Why this matters
Looped cords and chains on blinds can be a strangulation hazard for young children. The good news is that the risk can be reduced, sometimes removed, if you choose well and fit well. This page gives you questions to ask a supplier, including us, and some habits for the home. The instructions that come with a particular blind always come first, so keep them handy.
A note on standards
In the UK, BS EN 13120 is the standard that covers safety requirements for internal blinds. When you buy, ask how a blind relates to it and what safety devices come with it. It is a good question to put to every supplier, including us, so you know exactly where you stand.
Questions to ask before you buy
- Does this blind have a cord or chain at all? Some blinds are cordless, using a spring or a pull on the bottom rail. Others can be motorised.
- If it has a cord or chain, can it be fixed out of reach? Ask what cleats, tidies or tension devices are supplied and how they are fitted.
- Is there a safety device on the loop? Some loops include a breakaway link or a tension device. Ask exactly what the range includes.
- Where will it be fitted? The height of the control matters as much as the device.
- Are the cords inside the slats or visible? Venetian-style blinds have lift cords and ladder cords.
- Is the window above a bed, cot or sofa? A child can climb furniture to reach a control.
- Who will use it? A shared home with older people may need easy operation, which can conflict with a cordless pull.
- What instructions come with it? You can expect to receive fitting and safety information, and it is helpful to pass it on if the home is let or sold.
Control types and how they compare
Cordless and spring-assisted
These remove the loose cord, depending on the range. They suit bedrooms and nurseries. They may feel different to use, as you lift or lower by hand.
Motorised
A remote, wall switch or app operates the blind. This removes the loop altogether, depending on the product. See motorised blinds and motorised blind basics.
Chains and cords with safety devices
Usable if fitted and used correctly. The chain should be tensioned or fixed so it cannot form a loop that a child can reach. Safety devices do their job when they are installed properly and used every time.
Wands
Vertical and some venetian blinds can be turned using a wand, which removes some loops. Check what else the blind has, such as a pull cord. See blind controls explained.
Habits for the home
- Keep cots, beds, highchairs and playpens away from windows with blinds.
- Keep furniture a child can climb well away from windows.
- Keep cords and chains short and out of reach, using the devices supplied.
- Keep cords free of loops and not wrapped around furniture.
- Check cord tidies regularly, as screws loosen over time.
- Show babysitters and visitors where controls are.
- If you move into a home with blinds, it is reassuring to check cord safety early on.
Which rooms need most care?
Bedrooms and nurseries come first. After that, living areas, landings and stairs windows where a child might climb. If you're choosing for a nursery, see the bedroom blind guide. In rentals, read the landlord guide.
What about existing blinds?
Look at the blinds you already have. Do they have loops? Are there cleats fitted? Are cords tangled? You can often add a cord tidy or safety device, but if a blind is old, damaged or missing its parts, replacing it may be the kinder step. If you're not sure, ask us when we visit.
Fitting makes the difference
A good safety device works best when it is properly fixed. Cord tidies need to be mounted at a suitable height on a firm surface. Part of our job at a fitting is to explain how the controls work and where to keep them. See getting ready for fitting.
Talk to us
Tell us the ages of children in the home and where the windows are, and we'll explain what options exist for each room. Book a free measure and ask us about controls while we are there.
