Window Blinds Tips For Pet Owners

19 September 2016
 Categories: Home & Garden, Blog

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When shopping for window coverings, blinds provide an attractive and useful option. The issue for many is that they worry about the damage that can occur when their pets try to reach the window. Both cats and dogs can break blinds. The blinds can also pose a hazard to a pet that becomes tangled in them. Fortunately, there are ways to have your blinds while protecting both them and your beloved pet. The following tips can help.

Tip #1: Opt for a cordless variety

Cordless blinds come in several different varieties. Some still have cords, but they are inside a case so that the strings do not hang free. This prevents your pets from pulling on the cords or becoming tangled in them. Others use wands instead of cords, while still others are automatic and have a button for operation. The key is to make sure that the ones you choose have some method to keep cords out of reach or that they have no cords at all.

Tip #2: Skip thin vinyl and aluminum blinds

When you have pets, you need durable blinds. The thin vinyl and aluminum mini-blinds bend and break easily. Cats in particular tend to chew on the thin vinyl types, leaving behind a mangled and punctured mess. Instead, opt for the wider wood or thick vinyl blinds. The thick vinyl variety is made to resemble wood, but it can be wiped clean easily and is much more durable than the thinner variety of vinyl.

Tip #3: Provide a gap

A lot of blind damage is due to animals simply trying to see out of the window. They break slats or snap the strings because they are trying to push through the glass. Consider leaving the blinds pulled up an inch or two so your pet can easily duck underneath them to see out, and you won't have to worry about the damage anymore. If you still want privacy after dark, hang a thin curtain over the blinds that you can close easily but that your pet is still able to duck behind.

Tip #4: Consider plantation shutters

If you still aren't sure that blinds are the answer, then plantation shutters are a good compromise. These are generally made of wood. They have absolutely no strings. Instead, a frame is fit to your window and the slats are attached to wood rods. You move the rod up and down to open the slats. If you prefer a wide open window, the shutters fold open completely to let in all the light. These are very pet resistant, even against larger dogs.

For more help in choosing the best window treatments for your pet-friendly home, contact a blinds showroom in your area.