RH Recalls Furniture Due to Injury, Laceration Hazards

What was recalled

In August of 2017, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving high-end furniture from the luxury retailer RH. Specifically, the recall targets products from the brand’s Smythson Shagreen Collection. This collection is known for its distinctive aesthetic, featuring furniture pieces covered in shagreen-embossed leather with metal trim running along all edges. The items were available in four distinct finish or color combinations: Cognac & Brass, Smoke & Brass, Smoke & Steel, and Dove & Pewter. While the visual appeal of these pieces is notable, the recall encompasses a wide variety of functional home furnishings, including side tables, coffee tables (both square and rectangular), dressers, beds, nightstands (both open and closed designs), and sideboards.

The scope of this recall is quite extensive, covering numerous specific models across different sizes. For instance, the coffee table selection included 32-inch, 60-inch, and 72-inch square options, as well as 60-inch and 72-inch rectangular versions. Each size was offered in all four colorways, with unique item numbers assigned to each variation, such as 61030234BRN for the 32-inch square Cognac table or 61190523GREY for the 60-inch square Smoke & Brass model. Similarly, the side tables were available in 18-inch and 22-inch square sizes, with item numbers like 61030098BRN for the smaller Cognac option. The nightstand category was split into open and closed designs, both offered in 26-inch and 32-inch sizes, carrying item numbers ranging from 65720040BRN to 65720043WHT depending on the configuration.

The recall also affects larger bedroom and living room furniture. Dressers were available with five, six, eight, or nine drawers, each in the four color options, with item numbers such as 65720007BRN for a five-drawer Cognac dresser. Sideboards came in 42-inch and 84-inch widths, while platform beds were offered in King, Queen, and Cal-King sizes, with or without footboards. The metal trim on all these items is the critical component under scrutiny. Consumers who purchased these items should check the white sticker located on the bottom or back of the furniture for the specific item number to confirm if their piece is part of this recall. Although the provided facts do not specify the exact total number of units sold, the breadth of the model list indicates a widespread distribution of these luxury pieces during the period they were on the market.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, the RH Smythson Shagreen Collection is defined by its luxurious aesthetic: rich, textured leather and sleek metal accents that suggest durability and high-end craftsmanship. However, the core safety issue lies in the structural integrity of those very metal trims. These pieces are designed to cover the sharp edges of the furniture’s wooden or composite frames, serving both a decorative and protective function. In this specific recall, the attachment mechanism holding the metal trim fails. Over time, or even with normal use, the fasteners or adhesive bonding the metal edging can loosen or detach completely from the main body of the piece.

When this detachment occurs, the problem shifts from a cosmetic flaw to a physical threat. The metal trim is not merely a flat strip; it is shaped to cap an edge. Once loose, these pieces do not just fall off cleanly. They can twist, bend, or break in ways that expose jagged, sharp points. Imagine a piece of furniture that was once smooth to the touch suddenly developing needle-like protrusions or thin, razor-edged fins where the metal has torn away from the surface. These exposed edges are rigid and unforgiving, capable of cutting through skin with minimal pressure.

This mechanism creates two distinct types of injury risk. The first is immediate laceration. Because the metal is hard and the edge can be extremely thin, contact with bare skin—such as walking by a sideboard in slippers or resting an arm against a nightstand—can result in deep cuts. The CPSC notes that these incidents have already led to puncture wounds, which are particularly concerning because they drive debris and bacteria deep into tissue, increasing the risk of infection and requiring medical intervention. The second risk is abrasion. Even if the metal does not pierce the skin, the rough, detached edges can scrape and tear at the surface of the skin, causing painful grazes and bruising.

The danger is often compounded by where these items are placed in a home. Side tables, nightstands, and dressers are frequently located in high-traffic areas or right beside beds. People often interact with them without looking—reaching for a lamp, grabbing glasses in the dark, or moving quickly through a hallway. In these moments of inattention, a foot or hand can easily brush against the newly exposed sharp points. The injury is rarely caused by a dramatic fall; rather, it happens during routine, low-energy interactions with furniture that should feel safe and smooth. This makes the hazard insidious because it turns everyday comfort into a potential source of pain without any obvious warning sign until the damage has already begun.

