Which Window Treatments are Best for Your Children's Safety?

Did you know that one of the top five hidden hazards in American homes are corded window treatments? And that about one child dies every month due to strangulation by a window cord? Which is why October is National Window Covering Safety Month.

If you have shopped for blinds or shades lately you have probably noticed the words “cordless” and “cord-free” are very prominent in the description. Retailers and custom workrooms now must adhere to strict guidelines when manufacturing window treatment products that will hopefully help prevent injuries and deadly accidents.

List of Unsafe Window Treatments

As adults, we may not realize how those beautiful curtains and shades could be dangerous to infants and small children. Cords that are loose (those hanging on the front of blinds and on the sides of drapery) and ones on the back of shades that can be pulled out far enough for a child to get their head through are temptations that kids just can’t resist. Blinds, roman shades, corded drapery, cellular shades, and roller shades are all examples of window coverings that can be corded. The good news is that they can also be produced to be safe and also beautiful.

The Best Window Treatments for Your Child-Safe Home

In order for your window treatments to be safe, you need to make sure that there are no accessible cords. If you can't secure the cords then consider replacing those treatments that children have access to in your home. When you purchase new or replacement treatments consider those that have hidden cords and meet safety standards. Wood blinds now have cord free lift and tilt systems, draperies have cord tensions or can be drawn by hand with a baton, and custom roman shades are fabricated with proper safety techniques. Almost all treatments can be motorized which is a great option for safety as well as convenience.

All of our treatments are fabricated and installed to meet the safety standards mandated

by the Window Coverings Safety Council. Roman shades are made with shroud cord or ring locks on the back that prevent the cords from pulled out. Drapery and shades with continuous loop cords are installed with tension locks. Many of our shades and blinds have either a cordless lift or are motorized.

Our Advice?

As a parent and provider of hard treatments as well as soft furnishings, I feel it is very important to adhere to these safety regulations. This is why I only will sell and fabricate items that are compliant with the Window Coverings Safety Council's guidelines. If you are interested in more information about cord-free options, you are welcome to contact me.

Ready for the perfect window treatment for your space and family? Contact us, and we'd

be delighted to help!

Until next time,

Amanda