Five Tips for Choosing Kids' Curtains
If you are choosing curtains for a child's room, there are several ideas you should keep in mind. Wondering which type of curtains are the best or the safest? Keep these tips in mind as you shop:
1. Think about light and efficiency.
Light and efficiency are critical elements to consider when you are buying curtains for a child's room. If your child's room doesn't have a lot of natural light, you may want to increase the amount of light by hanging semi-sheer gauzy curtains that let in sunlight. However, if your child goes to bed early and you don't want the sun to keep him or her awake, you may prefer black out curtains -- they can also help with getting some kids to sleep in during the morning.
Additionally, think about efficiency. If the window is drafty and you want to improve insulation, look for insulated curtains, or pair an insulating panel with whatever curtains you select.
2. Stay away from cords.
Cords can pose a strangling hazard for kids. To ensure your child is safe, stay away from curtains with cords. Instead, opt for curtains that open and close with a rod or panel curtains that slide along a rail on grommets.
3. Consider other safety elements.
For very young children, you may want to avoid long curtains, especially if you have an active child who is likely to try to swing on them or climb them. In those cases, use short curtains that don't fall below the window sill, or skip the curtains and hang a valance with a simple shade. Additionally, for toddlers and young kids stay away from beads or other embellishments that could be pulled off the curtains and turned into a choking hazard.
4. Opt for lightweight, machine washable curtains.
Unfortunately, heavy fabrics can harbour dust and dust mites. That can cause issues with children who have allergies in particular. To avoid that effect, opt for lightweight fabrics, and also look for curtains that are machine washable. That makes them easier to take down to wash, which is great if you're trying to remove dust or dirty handprints.
5. Play with colours and patterns.
Finally, have a bit of fun when buying your kids' curtains. Choose bright colours or fun patterns. With a kids room, you can do practically anything from rainbows, to puppies, to polka dots, to toy trucks, to circus tent stripes and everything in between.