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Best Pet-Friendly Window Coverings for Furry Family Members

Written By Armi Avila

In homes with pets, striking a balance between functionality and design can be a challenge. Because pets are often seen as part of the family, their needs should be considered when choosing window coverings.

Seattle, renowned for its pet-friendly lifestyle, has nearly half of its households sharing their homes with pets. With so many pet owners, selecting window coverings that are both stylish and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of pet life is essential.

While no window covering is “pet proof” or immune to potential damage, selecting thoughtfully designed options can greatly reduce wear and tear, thereby providing savings in the long run. This approach ensures both your home and furry companions are well accommodated.

Understanding the Needs of Pet Owners

Pets, especially dogs and cats, are naturally curious and may interact with window treatments by scratching, chewing, nuzzling, or tugging. Therefore, it's essential to choose window coverings that are:

• Durable: Able to resist damage from claws and teeth.
• Safe: Free from cords or components that could pose entanglement risks.
• Easy to Clean: Resistant to pet hair, stains, and simple to maintain.

Top Pet-Friendly Window Covering Options

Roller Shades

Constructed from a single piece of fabric, roller shades make the material harder to scratch and do not have gaps that pets might exploit. They can be easily rolled up to the best height that allows pets to look outside, reducing the temptation to claw or bite.

Solar Shades

A category of roller shades made from solar fabric material. This durable material is easy and can be wiped down to remove dirt, pet hair, or drool. Ideal for spaces where ease of cleanability is important and less privacy is needed. Their UV-blocking properties protect your furniture while still allowing light to filter in, making them both functional and pet-friendly.

Sliding Panels

When constructed from durable, easy-to-clean fabrics, sliding panels are an ideal choice for covering sliding glass doors for homes with pets. Unlike vertical blinds where the vertical vanes are attached to the headrail with clips that typically break, these panels are more secure to the headrail.

Honeycomb Shades with Top-Down/Bottom-Up Functionality

These versatile shades can be adjusted to leave the bottom open, creating a perfect viewing spot for pets. To ensure safety, the open section should be kept at a height unreachable by pets to prevent chewing, scratching, or clawing.

Shutters

Known for their durability and sturdiness, plantation shutters can withstand more wear and tear. They can be tilted in a direction that prevents pets from seeing out, while allowing light in the home.

Faux Wood Blinds

These blinds are more scratch-resistant and cost-effective, making them a practical choice for pet owners. Their durable surface can withstand minor clawing and chewing better than real wood, and their water-resistant properties make cleaning up pet messes a breeze. If damage does occur, replacement is more affordable than other options, making them a budget-friendly solution for homes with pets.

Cordless Window Coverings

To prevent accidental entanglement, strangulation, or choking hazards, select window coverings that are cordless or have inaccessible cords.

Motorized Window Treatments

Automation offers an even more advanced solution to the cord issue. They are powered by a remote control, wall switch, or smartphone app, eliminating the need for any cords or manual operation. These motorized systems offer the convenience of adjusting your window coverings with just the press of a button, and the ability to set favorites for the perfect shade configuration.

Both cordless and motorized options help create a safer, more convenient living space while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the home, as they offer a clean, streamlined look without the clutter of cords.

Here is a short video highlighting some of the options mentioned:

Additional Considerations

• Avoid Full Length Window Treatments: Floor-length fabrics can be enticing for pets to play with or rest on, leading to potential damage.
• Avoid Natural Shades: Woven wood shades are typically harder to clean, tend to trap pet hair, and some materials may even attract pets.
• Regular Maintenance: Regardless of the type of window covering, regular cleaning is essential to remove pet hair and dander, maintaining both hygiene and appearance.
• Shade Configuration: Raise the shades to a safe height out of pets' reach, especially when leaving them home alone.
• Pet Management: For pets that tend to react strongly to what they see through windows, additional training or more exercise to help manage their energy could be beneficial. Introducing pet-safe window treatments in high-traffic areas can also support desensitization efforts.
• Dedicated Pet Zone: Keep pet areas away from window coverings, particularly near sliding glass doors, to reduce the risk of damage or accidents.

In a city like Seattle, where pets are not just companions but often considered integral members of the family, selecting the right window coverings goes beyond aesthetics—it's about creating a space that is safe, comfortable, and functional for both humans and animals. Pets can have unique needs when it comes to home design; whether it's the desire to look outside or have the tendency to jump or paw at window treatments, so it's important to choose window coverings that cater to those behaviors. Durable, pet-friendly options ensure your window treatments remain intact and continue to perform, even with the occasional rough-and-tumble from your furry friends.

The ease of maintenance is equally important; choosing materials that are easy to clean and resilient to stains, fur, and dirt will keep your space looking fresh with minimal effort. By considering all these factors—durability, safety, and ease of upkeep—homeowners can select window treatments that not only enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of their home but also make life with pets more enjoyable.

At Amazing Blinds by Armi, we specialize in offering stylish and custom solutions that work with your lifestyle and your pet-friendly home in Seattle, Bellevue, and surrounding areas. Whether you're looking for window coverings that are both functional and beautiful, or need expert advice on which materials will stand up to the challenges of living with pets, we're here to help! Give us a call at 206-801-6010 or drop us an e-mail at info@blindsbyarmi.com. We're ready to work with you to find the perfect window treatment solution tailored to you and your pets' unique needs.