You won't be able to buy some corded blinds starting Saturday. Here's why (2024)

FAQs

You won't be able to buy some corded blinds starting Saturday. Here's why? ›

You won't be able to buy some corded blinds starting Saturday. Here's why. A new safety standard will take effect Saturday limiting the manufacturing of corded blinds in response to fears they could injure or kill children by strangulation.

Dangers & Legal Standards

Corded blinds are dangerous to children and pets. Roughly one child per month dies from blind cord strangulation, and more than 600 children per year are injured. That's nearly an average of 2 preventable injuries to a child per day.

To help keep children safe from strangulation hazards, corded blinds and shades are now banned in the United States. The Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have recently implemented new standards that make corded blinds a thing of the past.

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If safety is a top priority, then the clear choice is cordless blinds. However, if you're looking for something that won't require much maintenance and will last a long time, then corded blinds are the way to go.

Starting Dec. 15, most products used to cover windows must either be cordless or have short, inaccessible cords.

Corded blinds and curtains must be installed in a way that ensures a loose cord cannot form a loop 220 mm or longer at or less than 1,600 mm above floor level. The blinds/curtains must be installed in accordance with the installation instructions on any retail packaging for the covering.

“While the new regulations are trying to stop accidents, accidents will always happen.” These days comments from customers, says Mendelson, is a lot about bathroom privacy when they learn that the popular top down-bottom up option has been banned due to exposed ladder cords that hold the blinds together.

Vertical blinds have have been enhancing interior style since the 1950s and they are still adding elegance to homes today. These window blinds are still a preferred option because of their adaptability, low cost, and excellent light control.

Cleats should be positioned out of children's reach on an adjacent surface that is at least 1.5 metres from the floor. After blind use, cords should be fastened up in a figure of eight making sure all the spare cord is secured on the cleat.

Why are electric blinds so expensive? ›

The motor is the most expensive part of an electric blind, and the fabric type and accessories can also add to the cost. However, electric blinds are still a relatively affordable option, especially when compared to other types of blinds such as wooden blinds, roman blinds, and shutters.

Embrace the warm, inviting style of a modern farmhouse, popularized by Joanna Gaines with bamboo blinds in your design.

Wood Blinds

Window blinds are the best choice if you're looking for a window treatment that will last for years. One of their best features is how little maintenance is required for wood blinds to maintain their gorgeous color and sleek appearance.

You will not find window treatments or window coverings with exposed cords. Safety standards have been implemented to protect our families and pets from preventable dangers in our homes. The standards are called ​​ANSI/WCMA A100.

In general, you should expect most blinds to last around ten years or so, depending on how well you care for them. Cordless and motorized blinds, however, will last even longer than corded ones.

Shades offer more privacy.

Shades allow light to seep into your home even while down, offering more privacy than most blinds.

Cordless Blinds Are Safer

Although loose cords may seem benign, they're one of many dangers hidden in too many homes. If you have small kids or pets, cordless blinds are an easy upgrade that will make your home safer.

Effective June 1, 2024, all window covering products sold in the United States must be cordless or have inaccessible cords or approved tensioning devices.