Manufacturers are Becoming Safer With Their Window Treatments

As of December 2018, all newly manufactured stock window coverings should be cord-free or have small, inaccessible pull cords. Sunburst applauds these regulations, as it comes after negotiations between the Window Covering Manufacturers Association and the American National Standards Institute, and covers any pre-manufactured window treatments. And while the new safety regulations don’t recall corded blinds or shades, some people in Chicago have seen the statement as an opportunity to change to cord-free window treatments.

 

What Are The New Window Treatment Safety Standards?

For over 70 years, corded window treatments have been determined as one of the Top 5 Hidden Hazards In The Home by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Young children and infants can get intertwined in the cords, resulting in injury or strangulation, with a report finding that there were almost 17,000 window cord injuries during a fifteen-year period. Extra cord safety products, like cord cleats and wind-ups, tried to solve the problem, but families did not use them as universally as anticipated.

What Do The Safety Regulations Cover?

Each stock (ready-made) window treatment made for stores or online must now be cordless or have inaccessible cords. This involves over 80% of all window covering products purchased in the U.S. and Canada. Custom-made coverings don’t have the same requirements; however, cords can only hang down to 40% the length of the covering and will default to a tilt rod rather than a tilt cord. These regulations only affect window treatments constructed after December 19, 2018, and previously made coverings have not been recalled.

What Are Your Choices Regarding Cordless Window Treatments?

With the new regulations, people are now looking at various cordless options when acquiring or replacing their blinds and shades. Luckily, there are many products when it comes to cordless window treatments, such as:

• Plantation Shutters: These popular treatments cover the window with sturdy louvers and usually employ a center tilt-rod. Plantation Shutters can be seen as the most durable window covering option and are constructed with either natural wood or a faux wood composite that won’t warp, crack, splinter, or chip. Plantation shutters have always been cordless, so this product has always been known for safety.

• Barn Door Shutters: Instead of opening vertically with a cord or tilt rod, barn door shutters attach to a track over the window frame and slide apart sideways. You can open your barn doors a little to bring in some light, or open them all the way apart for a statement piece.

• Cordless Shades and Blinds: Some window treatments have altered their designs so they can use hidden cords that won’t dangle down. Some use motors, which raise and lower treatments via remote control. Different shades simply raise or lower to their desired height by lifting the bottom bar. These shades are available in a multitude of colors, textures, and patterns, and are even available in many semi-translucent models that can look like of sheer draperies.
  

Let Sunburst Help You Cut The Cord On Your Window Coverings

If you need to replace your corded shades and blinds with a safer choice, your Chicago Sunburst representative is here to help. We can bring you a vast selection of cord-free choices, and we can guide you in finding one that looks great in your windows. Book your no cost in-home consultation by calling 847-250-6544 today.