You’re In Control

It's 11 years since the safety regulations changed regarding window coverings and controls.

In a nutshell, solid (no break) chains and cords became restricted on where and how they could be installed. This was introduced as a direct result of child fatalities.

We have written several blogs on how you can improve safety at your windows/ doors.

But what alternate control mechanisms are there? We take a quick look:

Cord-Free

Cord- free lifting is a superb solution for blinds. As the name suggest, there are not cord controls at all. You simply push up/ pull down your blind to the positions you require. Available on wood, faux wood and metal venetian blinds, cellular blinds and roller blinds. You need to be able to reach the top of the window or door, and there are maximum size limitations on both the width and the height of the blind; but inherently child-safe for full peace of mind

Tensioned

Tensioned blinds run up and down on taught cords (hence the name). This removes the need for any control- as above, you push the blind up and down by hand. Again, there are restrictions on height, and you have to drill fixed feet on your window sill/ floor to hold the bottom tension; but once again, inherently child safe

Short/ Retractable controls

Ideal for windows that are a little harder to reach at the top, or over wide/ long windows and doors. There are different approaches to this system- a single retractable cord, twin chain pulls, or twin rods, depending on the supplier and the style of blind. Available on cellular, roman and roller blinds. This is a great solution for higher windows, where to reach the top is a challenge.

Motorised

An obvious one, but worth mentioning. These days, mains power is an option, but battery powered with rechargeable battery packs is the norm. Remote control, app control (either in the home or from anywhere with a suitable bridge/ hub), most blinds and curtain rails offer a motorised options; and many are surprisingly budget- friendly.

Chain

You can still have chains on suitable window coverings, they just have to meet safety regulations. For roller blinds and roman blinds, this can be a breakaway system (designed to break apart if pressure is applied), or a solid fixed chain fixed to the wall/ recess not lower than 1500mm/ 60inches from the floor. If it’s a day/ night blind or a vertical blind, the chain will be fixed.

Oddments

Some blinds are anomalies for control options- vertical blinds offer a rod control option, for example. You push/ pull the louvres across your window with the rod, and twist it to tilt the louvres.

The Luxaflex Sonnette blind offers a hybrid motorised option called SoftTouch. Simply push up/ pull down the rod to move the battery powered blind.

The main takeaway is there are multiple options available to operate your chosen blind/ curtains, and there is no window covering that does not offer an alternate to looped chains. Whoever you are buying from, please do talk to them about child safety.  

If you’re looking for new blinds, come and have a chat — we’ll help you stay safe and stylish.