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The Benefits of Corded Vs. Cordless Window Blinds

Window Blinds

Window blinds are a wonderful way to provide privacy, control light, and enhance the design of any room. Available in a wide variety of styles and materials, window blinds come in both corded and cordless varieties. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks.

When comparing the benefits of corded blinds versus cordless blinds, you will want to evaluate each type based on style, usability, and, probably most important, safety – especially if you have small children or pets in your home.

Keep reading for a complete rundown on the pros and cons of both corded and cordless blinds.


The Classic Corded Blinds

With corded blinds, the horizontal slats are controlled by cords (strings) hanging along one side. They still remain a very popular window covering in homes due to their ease of use and affordability. The biggest pro for corded blinds is that they can be installed anywhere. They are especially ideal for oversized windows.

Because the cords are located on the side of the window, corded blinds can be installed on windows that are partially covered or blocked by furniture and other bulky items. This provides homeowners with a great deal of flexibility.

Another positive point for corded blinds is that they are long-lasting. If well-maintained, corded blinds can last for decades making them a wise investment. However, should something happen, the cord can be repaired or replaced, thereby extending the life of your blinds.

Of course, corded blinds have their negative points as well. The biggest is that they can be dangerous to small children and even pets. That’s because the looped pieces of string pose a choking risk. Kids and pets could easily get caught up in the cord which could cut off their air supply.

According to Moms.com, 50 young children were killed between 2012 and 2017, prompting the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) to institute new design standards to make corded blinds safer and prevent more tragic accidental deaths. To ensure the safety of all children, window blinds – and all window coverings for that matter – must now be either cordless or have shorter cords that children can’t reach and get tangled in. Another option is investing in motorized cordless blinds.


Convenient Cordless Blinds

Just like corded blinds, cordless blinds have their ups and downs, quite literally. One of the biggest pluses for cordless blinds is that they are super easy to operate. There are no cords to pull. All you need to do is gently push up or pull down on the base at the center of the blind. They are designed to raise and lower smoothly using a gentle touch. Making matters even easier, cordless blinds can be motorized. This allows homeowners to raise and lower them using a remote control or even a smartphone.

Aesthetics is another benefit to cordless blinds. Since there are no dangling cords and strings, they offer a cleaner, sleeker look. Cordless blinds are also available in a variety of styles, including both horizontal and vertical, and can be made of many different types of materials. This vast selection allows you to easily select a window treatment to complement your home décor style.

Cordless blinds do an excellent job of controlling the amount of light entering a room. For this reason, they are sought after by homeowners looking for additional privacy.

It’s also important to point out that because there are no loose cords or strings, cordless blinds do not pose a safety threat to small children and pets. This is something to consider even if you do not have kids because investing in cordless blinds will be an excellent selling feature for your home in the future.

There are a few drawbacks to keep in mind if you are considering cordless blinds, namely accessibility. Cordless blinds cannot be used on extra-large or extremely wide windows. Homeowners need to be able to reach the center of the blind in order to open and shut them properly. This would not be possible if you have furniture or bulky items in the way.

Additionally, if the window is tall, you might not be able to raise the blind all the way. Wider windows pose a problem as well. One person might have trouble raising and lowering a wide blind alone because both sides would need to be supported. At the same time, the slats do not close tightly which allows a lot of light to come in, unlike corded blinds.

Finally, cordless blinds can be a challenge for elderly and disabled individuals because they require a certain degree of agility to be able to push and pull the blinds overhead in order to raise and lower them.


Conclusion

Window treatments are a very personal choice; styles range from simple valances or drapes to the more versatile shades and blinds. Many homeowners favor window blinds because they offer both form and function. Before deciding which type of blinds would be best for your home, be sure to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of both corded and cordless types.

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