For parents and pet owners, ensuring the safety of children and pets is always a top priority. Common household hazards like sharp objects or chemicals are usually the first things that come to mind. However, one frequently overlooked danger is corded shades. They might appear harmless, but they can actually pose a serious threat to children and pets.
What are the hidden dangers of corded shades?
Every year, heartbreaking incidents occur where young children and pets are injured or even strangled by shade cords. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), these accidents often happen when toddlers are left unattended and accidentally become entangled while playing. Pets are also at risk—curious cats and playful dogs may chew on or tug at the cords, which can lead to serious injuries or even fatal accidents.
What Safety Standards Should You Know?
To address the growing number of accidents, the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) introduced the ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2018 standard. This set of guidelines was created to help manufacturers reduce the risk of strangulation and improve safety. Here are some key aspects of the ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2018 standard:
Eliminating Long Cords: Traditional long cords pose a strangulation hazard. Modern designs keep cords as short as possible or eliminate them to enhance safety.
Cordless Operation: Many shades now feature cordless designs, removing the risk of dangling cords. (At Curtarra, all our shades are cordless for a safer, cleaner look.)
Built-in Safety Devices: For shades that still require cords, built-in safety features like cord tensioners or cleats keep cords securely in place, preventing them from hanging loosely.
By choosing shades that follow these safety standards, you can greatly reduce hazards in your home and keep your kids and pets out of harm’s way.
Why Choose Cordless Shades or Motorized Shades?
First and foremost, cordless and motorized shades are a safer, more convenient upgrade to traditional corded shades.
Curtarra custom cordless shades are a great option for families with kids and pets. At Curtarra, our cordless shades use a built-in spring system that lets you adjust them by simply pulling the fabric—no cords, no hassle. This design removes the safety risks of traditional corded shades while making them easier to use.
Beyond safety, cordless shades also give your home a clean, modern look. Without cords hanging down, your space feels tidier and more put together. If you’ve ever dealt with corded shades, you know how frustrating they can be—the slow process of pulling them up all the way, especially when you're in a rush.
With cordless shades, it’s a whole different experience. Just lift the fabric with your hand or a wand, and the shade moves smoothly into place. Simple, convenient, and worry-free.
Curtarra motorized shades make everyday life easier while keeping your home safer. With a remote or smartphone, you can adjust your shades effortlessly without the need for cords. If you use a smart home system, our motorized shades are fully compatible and can connect directly or through a hub to voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This means you can open or close your shades with a simple voice command.
Besides keeping your home safer, motorized shades let you control them from anywhere. Whether you're lounging on the couch or relaxing in bed, you can adjust them with the push of a button—no need to get up. It’s a simple upgrade that makes life easier and more comfortable.
At Curtarra, we guarantee that all our products meet the ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2018 standard. If you have kids or pets at home and are looking for shades, don’t hesitate—check out our safe and convenient custom shades today!
