Manufacturers are Cutting the Cord On Their Window Treatments

As of December 2018, all newly manufactured stock window coverings should be cord-free or have small, inaccessible pull cords. Sunburst embraces the announcement, as it comes after discussions between the Window Covering Manufacturers Association and the American National Standards Institute, and includes any pre-manufactured window treatments. It should be noted that these requirements don’t recall corded window treatments, but, some people in Honolulu have seen the announcement as a chance to upgrade to cordless window treatments.

 

Why The New Window Treatment Safety Standards?

In the past few decades, window treatment cords have been determined as one of the Top 5 Hidden Hazards In The Home by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Toddlers and infants can get intertwined in the cords, leading to injury or strangulation, with one study finding that there were almost 17,000 window cord injuries over a fifteen-year period. Independent cord safety products, such as cord shorteners and locks, tried to alleviate the hazard, but consumers did not utilize them as manufacturers expected.

What Do The Safety Regulations Cover?

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

What Are Your Options For Cordless Window Treatments?

With the new safety requirements, families are now seeking the entire range of safer options when buying or replacing their blinds and shades. Let’s look at some different cordless options:

• Plantation Shutters: These family-friendly treatments cover the window with sturdy louvers and usually employ a center tilt-rod. Shutters can be seen as the most durable window covering option and are made with either natural wood or a faux wood composite that doesn’t warp, crack, splinter, or chip. There has never been a cord on plantation shutter, so this product has always been seen as a safer option.

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

• Cordless Shades and Blinds: Some corded window treatments have altered their make-up to employ internal cords that don’t dangle down. Some use motors, which manipulate treatments without touching the treatment. Different shades open and close to their needed position by lifting the bottom bar. These shades are available in a multitude of colors, textures, and patterns, and has several semi-translucent fabrics that offer the same ambiance of sheer draperies.
  

Sunburst Can Help You Cut The Cord On Window Treatments

If you’re looking to change out those corded hazards with a more child-friendly choice, your Honolulu Sunburst representative is only a phone call away. We will show you an array of cordless window treatments, and we can help you find one for your family. Set up your no cost in-home consultation by calling 808-797-2004 today.