Manufacturers are Becoming Safer With Their Window Treatments

As of December 2018, newly manufactured stock window treatments 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. Notice that these requirements don’t recall used treatments, but, many in Orlando have seen the announcement as a reason to upgrade to cordless window treatments.

 

Why The New Window Treatment Safety Standards?

Since the 1960s, window treatment cords have been deemed one of the Top 5 Hidden Hazards In The Home by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Young children and infants can get entangled in the cords, leading to injury or strangulation, with one report finding that there were almost 17,000 window cord injuries during a fifteen-year period. Extra cord safety products, such as cord wraps and wind-ups, tried to make treatments safer, but people did not use them as much as expected.

What Do The New Requirements Cover?

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

What Are Your Options For Cordless Window Treatments?

With the new standards, consumers are now looking at various cordless options when buying or replacing their corded coverings. Check out a few cordless options:

• Plantation Shutters: These popular treatments cover the window with large louvers and usually employ a center tilt-rod. Shutters can be seen as the most durable window treatment and are manufactured with either solid wood or a faux wood composite that won’t warp, crack, splinter, or chip. Plantation shutters have never used a cord, so shutters have always been seen as a safer option.

• Barn Door Shutters: Instead of opening up and down with a cord or tilt rod, barn door window treatments attach to a track above the window and slide horizontally. You can part them a little to have some light peek in, or slide them all the way apart for a different look.

• Cord-free Shades and Blinds: Some shades and blinds have altered their make-up so they can use inaccessible cords that won’t pose a hazard. Some operate by motors, which raise and lower coverings without touching the treatment. Many shades simply raise or lower to their desired height by tugging the bottom bar. These treatments come in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns, and has many semi-translucent fabrics that give you the feel of sheer draperies.
  

Sunburst Can Help You Cut The Cord On Window Treatments

If you’re looking to upgrade from corded window treatments with a safer option, your Orlando Sunburst representative is only a phone call away. We have many cord-free choices, and we can assist you in finding one that looks great in your windows. Set up your free in-home consultation by calling 407-630-7011 today.