When choosing window treatments for your home, safety is as important as style, especially if you have young children or pets. In homes across North Idaho and Eastern Washington, from busy households in Spokane to growing families in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls, safe design choices can help prevent serious accidents and give you peace of mind.
At Best Blinds & Awnings, we help local homeowners choose innovative, stylish solutions that prioritize both functionality and safety. Here’s what to consider when selecting child- and pet-safe window treatments.
Why Window Treatment Safety Matters
Traditional blinds and shades often come with long, dangling cords. These cords can pose serious strangulation risks for small children and curious pets. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, window coverings with accessible cords are among the top hidden hazards in the home.
In active households, it only takes a moment for a toddler or pet to get tangled in a cord. That’s why choosing safer, updated window treatments is a must.
Top Safe Window Treatment Options
1. Cordless Shades and Blinds
Cordless options eliminate the risk of entanglement. They’re operated with a simple push or pull, making them both safe and easy to use.
Great for:
- Bedrooms and playrooms
- Homes with cats and dogs who love window-watching
- Homeowners who favor modern aesthetics with clean lines
Cordless cellular and roller shades are particularly popular in the newer homes built in developments from Spokane to Coeur d’Alene.
2. Motorized Window Treatments
Motorized blinds and shades are a safe and convenient option. Controlled with a remote or smartphone, they allow you to open and close window coverings without touching them.
Benefits:
- No cords or poles
- Can be programmed to open or close at specific times of day for consistent lighting and privacy
- Great for hard-to-reach windows or large homes
- Some are compatible with systems like Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and other smart home systems
- Smartphone control means you can operate your blinds when you’re away from home, giving the impression that someone is in the house
- For smart systems, voice control makes opening and closing a snap
Motorized systems are perfect for tech-forward households or homeowners looking for low-maintenance, high-safety solutions.
3. Plantation Shutters
Interior shutters are naturally cordless and incredibly durable, making them one of the safest choices for families with kids and pets.
Why they work:
- No cords or strings
- Easy to clean and hard to damage
- Timeless design that fits with nearly any home style
They’re ideal for high-traffic areas in homes around Spokane’s South Hill or historic Coeur d’Alene neighborhoods where style and function matter equally. They look great in almost any room.
Additional Safety Tips
Even if you don’t replace your current window treatments right away, here are a few steps you can take now to improve safety:
- Use cord cleats to wrap cords out of reach from children or pets.
- Cut or shorten cords to eliminate loops.
- Keep cribs, furniture, and pet beds away from windows.
- Install cordless treatments in any room where children or pets regularly spend time.
Safety Meets Style with Best Blinds & Awnings
At Best Blinds & Awnings, we offer a wide range of cordless and motorized window treatments designed with safety in mind without sacrificing the look and feel of your home. Our experienced team works with homeowners across North Idaho and Eastern Washington to find window solutions that check every box: safety, durability, energy efficiency, and style.
When you decide to update your window treatments, contact Best Blinds & Awnings in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, or Lewiston to schedule an in-home consultation. Then, rest easy knowing pets and kids are safe and your windows look fabulous!