Choosing child and pet safe window furnishings

Curtains

Curtains are sometimes drawn open and closed by cords. If you’re choosing these for a family home, consider installing a cleat for the cord to be wrapped around, and secure it out of reach of small children. Safer options are to open and close them by hand, or choose a wand or motorised operation to keep them easy to use while protecting the fabric.

Roller blinds

Roller blinds offer several safe operating options. Every chain-controlled blind can be fitted with a chain tensioner at no extra cost. You can also remove hanging chains altogether and choose our cordless Zero Gravity control that operate with a gentle lift or pull of the bottom rail, or motorisation.

Roman blinds

Roman blinds operate via a series of cords attached to the back of the blind, so we make ours with child safety clips. We recommend chain control with a chain tensioner rather than cord control. Every Russells roman blind also includes quick release clips as standard. For the highest level of convenience and safety choose motorisation.

Vertical blinds

Vertical blinds include several safety features. Chain controlled systems can be fitted with a chain tensioner at no extra cost. A wand operation, sewn in weights and removing the linking chains all provide additional peace of mind for homes with children and pets.

Elegance Shades

Elegance Shades are designed without chains linking the individual panes of the shade. Choosing the wand operation gives you a simple, child and pet safe solution that’s easy to use every day. We also offer Elegance Shades with the same cord and chain system as our verticals, but these can both be locked against the wall with tensioners.

Shutters

Shutters are an excellent choice for family homes. They fit neatly within the window frame and don’t use chains or cords, creating a clean, practical finish that works beautifully in a home with kids or pets

What about venetian blinds?

Our venetian blinds do use cord controls, so placement and installation are important if you want these in your home. Perhaps consider them for higher windows where cords stay out of reach of children and pets. Also, keeping cords as short as possible and securing them around the cleat helps maintain a safer environment.

We’re here to help

Every home is different. If child or pet safety is a priority, book your free in-home consultation and we’ll come to you to help you consider your options. We’ll recommend the best operating system for your chosen product and make sure you understand all the safety features available before installation.

How to measure for roller blinds

Roller blinds follow the same approach as Venetians, with the diagonal check used for inside mounts to confirm the window is square.

Inside mount

• Measure the depth of the casing, then the width in three places (use the narrowest) and the height in three places (use the longest).

• Measure diagonally in both directions. If the measurements are not equal, go for an outside mount.

Outside mount

• Measure the width including the frame and add about 7.5cm to each side for light control and privacy.

• Measure the height from the top of the frame to the bottom or sill, and add about 7 to 8cm above for the mounting area.

Why precise measurements matter

We cannot stress enough how important it is to be precise. Even a small miscalculation can have a noticeable effect on how the blind looks and works. If you are still choosing between styles, our guide on choosing between curtains and blinds can help you decide. To take the risk out of measuring, request a free in-home consultation and we will measure up and talk you through the options.