibles. These cabinets are constructed from poplar solid wood and veneer, finished in either a crisp white or a rich dark brown color. Each unit stands approximately 74.75 inches tall and weighs about 40 pounds when empty, making them substantial pieces of furniture that require careful handling and secure installation.
To determine if you own one of the recalled models, check the back panels of your cabinet for the following model numbers and SKU codes:
- White Finish: Model number 115-P021664 with SKU number 0-4000-3512
- Brown Finish: Model number 115-P021665 with SKU number 0-4000-3513
These identification numbers should be clearly printed on one of the back panels of the cabinet. It is important to note that while these cabinets are designed to be mounted to the wall using supplied hardware, the recall highlights that they remain unstable if not properly anchored. This instability is the core reason for the recall, as it poses serious risks of tip-over and entrapment.
If you purchased your curio cabinet from Havertys between the time these models were available for sale and the recall announcement date, please inspect your unit immediately. Although the CPSC record does not specify the exact number of units sold or the precise start and end dates of the sales period, any Copeland Corner Curio matching the model and SKU numbers listed above should be treated as part of this recall. Home Meridian is actively contacting purchasers directly to inform them of the situation and arrange for the next steps in the remedy process.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a fundamental issue of physics and stability: the corner curio cabinets are inherently unstable if they are not properly anchored to the wall. These units are tall, reaching 74.75 inches in height, yet they are relatively lightweight at approximately 40 pounds. This combination creates a high center of gravity. In furniture safety, this is often referred to as being "top-heavy." When a tall, narrow object like this curio cabinet stands on its own without being secured, it relies entirely on the friction and width of its base to stay upright. Because it is designed to fit into a corner, its footprint is triangular or wedge-shaped, which can sometimes offer less lateral stability than a standard rectangular base when force is applied from the side.
The specific danger arises when a child interacts with the cabinet in ways that shift its weight distribution. Children are naturally curious and may climb on the shelves, hang from the glass doors, or pull out the drawers to explore the contents. Any of these actions can exert a forward or sideways force that exceeds the cabinet's natural balance point. Once the center of gravity shifts past the edge of the base, gravity takes over, and the entire unit can tip over completely. This is not a slow lean; it is a rapid collapse. The recalled cabinets are constructed from poplar solid wood and veneer, which provides structure but does not prevent the tipping mechanism itself.
The entrapment hazard adds another layer of severity to this physical risk. When the cabinet falls, it does not just land on the floor; it crashes downward with significant force due to its height and weight. If a child is nearby, they are at risk of being crushed under the falling unit. The CPSC notes that this can result in serious injury or death. Even in less catastrophic scenarios, the impact can cause blunt force trauma. For example, Home Meridian has already received one report of a tip-over incident where a child suffered bruising to his leg because the cabinet was not mounted to the wall. This illustrates that even if the fall does not result in a fatal crushing injury, the kinetic energy involved is enough to cause pain and physical harm.
Furthermore, the design of these cabinets includes four glass shelves and mirrored panels. If the unit tips over, these components can shatter or break upon impact with the floor or surrounding furniture. This introduces a secondary hazard of cuts and lacerations from sharp glass shards. The entrapment risk is particularly acute because children may be trapped between the falling cabinet and the wall or floor, making it difficult for them to escape on their own. The lack of an anchor means there is no mechanical connection to distribute the force of a tip-over into the building structure, leaving the child vulnerable to the full weight of the furniture. This is why anching is not just a recommendation but a critical safety requirement for this class of tall, freestanding cabinetry.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at significant risk from this recall includes young children who play in or near the area where the curio cabinet is installed. While any individual could theoretically be injured by a falling object, the physics of the hazard specifically target those with lower centers of gravity and less physical strength to prevent or mitigate a fall. Young children, particularly toddlers and preschoolers, are naturally curious and often climb on furniture to reach toys, books, or other items placed at higher levels. If the Copeland Corner Curio is not securely anchored to the wall as intended, it acts like an unstable tower. When a child climbs onto its base or pulls themselves up using the glass shelves, their weight shifts the center of gravity beyond the cabinet’s stable base. Because the unit weighs approximately 40 pounds, once it begins to tip, it carries enough momentum and mass to cause serious harm upon impact.
