Funny, I actually went the other way after a few years of wrestling with busted cordless handles and sticky tracks. I switched some rooms back to the old-school cords, but with those breakaway safety things. Less toddler-proof, maybe, but at least I’m not constantly hunting for replacement parts. I do miss the cleaner look of cordless, though. Anyone else feel like there’s no perfect solution?
- You’re not alone—there’s definitely no “one size fits all” with blinds.
- Cordless looks great but I’ve had those sticky tracks too, especially after a couple years and some kid-induced rough handling.
- Cords with breakaways feel a bit retro, but at least when something breaks, it’s usually an easy (and cheap) fix.
- Honestly, I’ve mixed both styles around my house. Bedrooms get cordless, since the kids nap there, but living areas have cords for convenience.
- It’s always a tradeoff, but hey, at least you’re not wrestling with replacement handles every few months… that gets old fast.
I get the appeal of cords for quick fixes, but honestly, I’ve had more luck with the newer motorized options—especially with kids and pets around. The upfront cost is higher, yeah, but zero cords, no sticky tracks, and you can set timers or use remotes. Maintenance is mostly just keeping the batteries fresh. Not for everyone, but it’s been a game changer in my house.
I get where you're coming from with the motorized ones.
That convenience is great, but I had a set where the batteries were always dying at the worst times. Ended up going cordless manual—still no cords for the kids to mess with, but no tech to fail either. If you don’t mind the occasional tug, it’s a solid middle ground.The upfront cost is higher, yeah, but zero cords, no sticky tracks, and you can set timers or use remotes.
Had the same debate in our place—kids, two cats, and a dog that thinks blinds are a snack. I tried motorized for a while, but
is exactly what drove me nuts. Switched to cordless manual a couple years back and honestly, less fuss overall. I do have to remind the kids not to yank too hard, but that’s easier than tracking down a remote or finding fresh batteries when it’s pitch dark.“batteries were always dying at the worst times”
“batteries were always dying at the worst times”
Yeah, that’s exactly why I ditched motorized too. Cordless manual just works, no power needed, and nothing for pets to chew on. Less to break, less to replace. Only downside is you gotta keep an eye on the kids roughhousing with them.
I get where you’re coming from, but I gotta say, the motorized ones actually saved me a headache last summer. We’ve got a couple high windows I can’t reach without dragging out a ladder, and with the remote, it’s just easier. Yeah, batteries are annoying, but I just swapped to rechargeables and now it’s not so bad. I do worry about the kids messing with the remotes more than the blinds themselves, honestly... but so far, nothing’s broken. Guess it depends on your setup and how much chaos your crew brings.
I hear you on the high windows—had a client once who tried balancing on their kitchen counter to reach the blinds. Nearly gave me a heart attack just watching. Motorized is definitely a game changer for those spots, and honestly, I’ve seen fewer tangled cords since folks started switching over. Only downside I’ve run into is when the remote goes missing... usually turns up in the toy box or under the couch, right next to the TV remote. Batteries are a pain, but at least you’re not untangling knots every week.
I get the hype for motorized, but honestly, I’ve had better luck with the simple cordless lift-down shades. No batteries to fuss with and nothing for the dog to chew on (he thinks remotes are chew toys). Plus, one less thing to lose under the couch...
Haha, my cat’s obsessed with cords so I get wanting stuff without dangly bits. But do cordless shades ever get stuck or wear out faster? I’m kinda worried about the mechanism breaking, especially with kids yanking on them all day...