Who is most at risk

When we look at the specific nature of this recall involving RH’s Smythson Shagreen Collection, the primary group at risk consists of anyone who has purchased or currently occupies a home with these particular pieces of furniture. Because the affected items range from large platform beds and dressers to smaller side tables and nightstands, the potential for exposure is quite broad within a household. These are not isolated decorative objects; they are functional staples found in bedrooms, living rooms, and entryways. Consequently, any family member or guest who interacts with these surfaces—whether by leaning on them, placing items near their edges, or simply walking past them in close proximity—faces the possibility of encountering the detached metal trim.

The hazard itself creates a specific dynamic that makes certain demographics more vulnerable than others. The recall notes that the metal trim can detach from the edges to create sharp points and laceration hazards. This type of injury is not always immediate or obvious during casual use. It often occurs when a person’s skin comes into direct contact with the furniture edge, either accidentally while moving around the room or intentionally while resting an arm or leg against the piece. The severity of the risk is significantly heightened for young children. Children are naturally curious and tend to explore their environment by touching surfaces and climbing on furniture. A toddler might lean against a coffee table or try to pull themselves up using a sideboard, placing their hands directly in the line of fire where metal trim could easily snap off. Their skin is also more delicate, making them more susceptible to deep puncture wounds or severe lacerations from even minor detachments.

Elderly individuals and those with mobility challenges also face heightened risks for several reasons. First, they may rely on furniture for balance and support while standing up from a seated position or moving across a room. If the metal trim detaches while they are putting weight on it, the resulting sharp edge could cause injury at a critical moment when they might already be off-balance. Second, as people age, their skin becomes thinner and more fragile, meaning that a minor snag or puncture can lead to more significant tissue damage than it would for a younger adult. Furthermore, the reported incidents include puncture wounds and abrasions, which can become complicated infections if not treated promptly, posing a greater health threat to older adults whose immune systems may be less robust.

It is also important to consider that this risk applies to anyone who might handle the furniture during cleaning or rearranging. If you are lifting a nightstand or adjusting a side table, your hands are likely to brush against the edges. Without the protective metal trim intact, these edges become unpredictable sharp points. While the recall data mentions 29 reports of detachment resulting in injuries, the actual number of people at risk is much larger because many detachments may not result in immediate injury but still pose a latent threat until someone makes contact. Therefore, the entire household should be considered vulnerable until the remedy is implemented.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Identifying whether your furniture is part of this specific recall requires a careful look at both the physical construction and the paperwork that came with it. The affected items belong to the RH Smythson Shagreen Collection, a line known for its distinctive aesthetic. To determine if your piece is included, you first need to verify that it matches the visual description: the furniture is covered in shagreen-embossed leather and features metal trim along all edges. This metal edging is the critical component at issue, as it is the part that can detach. If your furniture does not have this specific metal trim on every edge, it is likely not part of this recall.

The most reliable way to confirm if your item is affected is by locating the unique item number. RH prints this number on a white sticker attached to the bottom or back of the furniture. You will need to carefully inspect these areas to find the sticker. The recall covers a wide variety of sizes and finish combinations, so simply knowing the brand is not enough; you must match your item number exactly to the list provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The following table outlines the specific models, descriptions, and corresponding item numbers for each category of furniture included in this recall.

Coffee Tables

• 32 In. Square: Cognac (61030234BRN), Smoke & Brass (61030234GREY), Smoke & Steel (61030234GRY), Dove & Pewter (61030234WHT)
• 60 In. Square: Cognac & Brass (61190523BRN), Smoke & Brass (61190523GREY), Smoke & Steel (61190523GRY), Dove & Pewter (61190523WHT)
• 72 In. Square: Cognac & Brass (61190527BRN), Smoke & Brass (61190527GREY), Smoke & Steel (61190527GRY), Dove & Pewter (61190527WHT)
• 60 In. Rectangle: Cognac & Brass (61030237BRN), Smoke & Brass (61030237GREY), Smoke & Steel (61030237GRY), Dove & Pewter (61030237WHT)
• 72 In. Rectangle: Cognac & Brass (61030240BRN), Smoke & Brass (61030240GREY), Smoke & Steel (61030240GRY), Dove & Pewter (61030240WHT)

