CPSC recall 12-144, announced April 5, 2012, covers West Elm Folding Chairs (about 10,000 units). The chairs can collapse during normal use, posing a fall hazard to consumers. The notice cites 14 incident reports. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chairs and contact West Elm for instructions on returning the product for a full refund. Recall contact: call (855) 262-9744, or go to www.westelm.com.
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Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
A sticker on the underside of the seat reads "West Elm."
Which products are included?
This recall involves West Elm solid wood and fully assembled folding chairs sold in white, red or chocolate. The chairs were sold individually and in sets of two and four. An unfolded chair measures 17-inches wide by 19-inches deep by 31-inches high. A sticker on the underside of the seat reads "West Elm."
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- Where to look
a sticker on the underside of the seat
(the notice’s words)- When sold
- September 2011 through January 2012
- Price paid
- $20 to $40
Why it was recalled
The chairs can collapse during normal use, posing a fall hazard to consumers.
Incidents and injuries
West Elm has received 14 reports of collapsed, broken or cracked chairs. Two consumers have reported minor injuries after falling from a collapsed chair, medical attention was not required.
Official remedy
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chairs and contact West Elm for instructions on returning the product for a full refund.
What to do now
- Check the product. This notice lists no model numbers. Compare yours with the description and photos in the official notice.
- Stop using it. The notice says to stop using recalled units immediately.
- Contact the firm. Call (855) 262-9744, or go to www.westelm.com.
- Get the remedy. This recall offers a refund.
- Read the official notice. The CPSC notice is the final word on which units are included and what to do.
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Product and sales details
- Brand
- West Elm
- Product type
- Chairs & stools
- Recall number
- 12-144
- Units
- About 10,000 in the United States and 100 in Canada
- Manufactured in
- Malaysia
- Sold at / sales period
- West Elm stores nationwide, the West Elm catalog and website from September 2011 to January 2012 for between $20 and $40.
- Importer
- West Elm, a division of Williams-Sonoma Inc., of San Francisco, Calif.
Folding Chairs
CPSC product type: Chairs
This recall in context
Compared with the 129 chair recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 10,000 units: the 55th-largest of 119 chair recalls that state a unit count. The median is 7,000 units.
- Hazard
- Fall: named in 86 of 129 chair recalls, the most common hazard among them.
- Remedy
- Refund: offered in 41 of 129 chair recalls, the most common remedy.
- Brand history
- West Elm is named in 6 CPSC notices in this index, from 2011 to 2017. This recall is the 3rd. The one before: West Elm Overarching Floor Lamp (12-100, Feb 2012). 2 of them are chair recalls.
- Time on sale
- 5 months. Recalled 3 months after the last month of sales the notice gives.
Recall contact information
For additional information, contact West Elm toll-free at (855) 262-9744 between 7 a.m. and midnight ET daily, or visit the firm's website at www.westelm.com
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
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