The danger is compounded by the design of the product itself. These corner curio cabinets are designed to fit into tight spaces, often in living rooms or bedrooms where children spend a significant amount of time playing. The fact that they are sold exclusively through Havertys suggests they are frequently purchased for home environments where family life occurs. The reported incident involving a child who suffered bruising highlights the immediate physical threat. While bruising is a relatively minor injury compared to what could have occurred, it serves as a stark warning of the potential for more severe trauma. If a 74.75-inch tall cabinet were to fall completely onto a small child, the consequences could easily include crushed limbs, head injuries, or even fatal compression injuries. The risk is not limited to those who climb directly on the unit; children may also be struck by falling glass shelves or sharp edges if the cabinet tips over while they are standing nearby.
Elderly individuals and those with mobility issues are also at increased risk, though for slightly different reasons. While they may not climb on the furniture, their reaction time to catch a falling object is slower, and their bones are more fragile. A heavy piece of furniture tipping over in close proximity could cause them to lose balance, leading to secondary falls and injuries. Furthermore, anyone living in an area with frequent seismic activity or high winds (if near windows) faces an elevated risk if the cabinet remains unanchored. The recall emphasizes that the hazard exists specifically because the unit is "unstable if they are not anchored." This means that the safety of every household member depends entirely on proper installation. Without wall mounting, the product transforms from a decorative storage piece into a potential projectile. Therefore, any household with children, pets that might jump on furniture, or individuals who are less mobile should treat this hazard with the utmost seriousness and remove the risk immediately through the recall process.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action or contact customer service, it is essential to confirm that the piece of furniture in your home matches the specific items affected by this recall. Because Home Meridian sold these corner curio cabinets exclusively through Havertys, you might not remember the manufacturer’s name on the box, but you likely remember the style. To be certain, you need to look for very specific physical characteristics and identification numbers. The recalled units are distinctively designed as corner furniture, meaning they have an angled shape intended to fit into the corner of a room. They stand 74.75 inches tall and weigh approximately 40 pounds, which is substantial enough to be unstable if not properly secured.
The most reliable way to identify your cabinet is by checking the model numbers and SKU numbers printed on one of the back panels. You will need to carefully inspect the rear of the unit for these labels. There are two specific variations that have been recalled, distinguished by their finish color. If you have the white-finished version, look for Model Number 115-P021664 and SKU number 0-4000-3512. If your cabinet has a dark brown finish, the corresponding identifiers are Model Number 115-P021665 and SKU number 0-4000-3513. Finding one of these exact combinations confirms that your unit is part of this safety alert.
In addition to the numbers, you can verify the build quality and materials. These cabinets are constructed from poplar solid wood and veneer. A key visual feature of the recalled design is the inclusion of four glass shelves along with mirrored panels, which give the curio its display-ready appearance. The recall notice emphasizes that these units were designed to be mounted to the wall using supplied hardware, but many owners may have placed them without anchoring. If you do not see the model or SKU numbers, or if your cabinet has a different number of shelves, finish color, or material composition, it is likely not part of this specific recall. However, when in doubt about any corner cabinet purchased from Havertys during this period, contacting their customer service is the safest next step to confirm its status.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Home Meridian corner curio cabinets by Copeland, your immediate priority is safety, not storage or decoration. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Havertys is clear: you must stop using the product right away. This means removing any glassware, collectibles, or decorations currently inside the cabinet. Leaving items in place does not mitigate the risk of the heavy unit tipping over if it is bumped or if a child climbs on it. Once empty, do not attempt to move the cabinet yourself unless you have help and are certain it is stable enough for short-distance transport, but the official remedy does not involve you moving it into your home for safekeeping. Instead, the goal is to get the hazardous item out of your living space entirely through the return process outlined below. The core of the remedy involves contacting Havertys to schedule a free pick-up service. You cannot simply mail this back or drop it off at a random location because of its size and weight; it requires professional handling. Here is how you should proceed: 1. **Gather your product information.