Photo frames add warmth and personality to our homes, but they can also pose safety risks if not properly secured. Falling frames can cause injuries, broken glass creates hazards for children and pets, and improperly hung heavy frames can damage walls or harm those nearby. This guide covers essential safety practices to help you display your memories without worry.
Whether you have toddlers exploring every corner of your home, energetic pets, or simply want peace of mind, these safety tips will help you create secure displays throughout your Australian home.
Choosing Safe Frame Materials
The materials you select for your frames can significantly impact safety, particularly in households with young children or pets.
Glass Alternatives
Traditional glass glazing, while beautiful, poses obvious risks when broken. Consider these safer alternatives:
- Acrylic/Plexiglass: Shatter-resistant and lightweight, making it ideal for children's rooms and high-traffic areas. It's also easier to handle during hanging
- Polycarbonate: Virtually unbreakable, though more expensive. Excellent choice for earthquake-prone areas or homes with active children
- Safety glass: Tempered glass that crumbles into small, relatively harmless pieces rather than sharp shards if broken
- Frameless magnetic frames: Many use only acrylic panels, eliminating glass entirely
Standard picture frame glass is not safety glass. When broken, it creates sharp, dangerous shards. In nurseries, children's bedrooms, and play areas, always opt for acrylic or safety glass alternatives.
Frame Weight Considerations
Heavy frames require more robust hanging solutions and pose greater risks if they fall:
- Lightweight options: Plastic, thin aluminium, and MDF frames are safer for areas where children might reach
- Medium weight: Standard wooden frames are suitable for most walls with proper hanging hardware
- Heavy frames: Solid hardwood and large metal frames require professional-grade mounting and should be positioned away from beds and seating areas
Secure Hanging Techniques
Proper hanging is the foundation of frame safety. Using the right hardware for your wall type and frame weight is essential.
Matching Hardware to Wall Type
Australian homes feature various wall materials, each requiring specific approaches:
- Plasterboard/Gyprock: Use wall anchors or toggle bolts for frames over 4kg. Standard picture hooks work for lighter frames if driven into studs
- Brick and masonry: Requires masonry anchors and appropriate drill bits. Consider professional installation for heavy pieces
- Concrete: Similar to brick, requiring concrete anchors and proper tools
- Timber studs: The most secure option—always try to hang heavy frames directly into studs
Weight Ratings Matter
Always check the weight rating of your hanging hardware:
- Weigh your frame complete with photo, mat, and backing
- Select hardware rated for at least 50% more than the actual weight
- For frames over 10kg, use two hanging points for distribution and stability
- Inspect hardware annually for signs of stress or loosening
Key Takeaway
The number one cause of falling frames is inadequate hardware. Never rely on the small nail that comes packaged with a frame—invest in quality hanging hardware appropriate for your wall type and frame weight.
Child-Proofing Your Displays
Homes with young children require extra precautions to prevent accidents and protect both children and your treasured photographs.
Height and Placement Guidelines
- Out of reach: For children's rooms, hang frames high enough that children cannot grab them, even when standing on furniture
- Away from climbing spots: Avoid placing frames above furniture children might climb
- Secure to wall: Consider museum-style earthquake putty or security brackets that prevent frames from being lifted off hooks
- Tabletop safety: Use weighted bases or non-slip pads under desktop frames to prevent tipping
Additional Child Safety Measures
- Use Velcro strips or museum putty to secure lighter frames to walls
- Install safety straps on heavy frames similar to furniture tip-over straps
- Choose frames with rounded corners rather than sharp metal edges
- Regularly check that all frames remain securely fastened
Pet-Proofing Considerations
Pets, particularly cats and large dogs, can knock over frames accidentally or intentionally. Here's how to protect your displays:
- Wall mounting preferred: Avoid tabletop frames in areas where pets roam freely
- Secure shelving: If frames sit on shelves, ensure shelving is sturdy and frames are secured with putty or straps
- Height considerations: Remember that cats can reach surprisingly high places—wall mounting at proper height is safest
- Avoid dangling wires: Frames with visible hanging wires can attract playful pets
Museum putty or earthquake putty is inexpensive and works wonders for securing frames. A small piece at each corner prevents frames from being knocked loose by accidental bumps, curious pets, or minor tremors.
Earthquake and Storm Safety
Australia experiences seismic activity and severe weather in various regions. Protecting your frames from these events protects your family too.
Earthquake-Proofing Frames
- Use closed hooks: Standard open picture hooks allow frames to bounce off during shaking. Closed hooks or security hangers prevent this
- Double-wire hanging: Two-point hanging systems are more stable during tremors
- Earthquake putty: Apply to bottom corners of frames to create friction that resists movement
- Avoid hanging over beds: Never position heavy frames above where people sleep
Storm Preparation
In cyclone-prone regions or during severe storm warnings:
- Consider temporarily removing frames from exterior walls that may be impacted
- Store irreplaceable framed photos in safe locations away from windows
- Ensure frames near windows have shatter-resistant glazing
Regular Safety Inspections
Even properly installed frames need periodic checking:
- Monthly: Give frames a gentle tug to ensure they remain secure
- Quarterly: Inspect hanging hardware for signs of rust, stress, or loosening
- Annually: Check wall anchors, particularly in plasterboard walls that may have deteriorated
- After events: Inspect all frames following earthquakes, storms, or any incident that may have affected them
What to Do When a Frame Falls
If a frame does fall and break:
- Keep people and pets away from the area immediately
- Put on sturdy shoes before approaching the broken frame
- Use gloves when handling broken glass—even small shards can cause cuts
- Dampen paper towels to pick up tiny glass fragments that sweeping might miss
- Dispose safely by wrapping broken glass in newspaper before placing in rubbish
- Vacuum the area thoroughly after all visible glass is removed
With proper precautions, you can enjoy your framed memories with complete peace of mind. Taking the time to secure your displays protects both your family and the precious photographs you treasure.
Looking for safe framing options? Browse our selection of frames featuring shatter-resistant acrylic glazing, perfect for homes with children and pets.