Side Tables

• 18 In. Square: Cognac (61030098BRN), Smoke & Brass (61030098GREY), Smoke & Steel (61030098GRY), Dove & Pewter (61030098WHT)
• 22 In. Square: Cognac & Brass (61030101BRN), Smoke & Brass (61030101GREY), Smoke & Steel (61030101GRY), Dove & Pewter (61030101WHT)

Nightstands

• Open Nightstand: 26 Inch (Cognac & Brass: 65720040BRN, Smoke & Brass: 65720040GREY, Smoke & Steel: 65720040GRY, Dove & Pewter: 65720040WHT); 32 Inch (Cognac & Brass: 65720004BRN, Smoke & Brass: 65720004GREY, Smoke & Steel: 65720004GRY, Dove & Pewter: 65720004WHT)
• Closed Nightstand: 26 Inch (Cognac & Brass: 65720037BRN, Smoke & Brass: 65720037GREY, Smoke & Steel: 65720037GRY, Dove & Pewter: 65720037WHT); 32 Inch (Cognac & Brass: 65720043BRN, Smoke & Brass: 65720043GREY, Smoke & Steel: 65720043GRY, Dove & Pewter: 65720043WHT)

Sideboards

• 42 Inch: Cognac & Brass (61690212BRN), Smoke & Brass (61690212GREY), Smoke & Steel (61690212GRY), Dove & Pewter (61690212WHT)
• 84 Inch: Cognac & Brass (61690197BRN), Smoke & Brass (61690197GREY), Smoke & Steel (61690197GRY), Dove & Pewter (61690197WHT)

Dressers

• 5-Drawer: Cognac & Brass (65720007BRN, 65720016BRN), Smoke & Brass (65720007GREY, 65720016GREY), Smoke & Steel (65720007GRY, 65720016GRY), Dove & Pewter (65720007WHT, 65720016WHT)
• 6-Drawer: Cognac & Brass (65720010BRN), Smoke & Brass (65720010GREY), Smoke & Steel (65720010GRY), Dove & Pewter (65720010WHT)
• 8-Drawer: Cognac & Brass (65720013BRN), Smoke & Brass (65720013GREY), Smoke & Steel (65720013GRY), Dove & Pewter (65720013WHT)
• 9-Drawer: Cognac & Brass (65720019BRN), Smoke & Brass (65720019GREY), Smoke & Steel (65720019GRY), Dove & Pewter (65720019WHT)

Platform Beds

• Cal-King Bed With Footboard: Cognac & Brass (65720031BRN), Smoke & Brass (65720031GREY), Smoke & Steel (65720031GRY), Dove & Pewter (65720031WHT)
• Cal-King Bed Without Footboard: Cognac & Brass (65720034BRN), Smoke & Brass (65720034GREY), Smoke & Steel (65720034GRY), Dove & Pewter (65720034WHT)
• King Bed With Footboard: Cognac & Brass (65720001BRN), Smoke & Brass (65720001GREY), Smoke & Steel (65720001GRY), Dove & Pewter (65720001WHT)
• King Bed Without Footboard: Cognac & Brass (65720022BRN), Smoke & Brass (65720022GREY), Smoke & Steel (65720022GRY), Dove & Pewter (65720022WHT)
• Queen Bed With Footboard: Cognac &

