In the United States, the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) established a nation-wide safety standard in 2018, requiring all cord and chain loop window coverings to be manufactured cordless or have inaccessible cords, as a measure to prevent fatal accidents to young children.
Before this, window blinds utilizing cords were widely sold and commonly used, but are now slowly becoming phased out in favor of safer and more child-friendly alternatives. Several US states, such as California and Illinois, have since introduced additional regulations to further strengthen the cumulative effect of cordless window coverings.
This has been reflected in a growing demand for easy-to-use, hassle-free cordless designs, and an increasingly wide variety of non-cord window coverings available on the market.
Why are there no corded blinds?
Corded blinds have become increasingly uncommon due to safety concerns. The potential dangers posed by cords and chains on blinds have been the subject of numerous reports and studies, highlighting the fact that these cords and chains can be potentially hazardous, especially to small children and pets.
These risks include children and pets becoming entangled in the cords and choking or even strangling as a result. The risk is considered to be especially high for window coverings that are located near the floor, where children and pets pass frequently and where entanglement is possible.
To eliminate these risks, various organizations such as the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Window Blind Safety Council, and the U. S. Access Board have issued guidelines and industry standards for cord and chain safety features on window coverings.
These industry standards discourage the use of corded blinds and call for blinds to be manufactured without any cords or chains. This has prompted many manufacturers to produce cordless blinds, which are generally considered to be safer and more aesthetically pleasing.
Cordless blinds are becoming increasingly popular due to their practicality, safety, and convenience. In addition to eliminating the potential safety hazards posed by cords and chains, they reduce the potential for entanglement and improve accessibility in homes and buildings.
Furthermore, cordless blinds offer easy adjustments, as they can be raised or lowered as desired without having to manually adjust the cords or chains. Finally, cordless blinds can be easier to install and maintain, as there is no need to route cords and chains through the window frame.
Why are all the blinds cordless?
The introduction of cordless blinds has revolutionized the window covering industry in many ways. Cordless blinds are an excellent choice for both commercial and residential applications as they provide a safer and more convenient product solution.
Cordless blinds are designed to be free of long and unattached cords, eliminating strangulation hazards and making the product more child-friendly. Additionally, cordless blinds offer a sleek and polished look, as the cords are often bulky and intrusive.
Cordless blinds also allow for smooth, effortless operation. Without cords, it is easy to open, close and adjust the blinds, which is an added benefit for taller or vaulted windows. This convenience makes cordless blinds particularly popular in commercial applications, as they can be widely used with minimal effort.
Finally, cordless blinds eliminate the need for daily maintenance associated with cords. Cords can become tangled or frayed over time, requiring more frequent maintenance and more expensive repairs. Cordless blinds can increase product longevity and reduce overall maintenance costs.
Overall, cordless blinds offer a safe, convenient and aesthetically pleasing solution for window coverings. They provide a child-friendly option, require minimal effort to operate, and eliminate the need for complicated maintenance.
Do corded blinds last longer than cordless?
Corded blinds typically last longer than cordless blinds due to the extra reinforcement of the cords providing additional support and stability to the window treatment. The weight of cordless blinds pulls the blinds down, causing them to wear more quickly.
The cords in corded blinds help reduce this pulling action and keep the blinds in their original shape for a longer period of time. In addition, the cords used to make corded blinds are more durable and tend to break less often than the hardware used for cordless blinds.
Finally, some cordless blinds may require additional parts that are exposed to more wear and tear, making them more prone to damage and wear out sooner than corded blinds.
How many years do vertical blinds last?
The longevity of a vertical blind depends on many factors, such as the quality of material used, the environment it is placed in, and the level of care it receives. Generally, high quality vertical blinds can last up to 8-10 years with proper care and maintenance.
However, average-quality vertical blinds can last from 4-7 years and low-quality vertical blinds usually last only 1-2 years. If you want to ensure your vertical blinds last as long as possible, keep the windows and blinds clean, dust them regularly, and avoid harsh chemicals or heavy cleaning products.
Additionally, it’s important to keep an eye out for any broken slats and nicks to the blinds and replace them as soon as possible. With proper care, maintenance, and regular replacement when needed, vertical blinds can last for many years.
