A parent’s guide to safer window coverings
As a parent, you quickly develop a superpower: the ability to spot danger in the most innocent of places. Coffee table corners become jagged weapons, stairs transform into treacherous mountains, and that innocent-looking potted plant? A dirt buffet waiting to happen.
But amidst the baby-proofing frenzy—the corner guards, the stair gates, and the cupboard locks—there’s one area that often gets overlooked until it’s too late: the windows.
Windows are naturally fascinating to children. They are portals to the outside world, offering glimpses of birds, bin lorries, and the neighbour’s cat illuminated in natural light. However, the coverings we dress them in can pose genuine risks. Cords, chains, and flimsy fabrics are, frankly, a bit of a nightmare for curious little hands.
At Lifestyle Shutters & Blinds, we’ve seen enough window dressings to know what works and what wobbles. And the question we get asked constantly by sleep-deprived, safety-conscious parents is: “Are shutters actually child-safe?”
The short answer? Yes. In fact, they might just be the safest option on the market. But let’s not just leave it at that. Let’s dive into why shutters are the superhero of window coverings and how they can keep your little explorers safe (and your home looking fantastic).
Are shutters inherently child-safe?
When you’re designing a nursery or updating a family living room, you want peace of mind. You want to know that if you turn your back for three seconds to rescue a burning piece of toast, your child isn’t getting into trouble with the blinds.
This is where plantation shutters really shine.
The beauty of going cordless
The biggest hazard associated with traditional blinds is the operating cord. To a toddler, a dangling loop isn’t a mechanism; it’s a lasso, a necklace, or a lead for their imaginary dog. Tragically, unsafe blinds and their cords have been linked to entanglement accidents far too often.
Shutters, by their very nature, are cord-free. They don’t rely on strings or chains to function. You simply tilt the louvres (slats) with a rod or your hand, and swing the panels open or closed. By removing the loop, you remove the primary risk. It’s a simple design victory that makes a massive difference to safety.
Sturdy and toddler-proof
Let’s be honest: children are destructive. They pull, they climb, and they swing. Curtains can be pulled down (taking the pole with them), and aluminium venetian blinds can be bent out of shape in seconds.
Shutters are essentially solid furniture for your windows. They are fixed securely into the window recess. A toddler tugging on a shutter panel isn’t going to bring the whole thing crashing down. They are robust, durable, and designed to withstand the “enthusiastic” handling of family life.
The ‘Make It Safe’ campaign to promote window blind safety
We take safety seriously, aligning with the British Blind and Shutter Association’s (BBSA) ‘Make It Safe’ campaign. This initiative pushes for safer window treatments across the UK. Shutters tick almost every box on their safety checklist straight out of the box because they eliminate the need for dangerous loops and loose cords.
Enhancing shutter safety
While shutters are inherently safer than most alternatives, we can take things a step further. At Lifestyle Shutters & Blinds, we believe in a “belt and braces” approach when it comes to kids. Here is how you can optimise your shutters for the nursery or playroom.
Integrated room-darkening blinds
Sleep is precious. If your child sleeps, you sleep. If you sleep, you are a functioning human being. It’s simple maths.
Standard shutters are great at filtering light, but for total darkness (essential for those mid-day naps), we can install integrated room-darkening blinds. These sit snugly behind the shutter frame in a honeycomb channel, eliminating light bleed. Not only does this create a cave-like environment for sleep, but the blind itself is cordless and encased, adding another layer of safety.
Locks and catches
Curiosity didn’t just kill the cat; it also opened the window. If you have sash windows or low-level openings, you might worry about your child swinging the shutters open and accessing the window latch.
We can install button catches or even key locks on the shutter panels. This means the shutters stay firmly closed unless you decide otherwise. It adds an extra barrier between your child and the glass, which is especially comforting in upstairs bedrooms.
Window restrictors
While not part of the shutter itself, we always recommend pairing your installation with window opening restrictors. Shutters are sturdy, but they do open! A restrictor ensures that even if the shutter is opened, the window behind it can only open a few inches—enough for fresh air, but not enough for an escape attempt.
Shutters vs. other window coverings
How do shutters stack up against the competition in the safety Olympics?
Shutters vs. curtains
Curtains seem soft and harmless, but they have downsides.
- The climbing risk: Floor-length curtains are essentially a climbing rope for an adventurous toddler.
