Blinds are a popular choice of window covering, with many people installing them in homes across the UK. Not only are they very stylish but they offer fantastic light control and privacy. However, it’s vital to prioritise safety when it comes to blinds, especially if you have children or pets. In this article, we’ve provided some key blinds safety advice – read on to find out how to keep your living space safe whilst enjoying the many benefits of these window treatments.

5 tips for safe blinds use

Choose cordless blinds

Cordless blinds are the safest choice for your home. This is because cords can present a real strangulation risk, especially for young children. They can form loops that can become tangled around their necks whilst they’re playing, leading to strangulation in some cases. Cordless blinds or those with built-in cordless mechanisms are a better option. They can be operated by hand, using a wand or even a remote control in the case of motorised blinds, removing the need for hazardous cords.

Keep cords out of reach

If you do have corded blinds, it’s important to ensure they’re out of reach of children. One way to do this is by using cord cleats. Attach them to the wall on either side of the window and wrap the cords around them, keeping them tied neatly up so that little hands can’t reach them. Cord tensioners keep cords taut and out of reach. They are normally made of plastic and consist of a small mechanism with a wheel or spool. The cord threads through the tensioner, allowing you to adjust the tension and keep the cord securely in place.

Install blinds properly

Installing blinds properly is essential for safety. If you’ll be installing them yourself, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly. Securely mount them, ensuring that children or pets can’t pull them down easily. We recommend hiring a professional fitter to install your blinds for you. This will ensure that they are installed in accordance with the necessary safety standards.

Carry out regular inspections and maintenance

Whilst blinds are arguably one of the most low-maintenance window coverings on the market, carrying out regular inspections is essential to ensure they remain safe over time. Check for signs of wear and tear, including broken or loose parts, damaged mechanisms or frayed cords. You should repair or replace any faulty components as soon as possible.

Teach children to use blinds safely

One of the best pieces of blinds safety advice we can give you is to teach your children to use blinds safely. Educate them about the potential dangers of these window coverings, letting them know what can happen if they play with cords. By making them aware of the risks that blinds pose, they will be more likely to act responsibly around them, reducing the chance of accidents and injuries occurring.

Buy blinds from a reputable supplier

When buying blinds for your home, it’s important to source them from a reputable supplier. This will provide you with reassurance that they have been made to a high standard and in accordance with the latest health and safety laws. When you buy blinds from UKBlinds Direct, you can rest assured that they have been designed and made to be as safe as possible, helping to reduce the risk of harm to children and pets in your home.

What are the laws surrounding blinds?

In the UK, there are laws in place to ensure that blinds are safe and minimise the risk of accidents, particularly those involving cords. Regulations aim to reduce the risk of strangulation and injuries to young children. Since 2014, the British and European Standards (BS EN 13120) have required that blinds are made without accessible cords. If they have cords, they must include appropriate safety devices, such as tensioners or cleats, which help to keep them out of reach of children.

In 2018, further regulations were introduced to further improve safety standards for blinds. The “Make It Safe” campaign, which is led by the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA), promotes awareness of cord safety and encourages the use of cordless blinds or blinds with built-in safety features.

Buy blinds in Sheffield or Rotherham

Now you’ve read our blinds safety advice, you may be looking to buy cordless blinds in Sheffield or Rotherham. If so, look no further than UKBlinds Direct. Our blinds are manufactured to a very high standard and with the latest safety regulations in mind. We have a fantastic range of cordless blinds, with various styles, designs and colours to choose from.

Our blinds are made to measure for your windows, ensuring they fit perfectly. One of our experienced blind fitters will visit your home and carry out accurate measurements to ensure a flawless finish. Whether you’re looking for luxurious Roman blinds for the living room, durable roller blinds for the kitchen or blackout blinds for the bedroom, we can assist. We can supply you with the perfect blinds for your home.

At UK Blinds Direct, we take safety incredibly seriously when supplying and fitting blinds for our customers. We fully understand the risks posed by these window coverings, especially for households with young children and pets. That’s why we ensure that all blinds are either cordless or fitted with safety devices. Talk to our team if you require more blinds safety advice.

Contact us

To buy blinds in Sheffield or Rotherham, get in touch with the team at UKBlinds Direct. You can reach us by phoning 01709 801616 or 0114 419 0237 or by sending us a message via our website. We’re on hand to discuss your requirements with you and arrange your free home visit.