CHILD SAFE BLINDS

All internal blinds must comply with the 2014 child safety standards, which were introduced to protect babies and young children. These standards cover the manufacture, supply, and professional installation of blinds and curtains, and are compulsory for all homes, whether or not children are present.

Child safety measures include:

• Limiting cord and chain lengths
• Using safety devices to prevent hazardous loops
• Providing appropriate safety warnings

At Pret a Vivre, we ensure that all our blinds and curtains are fully compliant with the latest safety regulations, giving you peace of mind without compromising on style or functionality.

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Child Safe Blinds Design

For reverse (bottom-up) blinds, the cords on the reverse side run through plastic cord breakaways attached along the bottom two horizontal rods. These breakaways are designed to detach under excessive pressure, helping to reduce the risk of accidents. The cord toggles are secured with a knot to prevent slipping and help balance the blind, but they do not form part of the safety system. If the breakaways do detach, they can be easily clipped back together.

For Roman blinds:

• If fitted with a chain lift mechanism, the same safety features as roller blinds apply.
• If fitted on batons and operated by cords, a cleat must be installed at a minimum of 150 cm from the floor to safely secure all spare cord.

These measures ensure that your blinds remain fully compliant with child safety standards, giving you peace of mind without compromising on style or functionality.

Roller Blinds

Most of our roller blinds are fitted with side winder mechanisms, which are more robust and longer-lasting than spring-operated systems.

Child Safety Features:

• The chains are supplied with a breakaway connector, which snaps apart if over 6kg of force is applied. These connectors can be easily reconnected if they detach.
• Chains must be installed at a minimum of 60 cm from the floor.

For large or heavy blinds, a continuous chain is supplied to prevent detachment during use. In this case:

• The chain must be installed at a minimum of 150 cm from the floor
• It must be secured with a tensioning device, such as a P-clip.

These features ensure your roller blinds are safe, reliable, and fully compliant with child safety standards.

Choosing Safer Blinds

When selecting blinds for your home, safety is paramount, especially if you have (or plan to have) young children or small pets. Children are naturally curious, which is why Pret a Vivre offers a wide range of child-safe blinds to suit your home and lifestyle.

Our collection combines style and safety, giving families peace of mind without compromising on design. Options include:

• Cordless blinds for a sleek, hazard-free solution
• Motorised or electronic blinds for effortless operation
• Blinds with built-in safety devices, such as hooks, cleats, or breakaway components that detach under force to prevent accidents

These blinds are just as easy to install and stylish as traditional designs. Any breakaway parts can be easily reassembled if accidentally detached, ensuring continued safe and convenient use.

Blinds for Safer Living

All internal blinds must comply with the 2014 child safety standards, ensuring cords and chains cannot form hazardous loops that could cause strangulation. These standards are rigorously applied to all new blinds and curtains to keep children and babies safe.

Our child-safe blinds combine safety, style, and versatility, offering a wide range of colours, designs, and finishes. Options include:

• Completely cordless blinds for a sleek, hazard-free look
• Blinds with correctly installed safety devices, such as cleats, hooks, or breakaway components
• Remote-controlled electronic blinds for total cord-free operation, allowing you to raise or lower your blinds at the touch of a button

With our range, you can have peace of mind knowing your blinds are fully safe while still enhancing the look of your rooms.

What Makes A Blind “Child Safe”?

To comply with the 2014 child safety standards, blinds must be designed to minimise risks associated with cords and chains. Children, and some pets, are naturally curious, and loops or dangling cords can pose serious hazards.

The safety standards were introduced to reduce accidents involving blind cords and must be applied to all new blinds. Measures include:

• Limiting cord and chain lengths
• Reducing or removing chains and cords entirely
• Using remote-controlled or motorised blinds for a completely cordless solution

At Pret a Vivre, we are fully compliant with the 2014 child safety standards and can help you select blinds that are safe, stylish, and practical for your home.

Any style of blind can be adapted for child safety — from shortening cords to removing cords entirely with automated or remote-controlled operation — ensuring your home remains both beautiful and secure.