Window Treatment Safety for a Child-Friendly Home

You want your home to be safe for your children (and those who visit), and this should include safe window treatments, as well. All children, but especially those ages 18 months to 7 years, are susceptible to accidents in the home. They are curious, imaginative, sometimes fearless and daring, and they cannot be watched every moment of the day.

 Unsafe Window Treatments

Any blinds with hanging cords can be dangerous for children.

Which window treatments are unsafe?  Treatments that include loose operating or tilt cords, loose inner cords, and bead or cord chains that are not attached to tension devices could be dangerous. To ensure that even secure or short lift systems cannot be accessed, keep all bedding, playpens and low standing furniture away from windows. Death or injury from strangulation can occur in less than one minute.

 The Best Child-Friendly Window Treatments

Cordless systems are the best choice for window treatments. These can be spring operated shades or baton drawn drapery panels, both of which can be motorized.

Two child-friendly window treatment options. Left: cordless top-down, bottom-up shades. Right: cord loop safely in tension device.

Soft roman shades should have vertical ring spacing of 8" or less and the lift cords need to be secured at each ring with either a ring lock or a cord shroud/ladder tape.  Beaded loop lift systems need to be taut and tethered to the wall with a tension device.

Bring Safety, Function, and Style to Your Space

If you have children or grandchildren in your home and want to be sure your window treatments are safe, give me a call.  I’d love to work with you to create the ideal treatments that fit your aesthetics that are child (and pet) safe.

Ready for the perfect window treatment for your space and family? Contact us, and we'd be delighted to help!

Until next time,
Laura