Corded lift systems on window blinds and shades pose a direct strangulation hazard to young children and pets. Safety of pets and children is of utmost importance for a homeowner. CPSC-approved window blinds and shades play an integral role in maintaining the security of your family. Always consider the latest safety standards when making a purchase.
Best blinds for pet- and child-safety are designed without cords. You can ensure safety in your home by going cordless. Here is a comprehensive guide about how to keep your pets and children safe with kid-friendly window blinds and shades.
Read on to ensure a child-safe environment at home—from strategically placing furniture away from windows to anchoring lift cords out of the reach of children. In this way, you can minimize any potential risks associated with window blinds today!
Why Are Windows Important for Homes with Kids?
Windows are a vital part of our homes, both for the view and insulation they provide. To maintain these benefits while protecting your family from harsh UV rays, it is important to choose high-quality cordless window coverings like shutters, shades, curtains, or blinds. Each of these types offers different advantages in terms of security and style. Wood, faux wood vinyl, or aluminum materials can be chosen depending on desired look as well as durability – giving you peace of mind that your loved ones remain safe all year round!
Types of Pet and Child-Safe Window Blinds
There are several types of pet and child-safe window blinds available on the online market today, including cordless options such as:
- Cordless Roller Shades
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Roller Shades - Top Down Bottom up Cellular Shades
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Cellular Shades - Top Down Bottom up Cordless Roman Shades, Pleated Shades
- Cordless Woven Wood Shades
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Woven wood shades - Motorized blinds and shades, etc.
Additionally, some manufacturers offer products with retractable lift systems, which eliminate visible lift cords altogether – an excellent option for homes with pets or children.
While cordless window treatment solutions provide peace of mind when it comes to safety concerns, they also come with other benefits, such light filtering, room darkening, privacy, insulation, and noise reduction.
Benefits of Pet And Child-Safe Window Blinds
There are lots of benefits to having pet and child-safe blinds for windows.
Safety and Style
Not only will cordless blinds and shades keep your little ones and furry friends safe, but they can also provide a more stylish look in the home. For starters, these types of window coverings have been designed with extra cordless features that make them much safer for children and pets. This removes any risk of strangulation or entanglement hazards that regular cords present. On top of this, many models come with a breakaway tassel design which further reduces any potential risks related to hanging cords.
A Variety of Colors and Patterns
What’s more is that with the wide range of colors and patterns available nowadays, you’ll be able to choose something that best suits your home décor – not just something practical for safety reasons. You won’t need to sacrifice style for security here!
Durability
Pet- and child-safe window treatments are usually made from durable materials, so they can withstand wear and tear. Also, they can resist damage and withstand frequent use.
Convenient Operation
Pet- and child-friendly window treatments are often easier to use and maintain than traditional blinds or shades. For example, cordless and top-down, bottom-up shades or blinds can be easily opened and closed without the need for lift cords or chains, making them easier for daily use.
Energy Efficiency
Some child- and pet-safe window treatments are designed to provide energy efficiency benefits. So, they can save you money on your energy bills. For example, insulated shades can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
With all these advantages in mind, it’s clear why pet and child-safe window blinds should be considered when looking for new window treatments. Moving on from here, let’s take a look at some tips for installing them properly.
Tips for Keeping Your Pets and Children Safe with Window Blinds & Shades
You can keep your pets and children safe by installing pet and child-safe window blinds. These window treatments provide families with the gift of security – a virtual fortress to safeguard against potential harm. They shield your loved ones with an invisible barrier, allowing parents to rest easy knowing those who matter most are safe in their home.
Here are some useful tips to keep pets and children safe with window blinds and shades.
Securing Lift Cords
If possible, check that the lift cords of your window treatments aren’t long enough to be reached by children or pets – this will help keep them out of any potential danger.
Selecting Cordless and Durable Window Treatments
When choosing the right blinds for you, make sure they are both cordless and durable enough to last through years of playtime fun.
