Manufacturers are Cutting the Cord On Their Window Treatments

As of December 2018, all newly manufactured stock window coverings should not use cords or have short, inaccessible pull cords. Sunburst embraces these regulations, as it comes after discussions between the Window Covering Manufacturers Association and the American National Standards Institute, and covers any pre-manufactured window coverings. And while the new safety regulations don’t recall already purchased window treatments, many in Seattle have seen the statement as a chance to replace their corded window treatments.

 

What Are The New Window Treatment Safety Standards?

In the past few decades, window treatment cords have been deemed one of the Top 5 Hidden Hazards In The Home by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Children and infants can get entangled in the cords, resulting in injury or strangulation, with one study finding that there were almost 17,000 window cord injuries over a fifteen-year period. Extra cord safety products, like cord cleats and wind-ups, attempted to alleviate the hazard, but families did not install them as much as expected.

What Do The Safety Regulations Cover?

Every stock (ready-made) window treatment available in stores or online must now be cord-free or have inaccessible cords. This accounts for over 80% of all window treatment products marketed in the U.S. and Canada. Custom-made coverings don’t have the same requirements; however, cords can only hang down to 40% the length of the treatment and will default to a tilt rod rather than a tilt cord. These requirements only affect window treatments manufactured after December 19, 2018, and current shades and blinds have not been recalled.

What Are Your Options For Cordless Window Treatments?

With the new regulations, consumers are now seeking different cordless options when buying or replacing their corded coverings. Let’s look at some different cordless options:

• Plantation Shutters: These family-friendly treatments cover the window with large louvers and usually utilize a center tilt-rod. Plantation Shutters have been know as the most durable window covering option and are constructed with either natural wood or a faux wood composite that won’t warp, crack, splinter, or chip. Plantation shutters have always been cord-free, so these treatments have always been considered child-safe.

• Barn Door Window Treatments: Instead of opening up using a cord or tilt rod, barn door window treatments attach to a track above the window frame and slide side to side. You can open the panels a little to bring in some light, or open them all the way apart for a statement piece.

• Cord-free Shades and Blinds: Some window treatments have modified their make-up so they can use inaccessible cords that won’t pose a hazard. Other treatments use motors, which open and close treatments via remote control. Different shades open and close to their desired height by tugging the bottom bar. These shades come in a multitude of colors, textures, and patterns, and are even available in several semi-translucent models that can look like of sheer draperies.
  

Sunburst Can Help You Cut The Cord On Window Treatments

If you’re looking to change out those corded shades and blinds with a more child-friendly choice, your Seattle Sunburst representative is only a phone call away. We can bring you a vast selection of cord-free options, and we can help you find one for your family. Set up your no cost in-home consultation by calling 360-464-2277 today.