Child Safe Blinds and Shades

However small the risk might seem, we can't overstate the importance of keeping kids safe when it comes to blinds and shades. Dangling cords are a tempting plaything for small children and pets, and even cords that seem out of reach can become accessible with a step stool or by climbing on furniture, which can lead to potentially tragic consequences. Here are some important safety tips for window blinds and kids:

• Never place cribs, beds and other furniture near windows: this reduces fall risk from open windows or screens and helps limit access to window blind cords.
• Replace corded window treatments with cordless alternatives (recommended).
• Install cord stops and cord cleats on any corded window shades to help make cords less accessible.
• Properly anchor continuous cord loops to the floor or wall per manufacturer's directions for roller style shades, vertical blinds and drapery.
• Closely monitor children near corded window coverings and keep cords secured and out of reach wherever possible.

Even if you don't have children in your home, it's a good idea to assess the safety of your window blinds and shades should small children come to visit. This applies to grandparents and other relatives, or whenever guests with children plan to visit. Homes without children are the least likely to be childproofed, so it's important to take a fresh look at any corded window blinds and consider safer alternatives where appropriate.

The best option for reducing the risk of strangulation hazards from window blind cords is to replace those old, corded blinds with new cordless window coverings. There are more options for blinds and shades than ever before that are designed with child safety in mind, and it's easy to prioritize safety without sacrificing style or function. Nearly every type of window blind has a cordless configuration, but it's important to know what to look for and what to order:

• Cordless lift: a cordless replaces the traditional lift cords with an internal tension device that helps you raise and lower the blind by pushing or pulling on the bottom rail. The lift cords are internal, which helps limit access to exposed cords.
• Wand control: select the wand tilt option for wood, faux wood and aluminum blinds instead of a cord tilt option for rotating the blind slats open and closed, as well as on vertical blinds for rotating and traversing the blind louvers.
• Motorized lift: many blinds and shades can now be motorized for even greater convenience. Essentially the same as a cordless lift but instead of manually raising the blind, a remote control activates a motor inside the headrail for raising and lowering the blind.
• Inherently cordless design: you can also look for window treatments that are cordless by nature, such as plantation shutters or curtains.

Best Blinds for Child Safety

The safest window coverings for a home with children are the ones that remove exposed cords entirely. A few product types stand out. Cordless cellular shades combine a cord-free lift with energy-saving insulation, making them a popular pick for nurseries and bedrooms. Roller shades in a cordless configuration give a clean, simple look with no dangling pulls. Faux wood blinds with a cordless lift bring the classic slatted look without the cord risk and hold up well in high-traffic family spaces. For the ultimate in safety and convenience, motorized blinds and shades eliminate cords completely and let you operate everything by remote or app.

Cordless and motorized window coverings are widely considered the safest choices available today because they remove the accessible pull cords that account for most window-covering injuries to children and pets. Cordless lifts operate with a simple push or pull on the shade itself, while motorized lifts remove contact entirely in favor of a remote or app. To compare the full range of cord-free lifts, explore Blindster's cordless blinds and shades.

If you decide to purchase new blinds or shades, Blindster is here to help you find the perfect option for your needs. With so many cordless and reduced-cord options available, you can still focus on other criteria, including light control, privacy, color, design, and function. You can further refine the selections on this page as needed for opacity, product type, and more. Order free samples to see colors and materials in person, and don't hesitate to ask us for advice if you have any questions! We're proud to offer window blinds and shades designed with safety in mind for all our customers and hope that having our products in your home provides you with a bit more peace of mind!

Choosing Safer Blinds Room by Room

Different rooms call for different safety priorities when children are in the home.

In a nursery, prioritize full darkness and zero cords. Cordless or motorized cellular shades in a blackout fabric help babies nap during the day while keeping the crib area free of any cord hazard. Keep the crib well away from the window regardless of the covering you choose.

In a kids' bedroom, durability matters alongside safety. Cordless roller shades or faux wood blinds stand up to daily use and are easy to operate as children grow, with blackout options for earlier bedtimes and summer mornings.

In a playroom, choose cordless coverings that can take some rough handling and wipe clean easily, such as faux wood blinds and vinyl roller shades. For patio doors in family spaces, cordless vertical blinds move aside cleanly without a hanging cord, and motorized options make wide door coverings effortless and cord-free.