What was recalled
In July of 2019, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving custom cellular window shades manufactured by Levolor. This is not a minor issue affecting a small batch of defective units; rather, it concerns a specific line of high-end, customized home goods that were widely available to homeowners looking for premium light control and insulation. The recall focuses exclusively on the Levolor Two-Corded Custom Cellular window shades. These products are distinct from standard off-the-shelf blinds because they are built to order, allowing customers to specify exact dimensions and configurations to fit their unique architectural spaces.
The scope of this recall is defined by both the physical characteristics of the shade and the specific timeframe in which they were produced. To be included in this recall, the unit must have been manufactured between December 15, 2018, and April 30, 2019. You can verify the manufacture date by looking for a sticker located on the head rail of the shade; this label contains crucial production data. Additionally, the Levolor brand logo is printed on a separate sticker attached to the bottom rail of the product. If your shades do not bear these specific markings or fall outside the stated manufacturing window, they are likely not part of this particular recall action.
The affected products encompass several distinct styles and configurations, all sharing the same underlying structural flaw. The recall includes Bottom up single cell products that measure 60 inches or less in width. It also covers Bottom up double cell products, provided they are 44 inches or less in width. Furthermore, the list includes Top-Down/Bottom-Up or Day/Night corded products that are 42 inches or less in width. Importantly, the recall extends to various custom cellular configurations of specialty shapes, meaning that non-standard architectural cuts are also included if they meet the other criteria.
While the official notice does not provide a total count of the number of units sold nationwide, it is important to understand that these were sold as custom-made items. This means that every unit in the recall is unique in its dimensions, but identical in their hazardous construction. Consumers who purchased these shades during the specified five-month period should treat them with immediate caution. Levolor has stated that they are contacting purchasers directly regarding this matter, but relying solely on that notification is not advisable given the severity of the hazard involved.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is so serious, we first need to look at the specific design flaw identified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recalled Levolor Two-Corded Custom Cellular window shades rely on a system where two separate pull cords are used to operate the shade. In many modern safety standards, these cords should either be completely eliminated in favor of cordless operation or joined by a special "breakaway" connector. A breakaway connector is designed to detach and separate if it encounters significant resistance, such as a small child’s neck. However, the units included in this recall feature a non-breakaway cord connector. This means the two cords are permanently fused together into a single loop that does not give way under tension.
The physical danger arises from how these loops interact with the environment and the human body. When installed, these shades create continuous, unbroken loops of cord. For an adult, this is merely an inconvenience or a minor nuisance. For a small child, however, it presents a severe strangulation risk. Toddlers and infants are naturally curious and often explore their surroundings by climbing on furniture, window sills, or blinds. If they climb up to the window treatment, they may inadvertently step into or wrap these cord loops around their necks. Because the connector does not break away, the loop remains intact even if the child struggles or falls.
The mechanics of strangulation in this context are particularly insidious because they can happen quickly and silently. If a child’s weight pulls down on the cord, or if they become entangled while moving, the non-breakaway design prevents any release. The loop tightens around the neck with minimal force. Unlike other hazards that might cause immediate pain or visible injury, strangulation can lead to unconsciousness in seconds due to restricted blood flow and oxygen to the brain. This is why the CPSC classifies this as a critical hazard, even though no incidents have been reported yet. The potential for tragedy exists in the very mechanism of the product’s operation.
