After my toddler nearly got tangled in blind cords, I knew I had to find a safer option. With pets in the house, too, I needed something durable that wouldn’t pose a risk.
Through trial and error, I discovered cordless blinds and motorised options that eliminated the hazards while maintaining a stylish look. In this article, I’ll share which window treatments work best for homes with young children and pets, ensuring safety and style remain top priorities. Let’s dive into the safest options for your home!
Which Type of Window Treatments Are Safest for Homes With Young Children and Pets?
Cordless or motorised blinds, such as roller, Venetian, and honeycomb blinds, are the safest window treatments for homes with young children and pets. These options eliminate dangerous cords, reducing the risk of accidents while providing style and ease of use.
The Dangers of Corded Window Treatments
Corded window treatments can be dangerous in homes with young children and pets. The most significant risk is strangulation, as cords can quickly become entangled around a child’s neck or a pet’s body, often without making any noise.
Toddlers are naturally curious and might tug or play with dangling cords, unaware of the danger. Pets, particularly cats and dogs, can get caught up in cords, leading to injury or property damage. According to safety organisations, these hazards make corded blinds one of the top home risks for children.
Cordless or motorised blinds are the safest alternatives to eliminate this threat. These options remove the cord, offering peace of mind while maintaining function and style.
Best Types of Safe Window Treatments
Safety is paramount when choosing window treatments for homes with young children and pets. Cordless and motorised blinds eliminate the risks of cords, while durable options like plantation shutters offer style and peace of mind.
1. Cordless Blinds
Cordless blinds are among the safest options for homes with young children and pets. Without dangling cords, they completely remove the risk of strangulation or entanglement, which is a significant hazard with traditional blinds.
Cordless designs, such as roller, Venetian, and honeycomb blinds, are available in various styles. They provide light control and privacy flexibility. They are easy to operate, with a simple push or pull mechanism, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free user experience while maintaining clean, modern aesthetics.
2. Motorised Blinds
Motorised blinds offer convenience and safety. Operated via remote control or smart home integration, they eliminate the need for cords, making them ideal for homes with children and pets.
Their motorised functionality also allows for automated scheduling, enhancing safety and energy efficiency by adjusting the blinds according to the time of day. These blinds work well in hard-to-reach places, adding practicality and peace of mind.
3. Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters are durable and safe for homes with young children and pets. Their solid, cordless construction ensures no hanging cords, minimising safety risks.
Made from sturdy materials like wood or faux wood, these shutters resist damage from curious pets and active children. They offer excellent control over light and privacy, making them versatile for any room. Plantation shutters also add a timeless, elegant aesthetic to your home while maintaining safety and functionality.
4. Faux Wood Blinds
Faux wood blinds are an excellent option for families with children and pets due to their durability and cordless design. They mimic the look of natural wood but are more resilient, making them resistant to scratches, moisture, and general wear and tear.
The cordless feature eliminates safety hazards, while the blinds’ easy-to-clean surface simplifies maintenance. Faux wood blinds offer style and practicality, fitting seamlessly into homes where safety and durability are top priorities.
5. Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are designed with safety in mind for large windows or sliding doors. The absence of cords eliminates the risk of entanglement, making them safer for homes with children and pets.
These blinds are typically made from durable materials such as PVC or fabric, which are easy to clean and maintain. Their vertical orientation also helps reduce pet hair and dust accumulation, making them practical for pet-friendly homes.
Additional Safety Features to Look For
These safety features ensure window treatments provide functionality, style and essential protection in homes with children and pets.
- Breakaway Safety Mechanisms: Some cordless blinds come equipped with breakaway devices, which cause the blinds to detach under pressure, preventing strangulation hazards for children and pets. This feature adds an extra layer of security even in cordless options.
- Tension Devices: For blinds that still require cords, tension devices can keep cords taut and secure against the wall, reducing the risk of entanglement.
- Wand Controls: Some blinds come with wand controls instead of traditional cords, allowing easy light and privacy adjustment while keeping cords out of reach from curious children and pets.
- Smart Home Integration: Motorised blinds can be integrated into smart home systems, allowing users to automate blinds through voice commands or smartphone apps, reducing the need for physical interaction with cords.
- Cord Shorteners: Cord shorteners allow you to modify the length of existing cords, keeping them out of reach of young children and pets and adding extra protection.
- Cord Cleats: Cord cleats can be installed to wrap up excess cord, securely keeping it out of children’s and pets’ reach, thus preventing accidental hazards
Tips for Choosing the Right Window Treatments
Considering these factors, you can choose the perfect window treatments that balance safety, practicality, and style.
- Safety First: Prioritise cordless or motorised blinds to eliminate the risk of cord entanglement for young children and pets. Cordless roller, honeycomb, and plantation shutters are excellent options that ensure safety without sacrificing style.
- Durability Matters: Opt for durable materials like faux wood, PVC, or aluminium, which can withstand daily wear and tear from pets and children. These materials are also resistant to scratches and moisture, making them long-lasting.
- Ease of Maintenance: Choose blinds that are easy to clean, such as vertical or roller blinds, which collect less dust and pet hair. This makes them practical for households with pets.
- Consider Room Functionality: Opt for blackout blinds to ensure privacy and light control for bedrooms. Choose options that balance light filtration and privacy in living areas, such as sheer or cellular shades.
- Style and Design: Ensure the window treatments complement your home’s décor. Plantation shutters, faux wood blinds, and motorised options provide a sleek, modern look that fits various interior styles.
- Custom Fit: Custom-fitted blinds and shutters ensure a snug fit, improving energy efficiency and safety by eliminating gaps that curious children or pets might explore.
Conclusion
Choosing the right window treatments for your home can make all the difference in keeping your children and pets safe. With cordless, motorised, and durable options, you don’t have to compromise on style or functionality.
Ready to make your home safer? Let Into Blinds, Australia’s most trusted, guide you in finding the perfect solution for your family. Contact us today for expert advice and a free consultation!
