Child-Safe Blinds: Canada's Cord Safety Rules Explained

The rules in plain language

Canada's Corded Window Coverings Regulations (SOR/2019-97), made under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, came into force on May 1, 2021. For indoor window coverings with cords, they say:

• Reachable cords can't be longer than 22 cm, even when pulled in any direction with a firm, steady force.
• Reachable loops can't be larger than 44 cm around, under the same pull. That includes loops a child could create by pulling two cords together.
• Cords that are out of reach have to stay out of reach for the life of the product, whatever position the blind is in.
• Warnings and instructions must be permanently attached and printed in English and French.

The rules apply to window coverings made, imported, advertised or sold in Canada.

Why it's important

A young child can become entangled in a long cord or a loop within seconds, silently, even with an adult nearby. That is why the rules focus on the length of reachable cords and the size of loops rather than on warnings alone.

What about blinds bought before 2021?

Blinds already hanging in your home weren't recalled when the rules changed, and many older blinds have long pull cords or continuous loops that wouldn't meet today's limits. The safest fix is to replace them with cordless or motorized window coverings, starting with children's bedrooms and the rooms where kids play. Until then, keep cords well out of reach and move furniture away from the windows.

The safest options

1. Cordless: you raise and lower the shade by its bottom rail. No cords at all.
2. Motorized: a remote, app or wall switch does the work. No cords at all.
3. Wand control: a rigid wand instead of a cord.
4. Chain with a tension device: the chain is held taut by a device fixed to the wall or frame so it can't form a hanging loop. It must be installed, which we always do.

A room-by-room checklist

• Nurseries: cordless or motorized only. Keep the crib well away from the window.
• Children's rooms: no beds, dressers or shelves under windows; children climb.
• Family rooms and kitchens: check every window, including the ones behind furniture.
• Grandparents' homes and cottages: older blinds hang around longest where children visit occasionally.

Motorized: the cord-free upgrade

Motorized shades remove cords entirely, which is why they're the first thing we suggest for nurseries and playrooms with large windows. Our smart motors deliver 2 Nm of torque, run quietly enough for nap time and work with the smart home apps you already use. Every motor and its programming is covered by our full 3-year in-house warranty.

Our standard

Every style we install meets Canada's cord and chain rules, and every style is available cordless or motorized. If you're not sure about the blinds you have now, ask us at your free consultation and we'll check them. For nurseries, see blackout blinds for bedrooms and nurseries.

Common questions

Are blinds with chains allowed in Canada?

They can comply when the chain is held taut by a properly installed tension device, so it can’t form a hanging loop. Cordless or motorized options remove the question entirely.

Do the rules apply to blinds already in my home?

The rules cover products made, imported or sold in Canada, so older blinds already in homes weren't recalled. They can still be a hazard, which is why we recommend replacing corded blinds in rooms children use.

What is the safest blind for a nursery?

A cordless or motorized blackout shade, with the crib placed away from the window.

Are motorized blinds safe around children?

They are the safest option, because there are no cords or chains at all. Keep remotes and wall switches where young children can’t play with them.