Shutters: A Safe and Fashionable Child's Window Treatment

While carpets and wall coverings get plenty of attention when it comes to the decor in a child's bedroom, there is often little thought given to the window treatments beyond choosing a colour for the curtains. Colour is important, but so is the treatment itself. Shutters provide a modern alternative to the traditional curtain or blind.

Practical

Factors to take into consideration when choosing the window treatments in a child's room include the level of light pollution outside the window, how noisy the street below is, and how much direct sunlight pours through the window during the day.

City dwellers in particular deal with light pollution on a grand scale. Street lights directly outside a window mean the bedroom is rarely adequately dark, and curtains do little to combat the problem. Wooden slats, on the other hand, close more fully, eliminating the gaps in curtains that allow light to seep into the room. Children of all ages need good quality sleep in order to function and learn effectively during the day, so it makes sense to darken their bedrooms as far as possible.

Street noise, whether from traffic or the voices of passers-by, is a second factor. A snugly fitting wooden structure in the window enclosure gives an extra layer of protection, muffling outside noise more effectively than curtains or blinds.

During the day, the slats may be opened or closed to let in exactly the amount of light needed, creating a pleasing, ambient atmosphere without the harsh glare of direct sunlight.

Safe

Parents go to great lengths to ensure maximum safety for their children, making sure the furniture in the room complies with modern safety or fire regulations and their toys bear the kite mark of safety.

While either Venetian or roller blinds may give a similar, neat aesthetic, neither has the same safety aspect. The dangling cords of roller blinds present a strangulation danger to small children who may accidentally become entangled either whilst jumping to reach cords tied out of their reach, or whilst swinging on cords allowed to dangle down. The wands of venetian blinds are also tempting to children, who may inadvertently pull too hard and detach the blind from its fixings. The alternatives present none of these dangers. There are no cords or wands to tempt little fingers into danger.

Customisable

As the child grows, their tastes change. They become more aware of their surroundings and of the passing seasons and fashions.

Shutters become a design feature to them, playing an integral part in the decor theme. Whether it's a particular colour they like, or a pattern they can't live without, you're able to customise the window treatment to suit their taste. Paint each slat a different colour to create a window rainbow, or use a stencil to create a mural effect.

By turning from more traditional window treatments and choosing shutters, you're creating a safe environment that will always be fashionable as your child's taste changes.

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