The style and function of your window treatments are really important, but there’s something that is even more so. The safety of them. Curtains and blinds can present a risk for young children and pets. In the past, there have been accidents and even deaths related to curtains and window blind cords. That’s why safe window blinds are important.
Here’s everything you need to know to keep your cherished ones safe, but still shaded.
How Are Curtains Unsafe?
Curtains, especially long ones made of thick fabric, can present potential hazards for children and pets.
Cats, known for their sneaky climbing abilities, may attempt to scale curtains, causing them to fall. This can result in injuries to both the pet and potential damage to your furnishings. Similarly, dogs can become entangled in fabric, particularly trailing curtains and become tangled in the swathes of material. Puppies and kittens are at significant risk of strangulation as a result of this.
And it isn’t just pets at risk from curtains. If curtains are positioned above a child’s bed or cot, there is a risk of the fabric obstructing their sleeping area, potentially covering their face. Even if you position the child the other way around in the bed, they tend to move around during sleep, so the risk of entanglement is still very much there.
And if you’re careful to keep just one set of decorative curtains in a main living area, your child could still run into the room unobserved, maybe attempt to hide in the curtains but find the fabric wrapped around them quite easily.
As well as suffocation, there’s risk of a curtain falling into a sleeping area or onto a child tugging at the fixture. Whether due to a loose curtain pole or track, it can pose a strangulation hazard, especially if it happens at night when visibility is low.
This isn’t pleasant for us to talk about, and we know it isn’t nice hearing it either, but your home should be a safe haven not a maze of hidden dangers.
What Makes A Window Blind Unsafe?
So if curtains aren’t the right choice for your home if you have pets or children, what are your other options?
Window blinds and shutters provide a more adaptable and even more visually pleasing alternative. But you must know your options before you dive into a purchase.
While window blinds are often perceived as a safer alternative to curtains, it’s important to be aware of certain aspects that can make them just as – if not more – hazardous if not properly chosen or maintained.
Prior to guideline changes, many roller, Venetian, and Roman blinds were operated using cords. These cords would hang to the side of the blind, often within easy reach of children or pets.
Tragically, accidents involving these cords have resulted in harm to children and pets. But, fortunately, there are now ways to make your window treatments safe.
Regulations To Keep Everyone Safe
At last, recognising the dangers associated with cord-operated blinds, regulations were introduced in 2014 to enhance safety standards in the UK.
British Standard EN 13120 applies to all blinds, regardless of whether there are children or pets in the household.
These regulations require all new blinds to be cordless, eliminating the risk of entanglement and strangulation. This significant change ensures that blinds manufactured after 2014 meet strict safety requirements and offer peace of mind for homeowners.
So what can you choose from now?
Options for New Safe Window Blinds
Thanks to the implementation of these safety regulations, you now have a wide range of cordless blinds to choose from.
These window blinds are designed with alternative operating mechanisms that eliminate the need for cords. They provide a safe and convenient solution for homes with children or pets, while still giving you everything you want from quality blinds.
Cordless options include roller blinds, cellular shades and motorised blinds. These choices not only remove cord-related hazards but, in our opinion, also offer improved ease of use and functionality.
Retrofitting Current Blinds with Safety Devices
If you have existing blinds that were manufactured before the safety regulations came into effect, don’t panic!
There are retrofitting options available to enhance their safety. Various safety devices, such as cord cleats or tensioners can be added to secure cords and prevent entanglement hazards.
However, it’s essential to ensure that any retrofitting is done correctly and according to your manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure maximum safety and effectiveness. A poorly fitted safety device is just as bad as no safety device at all.
Consider consulting with a professional or contacting your blind manufacturer – they can provide guidance on the right safety devices and installation techniques.
So, Are Blinds Safe To Use In A Nursery?
With the changes in regulations and the availability of cordless blinds, window blinds, along with shutters, are considered the safest window coverings for nurseries and rooms where children or pets spend time.
Blinds manufactured after 2014 meet strict safety standards, ensuring that cords are eliminated from the design altogether. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents and provides a safer environment for your little ones, whether furry or human!
When it comes to choosing safe window blinds for children’s bedrooms, prioritising safety is the best idea. At Just Binds, we highly recommend opting for cordless blinds, such as roller blinds, cellular shades, or motorised blinds. These options eliminate cord-related risks and provide peace of mind for parents and pet owners.
Cordless blinds offer convenience, ease of use and a streamlined appearance, making them both safe and stylish choices for children’s bedrooms, so you won’t be sacrificing style.
Looking For Child And Pet-Safe Window Blinds?
Thankfully, British law changes have meant blinds made after 2014 are safe to install in any room of your house. And even if you do pick up a bargain from Facebook marketplace or a car boot sale that was made pre-2014, you can add accessories to make it safe. Window blinds are known to last for up to 10 years or more, after all!
Remember, the safety of your loved ones should always be the top priority when selecting window blinds. By choosing cordless blinds and taking appropriate measures, you can create a secure and stylish environment for your family.
If you need any help with selecting the best blind for your home, simply get in touch with our window blind experts here at Just Blinds.
