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.
Only a few years back, a gate that extended up to 38 inches in width, would be the norm. These gates were set up most often in a doorway.
Doorways really haven’t changed that much. The average door is still around 34 inches, so the old standard still applies … doesn’t it?
We now see new requirements being demanded in the baby gate market place. 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.
The growing requirement for various width options, gate designs and colors that suit your decor, is front and center for most gate manufacturers.
We can no longer focus just on the 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 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.
Gate manufacturers are doing a good job of trying to address these needs, but I think they could even go one step further with a broader selection of color options or wood stain options.
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.
Although it’s just a dream right now, the designer baby gate may be only a couple of years away.
Tags: baby gates, pet gates