Showing posts with label windows. Show all posts

A Useful Guide To Child Friendly Window Coverings

When you have a child your whole world changes. You want to keep your precious child safe and secure and would do anything for them. When it comes to keeping them safe there are a few things you need to do, like buying a baby seat if you drive, using baby sunblock and keeping them out of the sun and childproofing your home.

father and baby hands


When it comes to childproofing your home there are certain points to take into consideration. There are a number of dangers in your home you may not even think about and one of them is your window blinds and curtains. Tragically children have been harmed and even died over the years being caught in blind and curtain cords and there is also the danger of glass becoming shattered and broken. So let's look at some of the child-friendly window coverings out there and what you can do to make any window coverings you have safe for kids.

What Type Of Window Coverings Are There?

There are several types of window coverings including blinds, shades, curtains and drapes, shutters and window film. Each has its benefits and disadvantages as a window covering and also can pose different risks to children.

Which Type Of Window Coverings Are Child Friendly?

child by window

There are several types of window coverings that are considered child-friendly. The main thing is to be careful of any with cords and strings. I will look at ways to make these safer at the end of the post. Let's first look at the different types that are child friendly.

Cordless blinds and shades are types of window coverings that have no cords or strings that can pose a choking or strangling hazard for children. This is an easy way of ensuring your window covering is safe.

Another alternative is roller shades or blinds. These shades can be operated with a simple pull, making them easy for kids to use. These are operated by using a wheel, a motor operated by a remote control or sweat. They do not use cords or chains so there is a hugely reduced chance of strangulation

Cellular Shades or blinds are made of a soft, honeycomb-shaped fabric that doesn't have any cords or strings. A great child-friendly choice.

Window shutters again do not have cords or strings and are an aesthetically pleasing window covering, fitted to the window frame. DIY Shutters are an affordable option too that you can install yourself.

If you are thinking of curtains and drapes, make sure they are fitted properly so they don't pose a strangulation hazard. Loose curtain cords need to be fitted out of the way of young children. A tidy tensioner should be fitted firmly and permanently held tight.

What Else Do I Need To Know?

baby looking out of window

It can be a good idea to apply window film too. This is an easy-to-install item that will help prevent shattered glass from hurting a child if they throw anything at the window. It is a great idea for peace of mind.

It's always recommended to take proper safety precautions when selecting window coverings for homes with young children. When buying a window covering ask the seller for any advice on fitting safely or ask them for a demo. Always read the instructions for safe fitting. A useful article is this piece of advice on how to check your blinds and cords are safe in your home.

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Popular Windows Styles Explained!

As well as providing natural light and stunning views, windows can be an amazing feature in your home, especially when they have the right window dressing  They certainly provide a stunning focal point for the kerb appeal you’ve worked hard to achieve. The trouble is that, when it comes to buying replacement windows in South Wales, many of us are at a loss as to which would be best. That can make it tricky knowing where to start and could even lead to a choice that doesn’t suit your home’s appearance. That will never do, and it’s a risk you can do away with by finding out as much as possible about popular window styles.

Whatever style you choose, of course, you should first think about fundamentals like double glazing. With enhanced security and incredible thermal benefits, unless it is a listed property, this is guaranteed to be the best option no matter your personal preferences. However, which popular window styles should you pair with the double glazing?

Casement windows


  • Versatile design 
  • Ultra-energy efficient 
  • 5-point locking system 
With multiple frame configurations, casement windows are a popular style for many. Their attraction comes from their versatile design and range of opening options. Casement windows are attached to a frame using hinges on one or more sides. They’re a traditional choice, and they could be the ideal option to complement your home. They’re also fantastic for easy opening and cleaning!

Sash windows 


  • Traditional look
  • Classic colour choices
  • Highly secure

Sash windows are a staple of period properties but guaranteed to complete the look of any property. While they used to be made from timber, a traditional tricky to maintain material, developments in uPVC windows have made them extremely durable and easy to maintain. A great way to combine traditional looks with modern comfort.


Tile and turn windows 



  • An innovative two-way opening action
  • Safer ventilation
  • Easy maintenance

Tilt and turn windows are relatively new on the market and their popularity has soared in the past few years. As the name suggests, they tilt inwards for improved safety, easy cleaning, and general aesthetic appeal. Windows like these increase ventilation while ensuring no one can gain access. Even better, their sleek design is sure to fit perfectly with your modern home.

Bay windows 



  • Improved natural light
  • Increased floor space (up to 3 feet)
  • Versatile to complement modern and traditional homes

Last but not least, we have bay windows. These traditionally consist of casement windows, joined together in an arc to form a bay. As well as adding up to 3 feet of floor space or storage to your home, windows like these can be a fantastic feature on modern and old properties alike. Even better, the large size of bay windows guarantees that you’ll be able to enjoy natural flooding light moving forward. 


While the fine details may change depending on where you look, these four window styles are the predominant popular options on the market, and any of them could take your house up a gear. Simply consider what you’re after, and which style you think would suit your property the best.

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5 Benefits Of Roof Windows In Your Home

A roof window can be a great addition to a home. In this article, I will explore the benefits and cost implications of installing a roof window.




What is a roof window?

A roof window is an outward opening window that is incorporated as part of the design of a roof. It differs from a skylight as it is larger, and may have panes that can open for extra ventilation.

A roof window can be relatively cheap to buy and are available for a little over £100 but the cost of installing a roof window lies with the installer. It's obviously important though to have an experienced window fitter install a roof window so I would recommend not installing it yourself unless you have experience in this area. 
It is worth researching professionals that can fit the windows for you, such as a Minneapolis Window Company (or one in your area).

1. Improved ventilation

A roof window is a great option to get extra ventilation into a room. Did you know that the air we breathe can have an impact on our health? Adding a roof window can make a room less stuffy and more pleasant to be in, making you feel alert and refreshed. Adding extra ventilation is doubly important in areas of condensation such as bathrooms and kitchens too.

2. Increased light

If you need to add light to a dark room a roof window is an excellent solution. As well as improving the ambient light in a room, sunlight can improve your mood and make you feel less lethargic and increase your levels of vitamin D from the sun.

3. Energy saving

Roof windows can be double and triple glazed and these options can really help with energy efficiency, keeping warmth in a room as well as helping with noise reduction from outside. Although you will have the cost of installing a roof window in your home you should make this money back in the long term from the energy savings you make.

4. Low maintenance

A roof window is a relatively low maintenance window, just grease the hinges on a regular basis, and clean the windowpane and around the gutters of the window. Also, relacquer the roof window every few years for the best finish and to keep the wood surround in the best condition.

5. Ease of Installation

A roof window can be installed easily if you do not have this feature in your home. A prefabricated window can be inserted by a professional window fitter in less than an afternoon so you have all the benefits of a roof window with none of the hassle of installing it yourself. If you do have some more questions about roof windows you can find a wide range of questions here.

Have you considered the benefits of roof windows?