Are bookshelves safe if not attached to wall?

[NewMom0208]

Hi, on my other post I explained I'm moving to a 350sq ft apt

To separate sleeping area from living/playing the best would be a book case because it provides storage space.

This would be the first time I have a free standing furtiture that is not attached to the wall since I got pregnant...
Is this safe? My son is 3 and very active...

I don't want himi. To bump into it and have the bookcase fall

[hillymum]

If it was a 2 or 3 shelf bookcase I would be happy attaching it to the floor, but any taller than that I wouldn't risk it, even with an older child around.

[NewMom0208]

I cannot even attach it to the floor, it's tile
What I can do is to put it against the tv stand...buti guess it is not as safe either

I guess I will have to look for another solution to separate the two areas. Possibly a curtain hanging from ceiling?

[rubelin]

if it's wide enough, it would be ok, especially if you can attach it to the wall on one side and can place really heavy things on the bottom shelves. I've also put 2 bookcases (about a foot deep each) back to back and attached them to each other as a room divider. I live in earthquake country so we are extra cautious about tipping furniture The best thing is to set it up and then try to tip it over yourself (when your little one is not around so he doesn't get any ideas! )

[Mummoth]

We have a wardrobe making 1 room into 2 that I'm not worried about tipping, but it's almost 2 feet deep and there are no neat ladder-like shelves for a kid to climb. Could you attach it to the TV stand?

Attaching it to the wall on the side is a good idea if that will work for your plan, or you might be able to anchor it to the ceiling if you can find a beam in a good spot for a hook, and use some strong cord.

[provocativa]

You can also attach a triangle of wood at the bottom of the bookshelf like a foot, to keep it from tipping.