Careful Installation
Once you have purchased the perfect set, ensure that all steps of the installation process are carried out correctly. This includes attaching brackets securely onto walls and windowsills with screws, as well as adjusting tension rods to prevent sagging or loosening over time.
Use Safety Tassels
Additionally, if applicable, use safety tassels on each end of the curtain rod which can be tied off at a reasonable height so children and pets won’t reach up high enough to access the mechanism or fabric.
Test Operation
Finally, never forget to test the operation of the product yourself before allowing anyone else near it!
Taking Accurate Measurements of the Window Frame to Ensure Perfect Fit
To ensure a perfect fit for your pet- and child-safe window treatments, you need to measure the window frame at three different locations both along the length and width. Use the width x height (w x h) format to avoid mixing values.
How to Install Window Blinds & Shades for Maximum Pet- & Child-Safety
The child- and pet-friendly window treatments are easy to install. Here’s and easy, 3-step installation process.
- Step 1: Attach and secure the mounting brackets to the wall (outside mount) or the window frame (inside mount) with screws.
- Step 2: Hang your blinds or shades on them.
- Step 3: Secure any dangling cords or strings.
Lift Options for Pet- and Child-Safe Window Blinds & Shades
Child- and pet-safe window blinds and shades come with several lift options, including cord, cordless, top-down, bottom-up, motorized, and smart lift mechanisms. Here the cordless lift options are safe for homes with children and pets.
Tips to Keep Your Pet- & Child-Safe Clean & Well-Maintained
The window treatments with safety measures for children and pets can be cleaned through dusting, vacuuming, and washing. However, before washing, you should make sure that the fabric is washable.
Conclusion
The safety of pets and children is a top priority for any homeowner. Window blinds are an important part of home decor, but they can also be dangerous if not chosen and installed carefully. Pet and child-safe window blinds and shades offer the same aesthetic appeal as regular blinds, but with added safety features that provide peace of mind.
Pet- and child-safe window blinds protect your family from potential accidents or injuries caused by exposed lift cords or other hazards associated with standard window treatments.
In fact, installing cordless shades has been proven to reduce the risk of strangulation among young children by nearly 96%. That’s why it’s essential that families invest in this critical safety feature for their homes.
FAQs
How to make blinds safe for children?
- Tip 1: Cordless or motorized blinds are the best option to keep your children safe.
- Tip 2: Never install blinds with a loop cord, string, or cable in your child’s bedroom.
- Tip 3: If your blinds in the kid’s room are corded, use tidies, tensioners, or cleats to make the cords safe for children.
- Tip 4: Position furniture aways from the windows.
How do I protect my window blinds from my dog?
Use products, such as pet deterrent sprays to stop dogs chewing on your window blinds. Just a spritz on the fabric (Roman shades) or slats (Venetian blinds) will keep your dog away. A viable alternative is to install roller shades. As outside mount roller shades cover the entire window, most dogs won’t pay any attention to them.
How do I keep cats out of my windows and blinds?
To keep cats out of your windows and blinds, wrap the strings and cables or go for cordless or motorized blinds. Also, you can spray citrus around the blinds to keep cats away from your windows and blinds, as cats have a strong aversion to the smell of citrus. Still the easiest and the most efficient solution is to simply leave the window blinds open or raised.
What are the best window coverings if you have cats?
Interior shutters are the best, sturdiest window coverings to withstand curious cats in your home. While cats love to play with fabric blinds, they tend not to be interested in shutter. Another option is to go with accordion-style shades, as cats love sitting in windows. Cordless roller shades made from sturdy materials are also the pet-friendliest window covers.
Need More Help?
Still unsure how to keep your pets and children safe with window blinds and shades? Get a free consultation now! Use 24/7 live chat or give us a call at (800) 863-6109 to contact our design experts for custom or DIY child-safe, kid-friendly solutions.