Choosing window treatments for a kids' bedroom comes down to a few non-negotiables: safety, durability, and light control. Children sleep better in darker rooms, and their window coverings need to hold up to daily use (and occasional rough handling) without creating any hazards. Here's what works best.
Safety First: Cordless Is a Must
The most important thing to know about window treatments in children's rooms is this: corded blinds and shades are a strangulation hazard for young children. This is a well-documented safety concern, and many corded products have been phased out of the Canadian market as a result.
When choosing window coverings for a child's bedroom, always select cordless or motorized options. Cordless roller shades, cordless honeycomb blinds, and motorized shades all operate without hanging cords or chains. They're just as functional as corded versions and completely safe in children's spaces.
Blackout Curtains: Essential for Better Sleep
Blackout curtains are probably the single most impactful upgrade you can make to a child's bedroom. Children's sleep schedules often require naps during the day and early bedtimes before the sun has fully set—especially in Canadian summers when the sun doesn't go down until 9 PM or later.
A properly fitted blackout curtain blocks virtually all incoming light, helping children fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer regardless of the time of day. Look for curtains with a full blackout lining and consider an outside mount to minimize light gaps at the edges.
For style, kids' blackout curtains now come in a huge range of colours and patterns. You don't have to sacrifice the room's look to get the light-blocking performance you need.
Honeycomb Blinds: Quiet, Insulating, and Safe
Honeycomb blinds in blackout fabric are an excellent alternative to curtains, especially if you prefer a cleaner, more minimal look. Their cordless operation makes them completely safe for children's rooms, and their cellular construction provides insulation that helps regulate room temperature—a bonus in both winter and summer.
Honeycomb blinds also have a very compact stack when fully raised, which means the window is fully unobstructed during the day. For children who love looking out the window, this matters. They can be raised easily with a gentle push and stay put at any height.
Zebra Blinds: Versatile for Growing Rooms
As children grow into older kids and teenagers, their needs change. Zebra blinds offer more flexibility than pure blackout options—you can filter light gently during the day, then align the solid bands at bedtime for privacy and significant light reduction. While not a full blackout product, they work well for school-age children who don't need complete darkness but still benefit from light control.
Cordless zebra blinds have a clean, modern look that grows well with a child's room as it transitions from a nursery aesthetic to a more mature space.
Tips for Kids' Room Window Treatments
- Always choose cordless or motorized options for any room used by children under 10.
- Go outside mount for blackout products—it covers the full window frame and reduces light gaps at the edges.
- Choose machine-washable or easy-to-wipe fabrics if possible. Kids' rooms get messier than other spaces, and your window coverings will eventually need cleaning.
- Consider neutral colours if you're not sure what the room's decor will evolve into. Neutral tones age better than highly themed options.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age are corded blinds safe?
There is no safe age for corded blinds in a child's room. For any space used by children, always choose cordless or motorized window treatments to eliminate the risk entirely.
Do blackout curtains need to be lined separately?
True blackout curtains have the blackout lining integrated into the fabric or stitched in as a backing. You don't need a separate liner, but make sure the curtain is labelled as "blackout" rather than just "room darkening"—the latter doesn't block all light.
Are honeycomb blinds durable enough for a child's room?
Yes. Honeycomb blinds are one of the more durable shade options available. Their cordless operation means there are no cords to pull on or tangle, and the cellular fabric holds up well to normal use over many years.
What's the best window treatment for a baby's nursery?
For a nursery, blackout curtains or cordless blackout roller shades are the best choice. Consistent darkness during nap times makes a significant difference to infant sleep quality. Pair with a white noise machine for best results.
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