Manufacturers are Cutting the Cord On Their Window Treatments

As of December 2018, all newly manufactured stock window treatments should be cordless or have compact, inaccessible pull cords. Sunburst embraces this decision, as it comes after conversations between the Window Covering Manufacturers Association and the American National Standards Institute, and covers any pre-manufactured window treatments. It should be noted that these requirements don’t recall used treatments, but, some people in Dover have seen the announcement as an opportunity to replace their old window coverings.

 

What Are The New Window Treatment Safety Standards?

In the past few decades, cords on window treatments have been included in the Top 5 Hidden Hazards In The Home by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Young children and infants can get intertwined in the cords, causing 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, attempted to solve the problem, but families did not install them as much as expected.

What Do The New Regulations Cover?

Every stock (ready-made) window treatment made for stores or online needs to now be cordless or have inaccessible cords. This includes over 80% of all window treatment products marketed in America and Canada. Custom-made coverings 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 instead of a tilt cord. These requirements affect window treatments constructed after December 19, 2018, and current coverings have not been recalled.

What Are Your Choices Regarding Cordless Window Treatments?

With the new regulations, consumers are now pursuing different cordless choices when buying or replacing their window treatments. Luckily, there are different options when it comes to cordless window treatments, such as:

• Plantation Shutters: These family-friendly treatments cover the window with sturdy louvers and usually open by a center tilt-rod. Plantation Shutters have been know as the sturdiest window treatment and are manufactured with either natural wood or a faux wood composite that doesn’t warp, crack, splinter, or chip. Plantation shutters have always been cordless, so this product has always been known for safety.

• Barn Door Window Treatments: Instead of raising up 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 open them a little to have some light peek in, or slide them completely apart to frame your window.

• Cordless Shades and Blinds: Some window treatments have altered their mechanics so they can use inaccessible cords that shouldn’t pose a hazard. Some use motors, which raise and lower coverings without touching the treatment. Many shades are set to their desired height by lifting the bottom bar. These shades are available in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns, and has several semi-translucent options that offer the same ambiance of sheer draperies.
  

Let Sunburst Help You Cut The Cord On Your Window Coverings

If you need to upgrade from corded shades and blinds with a more child-friendly choice, your Dover Sunburst representative is only a phone call away. We will show you a vast selection of safe window treatments, and we can help you find one for your family. Set up your free in-home consultation by calling 301-835-1611 today.