Making the Right, Child Safe, Window Fashion Decision

When selecting the perfect child-safe window coverings for the home there’s a lot to consider. It begins with deciding what product represents the best fit for privacy, light control and functionality. There are many options to consider and it can be overwhelming.

Light Control & Privacy

If ease of control from light control to privacy is desired then perhaps a wood blind or shutter is the best option. Both products have louvers or slats that can open to let natural light in while maintaining a relatively clear view to the outdoors. When the slats are closed there’s complete privacy and substantial blockage of natural light.

Clear Views

If having the ability to have a clear and open view is important, then a shade may be the best bet. Shades bring an elegant softness to the window when in the down or private position but will almost disappear at the top of the window when fully raised at times that sun control and privacy are not a concern.

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are among the most popular choices due to the softness and significant color palette. There are hundreds of colors to choose from and even the boldest of colors are neutral to the street side to maintain curb appeal.

Cellular shades are offered in a wide variety of fold sizes and opacities from sheer to light filtering privacy to room darkening. And are among the most energy efficient shades available.

Roller Shades

Another great choice is roller shades which have become among the most popular product due to the endless variety of materials, textures, patterns and opacities. Roller shade materials are available in solar materials that reduce glare, damaging UV rays and temperature transfer while maintaining a soft diffused view to the outdoors. Or you can select from a seemingly endless assortment of light filtering or room darkening fabrics when more privacy and light control is desired.

Roman Shades and Natural Shades

The shade category also includes the timeless beauty and elegance of roman shades. Roman shades are constructed from drapery material in hundreds of colors, patterns and tone on tones for a rich and more formal décor or as a natural woven shade for a more warm and cozy mood for the room. Natural shades are made from hand woven natural materials like grasses, jute and reeds. Regardless of the type, roman shades provide privacy and light control while in the down position but raise in soft folds when lifted for view. However, if as much open glass is desired when in the raised position, roman shades may not be the best decision as the material folds will cover more of the open view than other shade choices.

Privacy and Light Control With a Softer Look

Layered Shade

But what if the privacy and light control of a blind and the soft look of a shade is the right solution? That brings us to our next category, Shadings. There are two products in this category and both feature the functionality of a blind combined with the softness and elegance of a shade. Let’s start with the Layered Shade.  Layered shades offer a modern look with their alternating bands of sheer and opaque fabrics. When open, the layers align allow light through the sheer material. When closed the bands diffuse the light and offer privacy. When desired, the material will be completely concealed into the cassette headrail.

Sheer Shade

The other shading option is the Sheer Shade. This innovative shade easily transitions from sheer, with a soft diffused view, to private or room dimming depending on the material chosen. Sheer Shades combine the beauty of fabric shades with the functionality of conventional blinds. Like the Layered Shade, these shades can roll up into a sleek cassette headrail when a full and open view is desired. Both the Layered and Sheer Shade offer a significant reduction of damaging UV rays that can damage flooring and furniture.

Child and Pet Safety Considerations for Window Coverings

But there’s another very important consideration. Is what’s selected child and pet safe? Many people aren’t aware that the cords used to lift a blind or shade can be a hazard to children and pets. The window fashions industry has worked very closely with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ensure that window fashions meet strict guidelines to reduce the risk of injury.

Made in the Shade of Auburn is committed to not only make homes beautiful but to ensure that the products we install in a home are safe for the family. That commitment is evident with our offering of products certified as best for kids. Afterall, we have a family too.

Cordless operation is available on almost every product allowing ease of operation without the hazard and unsightliness of lift cords. For the ultimate in safety and operation, every product can be motorized. And no wiring is necessary. Motorization is an affordable option that has gained tremendous popularity over the past several years. It can be as basic as a remote control or wall switch or can be configured as an addition to an existing home automation set up.