Submitted by: Joel McDonald

Whether you are listing your home for sale, or just have a young child in the household, there are a few things to consider in placement of certain furniture, electrical cords and precious breakables, including televisions and other electronic gadgetry. Many people don’t think about the damage a young child can do when they get in a living room with low placed breakables and exposed electronic buttons.

If you have an elaborate stereo system that is part of your home entertainment center, including DVD players, iPod docks, flat panel televisions and the hosts of remotes that come with them, just imagine all of the settings out of whack. That is what can happen when a young child is able to get their hands on remotes, buttons and levers that control various balances and modes. You might take days figuring out how to get your television to come on. This can be avoided with an entertainment center that has doors that close and units that are out of easy reach of young children.

When it comes to vases, candle holders and pictures in frames, these should be on mounted on walls, placed on higher shelves and put safely out of the reach of young children. If they are sentimental value items, you might consider a place that young visitors or your own young child would not likely be, such as high alcoves for decorative features.

When it comes to electric outlets and the placement of items that require them, it is best if you position the furniture and electronics where they are in front of the outlets so that you don’t have cords stretching across the floors or walls unprotected. Not only do you have to worry about young children, but some pets like to chew on these and can get electrocuted. Try to consider the placement of lamps so that cords will run behind the couch, for example. On electronics, the entertainment center should be placed in front of the outlets, yet still reachable by you, but not young children.

Just because you have a young child in the household, or may be having some come visit is no excuse for the lower part of the room to be empty. You need to consider rounded corners on coffee tables or end tables, non-breakable centerpieces, like a wicker bowl with different colored wicker or vine balls, for example. These non-breakable items can accessorize your room and make it more comfortable, but it won’t be a disaster if a young child decides to throw it against the wall.

Another thing to consider if you have hardwood floors is that a large area rug can protect the floor from scratches and spills and give the children a play area to sit and watch television while they play with toys. You don’t have to make your living room unlivable when you have young children or are making plans to list your home, just make sure that non-breakable items are low and breakable ones or delicate electronics aren’t easily accessible. Watch out for furniture that has sharp corners and edges to protect the child from cutting their head open, should they trip and fall to make your living room childproof.

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