Around the House: Creating the Right Landscaping

Posted on: 6 July 2015

You need some cute and effective window coverings for your child's room, but you're not interested in blinds. Maybe you don't like the look, or maybe you're concerned about the strangulation hazard that many blind cords present. Your best option is to choose drapery treatments that will work well in a kid's bedroom.

What are some features to look for in drapes that will be installed in a child's room?

1. Blackout option.

From babies to teens, kids need a good night's sleep that doesn't depend on when it gets dark or when the sun rises. Blackout drapes can block out most of the light that can come into a room facing due east or west and prevent early morning wakeups or nighttime restlessness.

You can either look for a drapery option that includes a blackout liner or single drapes that are heavy enough to block light. Note that many single drapes filter light but don't block it completely; this may be enough for what you need.

Some heavy-duty drapes can also block sound -- which can also be helpful for a baby or small child's room.

2. Wrinkle-free and stain-resistant fabric.

You can bet that, at some point, your child will want to crumple the drape material, open and shut the drapes repeatedly, shove something up against the window or otherwise disturb the window treatments. It's important to choose a fabric that will respond well to these disturbances and still look great. 

And, if your child has allergies, you'll want a fabric that is easy to toss in the wash on a regular basis. Easy-to-wash curtains are better at keeping dust mites, a common allergen, at bay than almost any other type of window covering, including blinds. 

3. Simple tie-backs.

You don't want to be messing around with keeping the drapes open during the day, and you don't want cords that could be a choking hazard. Look for drapes that have a quick and easy tie-back method rather than something elaborate, so you can go into your child's room and quickly open the drapes in the morning. Or make your own tie-backs with simple ribbon.

4. Correct length.

Drapes that extend on the floor will be a hazard in a child's room, even if they are currently considered stylish. They can also get dirty quickly. You want to buy drapes that either fit the window exactly or are slightly above the floor so that there's no overlap.

If your child is old enough, involve them in choosing the color or fabric for the drapes so they'll be more invested in keeping them in good shape. You'll have an attractive drapery treatment that will last several years in your child's room. For more information and advice, speak with professionals like Sylvans & Phillips Drapes and Blinds.