It is important to note that this is not an isolated issue with Levolor but a known risk across the entire category of corded window coverings. Regulatory bodies worldwide have been moving toward mandatory cordless standards precisely because traditional cords are among the leading causes of injury and death for young children in the home. The absence of reported incidents in this specific recall does not diminish the severity of the design flaw; rather, it highlights the importance of proactive safety measures. The fact that these units were manufactured between December 15, 2018, and April 30, 2019, means that millions of homes may still have these vulnerable loops hanging within reach of small children who are just learning to walk and climb.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at immediate risk from this recall are small children, particularly those under the age of five. This specific hazard stems directly from the design flaw in the Levolor Two-Corded Custom Cellular window shades: the pull cords are connected by a non-breakaway cord connector. For a toddler or young child, who is naturally curious and has less awareness of physical danger than an adult, these continuous loops of cord can appear to be toys or ropes. Children often climb on furniture near windows to reach high places, and if they encounter these shades, they may instinctively step into the loop of the cord. Because the connector does not break under tension, the loop remains closed around their neck. This creates a strangulation risk that is both silent and swift. It is important to understand that this is not about clumsy accidents; it is about the fundamental mechanics of how a child’s body interacts with a fixed loop. A young child’s neck is also smaller and more delicate than an adult's, making them far more susceptible to serious injury or death from even minor pressure applied by a taut cord.
While small children are the most vulnerable demographic, it is crucial to recognize that anyone living in a home with these specific custom cellular shades could potentially be exposed to this danger. Although no incidents have been reported as of the recall date in July 2019, the potential for harm exists wherever these products are installed. The risk extends beyond just toddlers who might climb and get trapped. It also includes older children who may play with the cords, or even adults who might inadvertently become entangled if they are not familiar with the specific operation of these custom units. However, the severity of the outcome is disproportionately higher for young children due to their size and developmental stage. They lack the strength to pull away from a tightening loop and the cognitive ability to recognize the danger before it becomes critical.
Furthermore, households with multiple children or frequent visitors should be especially vigilant. The recall covers shades manufactured between December 15, 2018, and April 30, 2019, which means these units are relatively recent in many homes. Families who purchased custom window treatments during this period for new constructions or renovations may have these specific models installed without realizing the associated risk. The danger is not limited to a single type of room; these shades were sold in various configurations for different windows, meaning they could be present in nurseries, living rooms, bedrooms, or kitchens. Therefore, the "who" at risk is effectively any occupant of a home with these specific corded cellular shades, but the urgency is highest for families with young children who are mobile and curious.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your window treatments are part of this specific recall requires a bit of detective work, but the process is straightforward once you know exactly where to look. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued this alert for Levolor Custom Cellular shades, specifically those that were manufactured during a very narrow window of time. Because these products are custom-made, they may not have obvious model numbers printed on the front, but there are distinct physical markers and manufacturing dates you can check to confirm if your unit is affected. First, verify the brand. Look for the Levolor logo printed on a sticker located on the bottom rail of the shade. This is your primary confirmation that you are dealing with the correct manufacturer. However, having the Levolor brand alone does not guarantee the item is recalled; you must also check the manufacturing date. Look for a sticker on the head rail (the top part of the shade mechanism) where the unit attaches to the window frame or wall. This sticker contains the manufacturing information, including the date of manufacture. The recall only applies to units manufactured between December 15, 2018, and April 30, 2019. If your shade was made before or after these dates, it is not part of this specific safety alert. Next, examine the style and configuration of the shade. This recall targets Levolor Two-Corded Custom Cellular window shades. You need to check if your product falls into one of the following categories: Bottom up single cell products (60 inches or less in width), Bottom up double cell products (44 inches or less in width), Top-Down/Bottom-Up or Day/Night corded products (42 inches or less in width), or various custom cellular configurations of specialty shapes. If your window coverings do not match these specific styles or exceed the width limits mentioned, they are likely not included in this batch. If you are unsure about the manufacturing date or if your product matches the description, do not guess. Contact Levolor directly for confirmation. You can reach them at 800-752-9677 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, send an email to recall@levolor.com, or visit www.Levolor.com and click on Custom Cellular Recall at the bottom of the page for more information. They can help you verify if your specific unit is part of this recall based on its unique details.What to do — step by step
