Window blinds allow you to control the amount of natural light in a space. This can reduce eye strain and headaches due to too much glare.
Many families choose to replace corded window blinds with cordless models. Others start with windows in rooms where children spend most of their time, like bedrooms and living rooms.
1. Light Control
Window blinds let you control the amount of light that enters your house. They have slats that can be opened or closed to varying degrees, making them a more versatile option than shades, which typically only provide the option to open or close them completely. They are available in a range of materials including wood and vinyl to suit your budget and style.
They also have a number of features to enhance functionality, such as the ability to tilt them to adjust how much light enters your room and to block out sunlight. They are also easy to clean, usually only requiring the occasional wipe down or vacuuming.
Many window blinds have thin slats, which give them a delicate appearance. This type of window treatment works well in a casual setting or for young children’s bedrooms. Some slats can be opaque, while others can be transparent. Some models have a cordless system that is safe for children and pets. They can be controlled with a remote control or by voice.
Children who become tangled up in corded window blinds are at risk of suffocation. Despite the industry’s efforts to reduce this risk millions of blinds still have cords. Those with cords should be removed from homes with children or pets, and replaced with a safer option.
There are some families, however, who cannot afford to replace their existing window blinds with a safe alternative. These are mostly people who live in low-income areas, in subsidized housing and in apartments. They may not even be allowed to remove their original blinds. Safety campaigns and new standards are working to address this issue, but it’s not enough.
2. Privacy
Window blinds can be operated quickly and easily with buttons or sliders, unlike curtains that could get tangled. They can be controlled remotely by tapping on a smartphone screen. This is a great solution for busy moms that want to keep their children and pets safe when they are away at work or school.
Window blinds can also be used to increase privacy. They can be angled to let light in while blocking out sightlines. They are also available in different construction materials, which vary the level privacy. Some shades are sheer, allowing a clear view into the room. Others are darker and provide more privacy.
If you’re thinking of selling your home in the future, motorized blinds are a big plus for potential buyers. Smart home automation features have become increasingly popular. Having a house that is already equipped with these features makes it easier for potential buyers to get started with their own system.
A word of caution about built-in blinds: Although they are a convenient solution, they can limit your choices in color and style. They are also not as energy-efficient as windows with dual panes because they do not have an invisible gas such as Argon sealed between them. This could have a negative impact on your energy costs over the long term, so you should carefully consider your options before choosing this type of window covering.
3. Energy Efficiency
Window blinds have a major hidden benefit: They save energy. Closing window blinds during the day helps deflect sun-radiated heat from the home, lowering air conditioning use. They also help conserve energy during the winter by preventing heat loss through windows, which can happen even when the blinds are closed.
Unfortunately, many families can’t afford to replace their existing window custom blinds online with cordless ones. Some families may be forced to use corded window blinds until their children reach an older age, or they may not have the money to buy any window treatments. This is particularly true for families on a limited budget, including those who live in subsidized housing or rental properties.
The good news is that the window blinds industry is working to make corded products obsolete. The WCMA has created a Best for Kids program that only certifies products that are free of or have inaccessible outer cords, which is in line with CPSC recommendations. The organization’s Consumer Product Safety Commission has also been a big player, sharing details about specific child injuries with manufacturers to encourage new safeguards.
But these efforts are only a part of the solution. Millions of blinds still have cords that are accessible, and strangulations occur. While awareness campaigns and new standards help, they cannot overcome the fact that the most vulnerable families don’t have the means to replace their existing window blinds with safer alternatives. A provision in last year’s National Defense Authorization Act directed the Department of Defense to remove and replace window blinds with accessible cords from military housing, but that was only a start.
4. Style
Window blinds add a touch to style to any space. They come in a variety of styles, colors and materials to complement any decor. They can be tilted to block out the view, while still allowing light in. Or they can be closed for privacy. Window blinds are a great alternative to curtains for privacy and energy efficiency.
Unlike traditional window blinds with dangling cords, built-in window blinds eliminate the need for cords and offer convenience that is easy for anyone to use. They can be opened and closed with sliders, buttons or even the tap of a smartphone screen. This means they are not only safer for children and pets but are easier to operate than conventional window blinds. There are many different types of built-in window blinds, such as cellular shades, honeycomb shades, roller shades and pleated blinds.
In recent years, the window blind industry has been moving towards eliminating corded window treatments entirely. However, despite these precautions, strangulation injuries to children from cords still occur. The window blind industry also created a program called “Certified for Kids”, which only approves products that are cordless, or have cords that cannot be reached.
But for many families, this is not a possibility. Families living in rental or subsidized properties are the most vulnerable, as it is impossible to replace corded blinds with cordless ones. And the cost of replacing these older, more hazardous window blinds can be prohibitive. Many families can only afford to replace the windows in the rooms where their children spend most of their time, such as bedrooms and the living room.
5. Safety
Blinds are window coverings made of hard materials that can be customized to fit any decor. Blinds are available in a variety of sizes and can be tailored to fit your window perfectly. This provides more privacy and security compared to curtains or drapes which can easily slide or flutter when the wind blows.
Blinds for windows are safer, too, for children and pets. Blinds with cordless systems eliminate the risk of strangulation that can occur if a child gets tangled in a cord. Blinds without cords are easily operated by everyone in the household. They can be raised and lowered using a button or a wand.
While it is a big undertaking to replace or retrofit all of your window blinds with cordless models, start by replacing the blinds in the rooms where kids spend most of their time and work on the rest later. For those concerned with the cost, there are a number of companies that sell built-in blinds with a price tag that is comparable to other windows.
Unlike drapes and curtains that need to be steam cleaned periodically to keep them looking nice, window blinds are relatively dust-resistant and require very little maintenance. Many manufacturers offer a “seal-between-the glass” option that keeps blinds out of reach for curious hands and paws. These built-in blinds can be cleaned only once or twice per year, depending on the manufacturer. This can reduce the time and money that homeowners spend maintaining their window treatments. Adding window blinds can make any room feel more comfortable and secure, especially when there are young children or pets in the home.