Manufacturers are Cutting the Cord On Their Window Treatments

As of December 2018, newly manufactured stock window coverings should be cordless or have small, inaccessible pull cords. Sunburst welcomes these regulations, as it comes after discussions between the Window Covering Manufacturers Association and the American National Standards Institute, and encompasses any pre-manufactured window treatments. And while the new safety regulations don’t recall old corded treatments, some people in Fort Lauderdale have seen the statement as an opportunity to upgrade to cord-free window treatments.

 

Why The New Window Treatment Safety Standards?

In the past few decades, cords on window treatments have been deemed one of the Top 5 Hidden Hazards In The Home by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Toddlers 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. External cord safety products, such as cord cleats and wind-ups, attempted to solve the problem, but consumers did not install them as much as anticipated.

What Do The New Requirements Cover?

Every stock (ready-made) window covering available in stores or online should now be cord-free or have inaccessible cords. This includes over 80% of all window treatment products purchased in the United States and Canada. Custom-made window treatments will not have the same constraints; however, cords can only hang down to 40% the length of the treatment and will default to a tilt rod instead of a tilt cord. These regulations only affect window coverings made after December 19, 2018, and current treatments have not been recalled.

What Are Your Choices Regarding Cordless Window Treatments?

With the new standards, families are now pursuing different safer options when buying or replacing their blinds and shades. Luckily, there are a lot of options that have no cords, such as:

• Plantation Shutters: These fashionable treatments cover the window with sturdy louvers and usually employ a center tilt-rod. Shutters have been know as the longest-lasting window covering option and are made with either natural wood or a faux wood composite that doesn’t warp, crack, splinter, or chip. Plantation shutters have always been free of cords, so this product has always been known for safety.

• Barn Door Window Treatments: Instead of opening vertically with a cord or tilt rod, barn door window treatments attach to a track above the window frame and slide apart sideways. You can slide them a little to bring in some light, or open them all the way apart to frame your window.

• Cordless Shades and Blinds: Some corded window treatments have changed their mechanics to employ internal cords that don’t pose a hazard. Some use motors, which raise and lower coverings by remotes or voice commands. Many shades are set to their desired height by operating the bottom bar. These treatments come in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns, and are offered in several semi-translucent fabrics that give you the feel of sheer draperies.
  

Call Sunburst To Help You Cut The Cord On Your Shades and Blinds

If you want to change out those corded shades and blinds with a safer option, your Fort Lauderdale Sunburst representative is only a phone call away. We have a vast selection of cordless options, and we can guide you in finding one that looks great in your windows. Set up your free in-home consultation by calling 561-440-8535 today.