What are the best window treatments for your child's room? While different families have different décor ideas, kids' rooms often pack a playful home design punch. If you're not sure how to accent your little one's space, take a look at everything you need to know about window treatments for children's rooms.

Start with Safety

Even though aesthetics are important, safety is the first step in children's room décor. Before you invest in any window treatment for a child's room, consider the potential hazards you should avoid. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends avoiding all corded window treatments because of the potential threat they pose.

Instead, create a safe setting for your child that removes all corded blinds, accessories, and billowy or long fabric.

Remove older corded blinds from the windows and don't replace them with similar models. Along with cords, avoid anything with accessories or embellishments that hang down. These could also pose safety hazards. Choose plain window treatments. A plain curtain that flows with the breeze may have visual value. But your child could trap or tangle themselves in the bulky material so remember to keep it short.

After you've taken safety into consideration, it's time to move to the next step and choose a style.

Select a Style

With corded blinds and draping curtains out - what styles can you choose for your child's room? Even though some styles are as safe as others, you still have plenty of window treatment options. These include:

• Shades . Cordless shades combine safety, form, and function. Now only won't you need a cord to control shades, but you can choose from a variety of color and print options. Room darkening shades are also ideal for the child who needs a dark room to sleep.
• Shutters . Plantation shutters have a classic style with a sun flare. The full-coverage design also provides you with a way to keep the sun out during midday naps or early evening bedtimes.
• Short drapes . Your older child may like the look of short drapes. Again, choose a style that doesn't dangle or include billowing fabric.

If your child is older, ask for their opinion. While you have the final say, your child can help you to select the perfect style for their room.

Choose a Color

Now that you've chosen a style, you need to build on the first decision and add a color or pattern combination. How should you choose the just-right color or pattern for your child's window treatments? Before you pick a palette or pattern, consider:

• The rest of the room . If you already have a design theme in mind, plan the window treatments around the existing décor. This may require you to coordinate the color with a chosen palette or create contrast with an opposite or bold hue.
• Your child's preference . Does your child love dinosaurs, trains, or teddy bears? Ask your window treatment contractor is you can cover shades in a pattern that matches your child's interests.
• Your child's age . A soft, subdued color is an easy way to create a restful space for a young infant. But your preschooler or older child may want a fun-filled bold hue or a colorful patterned print.
• The style of window treatment . Bright shades may accent a neutral palette. But bold shutters could overwhelm a room - especially a smaller-sized child's room.

Discuss the color and pattern options with a design consultant or a window treatment professional before you decide. The expert has the knowledge and experience to help you choose the best palette or design for your child's room.

Do you need to update your child's room? Contact Tailor Made Draperies, Inc., for more information.