If you’ve got little ones at home, you’ll know they have a knack for getting into places they shouldn’t. One minute they’re building a teddy bear tea party, the next they’re halfway up the bookcase trying to reach the biscuits you thought were well hidden.
And while we all baby-proof the plug sockets, gate the stairs and bolt the furniture, there’s one sneaky danger many forget: window blinds.
This week is Child Safety Week, and we’re getting serious (but still friendly!) about how to make sure your blinds aren’t putting your kids at risk. If you’ve ever looked at a dangling cord and thought, “That’s probably fine” — this blog’s for you.
🚨 Why Are Blinds a Risk to Children?
We’re not trying to scare anyone (promise), but this is important: looped cords and chains on window blinds can be deadly to young children.
Inquisitive toddlers love to climb, explore, and pull on anything within reach. A blind cord, especially one with a loop or that hangs low, can be incredibly dangerous. Tragically, there have been cases where children have become entangled, leading to serious injuries or even fatalities — and often in complete silence, in a matter of seconds.
We know it’s not a cheery topic, but it is one that every parent and carer should be aware of.
🇬🇧 What Are the UK Rules on Blind Safety?
In 2014, child safety regulations for window blinds changed — and for good reason.
Here’s what the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) made standard under the “Make It Safe” campaign:
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All new blinds sold or professionally installed must either be “safe by design” or come with the appropriate safety devices
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Cord and chain lengths are restricted so they’re out of reach of small children
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Safety devices like cleats and tensioners must be supplied with the blind
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All safety-critical components must meet European safety standards
So, if you’ve had blinds installed after 2014, chances are you’re already one step ahead. But if your blinds are older, or if you’re not sure, it’s definitely worth checking.
🏠 How Can You Make Existing Blinds Safer?
Got blinds that pre-date 2014? Or bought a budget set online that came without safety features? No judgement here — we’re here to help, not shame.
Here’s what you can do to make those blinds safer, starting today:
1. Install Safety Devices
Add a cleat (that’s a fancy word for a cord tidy) to wrap cords around, or a cord tensioner to keep them taut. They’re cheap, easy to fit, and could make a huge difference.
2. Move Furniture
Keep beds, cots, high chairs, and any other climbable item away from windows. This is the golden rule. Even the safest blind can become risky if a child can reach it by climbing.
3. Shorten the Cords
Can the blind be operated with a shorter cord? If so, trim it to a safe height — ideally well above head height for your smallest household member.
4. Tidy Up Loose Ends
Use plastic breakaway connectors where possible. These little gadgets cause cords to separate under pressure — so if something pulls too hard, the loop disappears.
5. Check Your Blinds Regularly
Give your blinds a once-over every so often. Look out for fraying cords, loose tensioners or anything that’s come undone. If it’s looking a bit dodgy, get it sorted.
💡 Best Child-Safe Blind Options (aka The Worry-Free Winners)
If you’re replacing blinds — whether because they’re old, dated, or you just fancy a change — now’s the time to go child-safe by design. These are blinds that are made without cords or chains in the first place. Here are a few of our favourites:
✔️ Cordless Roller Blinds
Operate with a gentle push or pull. No cords, no fuss, just smooth-as-butter rolling.
✔️ Motorised Blinds
The gold standard of child-safe blinds. Use a remote, wall switch or app to control them (and feel a little bit fancy while doing it).
✔️ Perfect Fit Blinds
Fitted snugly within the window frame itself. No cords, no drilling, and no mess. Ideal for uPVC windows and doors.
✔️ Wand-Operated Vertical Blinds
No cords or chains needed – just a simple wand to twist and draw. Simple, safe, and perfect for larger windows.
✔️ Tensioned Pleated Blinds
Held in place with tension across the top and bottom. Clean, crisp and totally cord-free.
All of these are brilliant options if you’ve got babies, toddlers, grandkids or a particularly adventurous house cat.
📍 What Blinds Are Not Safe?
Let’s be clear — we’re not here to shame any blinds. But if you’ve got these in your home, they need some serious safety TLC:
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Roman blinds with hanging cords
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Roller blinds with looped chains
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Venetian blinds with long pull cords
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Vertical blinds with chain-link bottoms
They’re not a problem if they’re fitted with safety devices and kept well out of reach. But if not? It’s definitely time to upgrade or modify.
📚 Common Myths About Blind Safety (Busted)
Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions we hear all the time:
“I don’t need to worry, my child never goes near the window.”
They might not today — but toddlers are unpredictable. Never say never.
“I’ve tied the cord up once, that’s enough.”
It only takes one slip or one forgotten retie for a cord to become dangerous again. Cord tidies or cleats are a must.
“Blinds without cords aren’t as stylish.”
Rubbish! There are tonnes of gorgeous cordless and motorised designs out there now. Come visit our showroom and we’ll prove it.
📣 Let’s Talk About the “Make It Safe” Campaign
We’re big fans of the BBSA’s “Make It Safe” initiative. It’s all about helping families make informed, safe choices when it comes to blinds and window coverings.
Every blind we supply at Just Blinds meets the current child safety standards. We don’t stock anything unsafe — and if you’re ever unsure about what’s safe for your space, just ask.
You can read more about the campaign here:
👉 Make It Safe – BBSA
🧠 Quick Checklist for a Safer Home
Want to do a quick safety audit at home? Here’s your go-to list:
✅ Are any cords or chains within reach of a child?
✅ Do you have safety devices installed on older blinds?
✅ Are beds, cots or high furniture positioned near windows?
✅ Do your blinds comply with the 2014 UK safety regulations?
✅ Could you upgrade to cordless or motorised blinds for peace of mind?
If you’ve ticked all five — give yourself a gold star ⭐
If not — no stress! We’re here to help get you sorted.
🪟 Time for a Blind Refresh?
If you’re reading this thinking, “Yeah… our blinds are probably due a rethink,” you’re not alone. Lots of families come to us wanting safer, sleeker, easier-to-use blinds — especially with little ones in tow.
At Just Blinds, we offer:
✔️ Free consultations
✔️ Friendly advice (no jargon, no pressure)
✔️ Fully child-safe solutions
✔️ Made-to-measure styles for every room and budget
Whether you want to upgrade your nursery blinds or transform your whole house, we’re here to make it easy – and make it safe.
👋 Final Thoughts
When it comes to children’s safety, no detail is too small — and that includes your window blinds.
Block those cords. Tie up those chains. Or even better, ditch them altogether.
Modern, stylish, child-safe blinds are easier to get than ever — and your future self (and your little ones) will thank you for it.
So, whether you need advice, new blinds, or just want to check your current ones are up to scratch, pop in and have a chat. We promise friendly faces, expert help, and absolutely no judgement.
👉 Visit the showroom | 📞 Call us | 📩 Drop us a message
Stay safe, stay stylish —
Team Just Blinds
Blinds you can trust. People you’ll like. And no dangling cords, ever.
