Modern homeowners have many choices when it comes to internal window coverings, from affordable aluminum slats to plush and expensive drapes. While it’s self-evident that not all types of window blinds and cord designs are created equal, it may not be obvious that some are more dangerous than others—especially to pets and small children. Below are some of the most common types of coverings that can be found in both residential and commercial properties across America.
Some of the most common types of window blinds include:
Perhaps the most common type of blinds found in private homes and residences in the United States, Venetian blinds consist of numerous vertically aligned slats, usually made of aluminum or wood, strung together and hanging from a mechanical valance. They generally include separate controls for changing the angle of the slats to let in more or less light and for raising or lowering the blinds with unused slats stacking together at the bottom of the arrangement.
As the name suggests, roller blinds are designed so that an unbroken rectangle of fabric, vinyl, or similar material unfurls from a roller at the top of the window. This kind of blind often has two layers: a thinner layer closer to the window to reduce the sun’s glare in the daytime and a thicker layer farther from the window meant to block out all external light.
Roman and pleated blinds are variations of a similar core concept: blinds that fold up like Venetian blinds when raised, but are made of an unbroken material like roller blinds. Roman blinds, in particular, typically have rods inserted into them to allow for even folding, while pleated blinds are patterned to naturally form small and even folds when raised.
Once again, in keeping with their name, vertical blinds are slatted like Venetian blinds but situated vertically instead of horizontally in windows. Depending on the model, they may be made of thinner material than Venetian blinds and retract or extend along a fixed track rather than being strung together.
In considering the safety of window blinds and the potential risks they pose, it’s crucial to be aware of the diverse cord options available, such as:
A standard cord system for a set of blinds involves two or more distinct cords with small locking devices attached to them, allowing users to set the height and angle of blinds at their preferred position. Although they are still referred to as “standard,” this type of cord isn’t as common in more modern blinds compared to the others listed below.
Single cord systems often have internal cord locking mechanisms in the blinds’ valance and allow users to raise the blinds by pulling the cord at a certain angle and to lower the blinds by pulling the cord at another angle. These are especially common in traditional Venetian blinds and certain models of Roman blinds.
A continuous loop blind cord forms a complete loop around a pulley system, which allows users to raise the blinds by rotating the loop in one direction and lower the blinds by turning it in the other. This type of cord is typically made of plastic or metal as opposed to the string or nylon used for standard and single cords, and it is commonly used for roller blinds and some types of vertical blinds.
Many modern models of blinds are built to be entirely cordless, meaning they are designed so that the operation of a separate switch or direct movement of the blinds themselves will allow them to lock in specific positions. These tend to be the safest type of blinds since there is no risk of someone getting tangled up in a free-swinging cord.
In your pursuit of safeguarding your loved ones, it’s important to be well-informed about the types of window blinds and cord designs available. If your child has been harmed by window blind cords, you don’t have to face it alone. OnderLaw has extensive experience in this specific type of litigation and is ready to provide you with the guidance and support you need to seek justice and fair compensation. Your family’s well-being is our top priority, and we’re here to stand by your side every step of the way throughout the legal process.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free, confidential consultation with our team of compassionate attorneys. Your voice deserves to be heard, and we’re here to help you make it heard.
