Tips on How to Make Blinds and Curtains Safer for Kids

Creating a safer home for little ones is an important part of making your space comfortable and family-friendly. While childproofing usually means making sure power points, gates and stair rails are safe, blind and curtain cords often get missed entirely. Window coverings with accessible cords or chains can pose a potential strangulation hazard for young children, so it's important to check that your blinds and curtains are installed and maintained with safety in mind. Making blinds and curtains kid-safe is usually a quick and affordable fix rather than a big renovation.

At Spotlight, you can find a range of compliant ready-made and made-to-measure blinds and curtains to help you create a safer environment. From choosing suitable window dressings to ensuring cords and chains are securely positioned, a few simple changes can make a meaningful difference. Discover practical window furnishing solutions designed to suit your home, style and family in store or online at Spotlight.

Why Cord Safety Deserves Five Minutes of Your Time

Blind or curtain cords can pose a serious risk, particularly when they are loose, looped or within easy reach of young children. Children under six, especially toddlers, are most at risk. An accident can happen quickly if a child becomes caught in a cord, which is why taking a few minutes to check your window coverings is well worth the effort. Reducing the risk is usually quick and simple. A few small steps can help create a safer home for your family.

What the Australian Safety Standards Mean for Your Windows

Australia has two national mandatory standards covering blind and curtain cord safety. The first standard covers the supply of these products and requires labels and components for cord safety for internal window coverings and fittings. The other mandatory standard covers the installation of blinds, curtains and window fittings. These standards apply to new products and installations rather than retrospectively to older ones. All new corded blinds and curtains must carry warning labels. These standards also typically involve a regulated loop length and height - for instance, a 220mm loop will require an installation at 1600mm high.

Walk Through Your Home and Spot the Cords That Need Attention

Once you know what to look for, checking your home for blind and curtain cord hazards can be a quick and simple part of your child-safety routine. Take a walk through every room, rather than focusing only on bedrooms, and pay close attention to windows and the areas around them.

Look at the furniture positioned near windows, particularly those that create a climbing risk near windows, such as cots, beds, sofas, highchairs and bookcases. Furniture placed near a window can make cords and chains more accessible to little hands.

It's also worth your time checking beyond your home, looking at places where your child may spend time such as grandparents' houses, childcare or holiday rentals. Take a moment to check the blinds and curtains at these spaces too and help make every place your child visits safer.

Secure Every Loose or Looped Cord the Easy Way

Once you've identified any loose or looped cords around your home, the next step is to make sure they're securely out of reach. There are a few simple ways to do this, depending on the type of blind or curtain you have. Two common approaches that allow for securing cords include cleat and tension devices.

A cleat is a small fitting that allows a cord to be wrapped around and secured, while a tension device keeps a continuous cord or chain taut and secured close to the wall or window frame

For some blinds, you may be able to shorten the cord and attach a tassel, provided the instructions allow for this. However, cords on continuous loop and certain vertical blind systems should not be cut. Instead, use an appropriate tension device to help secure your window coverings.

Whichever solution you use, always attach safety devices firmly to a wall or window frame using appropriate fixings. Avoid using adhesives alone as it may not provide a secure enough hold.

Switch to Cordless for Total Peace of Mind

For a simple way to create a more child-friendly home, consider switching to cordless window dressings such as spring-loaded roller blinds, cellular or honeycomb blinds and plantation shutters. These window dressings eliminate accessible cords while adding a clean, streamlined finish to your windows.

Wand-operated and motorised systems also offer cord-free alternatives, providing effortless control without loose cords or chains.

Cordless window coverings are particularly popular for nurseries and kids' rooms, where creating a safe, comfortable environment is a priority. They're also a stylish choice with a wide range of colours, fabrics and designs available to complement your home.

Choosing a cordless option means you don't have to compromise on style to prioritise safety. From contemporary blinds to timeless shutters, there are plenty of ways to create a window look that feels considered, practical and beautifully suited to your space.

Do the New Cord Safety Rules Apply to Rentals?

