Sign up for special offers:



ENDS WEDNESDAY
BUY 1 GET 1 FREE
+ FREE Shipping
48 Hour SALE More info
Free Shipping FREE Shipping
Satisfaction Guarantee Satisfaction Guarantee
Top Notch Customer Service Top Notch Customer Service
Free Samples FREE Samples
Shopping for window blinds involves much more than making a decision based upon design, color, and size. Window-blind cords pose a direct hazard to children and pets, and consumers should consider the latest safety standards when making a purchase. While many have corded blinds in their home and have taken steps to prevent accidents such as choking or strangulation due to dangling cords, the safest approach is to select cordless window coverings and blinds. Window-blind cords have caused accidents and deaths in children ranging from infancy to elementary-age. In addition, curious dogs and cats may inadvertently have a window-blind cord wrap around their necks and suffer serious and fatal consequences. Strangulation and near-strangulation incidents due to window-blind cords are a dangerous reality that is more common than one may realize. When childproofing or making a home safe for a new pet, window blinds and cord safety must be a top concern.

Not many think of window cords as being deadly, but they are. Families must realize the dangers lurking in their home when they have dangling window-blind cords. In fact, organizations such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Window Coverings Safety Council refer to window-blind cords as the most dangerous object inside most homes. Statistics show at least one child per month dies due to window-blind-cord strangulation. While groups like the CPSC and Window Coverings Safety Council bring awareness to the issue, the most prolific voices regarding the dangers of window blinds are the grieving families, often mothers of lost children, who never recognized the inherent dangers of having corded blinds. Parents who thought their older children were safe from danger have lost their children due to these horrific accidents. Many children who survive near-strangulation due to window-blind cords are left with permanent brain damage and can end up in a helpless, vegetative state. The worst aspect of these tragedies is that in most situations, window-blind-cord strangulation is preventable.

When choosing window coverings, keep in mind that models featuring items such as cleats, tassels, and joiners have been linked to strangulation or near-strangulation accidents. Though the safety features on some blinds prevent cords from forming loops on one side of the blind, the other side features dangling cords or tassels that pose a safety hazard. Any time a window-blind cord features a cord or tassels that dangle, there is a possibility that over time, they will intertwine and twist, therefore forming a loop. A child or pet may put their head through the interwined loop and strangle. Experts feel that cordless window blinds are preferable in homes with children eight years old and younger. Pet owners might find cordless window blinds are the safest choice when pets are in the home.

The CPSC regularly monitors reports of strangulation and near-strangulation due to window-blind cords. Millions of products have been recalled due to these incidents. While there are retrofit kits available for those who have standard window blinds that will help reduce the risk, the safest method is to replace corded blinds with cordless window coverings. For those who find that replacing blinds with cordless models is not an option, choose a repair kit or select blinds from a manufacturer who explicitly states that their product meets current safety requirements and has been fashioned to avoid strangulation and near-strangulation risks.
Article written by Lexi Westingate

Related Articles


Door Blinds - How to Measure for French Door or Traditional Door Blinds
Door blinds can be any blind or shade mounted as a door mount blind. French door blinds or traditional door blinds are simply outside mount blinds or shades with hold downs to keep them from swinging as the door opens or shuts. People commonly mount blinds in a door at their home or office. Popular blinds that are used on doors range from faux wood, wood, cellular shades and roller shades. When measuring for french door blinds there are several things to consider.... more


Measure Window Shades or Blinds for Tile or Moulding
Occasionally obstructions can get in the way of window shades or blinds such as wood moulding or a tile back splash. Cut-outs can be made in the blind or shade for proper clearance in these areas. There is a surcharge for each cut made.... more


How to measure for window shades BELOW an open arched window
When measuring for window shades that are to go below an open arch window there a few things you need to do. The first and most important is to determine the correct width.... more


Horizontal Window Blinds Stack Height
When horizontal window blinds are raised or lifted they gather at the top next to the headrail. The height of the gathered slats is called the "stack height" of the venetian blinds. The longer the blinds, the larger the stack height will become.... more