How long do pleated shades last?
The longevity of a pleated shade is largely dependent on the type of fabric chosen, how well the shade is maintained, and the environment in which it’s installed. Generally, pleated shades made of high-quality materials like polyester, chenille, and solar fiber can last up to fifteen years with regular cleaning and proper maintenance.
Pleated shades made of wool may last up to ten years, while those made of cotton may last up to five years. Additionally, pleated shades installed in damp, humid climates may suffer more wear and tear than those installed in more moderate environments.
However, with proper care and regular maintenance, your pleated shades could last a long time.
Do cordless shades work well?
Yes, cordless shades are a great option for home or office styling. They offer a sleek and chic look that is often more aesthetically pleasing than traditional shades. They offer convenience as they can be operated with just the touch of a button.
This eliminates the need for bulky and unsightly cords which are associated with traditional shades. Cordless shades are also safer as they do not present a strangulation hazard like cords do. They can be operated with a remote, motor, or with a wand.
These shades are also energy efficient due to their ability to trap in heat during the winter and keep cool air in during the summer. The range of styles and colors makes it possible to customize the look of any room.
The ease of installation and low maintenance makes cordless shades an attractive choice for any home or office.
What is the difference between corded and cordless shades?
Corded shades are window coverings that are operated by a pull cord or by a continuous loop of cord that is connected to the bottom rail of the product and allows it to be opened and closed with a simple tug.
These shades can often be found in rental properties, as they are a popular, low-cost option for adding window treatments to a room. Corded shades are best for applications that do not require frequent adjustments, such as rooms with guests who will be using the window for a brief period of time.
Cordless shades are more sophisticated than corded shades, as they are operated without a pull cord. These window treatments use a mechanism embedded in the shade that lifts and lowers the material when pressure or movement is applied to the bottom rail.
They are best designed for homes with multiple people who frequently adjust their window treatments or in homes with children, as they are the safest option and do not pose any risk of strangulation.
Cordless shades are becoming increasingly popular because they offer a sleek design, improved convenience, and added safety.
How do you use Ultraglide Hunter Douglas?
Using Ultraglide Hunter Douglas is a great way to bring both beauty and convenience to your home. First, you can choose the type of shades to fit your style, needs, and budget. Whether you prefer honeycomb or roller shades, you have a variety of options to fit any space.
You can also get innovative upgrades like PowerView Motorization and Smart Shades that allow you to control your shades from your phone or with voice assistants. Installation is easy as most styles are cordless, making them perfect for pets and young children.
Once your shades have been installed, power up your smart shades and use the PowerView app to control your shades from anywhere. With the app, you can create customized scenes, group shades together by room, and schedule your shades to open and close according to your daily activities.
As an added bonus, your Hunter Douglas shades will even keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
When you’re ready to clean your Ultraglide Hunter Douglas shades, it couldn’t be easier! Simply wipe them down with a cloth and pour a small amount of warm water with mild soap onto the cloth. Then, gently rub the shades in an up-and-down motion to remove built-up dirt and dust.
For any major cleaning needs, contact your Hunter Douglas professional cleaner.
What do Silhouette blinds look like?
Silhouette blinds are elegant, timeless window treatments that feature two layers of sheer fabric. The front fabric layer appears opaque when closed, to provide privacy, but still allows natural light to filter through the room.
When open, the fabric is tucked up into the headrail and appears as soft semi-sheer vanes that gently adjust to allow varying levels of sunlight and UV protection. The fabric vanes are installed on the back of a single, sleek headrail, giving the blinds a classic, clean look with no exposed cords or dangling components.
The headrail also provides a resolution to any tricky window configurations and provides operation solutions for almost any space. With its distinctive look, the Silhouette blind is an exquisite window treatment for any home décor.
What is a silhouette shade?
A silhouette shade is a type of window shade that is made from a single fabric panel that is suspended from a headrail. The panel has a continuous loop lift cord on one side and a clutch or cord lock system on the other side.
It provides a modern look, good light control, insulation, and privacy. The fabric panel can be raised and lowered to seamlessly overlap the bottom of the window, and the sides of the panel can be pulled apart to regulate the natural light.
