Selecting curtains for children's rooms is different from the other rooms in your home. Safety concerns that are not present in adult bedrooms are real here. The quality of sleep is also affected by the amount of light that comes in. And any option you go for, will need to stand the test of sticky fingers, rough play, and the eventual "I hate dinosaurs" phase.

Curtain safety features

First must be corded curtain safety. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued warnings about the risks of strangulation from the cords of window coverings and this is not something to compromise on. Curtains or blinds in a child's room should be completely cord free. Current safety standards (ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2018)now require most retail window coverings to be cordless, so replacing old corded blinds with new cordless products is the safest option. While cord tension devices exist as a temporary fix for older blinds, they still carry some risk and should not be considered a permanent solution.

Aside from curtains, be sure to pay attention to how the curtain rods are mounted. Kids pull on stuff, and they also climb. A rod that seems to be secure enough in an adult's room may not be able to withstand the weight of a small toddler who has just decided that the curtains are their favorite swing set. For maximum safety, mount brackets directly into wall studs whenever possible. If studs are not available, use heavy-duty toggle bolts rated for the weight. Once installed, brackets should be completely secure with no movement. Check the brackets on a regular basis to make sure nothing has loosened.

Curtains that touch the floor give off a really elegant look, which is an aesthetic a lot of people want, but they come with a lot of safety issues, especially for kids. Toddler rooms with floor-length curtains can result in tripping incidents and give kids something to grab, which is dangerous. For the safety of kids, sill-length curtains (stopping at the sill of the window) work really well. For bigger kids, one inch above the floor is good and is referred to as a "float" length.

If you're trying to find a balance between safety and fabric, look for OEKO-TEX or GREENGUARD certifications. This is especially important for rooms with sleeping babies.

How much darkness do kids really need?

This is dependent on the kids' age.

For babies and toddlers (0-3 years), aim for 85-100% blackout. Not personal choice, but a biological necessity. Darkness helps to produce melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep and helpful when trying to establish sleep schedules (which is important for babies). A pitch-black room makes sleeping at the times that need to happen, and sleep cycles easier to maintain.

Around 3-5 years, preschoolers can still benefit from 85-95% blackout. Nap schedules are still a thing, and kids need sleep, especially when they look like they're wide awake. A dark room can help maintain the sleep routine that kids need, especially when they have a lot of energy.

Kids within the school age group (6-12) are able to have more flexibility. 70-90% tends to work. Natural light can actually aid morning wake times for school too, although you will want to keep summer months good window coverage because the sun rises before anyone should be awake.

Once kids enter the teenage years, it is common for them to want maximum blackout once more, although for different reasons. During the teenage years, sleep patterns shift making it more difficult to fall asleep and wake up early. Increased privacy becomes necessary as well.

Especially light sleepers will almost always benefit from having blackout curtains and blackout roller shades to double up. It may sound like a lot, but parents to light sleepers understand how valuable each additional percentage point of darkness can be. An extra layer is a worthy investment as it prevents wake ups during the night and leads to a more consistent nap schedule during the day.

Patterns and colors

Curtains can be neutral, or you can pick patterns that are timeless. They can use simple stars or stripes, small dots, or basic geometric patterns that won't make the room scream "toddler room" when they hit double digits.

It's so cute seeing the character-themed curtains. Your child currently enjoys the show and the bedding set that goes along with it is lovely. But here's the reality. Your child's interests will change. Character-themed curtains that your four-year-old loves will become embarrassing for your seven-year-old child. You'll feel like replacing them within no time. Consider themed items that are cheaper and easier to change out like the bedding, wall art, and throw pillows.

Including children in the decision-making process is still important. When children are in school, you are able to give them a choice from a few options you have already vetted. This way, you have a decision that is unlikely to have unfavorable outcomes, but still allows the children to have a sense of ownership on the matter. When children are in their teenage years, you can give them a little more independence, while still having some control over the decision in terms of the quality and the money involved.

Consider the emotional impact of color on younger children. A nursery is a place that is designed to have soft, muted color palettes that are soothing rather than overwhelming. When you use soft hues like gray, light blue, warm white, or light greens, you create a good environment for sleeping. When children are older, you can use more bright color, but use caution. Large amounts of color that is bright or saturated create a sense of chaos and can be overwhelming.

What to look for when purchasing

The perfect kids curtain has four attributes: blackout capabilities, thermal insulation, washable fabric, and the ability to hold up over time. It is worth searching to find a fabric with all of the qualities. They do exist.

Blackout curtains often come with thermal properties that help regulate room temperature, keeping the room cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This can make a noticeable difference on your energy bills, especially in regions with extreme temperatures.

Mixed blackout curtains are the best for blocking light, washing easily, and durability. They are also the best for moderate use over a long time. If you want to use pure cotton curtains, that is acceptable, but be sure that the curtain has a blackout lining, and that their washing instructions are compatible.

Kids' curtains need to be machine washable. For regular maintenance, vacuum curtains with a brush attachment to remove dust. Machine wash seasonally or as needed for visible stains. This keeps curtains fresh without the hassle of frequent removal and reinstallation.

Grommet curtains are a solid default option. They hang clean and slide quietly. Another option, ideal if you're looking for something more minimal, is a cordless roller shade. Combining both is common for maximum light control.

Skip decorative cords, tassels, and valances. They add dust and no function. Skip cafe curtains too, as they provide insufficient coverage for sleep. Budget around $50 to $150 for curtains with good light control and machine-washable fabric.

Curtains for shared rooms and special needs

When siblings share a room, sleep preferences, as well as routines, may differ, making things a little complicated. If a baby and a five-year-old share a room, it's simple enough; they both need the room pitch black. But how do you handle a six-year-old and a twelve-year-old, whose sleep routines, as well as everything else, may be in direct opposition?

As a suggestion, choose light colors for the sake of neutrality. Choosing a light gray, white, or navy may be best for both sides and they allow for a more seamless transition if preferences and tastes change in one or both kids, and also making it easier to change for everything else in the room. To help with personalizing the room, have the kids choose their own individual bedding in addition to some wall accents to allow them to express some individuality.

If a room serves as both a play area and sleep space, having a layered approach with curtains is also recommended. Sheer drapes block some daylight for playing without making the room feel too dark. When the room is not in use for playtime setup blackout curtains for nap time and night time. If the curtains are multifunctional, it allows you to change the lighting for things like homework or activities that need some focused light.

When selecting the curtains, children with sensory differences may prefer solids to busy, patterned textiles that can be visually overwhelming and distracting. If your child has allergies, look for hypoallergenic fabrics and plan on washing curtains more frequently, at least once a month, to keep dust and allergens under control. Thinking ahead to your child's sensory needs can help you choose the right fabric.

Before you buy: a quick checklist

Run through these points before making your final decision:

• Cordless design confirmed
• Appropriate blackout level for your child's age
• Thermal insulation for energy efficiency
• Machine-washable fabric
• Safe length (sill-length or float, no puddle)
• Secure mounting hardware included or purchased separately
• Pattern or color that can grow with your child
• Low-VOC certification if for a nursery

Sleep better, worry less

Getting the right kids' room curtains means your child sleeps better and you worry less regarding safety hazards. Focus on the fundamentals. Choose curtains that have no cords and ensure that the fabric has an appropriate level of blackout based on your child's age. Choose a fabric that can be machine washed as kids tend to make a mess.