If you're renting, it's worth knowing how blind and curtain cord safety requirements apply to your home. In some states, rental properties must have blind and curtain cords secured from 1 December 2025, helping to reduce potential risks for young children. We recommend contacting your property manager if cords are unsecured.

Small Habits That Keep Windows Safer Every Day

Keeping blinds and curtains safe does not end with fitting safety devices. A few simple habits can help maintain a safer environment for children every day. Regularly check that cords and chains remain securely fastened and out of reach, and make sure they haven't become loose or accessible over time. Keep cots, beds, sofas and other furniture away from windows where possible to reduce climbing access.

It's also important to look beyond your window coverings. Keep other cords like lamp and monitor cables away from cots too.

As furniture and room layouts naturally change over time, make a regular walkthrough part of your home-safety routine. A quick check can help you spot new hazards and keep your child's environment safer.

What to Look for When You Choose New Blinds and Curtains

When choosing new blinds or curtains, safety is an important consideration alongside style, colour and functionality. Before purchasing, make sure to check that corded window coverings include the required safety warning labels and any necessary safety devices.

Not sure what to look for? Visit your nearest Spotlight store where a helpful staff member can explain a product's cord safety features, including how cords or chains are designed to be secured.

For an even simpler approach, consider choosing cordless window coverings from the outset. Cordless blinds and curtains can help reduce potential hazards and remove the need for retrofitting later.

Why Families Across Australia Choose Spotlight for Child Safe Window Coverings

Spotlight stocks both ready-made and made-to-measure blinds and curtains, so families can grab a compliant cordless option today or book a custom fit for tricky windows. Our made-to-measure service includes a free measure and quote, giving families the chance to ask a professional about cord safety features before they commit. With this service, you also have the option of adding on motorisation for complete convenience in the operation of your curtains and blinds.

Spotlight also sells individual safety hardware like cleats, tension devices, curtain rods and brackets separately, so retrofitting an existing window covering doesn't mean replacing it entirely. Shop a range of curtain accessories including curtain rods, tracks, curtain tiebacks, curtain hooks and rings, as well as indoor blinds, outdoor blinds and vertical blind accessories.

For those with a little DIY experience under their belt, Spotlight's fabric and haberdashery range means anyone shortening or altering curtains to remove excess cord length can find everything they need under one roof.

Join VIP Club and Save on Safer Window Styles

Discover exclusive access to events and special offers with the Spotlight VIP Club. Become a member and enjoy incredible benefits, including everyday discounts and early sales notifications. You will also receive birthday vouchers as well as an added welcome voucher when you sign up! Sign up and become a member of the VIP Club today.

Make Every Window Safer for Less with Bargains Galore

Shop our cordless and made-to-measure range online or at a Spotlight store near you and upgrade your window furnishings while ensuring child safety. Explore our range of ready made blinds, including a selection of roller blinds, venetian blinds and roman blinds, and shop our range of ready-made curtains such as our range of blockout curtains and sheer curtains. Enjoy shopping bargains galore across an extensive range of kid's safe curtains and blinds right here at Spotlight. Alternatively, if you're looking for a perfect fit for your windows, book in a free measure and quote.

For more information on the best window furnishings for your home, check out our curtains and blinds buying guides.

FAQs

1. Do cordless blinds cost more than corded blinds?

Cordless blinds vary in price depending on the style and features, however, there are options available to suit a range of different budgets.

2. What's the difference between cordless and motorised blinds?

Cordless blinds are operated manually without accessible cords, while motorised blinds use a motor for effortless operation, often controlled by a remote or smart device.

3. Do you still need to supervise your child if you've fitted a safety device?

Safety devices can help reduce cord-related risks, however, you should ensure they are always used alongside adult supervision and other child-safety measures.

4. Does every blind and curtain sold in Australia need to meet child safety standards?

In Australia, corded internal window coverings must meet applicable safety requirements, including standards for product safety information and cord safety.

5. What happens if your rental property doesn't meet the cord safety standard?

If you're concerned about unsecured cords in a rental, contact your property manager or rental provider to discuss having the window coverings made safe in line with the necessary requirements.