Step 1: Check the Blinds You Already Have
Walk through each room and look closely at every window covering, paying extra attention to bedrooms, nurseries, and play areas. Ask these questions:
- Are there loops? Any cord that forms a loop, including a continuous cord loop or two pull cords joined by a single tassel, should be addressed right away.
- How long are the cords? Cords that hang low enough for a child to reach from the floor are a concern. So are cords reachable from a nearby bed, crib, couch, or dresser.
- Can the inner cords be pulled out? On horizontal blinds, the lift cords running through the slats can be pulled into a loop if the blind has no cord stops.
- How old is it? Blinds and shades made before 2001 were built to older standards and often lack today's safety features. These are usually better replaced than repaired.
- Is the safety hardware still in place? Tension devices and cord cleats can loosen, break, or get removed over time.
Step 2: Quick Safety Fixes for Existing Blinds
If replacing everything at once isn't practical, these retrofits can reduce cord hazards on the blinds you already own.
Cord Cleats
A cord cleat is a small hook mounted high on the wall or window frame. Wrap excess lift cord around it so the cord stays up and out of reach. Mount it well above where a child could climb or stand, and make it part of your routine to wrap the cord every time the blind is raised or lowered.
Cord Tension Devices
Continuous cord loops (often found on vertical blinds, roller shades, and some Roman and woven shades) should be anchored with a tension device. It attaches to the wall or sill and holds the loop taut so it can't be pulled away from the window. Always install the tension device included with your product, and check periodically that it's secure.
Cord Stops
Cord stops are small plastic pieces placed on the lift cords just above the headrail when the blind is fully lowered. They limit how far the inner cords can be pulled out, which helps prevent a loop forming in the slats.
Separate Looped Tassels
Some older blinds have two or more pull cords tied to a single tassel, creating a loop. Cutting the cords above the tassel and adding a separate tassel to each cord removes that loop. Replacement tassels and safety kits are available from hardware stores and window covering safety organizations.
Move Furniture Away from Windows
No hardware helps if a child can climb up to the cords. Keep cribs, beds, playpens, and climbable furniture away from windows and their cords.
For current safety guidance and retrofit resources, visit the Window Covering Safety Council.
Step 3: Choose Safety Upgrades When Buying New
Retrofits reduce risk, but the most reliable fix is a window treatment designed without accessible cords in the first place. When you order, look for these options.
Cordless Lift
Cordless blinds and shades have no lift cord at all. You raise and lower them by hand from the bottom rail. It's the most popular safety upgrade and is available on most styles, including cellular, faux wood, wood, woven wood, and pleated shades. Shop cordless blinds and shades.
Motorization
Motorized blinds and shades operate by remote, wall switch, or app, so there are no pull cords to manage. Motorization is especially practical for tall, wide, or hard-to-reach windows where cordless lift isn't convenient. Shop motorized blinds and shades. You can also connect shades to Alexa and smart home systems or control them from your phone with Bluetooth motorization.
Wand Tilt
On horizontal blinds, choosing a tilt wand instead of tilt cords removes another set of hanging cords. It pairs well with cordless lift for a completely cord-free blind.
Continuous Loop with Tension Device
Some large or heavy shades aren't available cordless. In those cases, a continuous cord loop with a properly installed tension device is a safer choice than traditional lift cords. Follow the installation instructions carefully and never leave the tension device off.
| Upgrade | Accessible Cords | Best For | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cordless lift | None | Bedrooms, nurseries, living areas | Can be harder to lift on very large windows |
| Motorized | None | Tall, wide, or hard-to-reach windows | Higher cost; batteries or power needed |
| Wand tilt | No tilt cords | Horizontal blinds | Controls tilt only, not lift |
| Continuous loop + tension device | Anchored loop | Large or heavy shades | Only safe if the tension device stays installed |
Retrofit or Replace?
Retrofitting makes sense for newer blinds in good condition, or as a short-term fix until you can replace them. Replacing is usually the better choice when:
- The blinds were made before 2001 or have looped pull cords.
- They're in a nursery, child's bedroom, or play area.
- Cords, cord locks, or tension devices are worn or broken.
- You'd need several retrofits on the same blind to make it safer.
For more help deciding, read when to repair vs. replace your window treatments and when you should replace your blinds and shades. If you're wondering what's still on the market, see can you still buy blinds with lift cords?
When you're ready to replace, browse our child safe blinds and shades or start with bedroom window treatments for the rooms where kids sleep. Not sure which option fits your windows? Contact our design team for free help.
Blind Safety Upgrade FAQs
How can I make my existing blinds safer for children?
Start by removing any cord loops and keeping every cord out of reach. Wrap lift cords around a cord cleat mounted high on the wall. Anchor continuous loops with a tension device, and add cord stops to horizontal blinds. Move cribs and furniture away from windows. For the most reliable result, replace older corded blinds with cordless or motorized options.
How do I install a cord cleat?
Mount the cleat to the wall or window frame with screws, high enough that a child can't reach it, even from nearby furniture. After raising or lowering the blind, wrap the excess cord around the cleat in a figure-eight pattern so no cord hangs down.
What is a cord tension device and do I need one?
A tension device anchors a continuous cord loop to the wall or sill and keeps it taut, so the loop can't be pulled away from the window. If your blind or shade uses a continuous loop, the tension device should always be installed and checked regularly to make sure it's secure.
Can I convert my corded blinds to cordless?
In most cases, no. Cordless lift uses a different internal mechanism than corded lift, so converting an existing blind usually isn't practical. Replacing it with a cordless blind or shade is typically simpler and safer.
Is it safe to cut the cord loop on my blinds?
On blinds where two or more pull cords are tied to one tassel, cutting the cords above the tassel and adding a separate tassel to each one removes the loop. Do not cut a continuous cord loop, as that will stop the blind from working. Anchor it with a tension device instead.
Should I replace blinds made before 2001?
Yes, in most cases. Blinds made before 2001 were built to older safety standards and often have looped pull cords or no cord stops. Replacing them with child safe blinds and shades is the most reliable way to remove those hazards.
Which safety upgrade should I choose when ordering new blinds?
Cordless lift is the best all-around choice for most windows, especially in bedrooms and play areas. Choose motorization for tall, wide, or hard-to-reach windows. For horizontal blinds, pair cordless lift with a tilt wand for a completely cord-free blind.