  What to do — step by step

  If you own any piece of furniture from the RH Smythson Shagreen Collection, please take a moment to pause and follow these specific steps immediately. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and RH have issued clear guidance because the metal trim on these items can detach from the edges, creating sharp points that pose significant injury and laceration hazards. Your safety is the priority here, so do not wait for the hardware to fail completely before acting. By following this process, you ensure your household is secure and that you receive the full remedy offered by the manufacturer without unnecessary hassle or expense. First, stop using the recalled furniture immediately. This is the most critical step. Whether the piece is a side table, coffee table, dresser, bed, nightstand, or sideboard, please remove it from daily use right away. Do not place items on top of it, do not lean against it, and certainly keep children and pets away from it entirely. The hazard lies in the metal trim potentially detaching and creating sharp points, which has already resulted in puncture wounds and abrasions according to incident reports. Treating the furniture as if it were broken or unsafe prevents any accidental contact with these potential hazards while you arrange for its removal. Next, gather your item number to streamline the process. The recall covers specific models within the Smythson Shagreen Collection that are covered in shagreen-embossed leather with metal trim on all edges. Each item has an item number printed on a white sticker located on the bottom or back of the furniture. Locate this sticker and note down the full item number. This information is crucial for RH to verify that your specific piece is part of this recall batch, which includes various finishes such as Cognac, Smoke & Brass, Smoke & Steel, and Dove & Pewter across different sizes and drawer configurations. Then, contact RH to initiate your remedy. You have several convenient options for reaching them. Call their toll-free number at 888-728-8419 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Saturday. Alternatively, you can send an email to recall@rh.com or visit www.rh.com and click on "Safety Recalls" for more information. When you contact them, provide the item number you found earlier. RH has committed to providing a full refund or a free replacement product of similar value. They will also arrange for the free pickup of the recalled item, so you do not need to worry about shipping costs or disposal logistics. Finally, keep your records organized. Save any confirmation numbers, emails, or receipts you receive from RH regarding this recall. This documentation proves that you took action promptly and ensures you are eligible for the full remedy. Once RH has arranged for pickup or sent your replacement, dispose of the old item carefully to ensure no one else is exposed to the sharp metal trim hazards. By following these steps, you protect your family and resolve the issue efficiently and completely.

  Your refund, repair, or replacement options

  If you have identified that one of the RH Smythson Shagreen Collection pieces is part of this recall, you are not left to navigate a complex bureaucratic process alone. The remedy established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and implemented by RH is designed to be straightforward and consumer-friendly. Because the primary issue involves the safety of your home and family rather than a minor cosmetic defect, RH has offered a comprehensive solution that prioritizes your convenience and peace of mind. You do not need to choose between keeping a potentially hazardous item or going through a tedious return process. Instead, you are presented with two clear, equally valid paths: receiving a full refund for the original purchase price or obtaining a free replacement product of similar value.

  The most significant aspect of this remedy is that it eliminates the physical burden typically associated with returning large furniture items. Many consumers hesitate to engage in recall processes because they dread the logistics of packing, shipping, and scheduling pickups for bulky goods like dressers, beds, or sideboards. RH has addressed this concern directly. When you contact them to initiate the remedy, you will receive a free pickup service for the recalled item. This means that RH arranges for the removal of the dangerous furniture from your home at no cost to you. You do not need to find a box truck, dismantle the piece yourself, or pay for freight services. This logistical support is a critical part of the company’s commitment to resolving the issue efficiently and ensuring that the hazard is removed from your living space as quickly as possible.

  To initiate this process, you must reach out to RH directly using one of their dedicated recall channels. You can call their toll-free number at 888-728-8419, which is staffed from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Saturday. Alternatively, you may send an email to recall@rh.com or visit their website at www.rh.com and navigate to the "Safety Recalls" section for detailed online instructions. Whether you prefer speaking with a representative to discuss your specific model or handling the paperwork digitally, these options are designed to accommodate different preferences. When you make contact, be prepared to provide the item number printed on the white sticker located on the bottom or back of your furniture. This number is essential for verifying that your piece is indeed part of the recall and for processing your chosen remedy correctly.

  Choosing between a refund and a replacement depends largely on your personal circumstances and future plans for the space where the recalled furniture currently resides. If you have already decided to redecorate or replace the item entirely, a full refund allows you to recoup your investment without being tied to RH’s inventory. If you still wish to own a piece from this collection but want to ensure safety, a free replacement of similar value is provided. This option ensures that you can continue to enjoy the aesthetic and functional qualities of the Smythson Shagreen Collection, now with the necessary safety corrections applied. In either case, the goal is to resolve the hazard without imposing any financial or logistical strain on you as the consumer.

