June 11, 2014

Installing Window Treatments Safely

safe window treatments
LiteRise, motorized and cordless window treatments are designed with safety in mind.

When you’re installing your beautiful new window coverings, we want to make sure that you’re careful and staying safe. Did you know that falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury in the U.S.? They cause about 8 million visits to the emergency room every year. June is National Safety Month, and we don’t want you to be in that number!

When you’re installing your window treatments, please start by thoroughly reading the directions. Most of the window treatments at Hirshfield’s are professionally installed, but at times homeowners do the installation themselves. Motorized window treatments should definitely be installed by a professional and that discussion takes place in the beginning stages of a remodel or new build; or during the selection process.

 

“Warning labels on the lifting mechanisms are an unsightly orange for a reason,” says Shannon Scarrella, manager of Hirshfield’s Shop at Home. “They inform you of the risks of a certain cord or about the dangers that an improper mount can pose.”

Manufacturers provide a recommended bracket amount depending on a particular draperies’ width. For custom rods, Hirshfield’s works with manufacturers to determine the number of brackets that are required per the width of the rod and the weight of the material. Homeowners installing into sheetrock should use anchors before installing the brackets or mount into studs if possible.

Window treatment safety is also a concern after they’re installed. More and more companies offer cordless lifting options for their blinds, but some do still have standard cords. Other cords now have a “breakaway” tassel, which is designed to break when a certain amount of pressure is applied. Cord-loop lifting systems now have safety features as well.

“These systems are in place for child safety,” explains Scarrella. “Even if there aren’t children living in your home now, you may someday sell your house to a family with small children, have children visit or become a family with children. Children are curious and they will try to find out how the window treatments operate—trust me, I have a 2 year old and a 5 year old. I know that I don’t want to have to worry about their safety and window treatments.”

This June, make sure that your window treatments are being installed securely and are safe for children, too. Let’s all avoid the emergency room and stay safe and sound.

Since Frank and Elizabeth Hirshfield opened their first store in 1894, it has been our mission to do the best job possible meeting customer needs and solving customer problems. Hirshfield’s. People and products you can trust.

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Customer Reviews

We’ve Served Countless Satisfied Customers Over Generations

I have come to rely on the staff at Hirshfield’s Design Resource for their fabulous customer service and variety of products. The service is always friendly, timely and professional.

As a designer, their advice on window treatments is forever appreciated, and they are always able to show me something new in the displays and samples. They provide quick and accurate estimates, measurements and suggestions when I am struggling with a budget. The final product and installation has been nothing but flawless on every project.

I truly value what they continue to bring to our design community!

Pamela Kilian
Simply Designed

Want to give a shout out to Madi. Madi took a pretty awful experience and made it right for us. We had ordered cordless blinds and over half of them did not work right or hang right. Madi helped us return all the blinds and reordered a new product for us which we are very happy with. Madi was persistent in helping us get the issues we experience resolved.

She is always so warm and friendly and definitely puts her customers first. Thanks Madi you are a gem! Also want to add that my overall experience with Hirshfield's in St. Cloud has been an excellent experience. They made things right and put their customers first!

Kim Kaluza

Greg is amazing! We have worked with him throughout the years on both existing homes and new builds and we could not be happier. One of the things I appreciate about Greg is that he gets us to really think about how we will use our space, not just now but in the future when the kids get older. This has honestly has saved us from making some pretty big design mistakes. Finding durable fabrics and pieces is important to us while we have a preschooler running around, yet on the other hand, our teens have a different use for the space.

He is able to make it all work together seamlessly by understanding the space and its function. He has a fresh and distinctive feel to his work and builds in a variety of styles. I HIGHLY recommend working with Greg out of the gate, you will not be sorry. I honestly don't know what we do without his help;)

Kim Strout
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