- The hiding game: Kids love hiding behind curtains. While cute, it’s easy for them to get tangled or pull heavily on the fabric, potentially dislodging the rail.
- Dust magnets: For children with allergies, heavy fabric curtains trap dust and mites. Shutters wipe clean in seconds.
Shutters vs. window blinds (Venetian/Roller/Roman)
- The cord issue: As mentioned, many older style blinds rely on cords. Even with safety cleats (which you must use!), there is still a risk if a cleat breaks or a cord is left dangling.
- Durability: A roller blind can be yanked off its brackets. Slatted blinds can be snapped. Shutters are framed and fixed.
- Accessibility: A child can easily lift a roller blind to get to the window. A locked shutter creates a physical barrier.
Additional child safety considerations
When you’re looking into baby safe window coverings, the product is only half the story. The installation matters just as much.
The importance of professional installation for child safe blinds and shutters
You wouldn’t let your neighbour’s cousin fix your car brakes, so don’t risk a DIY job on heavy window dressings in a child’s room.
At Lifestyle Shutters & Blinds, our installers are trained professionals. We don’t just screw things to the wall; we assess the substrate (what the wall is made of) to ensure the fixings are rock solid. We ensure there are no gaps, no loose parts, and that everything functions smoothly. If a toddler decides to use the shutter as a support to pull themselves up, you need to know it’s staying put.
Material matters
For playrooms and sticky-finger zones, we often recommend high-quality vinyl or faux wood shutters. Why? Because they are incredibly robust and waterproof. If your budding artist decides the shutter is a canvas for their crayon masterpiece, or if a juice box explodes nearby, these materials wipe clean without warping or staining. They are also non-toxic and chip-resistant.
Smooth edges
Have you ever grazed your arm on the sharp edge of a metal venetian blind? It hurts. Shutters are finished with smooth, rounded edges and multiple coats of paint or stain. There are no sharp metal components or rough timber edges to cause scrapes and scratches.
Involve the kids!
Okay, maybe don’t let them handle the power drill, but involving children in the choice of colour can be fun. If they feel like the shutters are “theirs,” they might treat them with a little more respect. Plus, with our colour matching service (we can match Farrow & Ball and other top brands), you can have shutters that match their favourite dinosaur or unicorn bedding without ruining the kerb appeal of your home.
FAQ
Are shutters an easy cleaning option?
Incredibly easy. Unlike curtains that need dry cleaning or blinds that act as dust traps, shutters just need a quick wipe with a feather duster or a damp cloth. This is great for keeping allergens down in a child’s bedroom.
Can shutters be motorised for added safety?
Absolutely. We offer motorised blinds and shutters. This removes the need for physical handling of the shutters, which can be useful for hard-to-reach windows, though the manual operation of standard shutters is already very safe.
Do shutters offer privacy and security benefits?
Yes. You can tilt the louvres to let light in while blocking the view from the street. This is great for nurseries facing the road. Furthermore, when fully closed and latched, they act as an additional visual and physical deterrent to the outside world.
Are painted shutters safe for children?
All our shutters are finished with high-quality, non-toxic paints and stains that are cured to ensure durability. They won’t chip easily, meaning no paint flakes on the floor.
Are there any ways of making existing blinds safer?
Yes, there are several ways to improve the safety of existing blinds. One effective method is to eliminate any dangling cords, as they can pose a strangulation hazard, especially for young children and pets.
Cordless blinds or blinds with built-in cord safety features are excellent alternatives. Additionally, installing cord cleats, tensioners or other child safety devices can help secure loose cords out of reach. Regularly inspecting your blinds for wear and tear and repairing or replacing damaged components is also crucial to maintaining their safety.
Conclusion
So, are shutters child-safe? We’d argue they are the gold standard. They remove the risks of cords, they withstand the rough and tumble of family life, and they provide excellent light control for those all-important naps.
They are an investment in your home’s value, yes, but more importantly, they are an investment in your peace of mind. You have enough to worry about (like where that other shoe went or why the cat is painted blue). Your window coverings shouldn’t be on that list.
If you’re looking for child safe shutters or want to discuss how plantation shutters safety features can work for your home, we’re here to help.
Ready to make your home safer and more stylish?
Contact Lifestyle Shutters & Blinds today. We offer a free, no-obligation design and survey appointment where we can inspect your windows and suggest the safest, most beautiful solutions. Plus, we offer a colour matching service to suit any décor and a 5-year guarantee on our products, so you can rest easy knowing you’re covered.