Let’s get serious for a minute: windows are great for letting in sunlight and keeping an eye on what the dog is up to in the yard, but they can also be surprisingly dangerous if you’ve got little ones running around. Between cords, blinds, shades, and the occasional daredevil toddler, windows need a safety upgrade when kids enter the picture. Fortunately, modern blinds and shades are designed to make your home safer and more stylish—no compromise required. At Best Blinds and Awnings, we can introduce you to window treatments that protect your loved ones and beautify every window in your house.
So, how do you pick the perfect window treatment that’s both attractive and child-friendly? Let’s pull back the (figurative) curtain and dive into the features you should prioritize to keep your kiddos safe.
The Hidden Hazards of Traditional Window Treatments
First, let’s talk about the risks. The biggest offenders? Cords. Dangling cords from traditional blinds and shades can be irresistible to children. Unfortunately, they also pose a serious strangulation risk. Kids are naturally curious, and it doesn’t take long for those cords to become the center of a game of tug-of-war or a makeshift lasso.
Beyond cords, heavy blinds or shades without proper anchoring can be a tipping hazard, especially if they’re within reach of climbing toddlers. And don’t forget: blinds with small parts can break under pressure, creating choking hazards.
Cordless Blinds and Shades: The Gold Standard
When it comes to child-safe blinds, “cordless” is the magic word. These designs eliminate dangling cords entirely, which means there’s nothing for little hands to grab or tangle with. Instead of cords, many cordless blinds feature simple mechanisms like a push-button or lift-and-lower system. Bonus? They’re also much sleeker, making your home look fashionable and tidy.
Options like roller shades, cellular shades, or motorized blinds are great choices. Motorized blinds are the cool kid on the block, operated by remote control or even smartphone apps. They offer you safety, convenience, and the undeniable joy of pretending your living room is in a sci-fi movie.
Safety Features for Corded Blinds
If you’re still attached to corded blinds (maybe you’ve got a soft spot for the classics), don’t worry—there are solutions. Look for blinds with cord cleats or cord tensioners. These devices secure cords tightly to the wall, keeping them up high and out of little hands. However, you’ll need to be vigilant in making sure the cords are always properly wrapped or secured.
Top Down, Bottom Up: A Clever Compromise
Looking for versatility without sacrificing safety? Top-down, bottom-up blinds allow you to adjust the top and bottom portions of your shades independently. You can let in light from above while keeping the bottom covered—perfect for maintaining privacy while securing window cords completely out of reach.
Add Some Smarts to Your Window Treatments
Smart homes aren’t just for showing off your tech-savviness; they’re also a great way to enhance safety. You can even program smart blinds and shades to open and close at certain times, which means you can skip manual adjustments altogether and just automate them with a schedule. Additionally, voice controls allow you to open and close them without ever stepping near a window.
Proactive Tips for Parents
Beyond choosing the right blinds and shades, a few simple steps can childproof your windows even further:
- Anchor your furniture: Keep cribs, couches, and other climbable items away from windows.
- Install window locks: Ensure windows don’t open wide enough for kids to climb through.
- Use safety film: This can prevent glass from shattering if a window breaks.
Choosing the Best Child-Safe Window Treatments
At the end of the day, the best window treatments for your family will be the ones that fit your lifestyle, design preferences, and commitment to safety. Best Blinds & Awnings specializes in custom solutions that not only look amazing but also give you peace of mind.
Ready to make your home a safer and more stylish space? Visit Best Blinds & Awnings at one of our locations in Coeur d’Alene, Spokane, or Lewiston, or schedule a consultation online. Let us help you find the perfect child-safe blinds or shades that’ll leave you saying, “Why didn’t we do this sooner?”
Your little adventurers deserve a home that’s as safe as it is beautiful. Let’s make it happen!