This makes the silhouette shade a great option for bedrooms and other privacy-focused spaces. The modern look also makes it a great choice for any room in the home. The range of fabrics, colors, and designs available also gives homeowners plenty of options to choose from to match their home décor.
Silhouette shade is easy to clean and maintain, with most fabrics able to be simply wiped down.
Can you operate motorized shades manually?
Yes, you can operate motorized shades manually. Motorized shades come with a manual override switch, so even if the power goes out in your home or if your remote or wall switch malfunctions, you can still operate the shades.
Most motorized shades are designed to be operated using a manual pull cord, rocker switch, or wall switch. Simply pull the cord or rocker switch or flip the wall switch in the direction that you would like the shades to move.
If you are having difficultly operating the shades, then check to see if the tab on the head rail is engaged or if the limit switch needs adjusting.
What kind of blinds last the longest?
The type of blinds that can last the longest are usually those made of wood, vinyl, or aluminum. Wood blinds have been known to last many years and can make a beautiful statement in any room. Vinyl blinds are an affordable option that also provide a good level of durability, while aluminum blinds are the most budget-friendly and offer a good level of strength and longevity.
When choosing blinds, it is important to consider their quality and the environment in which they are used. Blinds that are kept in high-moisture areas or exposed to direct sunlight may not last as long as those kept in more moderate conditions.
Additionally, cheap blinds may not last as long as their more expensive counterparts that are made with higher-quality materials.
Is it better to have cordless blinds?
Whether it is better to have cordless blinds depends on the situation and individual preference. Cordless blinds are a good choice if you want an airy, uncluttered look, as they do not have the pull-cords of other window covering styles.
Additionally, they are a safer option for families with young children or pets, as there are no cords that could be a hazard. Cordless blinds are also easier to operate than other blinds, since they use a wand-controlled spring mechanism.
On the other hand, cordless blinds limit the length of the coverage area, because the wand can only reach so far when lifting and lowering the blinds. Furthermore, cordless blinds can be more expensive than other types of window coverings.
Ultimately, it comes down to the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner.
How durable are cordless shades?
Cordless shades are extremely durable and can depend on the material in which they are made. Generally, cordless shades will last many years without issue, depending on how they are used and cared for.
For example, some materials such as faux wood and faux suede are good at resisting sun damage and fading over time. Other materials like fabric and honeycomb cell shades may require more maintenance and care, such as regularly dusting to prevent dirt build-up or using a vacuum on a low setting.
Additionally, keeping cordless shades clean, simple and dust-free is key to preserving their durability. If a cordless shade’s mechanisms become damaged, it’s best to replace the entire shade to ensure proper functioning and a longer lifespan.
How long do batteries last in Levolor blinds?
The life span of batteries in Levolor blinds depend on a few key factors. Firstly, the type of battery used for the particular blinds is important. The most common types are AA, AAA and C batteries, however other sizes may be used depending on the specific Levolor product.
Additionally, the type of usage and amount of usage will determine how long the batteries last. If you are using the blinds heavily, the batteries will need to be replaced more frequently than if the blinds are used periodically.
In general, it is recommended to replace the batteries every 6 months for optimal performance. Additionally, storing the batteries in a cool, dry place, limiting their exposure to dampness, and only using the required number of batteries specified by the manufacturer will all help to increase the lifespan of the battery.
If the blinds are not in regular use, and all other recommendations are followed, batteries should last between 1-2 years.
How do you replace slats on cordless blinds?
Replacing the slats on cordless blinds can be relatively simple, although it requires some patience and attention to detail. Before beginning the process, it’s important to purchase the correct replacement slats, ensuring they are the same size and material as the original.
To begin replacing the slats, carefully roll the blinds towards the top of the window and then release the cords to separate the blinds from the headrail. This can also be done by disconnecting any clips or cords attached to the headrail.
After the blinds have been released, the old slats should easily pull out of their headrail slots. Then, insert the new slats into their proper positions in the headrail from the bottom, pressing in the slats one-by-one.
When the new slats are in place, roll the blinds down to the bottom of the window and reattach the clips or cords to the headrail. Finally, ensure that all the new slats are properly in place before testing out the blinds to ensure they are working properly.
With proper care and maintenance, cordless blinds should last for many years.
