Creating Magical, Safe Spaces for Kids
Children's rooms are where imagination meets practical needs. Custom printed window shades for kids' spaces must be three things: safe (no dangling cords), functional (reliable blackout for sleep), and fun (designs that spark joy and creativity). OrangePiel creates shades that meet all three requirements with personalized designs that grow with your child.
Safety First: Cordless Operation
The Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) strongly recommend cordless window coverings in homes with children. All OrangePiel shades for children's rooms feature:
- Cordless spring-assist operation: Simply push or pull the shade to the desired position—no chains or cords
- Motorized options: Complete cord-free operation with smart control—wall switch, remote, or smartphone app
- No exposed mechanisms: All moving parts are enclosed within the shade cassette
- ANSI/WCMA A100.1 compliance: Our shades meet current safety standards for child-accessible spaces
Blackout Is Non-Negotiable for Sleep
Pediatric sleep experts consistently recommend dark sleeping environments for children. Custom printed blackout shades deliver:
- 100% light blocking for nap time and bedtime—even during long summer evenings
- Better sleep quality that supports healthy development and behavior
- Consistent sleep schedules by eliminating early morning light wake-ups
- The reassurance of a beautiful design visible as kids fall asleep
Design Ideas for Every Age
Nursery (0-2 years)
- Soft animals, clouds, and stars in gentle pastel palettes
- Abstract shapes and patterns that stimulate visual development
- Nature themes—trees, flowers, butterflies in calming colors
Toddler/Preschool (2-5 years)
- Favorite animals, dinosaurs, underwater scenes
- Alphabet, numbers, or map designs that support early learning
- Fantasy landscapes—fairy tale forests, outer space, enchanted gardens
School Age (6-12 years)
- Solar system and constellation maps
- World maps or city skylines
- Sports themes, music, or hobby-related designs
- Abstract geometric patterns that won't feel "too young" as kids grow
Teens
- City photography, travel imagery, or architectural patterns
- Bold graphic designs, abstract art, or music-inspired visuals
- Subtle, sophisticated patterns that transition to young adult taste
Practical Considerations
- Durability: UV-cured prints withstand years of raised/lowered use and resist fingerprints and scuffs
- Cleanability: Wipe clean with a damp cloth—important for rooms where sticky fingers are inevitable
- Replaceable fabric: When your child outgrows their dinosaur shade, swap the fabric without replacing hardware
- Room darkening: Side channels and bottom bars available to eliminate light leaks around shade edges
Frequently Asked Questions
Are custom printed shades safe for nurseries?
Yes. Our cordless and motorized shade options have no accessible cords, chains, or strings, meeting CPSC and WCMA safety guidelines for children's rooms. All mechanisms are enclosed, and our fabrics contain no harmful chemicals (GREENGUARD certified options available).
Can I use my child's own artwork on a window shade?
Yes—and it's one of our most popular requests. Send us a high-resolution scan or photograph of your child's drawing and we'll reproduce it as a custom window shade. It makes an incredible keepsake and a shade your child will be proud of.
How dark do blackout shades actually make the room?
Our blackout fabric blocks 100% of light through the shade surface. For maximum darkness, we recommend adding side channels (light-blocking tracks on each side) and a sealed bottom bar. This creates near-total darkness even in rooms with direct sun exposure—essential for reliable daytime napping.
When my child outgrows the design, do I need to replace the whole shade?
No. Our shade systems are designed with replaceable fabric rolls. When it's time for a new design, we manufacture a new fabric roll that slides into your existing hardware. This is significantly more affordable than replacing the entire shade system.