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With the recent news of the Consumer Products Safety Commission’s decision to move towards cordless window treatments, effective June 1, 2024, the impending sunset doesn’t have to mean an ending. While change can require some extra elbow grease, we see it as an opportunity to help homeowners and businesses live better, smarter and more beautifully. Be it in window coverings, construction, design or real estate, we think our job as trade professionals is to be the vanguard that makes this transition easy, if not an opportunity, for consumers. In the coming months, as the countdown to cordless marches on, we’ll be sharing best practices and solutions to help trade professionals, homeowners and businesses be ready.
What’s Out
All free-hanging operating cords, tilt cords, cord connectors, and continuous cord loop operating systems. While manufacturers will no longer be allowed to sell corded window coverings, and builders, designers, and retailers will no longer be able to source them, there are resources! Depth of knowledge and breadth of product is the golden ticket to offering businesses and homeowners the range of price points and products they’re accustomed to, including replacing or matching older corded blinds and coverings. This is where Blinds Couture comes in – our designers are on point with new cordless products, their specifications and array of options, not to mention repair specialists.
What’s In(tegrated)
By now, we’re familiar with how motorized shades can integrate with smart home technology, but your home (or project) doesn’t need to be a genius to accommodate motorized shades. Integrating motorized coverings is becoming less cost-prohibitive and is on its way to being within reach of many consumers. This is an opportunity to upgrade to a layered combination of blinds and draperies that open and close just at the right time of day, providing light and filtered sunshine that mirrors your own biorhythm, while trimming energy bills. Consider motorized or soft-touch motorized coverings as a value-enhancing investment over non-motorized cordless alternatives.
Builders
This is your chance to stand out. By staying abreast of product options and availability, builders can tailor the custom build process for a cordless future, including sizing windows, hardwiring and allowing sufficient drywall to accommodate motorized blinds, shades and drapery stacks.
Realtors
The transition to cordless nets out to lots of educating and advocating for your buyers and sellers. Buyers need to understand that homes with traditional corded blinds may come with a cost— coverings may not be able to be replaced or exactly matched if they wear or break. This can play to the buyers’ advantage as a potential bargaining chip when it comes to negotiating price. For sellers, it may be a smart move to replace older corded coverings with cordless, giving them an advantage over other homes in the market.
Designers
Don’t get blindsided after the proposal process. While new cordless options are coming to market weekly, it will take time for manufacturers to bring to market the endless choices and price points you’re accustomed to. Build cordless into proposals and specify to accommodate motorized options to keep your projects future-ready.
Homeowners and Businesses
There will be plenty of discounts on free-hanging operating cords, tilt cords, cord connectors, and continuous cord loop operating systems, but embracing them may be short-sighted. Matching, replacing or repairing worn or broken blinds, will prove challenging as products and their replacement parts become harder to find. There are cost-effective non-motorized options entering the market, but preparing for or installing motorized is the right move to add value. Work closely with your designer or builder to specify the space and wiring requirements for smarter window coverings.
Brands who are leading the way
With new urgency, cordless blinds and shades manufacturers are rushing to develop products that will offer consumers quality that stand the test of time, supported by a broad selection of colors and materials. At this moment a few manufacturers lead the vanguard.
Norman
Hunter Douglas
Alta
Graber
Lutron
Texton
Let the Sun Shine in.
A rising tide lifts all the boats, and that’s why Blinds Couture is pooling the know-how of manufacturers, builders, designers and real estate professionals to be THE industry resource for cordless window coverings. We’ll be posting product information, industry news, best practices and other important information on our website and hosting educational events that pave the way for a smart and seamless transition for you, your clients and your home. Check back here often for up-to-date information.
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