Prioritizing safety in home design is important, especially when it comes to window treatments. Corded window coverings put children and pets at risk, and cause injuries and even death each year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Thankfully, the CPSC and the Window Coverings Manufacturers Association (WCMA) unveiled new safety standards this year, mandating that as of June 1st, the majority of window coverings sold in the US be cordless or have short, inaccessible cords.
At Parkway Window Works, we are committed to offering a wide range of options that comply with these new safety standards, ensuring that your home remains both stylish and secure for your family.
Understanding the Hazards of Corded Window Treatments
Young children can quickly become entangled in pull cords, continuous loop cords, inner cords, or any other accessible window treatment cords longer than 8-inches. This swift and silent danger makes corded window treatments a significant hazard in homes with young children.
According to the latest data from the CPSC, an average of nine children under the age of 5 die every year from strangling in window blinds, shades, draperies, and other window coverings with cords. These incidents serve as a tragic reminder of the importance of prioritizing child safety when selecting window treatments for our homes.
Cordless Operating Systems: The Safer Alternative
By choosing cordless operating systems, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your clients’ window treatments are both beautiful and safe for their loved ones. These innovative solutions provide a secure environment, sleek appearance, and smooth operation.
At Parkway Window Works, LiteRise by Hunter Douglas is a cordless system we often recommend, allowing you to raise or lower the shade using just your fingers. LiteRise is available on many Hunter Douglas products, including Silhouette Sheer Shadings, Vignette Modern Roman Shades, and Duette cellular shades.
For custom fabric Roman shades, we offer the Easy Spring Plus cordless system. With a simple tug of a ring on the back of the shade, you can effortlessly adjust the shades.
The Convenience of Motorized Window Treatments
Motorized window treatments are a modern, convenient option for your designs that don’t compromise safety. Motorized shades, shutters, and draperies offer effortless adjustment without the need for cords or manual operation. Instead, motorized window treatments are controlled using a remote, integrated into a smart home system, or automated to operate on a pre-set schedule.
At Parkway Window Works, we offer motorization options for almost any window covering, allowing your clients to enjoy the benefits while maintaining a safe and stylish environment for their families.
Other Safety Features and Options
Shutters are an inherently child-safe option, as they are cordless by design, eliminating the potential hazards posed by operating cords. They add beauty to any room and are especially well-suited for homes with children.
Alternative lift systems, such as the Hunter Douglas UltraGlide system, use a retractable wand mechanism to raise and lower shades, replacing lift cords and enhancing safety.
Cord tensioners with spring tension and brackets are another safety feature used with continuous cord control systems, holding the cord loop taut and reducing the risk of child entanglement.
Prioritizing Safety: Tips and Best Practices
At Parkway Window Works, we believe that safety is everybody’s business. By following these practical tips and best practices, you can create a safer environment for children and pets.
Position cribs, beds, playpens, and other furniture away from windows to prevent children from accessing window covering cords. Encourage your clients to inspect current window coverings for exposed or dangling cords, and move and secure them out of reach of children. Permanently anchor continuous cord loop controls to the wall using a tensioning device to keep the cord taut and less accessible.
Whenever possible, replace blinds, corded shades, and draperies with cordless options to eliminate the risk of entanglement. Remember, prevention begins with awareness. By taking these proactive steps and choosing cordless window treatments, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer home for your clients and their loved ones.
It’s more important than ever to embrace safer, cordless window treatment options in light of the new regulations. At Parkway Window Works, we are committed to guiding interior designers through the selection process, prioritizing safety without compromising style and functionality.
As your trusted partner in custom window treatments, we provide expert advice and assistance in choosing compliant, cordless solutions for your design projects. Contact Parkway Window Works for all your window treatment requirements, and let us help you navigate this new era of window treatment safety with confidence and peace of mind.
