5 of the Best Child-Safe Window Coverings for Your Home

For homes with young children, cordless or inaccessible-cord window coverings are the safest choice. They remove the loose cords that create a strangulation risk. This makes them the clear starting point for any nursery, playroom, or bedroom.

The risk is serious. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that about nine children under age 5 die each year from strangling in corded window coverings. Start with childproofing your windows, then choose coverings built without accessible cords.

Even with the safest coverings, always monitor children around windows. No product replaces your attention.

Why Cordless Is the Safest Choice for Child-Safe Window Coverings

Cordless products stand apart because they remove the hazard instead of hiding it. Here is what the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has found.

• The CPSC reports about nine children under age 5 die each year from strangling in corded window coverings.

• From January 2009 through December 2021, the CPSC recorded more than 200 incidents involving children up to age 8. A child died in 48% of them.

• Cord strangulation is often silent. It can happen in moments, even with an adult nearby.

One point deserves emphasis. Cordless window coverings are the only option that eliminates the strangulation hazard. Every other step, such as shortening or tying up cords, only reduces the risk. That is why we recommend cordless as the default for any home with children.

What the Safety Standards Require

Federal safety standards now push the market toward cordless design. The ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2018 standard took effect December 15, 2018. It requires stock, off-the-shelf window coverings to be cordless or to have inaccessible cords or short cords of 8 inches or less. These stock products make up more than 80% of coverings sold in the U.S.

In November 2022, the CPSC extended the same requirements to custom window coverings. That closed a gap for made-to-order products.

When you shop, look for two signals:

• Products labeled "cordless."

• The Best for Kids certification, a third-party program from the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) launched in 2015. It identifies products best suited for homes with young children.

The Best for Kids label does not mean a product is fully safe. It means the product is best suited for homes with young children. Continue to supervise around every window.

How to Choose the Right Child-Safe Window Coverings

These five picks are the safest among the many types of window treatments for homes with children. Use this quick guide to match your top need to the best option.

• Lowest budget: cordless roller shades.

• Easiest daily use: motorized shades.

• Best insulation and energy savings: cordless cellular shades.

• Most premium look: interior shutters.

• Softest, most decorative feel: curtains.

Prices below are approximate installed, whole-home estimates. To compare more options, review window treatment costs before you buy.

Cordless Cellular Shades

Cellular shades use honeycomb pockets that trap air. This helps hold heat in winter and block it in summer. The cordless design lifts from the bottom rail, so there are no loose cords for a child to reach.

• Best for: Rooms where insulation and energy savings matter, like nurseries and bedrooms.

• Main safety benefit: No cords. You lift and lower from the bottom rail.

• Tradeoffs: They cost more than basic shades and show wear over time.

• Approx. installed cost: About $1,375 for a whole home.

• Installation note: A professional blind installer near you can measure each window and mount the shades level.

Cordless Roller Shades

Roller shades give you a clean, modern look at the lowest cost of these five options. The cordless versions use spring tension, so there are no cords to dangle. Set that tension correctly for smooth, safe operation.

• Best for: Budget-focused homes that still want a simple, modern look.

• Main safety benefit: Cordless spring tension, so no dangling cords.

• Tradeoffs: A child who tugs the fabric can make the shade snap up fast.

• Approx. installed cost: About $1,100 for a whole home.

• Installation note: Set the spring tension correctly so the shade holds its position.

Interior Shutters

Interior shutters give a premium, built-in look with no cords. The panels attach at the sides, and you tilt the adjustable louvers to control light. They come in a variety of styles, so confirm fit and swing direction before install.

• Best for: Homes that want a premium, built-in look.

• Main safety benefit: Cord-free. Panels attach at the sides with adjustable louvers.

• Tradeoffs: A panel swung into the room can bump a child's head.

• Approx. installed cost: About $2,700 for a whole home.

• Installation note: Confirm the swing direction so open panels stay clear of walkways.

Curtains

Curtains add softness and color, complementing your décor without any cords. Because the rods carry real weight, secure anchoring is the key safety step.

• Best for: Soft, decorative rooms where you want warmth and color.

• Main safety benefit: No cords at all.

• Tradeoffs: Rods and tiebacks need secure anchoring to stay safe.

• Approx. installed cost: About $2,950 for a whole home.

• Installation note: Anchor rods to wall studs, not just drywall.

Motorized Shades

Motorized shades give you the easiest daily use. You control them with a remote or app, and there are no cords at all. Many models offer open and close alerts, so you know when a shade moves.

• Best for: Easy daily use and hard-to-reach windows.

• Main safety benefit: No cords. You control them by remote or app.

• Tradeoffs: They cost more and need power or charged batteries.

• Approx. installed cost: About $2,575 for a whole home.

• Installation note: Choose models with optional open and close alerts for added awareness.

How to Make Older Corded Blinds Safer

If you still have corded blinds, these steps reduce the risk. They do not remove it. The only way to eliminate the hazard is to switch to cordless products.

• Replace corded coverings with cordless products. The CPSC advises replacing window blinds made before November 2000 right away, because their inner cords can be pulled into a loop.

• Move cribs, beds, furniture, and toys away from windows and cords.

• Shorten pull cords, use cord stops, and anchor continuous-loop cords to the wall or floor.

The Window Covering Safety Council now recommends replacing corded coverings with cordless products. Treat replacement as the goal and the other steps as short-term protection.