Choosing Blinds and the Cord Safety Rules

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Choosing Blinds and the Cord Safety Rules

Blind types, measuring inside or outside the recess, blackout and child safety

Blinds suit windows where curtains would get in the way, and one aspect of them is a genuine safety matter rather than a preference.

Looped cords and chains are a strangulation risk

Young children have died from blind cords, and safety regulations in the UK and EU require blinds sold for domestic use to be supplied with safety devices — breakaway connectors, cleats or tensioners.

Fit the safety device, keep cords short and out of reach, and never place a cot, bed or sofa where a child could reach a cord.

Cordless, spring-operated and motorised blinds remove the hazard entirely and are the sensible choice in any room a child uses.

Measuring

Decide first whether the blind sits inside the recess or outside it. Inside gives a neat look and measures the narrowest width at three points. Outside covers the frame, blocks more light and should overlap by several centimetres each side.

Measure in millimetres, measure twice, and check whether the supplier makes a deduction for clearance.

Types

Rollers are simple and cheap. Venetians allow light control by angle and collect dust. Verticals suit wide windows and patio doors. Romans look like fabric curtains and stack above the glass.

Blackout

A blackout fabric still lets light in around the edges, so a full blackout needs an outside-recess fit with generous overlap, or a side channel system.

Kitchens and bathrooms

Choose moisture-resistant fabrics or faux wood rather than real wood, which warps. Keep fabric blinds away from hobs, since they are a fire risk.

Cleaning

Dust venetians with a duster or a microfibre cloth regularly, since they collect a surprising amount. Roller and roman fabrics can usually be sponged gently, and few are machine washable.

Check the care instructions before wetting anything, since many blind fabrics have a stiffening finish that water removes.

Insulation

A blind fitted close to the glass reduces heat loss noticeably, and thermal or honeycomb blinds do more. Fitted inside the recess with minimal gaps works best.

Motorised blinds

Battery or mains powered, and they remove cords entirely, which is the safest option in a child's room. Check how the battery is recharged and how long it lasts, since a blind needing a stepladder to charge gets left.

Check the blind works manually if the power or the app fails.

Blinds and curtains together

A blind for privacy and light control with curtains for warmth and softness suits most rooms, and it is what people usually end up doing anyway.

Fitting

Fix into the frame or into masonry with appropriate anchors, and check for cables and pipes above a window before drilling.

WHERE TO BUY

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