** Before you call, find the model number (115-P021664 for white, 115-P021665 for brown) or SKU number (0-4000-3512 for white, 0-4000-3513 for brown) located on the back panel of your cabinet. Having this information ready will speed up the process and ensure you are identified correctly in their system. 2. **Contact Havertys directly.** Call their toll-free number at 888-428-3789. Their customer service team is available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, Monday through Saturday. Alternatively, you can visit www.havertys.com and navigate to the "Customer Service" section at the bottom of the Home Page, then click on "Copeland Corner Curios." This online route may allow you to initiate the return request digitally, which some people find more convenient than a phone call. 3. **Schedule the free pick-up.** When you speak with a representative or submit your online request, explicitly state that you have a recalled unit and need a pick-up scheduled. Havertys is offering this service at no cost to you. Do not pay for shipping or labor. The company has arranged to collect the item directly from your home, which removes the burden of disassembly and heavy lifting from you. 4. **Choose your remedy.** During the process, you will be offered a choice between a full refund or store credit. If you prefer cash back into your original payment method, confirm this preference. If you plan to shop at Havertys again, store credit might be beneficial. Either option is equally valid under the recall terms. 5. **Wait for confirmation.** Ensure you receive a confirmation of your pick-up appointment and any reference numbers associated with your return. Keep these documents until the process is complete. Home Meridian is also contacting purchasers directly, so keep an eye on your mail or email for additional instructions from them as well. By following these steps, you ensure that the hazard is removed safely and that you are compensated fairly for the inconvenience. Do not delay, as tip-over hazards pose a serious risk to children’s safety.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have one of the recalled Home Meridian corner curio cabinets, you might be feeling a bit anxious about what to do next. The good news is that the remedy for this recall is straightforward and customer-friendly. Because these units pose such a serious risk of tipping over, the manufacturer has decided not to send out anchoring hardware or instructions as a simple fix. Instead, they are offering a complete removal service. This means your primary option is to have the cabinet picked up from your home entirely, rather than trying to repair it yourself. This approach ensures that the hazard is completely eliminated from your living space, which is the safest possible outcome for your family.
To get started with this process, you need to contact Havertys directly. They are handling the logistics because these cabinets were sold exclusively through their stores. You have two convenient ways to reach them. First, you can call their toll-free number at 888-428-3789. The customer service team is available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Saturday. This phone line is likely the fastest way to schedule your appointment and ask any immediate questions about the pick-up process.
If you prefer to handle things online, you can visit the Havertys website at www.havertys.com. Once there, look for the "Customer Service" link located at the bottom of the home page. From that menu, you should click on "Copeland Corner Curios." This specific section will provide you with detailed information about the recall and allow you to initiate the return process digitally. Whether you choose to call or click, you will be guided through the steps required to schedule a free pick-up of your corner curio.
Once you have contacted Havertys and scheduled the pick-up, you will receive a choice regarding your compensation. You can opt for either a full refund or store credit. If you want your money back exactly as you paid it, you will receive a full refund. If you plan to buy another piece of furniture from Havertys in the future, you might prefer store credit. Both options are valid remedies under this recall alert. There is no cost to you for returning the item; Havertys will arrange for the free pick-up, so you do not need to worry about shipping costs or finding a way to transport a large, heavy cabinet yourself.
