Tired of your blinds being too long and dragging on the floor? Want to give your windows a more polished and tailored look? Shortening your blinds is a simple and inexpensive way to achieve these goals. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a complete novice, this step-by-step guide will empower you to effortlessly adjust the length of your blinds to suit your specific needs. By following these clear instructions, you’ll not only save money but also gain the satisfaction of completing a rewarding home improvement project.
Before embarking on this task, gather the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a pair of scissors, a measuring tape, a pencil, and a screwdriver. Additionally, if your blinds have a fabric or vinyl backing, you’ll require fabric glue or double-sided tape. Once you have everything you need, carefully remove the blinds from the window. Place them on a flat surface, such as a table or the floor, and extend them fully.
Now, it’s time to measure and mark the new length of the blinds. Use the measuring tape to determine the desired length and make a pencil mark at that point on each slat. Ensure that the measurements are consistent across all slats to maintain an even appearance. Once the markings are complete, carefully cut the excess material using the scissors. If your blinds have a fabric or vinyl backing, apply fabric glue or double-sided tape to the cut edges to prevent fraying. Finally, reassemble the blinds and reinstall them on the window. Voila! You’ve successfully shortened your blinds, giving your windows a refreshed and polished look.
Removing Excess Fabric
Removing Fabric From Cordless Blinds
For cordless blinds, unclip the pull cord from the bottom rail by pushing upward on the small plastic tab that connects them. Then, tilt the blinds 90 degrees to the side and remove the bottom rail from the brackets that hold it in place. Next, pull the string ladder out of the bottom rail and remove the excess fabric from the ladder. Finally, reassemble the blind by reinserting the string ladder into the bottom rail, reattaching the bottom rail to the brackets, and clipping the pull cord back into place.
Removing Fabric From Corded Blinds
For corded blinds, start by unhooking the cord from the cord cleat on the bottom rail. Then, pull the cord out of the bottom rail and remove the fabric from the cord. If the cord is not long enough to remove the fabric, you will need to remove the headrail (top of the blind) and disconnect the cord from the operating mechanism. Once the fabric is removed, reassemble the blind by reinserting the cord into the bottom rail, reconnecting the cord to the operating mechanism (if necessary), and reattaching the headrail.
Removing Fabric From Fabric-Wrapped Roller Blinds
For fabric-wrapped roller blinds, unrolling just enough fabric to expose the bottom tube. Then, remove the screws that secure the bottom tube to the side rails and pull the tube out of the rails. Remove the fabric from the tube and cut off the excess. Reassemble the blind by inserting the tube back into the side rails, securing it with screws and rolling up the fabric.
Using a Blind Cutter
Using a blind cutter is a specialized method for shortening blinds in a precise and efficient manner. This tool is designed to cut the slats uniformly and create clean, finished edges.
Below are the steps to use a blind cutter effectively:
- Prepare the Blind: Unroll and flatten the blind on a stable surface. Ensure it is stretched taut to avoid any wrinkles or creases.
- Mark the Cutting Line: Measure and mark the desired length of the blind on the bottom rail using a pencil or chalk. This line will guide the blind cutter.
- Position the Blind Cutter: Align the blind cutter’s base plate with the bottom rail and the cutting blade directly over the marked line. Secure the cutter in place using clamps or weights.
- Engage the Cutter: Slowly activate the blind cutter’s mechanism to engage the cutting blade. Apply gentle, even pressure as you move the cutter along the marking.
- Remove the Excess Length: Once the cut is complete, release the blind cutter and carefully separate the cut portion from the rest of the blind. Dispose of the excess length properly.
| Advantages of Using a Blind Cutter | Disadvantages of Using a Blind Cutter |
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Verifying the Blind Length
Confirming the Correct Measurements
Before shortening your blinds, ensure you have the correct measurements. Measure the length of the blind from the top of the headrail to the bottom of the bottom rail. Use a metal or non-stretchable tape measure for accuracy.
Measuring for Roller Blinds
For roller blinds, the fabric extends slightly beyond the headrail and bottom rail. Measure from the top of the fabric to the bottom of the fabric.
Measuring for Cellular or Venetian Blinds
For cellular or Venetian blinds, measure from the top of the headrail to the bottom of the bottom slat or rail.
Considering Window Depth
If your blinds are recessed within a window frame, you may need to account for the window depth when measuring. Measure the distance from the front edge of the window frame to the back edge of the window frame. Subtract this depth from the measured blind length to determine the desired length for shortening.
Here is a table summarizing the measurement methods for different blind types:
| Blind Type | Measurement Method |
|---|---|
| Roller Blinds | Top of fabric to bottom of fabric |
| Cellular Blinds | Top of headrail to bottom of bottom slat |
| Venetian Blinds | Top of headrail to bottom of bottom rail |
How to Shorten Your Blinds
Shortening blinds is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few hours. With a few tools and a little patience, you can save yourself the cost of purchasing new blinds. Here are the steps on how to shorten your blinds:
Step 1: Gather your materials.
You will need the following materials:
- A measuring tape
- A pencil
- A hacksaw
- A drill
- A screwdriver
- Screws
Step 2: Measure the blinds.
Use the measuring tape to measure the length of the blinds. Mark the desired length on the blinds with the pencil.
Step 3: Cut the blinds.
Use the hacksaw to cut the blinds at the marked length. Be sure to wear safety glasses when using the hacksaw.
Step 4: Drill holes in the blinds.
Use the drill to drill holes in the blinds at the desired height for the mounting brackets. The holes should be large enough to accommodate the screws.
Step 5: Attach the mounting brackets.
Attach the mounting brackets to the blinds using the screws. Be sure to tighten the screws securely.
Step 6: Hang the blinds.
Hang the blinds on the window frame using the mounting brackets.
People Also Ask About How to Shorten Your Blinds
How do I shorten vertical blinds?
To shorten vertical blinds, you will need to cut the slats to the desired length. You can do this using a hacksaw or a utility knife. Once the slats are cut, you will need to reassemble the blinds.
How do I shorten cordless blinds?
To shorten cordless blinds, you will need to remove the fabric from the headrail. Once the fabric is removed, you can cut the headrail to the desired length. Then, you can reattach the fabric to the headrail.
How do I shorten faux wood blinds?
To shorten faux wood blinds, you will need to cut the slats to the desired length. You can do this using a hacksaw or a utility knife. Once the slats are cut, you will need to reassemble the blinds.
