Baby Gates, From the Old to the New
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 gate standard would expand up to 38 inches in width. These gates were set up most often in a doorway.
The old 38 inch standard gate still applies, as the typical doorway today is still about 34 inches … doesn’t it?
The demand in today’s market place is very different. 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.
Most homes will have several doorways throughout the house, but we rarely see actual doors anywhere other than bedrooms, bathrooms and occasionally on stairways.
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.
It is important not to focus solely on the gate functionality when considering a baby gate 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 you need to consider whether an enhanced gate design might add to or detract from your decor, or what color might work best to enable the design flow between your rooms.
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 truly believe that gate manufacturers are doing their best to address these needs, but wouldn’t it be great if they could go one step further, by providing multiple color or wood stain options.
It would be great if a manufacturer was to step forward and offer a design-a-gate service. In fact wouldn’t it be great if manufacturers provided a service where you could pick your own color choice, gate operation style, gate design, width height, and then they would create your own unique baby gate.
Perhaps a couple of years from today, the designer baby gate will be the new standard.
