Photo Credit: Norman Window Furnishings

In late 2022, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission announced it that, for reasons of safety, corded window coverings could longer be manufactured in the United States, beginning in June 2024. The window coverings industry and consumer demand has been slowly progressing in this direction since the early 2000s, with the advent of cordless blinds, motorized window coverings and smart home technology. With the 2022 announcement, this necessity for progress has dramatically accelerated, and manufacturers are sprinting to catch up. 

Meanwhile, it’s been our experience that builders, real estate professionals, and interior designers are largely unaware of the impending transition and its impact on homeowners who are soon to discover that it will be nearly impossible to replace or match existing corded coverings, much less repair them. In homes with multiple windows, the prospect can be costly.

With new urgency, cordless blinds and shades manufacturers are rushing to develop quality 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, for no reason other than they have have made cordless coverings a key focus area long before the Consumer Products Safety Commission’s 2022 announcement. 

Norman in particular has been producing cordless blinds and shades longer than most, through their Smart Motorization, PrecisionLift Cordless, and SmartRise Cordless lines. As a result they offer the variety and price point that consumers demand, along with tried-and-true quality and a warranty to support it. Likewise, trusted brands like Hunter Douglas, Alta, Graber, Lutron, Texton are also pushing to bring to market a broader selection of cordless window coverings that meet the new safety standards, many of which will match materials used in previously corded products.

As the window coverings industry propels toward the June 2024 transition, there is no doubt that all blinds and shade manufacturers will be releasing newly perfected product lines in short order. But for consumers and builders who are furnishing their windows now, with their eye on ease of future replacement or repair, Norman is a safe bet and now available through Blinds Couture. 

Jessica Work is the founder and CEO of Blinds Couture, a leader in custom drapery and window coverings, including blinds and shades, in the Denver Front Range.  We serve homeowners, builders, and interior designers throughout Colorado and beyond with personal care from measuring to installation, always with our eye on bespoke design and a perfect fit.