If you suspect you have one of the recalled Levolor Custom Cellular window shades, your immediate priority is to ensure the safety of your household, particularly any young children who might be near these windows. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is clear: you must stop using the affected products immediately. Do not wait for a formal letter to arrive in the mail before taking action. While Levolor has stated that they are contacting purchasers directly, relying solely on this notification process can be risky if your contact information has changed or if there is a delay in processing. Instead, take proactive control of the situation by following these concrete steps to secure your home and resolve the issue. First, carefully inspect the window treatments in your home. Look for the Levolor logo printed on a sticker located on the bottom rail of the shade. More importantly, check the sticker on the head rail (the top part of the unit) for manufacturing information. The recall specifically applies only to units manufactured between December 15, 2018, and April 30, 2019. If your shades fall within this date range and match one of the described styles—such as bottom-up single cell products (60 inches or less in width), bottom-up double cell products (44 inches or less in width), or top-down/bottom-up corded products (42 inches or less in width)—you have a recalled item. Once confirmed, do not attempt to repair the cords yourself or try to modify the non-breakaway connector. These pull cords are joined by a specific type of connector that does not detach under tension, creating a serious loop hazard for small children. Removing or altering them without the proper kit could compromise the shade’s function or leave dangerous loose wires. Next, reach out to Levolor to initiate the remedy process. You have several convenient options for contacting them. You can call their dedicated recall hotline at 800-752-9677. This line is staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, which allows you to speak with a representative during standard business hours if that suits your schedule. Alternatively, you can send an email to recall@levolor.com for written documentation of your inquiry. For those who prefer digital self-service, visit www.Levolor.com and scroll to the very bottom of the homepage. There is a specific link labeled "Custom Cellular Recall" that will guide you through the necessary information and next steps. When you contact them, have your product details ready, including the model style and the manufacturing date found on the head rail sticker. Finally, wait for Levolor to send you a free repair kit. The company is providing these kits at no cost to consumers to eliminate the strangulation hazard safely. The repair kit will contain the necessary components to replace the non-breakaway cord connector with a safer, breakaway design that detaches if pulled with significant force, thereby protecting children from entanglement. Follow the instructions included in the kit precisely when installing the new hardware. By taking these steps promptly, you are not only complying with safety regulations but also actively protecting your family from a hidden danger that has not yet resulted in reported incidents but remains a serious risk if left unaddressed.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that your Levolor window shades are part of this recall, the good news is that you do not need to purchase a new set of blinds or pay for professional installation to resolve the safety issue. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Levolor have established a clear, no-cost remedy designed specifically to mitigate the strangulation hazard without requiring you to completely replace your window treatments. Instead of offering a full refund or sending you an entirely new unit, Levolor is providing a free repair kit to all affected customers. This approach is both practical and cost-effective, allowing you to maintain the aesthetic and functional benefits of your custom cellular shades while immediately neutralizing the danger posed by the non-breakaway cord connector.
To access this remedy, you must initiate contact with Levolor directly. They are actively reaching out to purchasers who can be identified through their sales records, so keep an eye on your mail or email for their outreach. However, if you have not heard from them yet, it is crucial that you take the initiative. You can contact Levolor’s dedicated recall support team by calling 800-752-9677. Their representatives are available to assist you Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Alternatively, you may send an email to recall@levolor.com if you prefer written communication or need to provide specific details about your product in advance.
For those who prefer to manage the process online, Levolor has created a dedicated section on their website for this recall. Visit www.Levolor.com and scroll to the very bottom of the homepage, where you will find a link labeled "Custom Cellular Recall." Clicking this link will provide you with all the necessary information and instructions to request your free repair kit. When you contact Levolor via phone, email, or their online portal, be prepared to provide the manufacturing date and other identifying information found on the sticker located on the head rail of your shades. This verification step ensures that you receive the correct components for your specific model.
