Roller Shades vs Honeycomb Shades: Which Are Best for Kids?

Child-safe window treatments are important for parents with young children. Danger seemed to lurk everywhere—from the air they breathe to the floors they crawl on, inside the pillows, beneath the sink, and even in the windows. This is why parents do everything they can to make their homes child-proof.

One of the things that many parents are doing to up their safety game is switching out their preexisting window treatments for ones that are more child-friendly. Instead of heavier blinds with dangerous cords, many are opting for something lighter and cordless. After comparing safety pros and cons many parents of young children are choosing roller shades or honeycomb shades. Both have their pros and cons and below we will explore the differences and help you choose which works best for your family and your decor.

Roller Shades vs. Cellular/Honeycomb Shades

Roller shades and cellular shades, or “Honeycomb shades", are rather different in construction and yet they share a lot of the same benefits. Both are stylish and functional, great for insulating a room, and available in a ton of different lighting-filtering options from sheer to blackout. But, while they do have many similarities, each also has specific benefits and drawbacks that may make one better suited for your needs.

Pros and Cons of Roller Shades

Roller shades consist of one piece of fabric that is pulled down to give a room privacy, style, and insulation. Roller shades are ideal for areas where the weather doesn’t fluctuate too much, namely places with mild winters and summers, or places that have constant temperatures throughout the year. Roller shades for windows are available in a wider range of colors and textures than honeycomb shades but in general they offer slightly less insulation.

BENEFITS

• Light-weight and easy to operate
• Available cordless – perfect for a child-safe home
• Available in a wide variety of colors and fabrics
  
• Vertical design resists dust build up
• Offer a clean modern look, ideal for contemporary decors
• Easy-to-clean vinyl roller shades can be wiped with a damp sponge

DRAWBACKS

• A contemporary look that may not fit all decors
• Provide less insolation than thicker, layered window treatments

Pros and Cons of Cellular / Honeycomb Shades

Cellular shades shades have a fabric that is constructed in a honeycomb structure to give rooms extra insulation and privacy. They also come in a wide range of neurals from light-filtering to blackout styles.Blackout cellular shades are designed to block out as much light as possible. They are a great option for bedrooms, media rooms, and any other room where you want to create a completely dark environment. Light-filtering cellular shades allow some light to pass through, while still providing privacy and insulation. They are a good option for living rooms, kitchens, and any other room where you want to soften natural light.

BENEFITS

• Light-weight and easy to operate

• Available cordless – perfect for a child-safe home
• Available in a variety of neutral colors
• Multilayer, cellular construction traps air, for improved insulation and energy efficiency
• Available in Day/Night combo construction so you can have privacy and light in the day or blockout all the light for daytime naps

DRAWBACKS

• Offered in fewer color and pattern options than other window treatments
• Less resistant to dust than a fully vertical window treatment

Safe Installation and Maintenance Tips for Child-Safe Window Shades:

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation of your child-safe window shades.
• Ensure all mounting brackets and hardware are securely fastened to the wall or window frame, using appropriate anchors for the wall material.
• Keep loose cords or chains out of reach of children by bundling them together and securing them with cord cleats or ties.
• Regularly inspect your child-safe window shades for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
•  Replace or repair any broken components immediately to maintain optimal safety.
• Clean your child-safe window shades according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Dusting with a microfiber cloth or vacuuming with the upholstery attachment on low power will help maintain their appearance and functionality

Other Child-Safe Window Treatment Options

Roman shades are another great option for child-safe window treatments. They consist of a single piece of fabric that folds up in neat sections when raised, offering a clean and classic look. Roman shades are available in a variety of materials, including light-filtering fabrics and blackout options. However, some Roman shade designs use pull cords to operate, so ensure you choose a cordless option for maximum child safety.

Plantation shutters are a timeless and elegant window treatment option. They are made from solid wood or faux wood louvers that can be tilted to control light and privacy. While plantation shutters are generally more expensive than roller shades or honeycomb shades, they offer superior durability and insulation. Most shutters manufacturers offer cordless options that eliminate the risk of strangulation hazards.

Which One Should New Parents Choose?

There isn’t a definitive answer to that question. But the good news is, between cellular and roller shades you have a lot of options from which to choose. Both window treatments are perfectly adequate and safe for a home with little ones, so it completely depends on personal taste, location, and budget.

If you are still having trouble deciding between roller shades and cellular shades, check out the Blinds To Go catalog for design inspiration. Stop by one of our 100+ conveniently located Blinds To Go showroom, schedule a free in-home consultation or call and chat with a member of our customer support team.