Are Corded Blinds Illegal in Australia? A Brisbane Child‑Safety Guide

If you’ve searched “are blinds with cords illegal,” the short answer is: corded blinds are not illegal to own — but they are covered by mandatory safety standards under Australian Consumer Law, and they must be installed and secured so the cords can’t reach children. Loose or looped blind cords are a serious strangulation hazard for young children, and the rules exist to prevent tragedies that still happen every year.

Here’s what the standards mean in plain English, and how to make the blinds in your Brisbane home safe — whether that’s securing the cords you have or upgrading to a cordless or motorised system.

What the safety rules actually require

Corded internal window coverings — roller blinds, venetians, verticals, romans and curtains with cord or chain controls — are subject to mandatory requirements. In practice that means:

• New corded blinds must be supplied with child‑safety devices (such as cord cleats or tensioners), warning labels and installation instructions.
• Cords must be secured so a loose or looped cord can’t hang within reach of a child — typically at least 1.6 metres above the floor, or held taut against the wall with a cleat or tension device.
• Installation matters: even a compliant blind is only safe if it’s fitted correctly, with the cord kept out of reach.

So the blind itself isn’t banned — but leaving a long, loose or looped cord dangling near a cot, bed or lounge does not meet the standard, and it’s exactly the situation the rules are designed to stop.

Why blind cords are dangerous

Young children can become entangled in a hanging cord in seconds, often silently. The highest‑risk spots are anywhere a child can reach a cord from a cot, bed, sofa, highchair or bookshelf they can climb. Cords looped around chains or connected at the bottom are especially hazardous because a child can put their head through the loop.

The safest homes keep all cords short, secured and out of reach — and move cots and furniture away from windows with corded blinds. If you have young children or grandchildren visiting, it’s worth walking each room and checking every window.

Your options to make blinds child‑safe

You don’t have to replace everything. Depending on your blinds and budget, there are three practical paths:

1. Secure the cords you already have

The lowest‑cost fix is to fit cord cleats or tension devices that hold the cord taut and out of reach. When we carry out a blind repair or service, we can add these safety devices and check every cord in the room at the same time.

2. Retrofit a cordless or wand control

Many blinds can be converted to cordless (spring‑assisted) or a rigid wand, removing the hanging cord entirely. It’s a clean, permanent solution that’s ideal for bedrooms and nurseries.

3. Upgrade to motorised blinds

Motorised blinds have no cords at all and are operated by remote, wall switch or app — the safest option, with the bonus of scheduling and smart‑home control. See our guide to motorised blinds for Brisbane homes.

Getting it sorted in Brisbane

Atlas Blind & Curtain helps families across Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan and the Redlands make their window coverings child‑safe — from fitting cord safety devices during a repair, to retrofitting cordless controls, to installing fully motorised blinds. We’re based at 4/30 Kelliher Rd, Darra, and we’ll give you honest advice on the simplest option for each room.

Book an in‑home visit: Book a Free Measure & Quote, or call 07 3195 2934.

Frequently asked questions

Are corded blinds illegal in Australia?

No — you can own and use corded blinds. But they’re covered by mandatory child‑safety requirements: new corded blinds must be supplied with safety devices and warnings, and cords must be installed and secured so they can’t reach a child. A long, loose or looped cord near where a child can reach is what breaches the standard.

How high do blind cords need to be?

As a rule of thumb, cords and chains should be secured at least 1.6 metres above the floor, or held taut against the wall with a cleat or tension device so there’s no loose loop a child can reach.

Can you make my existing blinds child‑safe without replacing them?

Usually, yes. We can fit cord cleats or tensioners, or retrofit a cordless or wand control, during a service visit. If a blind is worn out anyway, we’ll tell you honestly and quote a replacement.

What’s the safest type of blind for a nursery?

Cordless or motorised blinds are safest for nurseries and children’s bedrooms because there’s no hanging cord at all. Position the cot away from the window as an extra precaution.

Make your blinds child‑safe today

Not sure whether your blinds meet the safety rules? We’ll check them for you. Contact Atlas Blind & Curtain for cord safety devices, cordless retrofits and motorised upgrades across Brisbane, Ipswich and Logan.

• Book a Free Measure & Quote
• Call: 07 3195 2934