The repair kit itself is designed to replace the hazardous non-breakaway cord connector with a safer alternative that prevents small children from becoming entangled in the pull cords. By installing this kit, you effectively eliminate the strangulation risk associated with the original design. It is important to note that Levolor is not offering refunds or full replacements for these units; the remedy is strictly limited to the provision and installation assistance of the free repair kit. Therefore, do not discard your shades or attempt to return them to a store for a refund, as this will not resolve the safety issue and may result in you losing the product without receiving the necessary safety upgrade. Simply follow the steps above to claim your free kit and restore peace of mind in your home.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a recall notice cites a "strangulation hazard," it is easy to feel like the language is overly dramatic, especially if your window shades have been hanging quietly in your home for months without incident. It is natural to want to wait until you have time to deal with administrative tasks like calling customer service or ordering replacement parts. However, ignoring this specific warning is not merely a delay in convenience; it is an acceptance of a silent, mechanical risk that does not care about your schedule or your attention. The core issue here is the non-breakaway cord connector. In standard safety design, a breakaway feature is intended to snap apart under tension, preventing a loop from tightening around a neck. Because the recalled Levolor shades lack this critical safety mechanism, the cords remain permanently connected, creating an unbroken loop that can tighten with force if a child pulls on them or becomes entangled in them. The real-world consequence of ignoring this defect is the potential for severe injury or death to a small child. Toddlers and infants are naturally curious and often climb onto furniture near windows to reach curtains or blinds. If they grab the pull cords, the non-breakaway connector ensures that the loop does not release. As the child struggles or falls, the loop can tighten around their neck with significant speed and strength. This is not a hypothetical scenario based on fear; it is a documented mechanical reality of how these specific shades function. While the recall facts indicate that no incidents have been reported to date, this absence of reported cases does not mean the risk is absent. It simply means that, by chance, no child has yet become entangled in these specific units during the short window they were on the market. Relying on luck is never a safety strategy when dealing with small children and heavy, tensioned materials. Furthermore, continuing to use these shades creates a false sense of security for your household. You may believe that because you keep windows closed or furniture away from the blinds, you are safe. However, accidents in homes rarely happen exactly as we predict them. A child might climb a chair that was previously stable, reach for a toy near the window, or simply swing on the cords out of curiosity. The danger is always present whenever the shades are installed and accessible. By ignoring the recall, you are leaving a potential noose in place, waiting for the right (or wrong) moment to activate. The remedy offered by Levolor—a free repair kit—is designed to eliminate this specific mechanical failure point. Waiting to install it means you are actively choosing to maintain a known hazard in your home rather than removing it with the help and resources provided by the manufacturer.Staying safe: broader tips
While specific product recalls are essential for addressing immediate risks in your home, long-term safety relies on establishing consistent habits and understanding the general principles of hazard prevention. Window coverings, particularly those with cords, present a unique challenge because they blend into the decor while posing a silent threat. To keep your space secure beyond any single recall, it is vital to rethink how you interact with these items daily. The most effective strategy for corded blinds and shades is to eliminate the loop entirely. Many modern window treatments come equipped with tension devices or cleats that hold the cord tightly against the wall, preventing a child from climbing or pulling on a dangling loop. If your current shades do not have this feature, consider installing a cord tensioner or replacing old units with cordless alternatives. Cordless designs use internal mechanisms to raise and lower the shade, removing the strangulation hazard at its source and providing peace of mind for families with young children or pets.
Regularly inspecting your home environment is another critical layer of defense. Hazards can develop over time, or new ones may appear as your family’s needs change. Make it a habit to check that all safety devices are still functioning correctly and that cords have not become frayed or damaged. Additionally, stay informed about product safety by registering the items you purchase with the manufacturers. This ensures that if a future recall is issued for a different model or batch, you will be contacted directly rather than waiting for news reports to reach you. You can also monitor updates from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) via their website or newsletter, which provides broad alerts on various consumer goods, not just window treatments.
Beyond window coverings, holistic home safety involves recognizing that risks are often interconnected. For instance, while focusing on strangulation hazards, remember to secure heavy furniture and televisions to the wall to prevent tip-overs, a leading cause of injury for children. Similarly, ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are tested monthly with fresh batteries. These proactive measures create a comprehensive safety net. By combining vigilance with modern, safer product choices and regular maintenance checks, you transform your home from a place of potential accident to a secure sanctuary where safety is woven into the fabric of daily life.