Manufacturers are Cutting the Cord On Their Window Treatments

As of December 2018, newly manufactured stock window coverings should not use cords or have short, 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 encompasses any pre-manufactured window treatments. It should be noted that these requirements don’t recall already purchased window treatments, but, some people in Bakersfield have seen the regulations as an opportunity to change to cord-free window treatments.

 

What Are The New Window Treatment Safety Standards?

Since the 1960s, cords on window treatments 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. Independent cord safety products, such as cord cleats and wind-ups, attempted to solve the problem, but consumers did not use them as much as expected.

What Do The Safety Regulations Cover?

Each stock (ready-made) window covering sold in stores or online must now be cordless or have inaccessible cords. This involves over 80% of all window treatment products sold in the U.S. and Canada. Custom-made treatments don’t have the same constraints; however, cords can only be 40% the length of the covering and must default to a tilt rod rather than a tilt cord. These regulations are only on window coverings manufactured after December 19, 2018, and current shades and blinds have not been recalled.

What Are Your Choices Regarding Cordless Window Treatments?

With the new safety requirements, people are now looking at different safer options when buying or replacing their blinds and shades. Check out a few cord-free options:

• Plantation Shutters: These fashionable window treatments cover the window with sturdy louvers and usually utilize a center tilt-rod. Plantation Shutters can be seen as the sturdiest window covering option and are constructed with either real wood or a faux wood composite that won’t warp, crack, splinter, or chip. Plantation shutters have always been cord-free, so shutters have always been known for safety.

• Barn Door Shutters: Instead of opening up using a cord or tilt rod, barn door window treatments attach to a track above the window frame and slide side to side. You can part your barn doors a tad to let light through, or open them completely apart for a different look.

• Cordless Shades and Blinds: Some window treatments have altered their make-up and now use inaccessible cords that won’t hang loose. Others operate by motors, which raise and lower coverings via remote control. Different shades simply raise or lower to their needed position by tugging the bottom bar. These treatments come in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns, and has several semi-translucent fabrics that can look like of sheer draperies.
  

Call Sunburst To Help You Cut The Cord On Your Window Coverings

If you need to change out those corded window treatments with a safer treatment, your Bakersfield Sunburst representative is only a phone call away. We have a vast selection of cord-free choices, and we can assist you in finding one that works best for your rooms. Book your free in-home consultation by calling 661-449-1092 today.