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.
The old standard gate which is still in use today would expand to a width of 38 inches. These gates were set up most often in a doorway.
The average household door is still around 34 inches, so the old standard baby gate 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.
The demand for gates that are architecturally more pleasing to the eye, is being heard by many gate manufacturers.
We need to look beyond the functionality of a baby 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 you need to consider whether an enhanced gate design would 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 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.
Although it’s just a dream right now, the designer gate may be only a couple of years away.
Baby and Pet Gates