Why Cordless Window Coverings Are the Safer Choice

You know how kids and pets always seem to find the one thing they shouldn't? One second, they’re exploring, and the next, they’re tangled up in something unexpected.

That’s exactly why corded blinds are no longer being sold. As of June 2024, new safety standards made it illegal to sell them. While you don’t have to remove the ones already in your home, there’s a good reason you should.

Blind cords have been a hidden hazard for years, with safety experts warning about the risks. In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (2023, https://www.cpsc.gov/), over 300 incidents of injury among children are reported each year due to corded window coverings.

Many people don’t realize the danger until it’s too late. And beyond safety, corded blinds can be frustrating—tangling, breaking, or refusing to pull evenly. If you’ve ever wrestled with a stubborn cord, you know the struggle.

Cordless window coverings make life easier. They’re safer for your family, better for your pets, and a hassle-free way to upgrade your space.

Let’s take a closer look at why switching to cordless is the right move for your home.

The Risks of Corded Window Coverings

 Corded window coverings might seem harmless, but research and safety experts highlight serious risks—especially for children and pets.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) identifies window blind cords as a leading hidden hazard, with strangulation occurring in seconds and often without a sound. But why are these cords so dangerous? The answer lies in a combination of science, human reflexes, and how cords behave in everyday environments.

Here’s what makes corded blinds a serious safety concern:

1. The Science of Strangulation Risk

a. Infants and young children have a grasp reflex, meaning they instinctively hold onto objects—even if that object is restricting airflow.

b. Unlike adults, young children lack the motor skills to remove a cord from around their neck, increasing the risk of serious injury.

c. Cords naturally form loops, even when they appear to be hanging straight. This makes it easy for a child or pet to become entangled without realizing the danger.

2. How Environment Plays a Role

a. Window cords are often located near furniture, cribs, or play areas, putting them within easy reach.

b. Pets, particularly cats, are drawn to dangling cords, increasing the risk of entanglement or choking hazards.

c. Even older children who understand basic safety rules may accidentally create loops while playing near windows.

3. The Functional Downsides of Corded Blinds

a. Cords tangle easily, making blinds difficult to open and close properly.

b. Over time, cords can fray or break, leading to uneven blinds and frustration.

c. New safety regulations have banned the sale of corded blinds, so while you’re not required to replace the ones in your home, dealers can no longer sell them—making cordless options the way forward.

Fortunately, cordless alternatives provide a simple, modern solution that eliminates these hazards without compromising on style or functionality.

For more insights into why replacing corded blinds is highly recommended, read this article.

How Cordless Window Coverings Improve Safety and Functionality

 Switching to cordless window coverings is a smarter, safer choice backed by both science and modern design. While traditional blinds and shades come with the risk of entanglement, cordless options eliminate that hazard entirely, making them a recommended solution by safety organizations like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC).

Here’s how cordless window coverings enhance both safety and functionality in your home:

1. Eliminating the Risk of Cord-Related Accidents

a. No cords mean no risk of strangulation for children or pets, reducing one of the most overlooked household hazards.

b. Safety experts recommend cordless options as the best way to meet modern childproofing and pet-proofing standards in the home.

c. Newer cordless designs prevent unintentional looping, removing the chance of entanglement altogether.

2. Enhanced Safety Features for Added Peace of Mind

a. Many cordless blinds and shades are designed with built-in tension systems that keep them securely in place, reducing movement and tampering.

b. Some models include motorized or automated controls, allowing adjustments with the push of a button or even voice commands.

c. Cordless options meet updated safety regulations, ensuring compliance with industry standards for residential and rental properties.

3. Improved Usability and Aesthetic Appeal

a. Cordless blinds and shades operate smoothly with a simple push or pull, eliminating the frustration of tangled cords or uneven slats.

b. A sleek, modern design provides a cleaner look, enhancing the overall aesthetic of any room.

c. Options like top-down/bottom-up functionality offer greater control over light and privacy without the hassle of adjusting cords.

A Safer Home Starts with the Right Window Coverings at Blinds Plus and More

 Your home should be a place of comfort and security, and the right window coverings play a bigger role in that than you might think.

Traditional corded blinds come with risks that are often underestimated, from entanglement hazards to everyday frustrations like tangled cords and uneven slats.

By switching to cordless window coverings, you’re making a smart investment in both safety and functionality—eliminating a preventable danger while upgrading to a cleaner, more modern design.

At Blinds Plus and More, we believe that safety and style should go hand in hand. Our selection of cordless window coverings is designed to give you peace of mind without sacrificing convenience or aesthetic appeal. Whether you're looking for a safer option for your family, a pet-friendly solution, or a sleek, hassle-free upgrade for your space, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.

Explore our collection today and take the next step toward a safer, smarter home.

Blinds Plus and More has five unique showrooms in Eastgate, Cincinnati, Florence, Centerville, and Mason.

Reach out to our team or stop by our showroom today!

For more tips on window coverings, follow Blinds Plus and More on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

Happy with the Blinds Plus and More difference? Leave us a quick five-star review here!