2" and 2 1/2" Horizontal Window Blinds Installation Instructions
When installing horizontal window blinds, the same process can be used when installing all types of horizontal blinds. This page will cover basic installation of our 2 and 2 1/2" blinds.... more


Parts for Installing Horizontal Window Blinds
Below is a list of parts that are used when installing horizontal blinds. Note: You may not receive all the parts listed. You may also receive additional parts that are not needed. We will only send you the horizontal blinds parts for your particular application.... more


Vertical Window Blinds Installation Instructions
To install vertical window blinds, please read completely the instructions below before beginning the installation process.... more


Honeycomb Cell Shades - Installation Part 1 of 2
Our honeycomb cell shades are made to be either an inside mount or an outside mount, depending on what you desire. A few tools are required to install your blinds.
  • Measuring Tape
  • Battery or Power Drill
  • ¼ Hex head bit or Phillips driver bit
  • ... more


    How to Install Side Mount Blinds
    Installing window blinds as a side mount is simple. This article will explain how to to install honeycomb cellular shades as a side mount using l-brackets.... more


    The New Simplicity of Window Coverings Affords Customers Endless Choices
    There is a new attitude in the world of window treatments and blinds are quickly becoming the choice for home decorators because they are sleek and simple, and much of the hardware has gone high tech.... more


    Elegant Kitchen Window Blinds
    Finding the perfect kitchen window blind can be tricky. The blinds or shades need to look good, be easy to clean and be moisture resistant. Because kitchen cooking can cause a build-up of grease on kitchen window blinds, it’s important to use the right blinds and shades so they don’t need to be replaced every couple of years.... more


    Tips for Buying Cheap Blinds
    It’s getting close to the holidays and people are as interested in saving money for gifts as they are in getting their homes finished for the holidays. Many people end up spending money on window treatments in order to make their home look inviting for family and friends that may be coming to visit.... more


    Best Ways to Build Romance Over the Holidays
    While winter wonderlands and sparkling lights stir romance in many, the realities of guests, kids and shopping often get in the way of holiday romance. It can be hard to feel sexy when a baby has just spit up on you, or you have lists to get done that run a mile long. However, it’s important to remember that our minds and our bodies need to relax in order to stay healthy and feel loved. ... more


    New Year – New Blinds
    Sometimes New Years resolutions are made with the best intentions to keep them, but because of financial situations, they sometimes get pushed over from year to year. This year, why not fulfill those resolutions while there are sales and discounted items so that you not only get to cross that item off your list, but you get the sense of accomplishment of doing what you said you were going to do?... more


    How to Change a Cord Lock Lift Mechanism on a Blind
    Step
    1
    Start out by removing your valance from the window by unclipping it at the bottom first and then at the top if you have clear valance clips or by pushing up on the back of the valance from the bottom if you have the white hidden valance clips. ... more


    How to Retro-fit Roman Shades for Safety
    retrofit roman shade clipsBecause the lift cords that run along the back of roman shades pose a potential chocking hazard to small children, the WCMA/WCSC and CPSC have come up with a temporary solution. This may not work for everyone as it removes the lift cords in the shades. The roman shades must then be raised manually without a cord and then a metal clip inserted to keep them raised.... more


    Mounting Horizontal Window Blinds That Are The Wrong Size
    What can be done if you have ordered the wrong size window blinds? We have discussed how to cut down window blinds or remove extra slats from window blinds that are made too large.... more


    Back to Top
    x Blinds Chalet Guarantee Options
    DetailsGoodBetterBest
    PricingFREE$$$
    Duration
    3 year limited warranty
    5 year limited warranty
    5 year unlimited
    Warranty
    Defects
    Parts
    Restrings
    Normal wear & tear
    Anything
    30 Day Measure
    30 Day Returns
    3 Year Standard Guarantee
    Who is covered:
    • Warranties cover the original purchaser of the window blinds and shades.
    What is covered:
    • Any defects in materials of workmanship
    • Operating mechanisms and other parts
    • Cell separation on honeycomb/cellular shades
    • Warping slats for faux wood and wood blinds
    • Broken vertical vanes
    • Restrings for internal cords
    What is not covered:
    • Parts that fail due to accident, alteration and/or improper use
    • Normal wear and tear
    • Color fading due to excessive exposure to sunlight, moisture or improper cleaning
    • Accidental damage
    Resolution:
    • BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective.
    • If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired.
    • In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade.
    • Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer.

