A New, Compact 4-Cord Widget
Smaller Size, Same Smart Function
When we first launched our Widget line last September, the original 4-Cord Widget quickly became a go-to for heavier shades, thanks to its impressive 7.3 lb. capacity. But as many of you noticed, that strength came with a couple of drawbacks: it was a bit stiff to operate, and at 2 inches wide, it didn’t fit on the beloved 1 x 2 board that so many of our customers use for a slim headrail on their Roman shades.
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So we went back to the drawing board.

After months of sourcing and testing, we’re excited to introduce a new, compact version of the 4-Cord Widget! This new model maintains a solid 5.3 lb. weight capacity—more than enough for most medium to heavy treatments—while slimming down to fit perfectly on a 1 x 2.

The lighter spring tension also makes for a smoother, more user-friendly pull, aligning better with the rest of our Widget lineup.
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With this addition, our 2-Cord, 3-Cord, and now more compact 4-Cord Widgets all work more seamlessly together—offering flexibility, ease of installation, and consistent performance across your shade designs.

Check out the new specs (above, and on our website), and see how the new 4-Cord Widget fits into your projects. We think you’ll love the balance of size and strength!

Halfway Through 2025: Where in the U.S. is the Widget Kit?
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As we reach the halfway point of 2025—and approach the one-year anniversary of launching our Widget Kit this September—we’ve taken a step back to reflect on where this little innovation has traveled.
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We mapped out all of our U.S. Widget Kit orders, and the results were fascinating! It’s clear that window treatment fabrication is thriving in many regions across the country… and conspicuously quieter in others. While it’s entirely possible that some fabricators in those “blank” states simply haven’t adopted Centurion Widgets (yet!), we still found the distribution pattern to be an interesting glimpse into where the Widget Cordless Lift System is making an impact.

We do have customers in Canada as well—but sadly, Excel isn’t on board with plotting cross-border maps just yet. (We’re working on it!) And yes, Alaska and Hawaii—you're on our wish list for next year’s map.

Shout-Out to the Widget Community

Regardless of geography, we’re thrilled to see the Widget Kit in workrooms all across the U.S., helping fabricators build beautiful, functional Roman shades with cordless lift systems.

To those already using our system—thank you for being part of this growing community! We'd love to celebrate your work even more. If you haven't already, consider sending us photos of your finished shades. It’s inspiring to see how each fabricator puts their own touch on Roman shades, and we'd be honored to share your creations with the wider Widget world in our website gallery.

Not on the Map? Let Us Know!
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If you should be on the map and don’t see your state represented, let us know! Email us at [email protected]—we’d love to get it right. And if you’re still thinking about trying the Widget Kit, there's no better time to jump in and join a growing community of fabricators making cordless lift systems smarter and simpler.

Thanks to updated safety standards, corded window coverings are now under close scrutiny, especially when it comes to protecting children. These changes don’t just affect the window treatment industry—they’re reshaping how real estate is bought and sold across the U.S.

A Shift Toward Safer Homes

Recent regulations from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) now require that most window coverings be cordless or have inaccessible cords. These rules are a direct response to the risk of child strangulation posed by traditional corded blinds—a danger many homeowners might not even be aware of.

Here’s what this means for our customers who own their homes:

🏡 Existing Homes: A New Consideration for Sellers
If your customer is planning to sell their home and they still have traditional corded blinds or shades, you might suggest that they consider an upgrade. Buyers—especially families—are becoming more safety-conscious, and corded window coverings could be a red flag.
Even if they don’t replace the coverings outright, real estate agents increasingly recommend that sellers:

• Disclose any corded window treatments during the sale process
• Offer solutins, such as cord safety kits or modern replacements
• Highlight any recent upgrades to compliant window coverings as a selling point

🛠️ Renovating Before Listing? Think Cordless
If a pre-sale refresh is why your customer has called you, have them consider retrofitting or replacing corded shades with cordless options. Not only does this ensure compliance—it also enhances the home's appeal, giving it a clean, modern look that today’s buyers love.

🧒 Safety First: The Heart of the Regulation
These changes aren’t just about following rules—they’re about keeping children safe. According to safety advocates, even one child’s life lost to a preventable window cord accident is too many. That’s why the industry has driven the move toward safer designs, including:

• Cordless options (now widely available in stylish, functional designs)
• Short, static cords (like 12-inch pulls on roller shades, which meet safety criteria)
• Motorized and automated controls for convenience and security

Final Thoughts
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In today’s market, small details can make a big difference—especially when they reflect thoughtful, safety-focused living. As a window treatment professional, knowing the story behind a customer’s window treatments isn't just about compliance--it’s about care.

Help your customers by providing guidance on safe, stylish cordless shade options, especially in spaces they may consider already “complete.”

Why Are They Called Roman Shades? A Look at History, Beauty, and Function

As the name suggests, Roman Shades trace their origins back to ancient Rome—but not in the way you might think.
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While we often think of window treatments as purely decorative or practical, the term Roman Shade has a dramatic architectural lineage. The most iconic connection to ancient Rome lies not in home decor, but in the grandeur of the Colosseum. There, Roman engineers created a system of massive retractable awnings known as the velarium. This innovative canopy shaded spectators from the sun while leaving the arena floor open to light—an early example of retractable fabric engineering, not unlike today’s flat-panel shades.

Fast forward to now, and while we may not be protecting ourselves from the blazing sun at a gladiator match, the concept of a retractable, flat shade remains. That’s how these timeless treatments got their name.
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But there are far better reasons today to sell, fabricate, and install Roman shades than to keep lions and gladiators cool.

The Beauty of Modern Roman Shades

Today’s Roman shades shine not only for their historical nod but for their versatility and style. One of their most striking qualities is how they allow beautiful fabrics to be boldly displayed. Whether raised and pleated or lowered to a smooth flat panel, the shade becomes a focal point in any room, offering texture, color, and pattern.

More Than Just Pretty
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Modern Roman shades also offer practical advantages. With options like blackout or thermal dimout linings, they improve energy efficiency—keeping interiors cooler on hot summer days and helping insulate during colder months.

With the Centurion Widget cordless lift system, they become child-safe and incredibly easy to operate. Form and function have never worked together so seamlessly.

Inspired to build and sell more Roman shades now?
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You’ve got the tools to create a look that’s as timeless as it is personal.