If you have small children in your home, you should seriously consider cordless blinds or cordless shades. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, since 1990, more than 200 infants and young children have died by accidentally strangling in window cords.
Despite efforts and numerous outreach programs from the Window Covering Safety Treatments Council, young children and even pets are killed every year – usually from low-cost, products manufactured overseas with inferior design that incorporate looped cords.
To maximize window-cord safety when young children are present, consumers are urged to follow these safety guidelines:
• Install only cordless window coverings in homes with young children. Replace window blinds, corded shades and draperies manufactured before 2001 with today’s safer products.
• Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords, preferably to another wall.
• Keep all window pull cords and inner lift cords out of the reach of children. Make sure that tasseled pull cords are short and continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall. Make sure cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit movement of inner lift cords.
• Lock cords into position whenever horizontal blinds or shades are lowered, including when they come to rest on a windowsill.
The good news is purchasing cordless does not have to be a restriction. In fact, many popular window treatments are available with the cordless lift option, including:
• Cellular shades
• Wood Blinds
• Woven Wood Shades (Bamboo Shades)
• Mini Blinds
• Roller Shades
• Solar Shades
• Pleated Shades
In addition to eliminating any entanglement risk, cordless blinds also have a cleaner, uncluttered look – no messy cords means a more attractive appearance. It also holds blinds and shades securely in any position – no constant adjusting, making it easy to raise your blinds or shades to an even height. Plus, it’s a great solution for bedrooms and bathrooms, even media rooms where both light control and privacy are required.
Cordless shades and shades typically operate by gently pushing up or pulling down on the bottom rail of the blind or shade; you can then position the blind or shade to any height you desire. For this reason, it’s important to make sure you will be able to reach as high or as low as you will need to position your window shade. Cordless window blinds will still have a wand to tilt the slats open and closed.
Installation of cordless blinds is generally quite simple. They hang much like the corded blinds. Install inside the window case for the best look. This makes the look finished and clean looking.