    30 Day Measuring Insurance

    This plan does not cover measuring errors. Following the easy measuring instructions will ensure a proper fit.

    30 Day Returns

    This plan does not cover returns.
    5 Year Guaranteed to Fit
    Who is covered:
    • Warranties cover the original purchaser of the window blinds and shades.
    What is covered:
    • Any defects in materials of workmanship
    • Operating mechanisms and other parts
    • Cell separation on honeycomb/cellular shades
    • Warping slats for faux wood and wood blinds
    • Broken vertical vanes
    • Restrings for internal cords
    What is not covered:
    • Parts that fail due to accident, alteration and/or improper use
    • Normal wear and tear
    • Color fading due to excessive exposure to sunlight, moisture or improper cleaning
    • Accidental damage
    Resolution:
    • BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective.
    • If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired.
    • In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade.
    • Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer.

    30 Day Measuring Insurance

    Following the easy measuring instructions will ensure a proper fit, however, we all make errors from time to time and this protection plan covers any mis-measurement mistakes. If the window coverings do not fit, please let us know within 30 days of receiving the items. The blinds/shades will be remade at the correct dimensions at no cost to you unless there is a difference in price between the old and new sizes or if the new size requires an oversize shipping fee. Limit is 1 remake per blind/shade. All remakes will have to be remade in the same color, feature and specifications, no changes are allowed.

    Shutters,custom graphic shades, commercial/dealer orders are not covered.

    Any mis-measurements reported after 30 days will not be covered, however, new blinds and shades can be ordered with an additional 10% discount.

    30 Day Returns

    This plan does not cover returns.
    5 Year Guaranteed to Love
    Who is covered:
    • Warranties cover the original purchaser of the window blinds and shades.
    What is covered:
    • Any defects in materials of workmanship
    • Operating mechanisms and other parts
    • Cell separation on honeycomb/cellular shades
    • Warping slats for faux wood and wood blinds
    • Broken vertical vanes
    • Restrings for internal cords
    • Parts that fail due to accident, alteration and/or improper use
    • Normal wear and tear
    • Color fading due to excessive exposure to sunlight, moisture or improper cleaning
    • Accidental damage
    Resolution:
    • BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective.
    • If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired.
    • In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade.
    • Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer.


    30 Day Measuring Insurance

    Following the easy measuring instructions will ensure a proper fit, however, we all make errors from time to time and this protection plan covers any mis-measurement mistakes. If the window coverings do not fit, please let us know within 30 days of receiving the items. The blinds/shades will be remade at the correct dimensions at no cost to you unless there is a difference in price between the old and new sizes or if the new size requires an oversize shipping fee. Limit is 1 remake per blind/shade. All remakes will have to be remade in the same color, feature and specifications, no changes are allowed.

    Shutters,custom graphic shades, commercial/dealer orders are not covered.

    Any mis-measurements reported after 30 days will not be covered, however, new blinds and shades can be ordered with an additional 10% discount.

    30 Day Returns

    If for any reason you are not satisfied with the window coverings and wish to return them, please notify us within 30 days of receiving the order. Our customer care department will provide a Return Authorization Number (RGA) and shipping address for the return. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and shipping labels are not provided. Refunds will be processed within 2-3 business days after we receive the items (Guaranteed to Love fee is not refundable).

    Shutters,custom graphic shades, commercial/dealer orders are not covered.
    ad
    X
    The term "Retail" price refers to the manufacturer's or supplier's suggested retail price for an item. The initially displayed Retail price is specific to a product with the selected dimensions and default options/features. Please note that the Retail price for the selected product will be provided upon specifying its width, height, features and options.

    Please note that the Retail price may not reflect the prevailing market price or the regular retail price. It is common for products to be sold at lower prices than the Retail price due to various factors, including promotional events, discounts, market competition, or supplier agreements.

    Products may be offered at the same or lower "After Coupon" prices during future promotional events starting on or after the final day of any advertised promotion.

    Learn More