A New Standard for Baby Gates
We have all tossed around the phrase “size matters”. We see it used in TV ads, in news papers, and most often as a joke amongst friends.
When it comes to baby gates and pet gates today, it seems that size truly does matter.
If we were to look back just a couple of years, the old baby gate standard would extend up to 38 inches in width. These gates were set up most often in a doorway.
The average household door is still around 34 inches, so the old standard will still do the job in many situations … doesn’t it?
We are now seeing a very different demand in the gate marketplace today. The average gate that is purchased today, extends from 38 to 50 inches.
We know that doorway sizes have not been changing, so what is causing this change in the standard? I believe that it is mostly a phenomenon of the movement toward open concept homes.
Although there are still doorways througout the house, we usually only find actual doors for bedrooms, bathrooms and perhaps a stairway door.
Newly constructed homes or older homes that are remodelled find new ways of creating separation from one room to another, without detracting from the open concept of the home.
Room dividers today are more likely to be half walls or archways, which require a much wider gate than the old standard.
This change in home design also creates a very different approach to home decor. Adjoining rooms need to have a flow to them and yet provide distinct design features.
The opening between these adjoining rooms needs to enable the decor flow from one design to the other.
The new standard in baby gates and pet gates is not only a new width requirement, it must also enable this design flow between adjoining rooms.
Gate manufacturers now need to consider multiple width options, various color possibilities and even gate designs that are more architecturally pleasing to the eye.
We need to look beyond the functionality of a baby gate when considering a purchase.
Yes, this is still critically important and must be part of the formula for gate selection, however you also need to consider that your gate will likely be a fixture in your home for several years.
Start by identifying your dimension requirement, and how you want the gate to operate.
Next choose the color that would best enable the design flow between your adjoining rooms. Then think about whether an enhanced gate design would add to or detract from your your decor.
Thinking through all of these considerations will result in a much simpler buying experience, and a better chance that you will be pleased with your gate once you have installed it.
I would love to see gate manufacturers up their game by providing even greater choice in colors or wood stainss.
It would be great if a manufacturer was to step forward and offer a design-a-gate service. How about if a gate manufacturer allowed you to create your own unique gate that matched your width, height, color and design requirements.
Perhaps a few years from today, the designer gate will become the new standard.