We all want our homes to be safe for our family, but according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, for years corded window coverings have been a hidden hazard. That era is now over, corded window blinds are no longer being sold by American stores or websites.
The Window Covering Manufacturers Association now requires all stock and custom window coverings sold through dealers to be cordless or designed with inaccessible or short cords.
It may have taken 70 years, but we’re so glad to see this change!
At Elite Shutters and Shadings we feature Hunter Douglas window coverings who have been at the forefront of product safety for years.
Virtually every window covering type is available with a “cordless” operating system, which means it has been designed to function without an operating cord. In lieu of an operating cord, cordless operating systems can be manual or motorized. A manual operating system allows users to lift or lower the window covering with a handle or directly by hand. A motorized operating system uses a motor and control system to manipulate the window covering, such as a remote control or wall switch. The new Hunter Douglas PowerView Gen3 automated system allows shade control with a standard remote control device or downloading the free app to your iPhone or iPad for even more convenience.
There are still some “corded” systems available such as UltraGlide retractable wand which covers and protects the lift cord and comes standard on some products such as the Duette cellular shades.
If you already have a corded product in your home, here are some safety tips.
Check the manufacturer’s website to verify that it has not been recalled due to potential hazards.
Place your children’s furniture and toys far away from all windows so that the temptation to play with blind cords is out of sight and hopefully out of mind.
If your product came with a wall cleat or hold down tensioner, be sure to use them every single time you adjust the shades!
For more information please contact us and we will guide you through the options that work best for your project.
By Janice Tracy, Interior Designer