  What can happen if you ignore it

  It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to act on this recall right away. The RH Smythson Shagreen Collection pieces are undeniably beautiful, crafted with shagreen-embossed leather and elegant metal trim that adds a touch of luxury to any room. When something looks this good and functions well for daily use, the idea of removing it from your home can feel like an unnecessary inconvenience or even a waste of money. You might be thinking that as long as the furniture is standing upright and not currently falling apart, the risk must be minimal. However, ignoring a safety recall involving sharp metal components is not just about convenience; it is about accepting a known, physical danger into your living space.

  The core issue here is structural integrity over time. The metal trim on these specific side tables, coffee tables, dressers, beds, nightstands, and sideboards is prone to detaching from the edges. This is not a matter of the piece collapsing entirely in a dramatic way, but rather a slow, insidious failure where small sections of metal separate from the main body. Once that trim begins to loosen or detach, it creates sharp, exposed points. These are not dull edges; they are potential laceration hazards. If you continue to use this furniture, you are essentially walking around with hidden traps in your home. A bare foot stepping near a side table, a hand resting on a coffee table edge, or a child running past a dresser could easily result in a cut.

  This is not just theoretical risk; it has already caused real harm. According to reports received by RH, there have been 29 instances of this metal trim detaching. More importantly, these detachments have resulted in documented injuries, including three puncture wounds and one abrasion. A puncture wound from a piece of detached furniture trim is particularly concerning because it can drive bacteria deep into the tissue, leading to infection or requiring medical intervention such as stitches or tetanus shots. Even if you do not experience a puncture, the risk of lacerations—deep cuts that bleed significantly—is ever-present whenever the trim is loose.

  Furthermore, consider who else might be in your home. Children and pets are often curious about furniture edges and may lean against or touch surfaces without realizing the danger until it is too late. By ignoring the recall, you are leaving a sharp hazard accessible to those who cannot fully assess their own safety. The convenience of keeping the item is vastly outweighed by the potential for pain, medical bills, and lasting trauma. The remedy offered by RH is designed to remove this threat entirely, so there is no need to gamble with your family’s safety when a free solution is available.

  Staying safe: broader tips

  While specific product recalls are essential for addressing defects in manufactured goods, true home safety relies on a proactive approach to the everyday hazards present in our living spaces. Furniture, particularly heavy or tall items, is one of the most common causes of injury in the home, especially for young children and pets. It is widely recommended by safety organizations that any furniture capable of tipping over—such as dressers, bookshelves, televisions, and cabinets—be securely anchored to the wall. This is not merely a precaution but a critical step in preventing crushing injuries. Modern anti-tip kits are often inexpensive and straightforward to install, yet they provide a vital layer of protection against gravity’s unpredictable pull during play or climbing.

  Beyond anchoring, regular inspection of your home environment can prevent many accidents. Check the stability of all furniture periodically, ensuring that legs are even and casters or glides are in good condition. For items with sharp edges or corners, consider applying protective bumpers or corner guards, particularly in high-traffic areas where children play. Additionally, keep heavy or breakable objects off high shelves where they might fall if the shelf is bumped or overloaded. Small, detachable parts on toys and furniture should also be monitored for wear and tear, as detached pieces can pose choking hazards to younger family members.

  Staying informed is another cornerstone of consumer safety. Make it a habit to periodically check official recall databases from agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Signing up for email alerts ensures that you are notified immediately if a product in your home is found to be defective, allowing you to act before an accident occurs. Furthermore, always read user manuals and safety warnings provided by manufacturers. These documents often contain specific assembly instructions and weight limits that, if followed, can significantly reduce the risk of structural failure or misuse.

  Finally, foster a culture of safety within your household. Teach children about the dangers of climbing on furniture and the importance of keeping walkways clear. For pet owners, be mindful of how animals interact with their environment; scratching posts or heavy toys can sometimes trigger tipping if placed near unstable items. By combining physical safeguards like anchors with ongoing education and vigilance, you create a resilient home environment where safety is woven into the daily routine, not just an afterthought.