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.
Even in today’s home construction, average door sizes are around 34 inches, so the old standard still applies … doesn’t it?
We now see new requirements being demanded in the 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.
These could be archways or half walls where the opening between rooms is much wider than the old standard door frames.
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 gate when considering a purchase.
You have probably spent a considerable amount of time and money on the look of your home, so all I am saying is that you should also consider the various gate design options to ensure that your gate will match well with your decor.
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 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.
Although it’s just a dream today, the designer gate may be only a few years away.