Cordless Blinds Safety & Law

Keeping living spaces safe for children and pets is a top priority, whether you’re maintaining your own home or managing rental properties. One significant step you can take is to replace corded blinds with cordless alternatives. By doing so, you help reduce the risk of strangulation injuries, meet industry standards and regulations, and provide a safer environment for everyone—especially the most vulnerable members of your household or tenant community.

For those interested in creating a more family-friendly home overall, consider also choosing kid-friendly furniture that can enhance safety and comfort. If you’re a property owner or manager, understanding ways to mitigate risks and meet regulations can help protect residents and your business. You might also explore topics like renters insurance—finding the right coverage to ensure your property and tenants are well-supported. Meanwhile, pet owners can look into additional solutions such as pet-friendly couch covers to further pet-proof their homes.

The Dangers of Corded Blinds

Corded blinds pose serious hazards to children and pets. Tragically, about one child per month dies from blind cord strangulation, and over 600 children are injured each year. These numbers prompted industry-wide changes to protect vulnerable populations.

In response, the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) introduced new voluntary safety standards. As of December 2018, all standard model window coverings sold in the U.S. must be cordless. This shift has increased the availability and affordability of safe, cordless models.

Understanding the New Standards

• New Voluntary Standards: Established by the WCMA in January 2018, these guidelines aim to reduce strangulation risks.
• December 2018 Compliance: Manufacturers began providing standard model blinds without hazardous cords.
• 2019 and Beyond: Retailers offer cordless blinds as the default option, ensuring that more households have access to safer coverings.

Cordless Blinds Basics

“Cordless” doesn’t mean cord-free. Instead, a hidden cord runs inside the slats, operating like a pulley system. To raise or lower cordless blinds, simply tilt and push or pull on the bottom rail. The mechanism is easy to use and widely available in various styles, sizes, and materials.

In addition to enhanced safety, cordless blinds can accommodate adaptive features for people with physical disabilities. Motorized versions integrate seamlessly with smart home systems, allowing convenient voice or remote control operation.

Retrofit and Safety Measures for Existing Corded Blinds

If immediate replacement isn’t an option, take these precautions:

• Shorten or Remove Cords: Cut looped pull cords and eliminate equalizer buckles.
• Use Safety Washers: Install washers to prevent loops from forming lower down.
• Cord Cleats: Secure cords at least five feet off the ground with a cleat screwed into the wall.
• Keep Furniture Clear: Position cribs, beds, and chairs away from windows and cords.

Adopting cordless blinds is an important move toward a safer, healthier environment—one that respects the well-being of children, pets, and anyone enjoying your home or property. With increased regulations, better affordability, and myriad style options, there’s never been a better time to prioritize safety and compliance through the choice of cordless blinds.