Going Cordless: New Safety Regulations for Window Treatments

Want to sleep in after sunrise? Afternoon sun in your eyes? When it’s too bright in the room, it’s intuitive to reach for the window covering cord to adjust the amount of light they let in. But the cords we’ve come to expect can pose a danger for young ones in the house. Even a short loop of cord—as little as 9 inches—can entangle a small child or pet, putting them at risk for injury or death. Luckily, a new regulation is coming into effect to reduce or eliminate this household hazard.

Cordless is the new standard

Effective June 1, 2024, all window covering products sold in the United States must be cordless or have inaccessible cords or approved tensioning devices. This new safety standard from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Window Covering Manufacturers Association follows the mandate already in place in Canada. The new regulation calls for the elimination of free-hanging operating cords, free-hanging tilt cords, and multiple cord connectors. 

What should I do?

If you have corded window coverings in your home, it’s a good opportunity to do a safety review of what you have in place. Some products can be retrofitted with other controls or converted to work with motorized options. Some products might have corded features that address the accessibility needs of certain individuals, such as the elderly or those with limited mobility. 

Another option is to consider replacing your existing window coverings with stylish, safe new products that meet the needs of your particular household. Budget Blinds has a wide selection of innovative cordless or motorized products in a wide variety of fabrics that meet and exceed safety standards. For example, Lutron offers state-of-the-art home automation products, including their cordless Serena motorized shades. 

Budget Blinds understands that some customers with accessibility needs will still need corded controls for certain window covering types. Some products with cords will still be available on a special-order basis with enhanced safety features such as retractable cords or continuous cord loop operating systems. 

For a comprehensive look at the stylish and safe products that can work for your home, book a free in-home consultation with one of our design consultants. They will help you match your needs and goals with beautiful and functional window coverings to make your home comfortable and safe for everyday living.