The Hidden Dangers in Your Home: Why Boston Families Are Making the Switch to Cordless Roman Shades

For Boston families with young children, window treatments represent more than just home décor—they’re a critical safety consideration that can mean the difference between a beautifully appointed home and a dangerous environment. With about nine children age 5 and younger dying every year from strangulation in window blinds, shades, draperies and other window coverings with cords, the choice between cordless and corded Roman shades has become increasingly clear for safety-conscious parents in the Greater Boston area.

The Stark Reality of Window Covering Safety

The statistics surrounding corded window coverings are sobering. At least 440 children ages 8 and under have been strangled to death by corded window coverings since 1973, according to an NBC News investigation. Even more concerning, when children become entangled, strangulation can occur in less than a minute, and window cord strangulation is often silent, so parents or caregivers nearby may not realize that a tragedy is unfolding.

Boston’s own public health officials recognize this danger. A child dies every month due to window cover cord strangulation. If you have or care for children under the age of 10, take these action steps to keep them safe, advises the City of Boston’s injury prevention program.

Understanding Cordless Roman Shades: Safety Meets Style

Cordless Roman Shades can be lifted and lowered without the use of cords or strings. Instead, they use a tension lock mechanism in their headrail that allows you to raise or lower the shade by pulling on a metal ring sewn to the back of the fabric. This innovative design eliminates the primary strangulation hazard while maintaining the elegant aesthetic that makes Roman shades so popular among Boston homeowners.

The safety benefits extend beyond just eliminating cords. Cordless window blinds are engineered with child safety in mind. Their cordless design eliminates the risk of entanglement that corded blinds may pose, making them a safer option for homes with children or pets. Additionally, cordless blinds eliminate dangling cords to give you a sleek, symmetrical look to your blinds. This is one of the main reasons people choose them over corded configurations.

The Convenience Factor: Why Boston Families Love Cordless

Beyond safety, cordless Roman shades offer significant convenience advantages that busy Boston families appreciate. With cordless blinds and shades, you’ll have no more untangling knotted cords and trying to keep your pulley system out of the way. Leaning around the counter to try and access that cord that’s just barely out of reach will no longer be a part of your daily struggle. Instead, you can easily adjust your new shades one-handed — to the perfect height, every time.

For families with multiple windows, the convenience factor becomes even more pronounced. Layering is much easier with cordless blinds and shades. There is nothing to get in the way of opening and closing your window treatment — all the parts of your maneuvering systems are manufactured within the blind or shade.

When Corded Roman Shades Still Make Sense

While cordless options are clearly safer, there are specific situations where corded Roman shades might still be considered. Corded blinds can be great for certain situations. Some windows are very high, meaning you wouldn’t be able to reach cordless blinds when fully retracted. In these situations, the cord system eliminates this problem, and makes it so that you can always control your blinds.

However, even in these scenarios, both the CPSC and the Window Covering Safety Council, an industry coalition, urge consumers to use cordless products in homes with young children. For high windows, motorized options often provide the best solution, combining the safety of cordless operation with the convenience of remote control.

Mohawk Shade & Blind: Boston’s Trusted Window Treatment Experts

When it comes to selecting the right window treatments for your family’s safety and style needs, working with experienced local professionals makes all the difference. Mohawk Shade & Blind is Boston’s trusted expert in custom shades, blinds, and motorized solutions in Boston, MA. Since 1986, we’ve been crafting window solutions that transform houses into homes. Industry veterans committed to making your vision a reality since 1986.

Located in Cambridge, Mohawk Shade & Blind Inc. is a locally owned and operated company with over 30+ years of industry experience. We offer a variety of commercial and residential window covering installs. We specialize in blinds, shades and indoor shutter installation. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

For families specifically interested in Roman Shades Boston options, Mohawk Shade & Blind offers expert guidance on both cordless and motorized solutions that prioritize child safety without compromising on style.

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

The decision between cordless and corded Roman shades shouldn’t be difficult for Boston families with children. CPSC is advising consumers to buy and install cordless window coverings (labeled as cordless) in all rooms where a child may be present. Cordless products are available at most major retailers and online including inexpensive options.

Boston’s public health recommendations are equally clear: Buy cordless window blinds and always check for a “Best for Kids” certification on other kinds of coverings. When buying custom window products ask to make them cordless.

If immediate replacement isn’t possible, CPSC recommends the following safety steps: Eliminate any dangling cords by making the pull cords as short as possible, and consider retrofit options while planning for a complete upgrade to cordless solutions.

The Bottom Line: Safety First, Style Always

For Boston families, the choice between cordless and corded Roman shades is ultimately about prioritizing what matters most: the safety of your children. If safety is a priority for smaller family members, cordless blinds are the best option. If safety is a priority for smaller family members, cordless blinds are the best option.

With cordless Roman shades, you don’t have to sacrifice style for safety. Modern cordless mechanisms provide the same elegant functionality as traditional corded versions while eliminating the strangulation risk that has claimed hundreds of young lives. For Boston families ready to make the switch, consulting with local experts like Mohawk Shade & Blind ensures you’ll find the perfect solution that keeps your children safe while enhancing your home’s beauty and comfort.