In recent years many product safety standards have changed drastically. Right now, the window treatment industry is undergoing a significant transformation when it comes to safety.
As of June 1, 2024, a new law will come into effect that effectively eliminates hanging cords from all window treatments. This regulation is aimed at enhancing safety in homes, particularly for children, by addressing the risks posed by free-hanging cords.
At Bartlett Blinds, we are committed to ensuring our customers are well-informed and prepared for these changes.
If this is your first time hearing of these changes, keep reading to learn more about these new product safety standards for window treatments.
Understanding the New Regulations
The Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have updated the safety standard, ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022. This revised standard mandates that all window coverings sold in the United States must be either cordless or have cords that are inaccessible or very short. This applies to both stock and custom window treatments.
The compliance date for this new regulation is June 1, 2024, although many companies, including ours, began implementing these changes ahead of the required date.
Why the Change?
The primary driver behind this regulation is safety.
Each year, about nine children are reported to be injured due to free hanging cords on window treatments. By eliminating these cords, the risk of such accidents is significantly reduced, making homes safer for children and pets.
What Do These Product Changes Mean for You?
As a homeowner or business owner, you might be wondering how these changes will impact your window treatment choices.
Here are a few key points to consider:
- Increased Safety: The elimination of hanging cords will make your living spaces safer, particularly for homes with young children or pets.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Cordless window treatments offer a sleek and clean look, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your space.
- Accessibility Considerations: While cordless blinds and shades are safer and visually appealing, they may require you to physically reach near the top of the window treatment to operate it. This could be challenging for hard-to-reach windows, such as those over a kitchen sink, above a desk, or high transom windows.
Solutions for Hard-to-Reach Windows
For windows that are difficult to access, there are a couple of solutions to consider:
- Motorized Window Treatments: Motorized blinds and shades provide a convenient and effortless way to operate window treatments, especially for hard-to-reach areas. While they may add to the initial cost, the convenience and safety benefits they offer are substantial.
- Continuous Loop Controls: Some window treatments will still be available with continuous loop controls that are securely cleated to the window trim. However, this option may not be available for all products, so it’s important to explore all available options.
How Bartlett Blinds Can Help with Your Cordless Window Treatments
At Bartlett Blinds, we are dedicated to helping you navigate these new product safety changes and find the best custom window treatment solutions for your home or business. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the process, offering personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences.
We offer various cordless and motorized custom window treatments, ensuring you have access to the latest innovations in window covering safety and design. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing window treatments or need an installation for a brand new home or business, we have the expertise and products to meet your requirements.
To learn more about how these new regulations impact you and to explore your window treatment options, reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts.