It is important to note that while Havertys is the main contact point, Home Meridian is also reaching out to purchasers directly. If you received a letter or email from Home Meridian, follow the instructions provided in that communication as well. However, if you have not heard from them yet, do not wait. Take action now by contacting Havertys through the phone or online methods described above. Do not attempt to keep the cabinet and anchor it yourself, as the recall remedy specifically involves removal, not repair.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is easy to look at a piece of furniture like the Copeland Corner Curio Cabinet and see only its aesthetic appeal or its utility for displaying collectibles. However, ignoring the critical safety instruction to anchor this unit transforms a decorative object into a significant physical threat. The core issue lies in the fundamental physics of the cabinet’s design. Standing 74.75 inches tall and weighing approximately 40 pounds, the cabinet has a high center of gravity. While it is designed to sit in a corner, the recalled models are unstable if they are not securely fastened to the wall structure. Without that anchor, the cabinet relies entirely on its base stability, which can be compromised by normal household activities or accidental bumps. The reality of this hazard is not theoretical; it has already manifested in real-world injuries. Home Meridian has documented at least one incident where a child was involved in a tip-over event because the curio was not mounted to the wall. In that specific case, the cabinet fell, resulting in bruising to the child’s leg. While this single report may seem isolated, it serves as a stark warning of what can occur without proper stabilization. The danger is not limited to minor bruises. Because of the height and weight of the unit, an unanchored curio cabinet can collapse with considerable force. If a child climbs on the shelves or leans against the glass doors to get a better look at their treasures, the entire structure can tip forward or sideways. The consequences of such a tip-over can be severe. A falling cabinet can crush limbs, causing fractures or more serious orthopedic injuries. More critically, there is an entrapment hazard. Children are particularly vulnerable because they may become trapped underneath or within the collapsing structure, leading to suffocation or crushing injuries that can result in death. The glass shelves and mirrored panels add another layer of risk; if the cabinet breaks upon impact, sharp glass shards can cause lacerations and eye injuries. These risks are amplified in homes where children play freely or where heavy items are stored on upper shelves, further increasing the instability. Ignoring the recall notice essentially means accepting these unpredictable dangers as part of daily life. You might assume that because the cabinet has stood for years without falling, it will always remain stable. However, stability can change due to floor levelness, the weight distribution of displayed items, or even the natural settling of a home’s foundation. The lack of wall anchoring removes the primary safeguard against these variables. By leaving the unit unanchored, you are gambling with the safety of anyone who comes into contact with it, particularly young children who may not understand the danger of climbing on unstable furniture. The potential for permanent disability or loss of life is a risk that no amount of aesthetic appreciation is worth taking.Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall highlights the dangers of unanchored furniture, the lesson extends far beyond a single brand or model. Toppling furniture is a silent but significant hazard in many American homes, particularly for households with young children who are naturally curious and increasingly mobile. The physics of tip-over incidents are straightforward: tall, narrow items have a high center of gravity. When a child climbs on drawers, shelves, or glass doors, the leverage they create can easily overcome the weight of the base, causing the entire structure to pivot forward. This is why anchoring is not just a recommendation from manufacturers; it is a critical engineering necessity for any tall piece of furniture that exceeds a certain height-to-width ratio.
One of the most effective ways to protect your family is to proactively anchor all unstable furniture and televisions, regardless of whether they have been recalled. Look for anti-tip brackets, L-shaped metal straps, or flexible nylon straps designed specifically for this purpose. These devices should connect the top of the furniture frame directly to a wall stud, not just drywall, to ensure they can bear the weight of a falling object. For items like curio cabinets, bookcases, and dressers that come with mounting hardware, always install it immediately upon delivery. Do not wait for a "convenient time," as accidents rarely happen during convenient moments. If you are renting or cannot drill into studs, consider heavy furniture anchors that use weight plates or adhesive solutions rated for the specific weight of your unit, though wall-stud anchoring remains the gold standard for safety.
Beyond physical anchoring, it is vital to cultivate an environment that discourages climbing. Keep items that attract children’s attention—such as toys, remotes, or bright decorations—away from the tops of high furniture pieces. If a child cannot reach the top shelf, they are far less likely to attempt to climb up to get it. Additionally, regularly inspect the stability of your existing furniture. Over time, floor leveling can change, and anchoring hardware can loosen due to vibration or movement. A simple shake test can help identify wobbly pieces that need adjustment before an incident occurs.
Finally, stay informed about product safety without waiting for a crisis. Sign up for recall alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) via their email subscription service. This ensures you are notified immediately if a product in your home is found to be defective. Regularly check the ages and developmental stages of your children’s play areas, as what is safe for a toddler may become risky as they grow into climbers and jumpers. By treating every tall piece of furniture as a potential hazard until proven otherwise through proper anchoring, you create a safer, more secure home for everyone.