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How do you know for sure it’s time to upgrade your window shades and blinds? Affordable Blinds has come up with 15 signs that it may be time to upgrade window shades and blinds! If your window shades and blinds are experiencing any one (or more!) of these situations, consider updating or replacing your window coverings.

Like many other luxury home goods, window treatments will need replacing at some point.

Are your blinds, shades, curtains, or shutters discolored, not serving your needs, unsafe for kids, or just outdated?

If you say ‘yes’ to one (or more!) of those warning signs, you need to replace them for better functionality, safety, and home decor.

Most window coverings need to be replaced after every 6 or 7 years. Others last for up to 11 years without needing any replacement or upgrade.

Fall is considered the perfect time to invest in new window treatments to keep your room cozy all winter long.

Inspect your blinds, shades, or curtains and look for these 15 warning signs for when to look for new – and better! – ones.

1. Your Blinds or Shades Aren’t Serving Your Needs

Take a look at your window treatments.

Are they providing the amount of privacy, light filtration, insulation, glare reduction, and UV protection you need?

Your window dressings might be in great shape. That’s not enough.

They are installed to serve a purpose, from keeping sun out to improving the energy efficiency of your home.

If they aren’t helping you to make most of your living space and saving you big bucks on your power bills, switch to a more functional set of window treatments right away.

Here are 5 high-impact, low-cost options for replacement:

• We recommend cellular blinds for insulation in all weathers.
• Go with single piece fabric shades rather than blinds with horizontal or vertical slats for privacy.
• Choose solar roller shades for UV rejection and glare control.
• Try blackout shades for a room darkening effect.
• Invest in pleated shades for light filtration.

2. Misshapen or Twisted Slats

If the slats or vanes of your faux wood blinds are bent or twisted out of shape, it can be a sign of heat damage.

Similarly, excessive exposure to humidity can cause the slats of wood blinds to twist. Blinds with warped slats won’t close tightly.

If a slat or two are deformed, simply replace them with new ones.

In case of damage to more slats, replace the whole unit with a more durable one.

Here is what to consider:

Homeowners living in extreme weather conditions are recommended to try fabric or sun-blocking shades instead of those made of synthetic wood.

If you have kids or pets around, they can wreak havoc on aluminum mini blinds, bending their slats out of shape. Go with a more durable option, like hardwood blinds.

3. Hard to Raise or Lower

Do your window treatments require a lot of force to open or close?

If your window treatments are hard to raise or lower or they don’t move at all, it could be a sign of a dangerous issue with the lift mechanism.

With a damaged control system, the blinds are on the brink of falling out of the window frame with brute force.

Here’s what to consider to restore the function of window shades and blinds

Install a new functional set of window coverings ASAP to keep your family safe and avoid frustration!

Consider buying a unit with a 2-on-1 headrail option for more stability.

4. Damaged Lift Cords – Replace with Cordless Lift System

Have your window covering cords frayed or worn down on edges?

If so, it’s a sign of wear and tear of your blinds.

Lift cords may get damaged due to some fault with the internal mechanisms or overuse in high traffic areas, like living rooms and kitchens.

Replacement them with Cordless Blinds

Weakened cords give a clear indication that your blinds are in imminent danger of falling. You shouldn’t delay replacing them with cordless blinds for the safety of your family.

5. Your Window Treatments Aren’t Safe for Kids

Do your blinds have dangling cords?

According to CPSC’s New Federal Safety Standards for Custom Window Coverings, lift cords pose a strangulation hazard for kids.

If you have young children or pets in your home, replace your corded window coverings with safer and more kid-friendly options, like cordless one touch mini blinds, soft Roman shades, or top-down/bottom-up cellular shades.

Learn more about window treatments that are safer for small children and pets.

We highly recommend:

Upgrade your window shades and blinds with cordless lift system, that is child-safe and conforms to New Federal Regulations for Increasing Safety of Custom Window Treatments.

6. Fading From the Sun

All types of window treatments may fade or discolor due to continued exposure to the sun. It could be a sign of material deterioration.

White shades are especially susceptible to yellowing or discoloration.

When your window dressings start looking a little dingy, consider replacing them with new ones to restore the decorative appeal of your home’s interior.

To prevent discoloration of your blinds in future, select shades with high-quality, fade-resistant fabrics.

When shopping for new blinds, select solar shades with UV inhibitors and darker colors. They are less prone to fading or yellowing.

7. Tattered Edges on Fabric Window Coverings

If your fabric window treatments, such as Roman shades, sheer shades, or roller blinds are frayed or ragged around the edges, it could be a sign of scraping of the fabric along the sides of the window frame.

It usually happens due to tight fit or when the blinds are too wide for the window opening.

Try shortening your blinds or loosening the fit to prevent further fraying.

If it doesn’t work due to greater damage to the edges, it is time to consider switching out blinds for new ones.

To avoid such an issue in future, learn how to accurately measure your window treatments for a perfect fit.

8. Your Interior Decor Needs an Update

Do you want to refresh the look of your interior decor?

You need to switch out existing window treatments for new ones that match with your new furniture, paintings, flooring, color of walls.

When updating your window treatments for better style, some options to consider include plain classic fold, European relaxed fold, and textured front slat Roman shades.

9. You’re Redesigning Your Room/s

Want to change your guest room into a home office or vice versa?

Want to change the function of your home office into a study room?

Want to transform your spare room into a nursery or playroom for new little ones?

If so, hanging new purpose-oriented window treatments is a must.

Here are some window treatment ideas for newly designated rooms:

1. We recommend privacy mini blinds for your home office.
2. Choose light filtering sheer shades to update the window coverings of your newly-designated study room.
3.  Blackout roller shades and room darkening shades are a better option for a kid’s room to completely block out light for a better sleep.

10. You’ve Just Replaced Your Room’s Windows

Have you just got new windows for a better style and functionality upgrade?

It could be the time to consider window covering replacement.

Your new window frame could be having low depth. Old shades might not give a perfect fit for an inside mount.

We recommend following options for replacement:

• Affordable custom Roman shades are an option with a lower depth requirement – just 2 ½”.
• For a modern look, choose high-quality fabric shades.
• For ease of operation, go with top-down/bottom-up or motorized shade styles.

11. Upgrade Window Shades & Blinds When You Want to Make Your Window Look Bigger

Have you got a small window in your spacious room or hall?

Adding more fabric to your window treatment will make it look bigger.

Sewing additional fabric to existing sheets without disrupting patterns isn’t a cup of tea for everybody. Also it could be time consuming.

A better option is to replace your blinds with larger ones, adding several inches to width and height.

12. Your Old Shades Are Difficult to Clean

Do your Roman fabric shades or traditional horizontal blinds regularly collect dust and you find it difficult to clean them?

Replace Difficult-to-Clean Blinds with Those with Dust-Repelling Design

Just do away with them. Get new ones with a dust-repelling design, such as roller shades and vertical blinds.

These affordable window treatments don’t have a surface to catch dust, so they are virtually maintenance free!

13. Your Blinds Need to be Integrated into Your Smart Home

Are you running a smart home automation system?

Want to raise and lower your window coverings with your voice commands or an app?

It’s time to consider replacing your manually-operated custom window blinds with those supporting motorization and smart lift mechanism.

Here’s what to consider:

Choose budget-friendly motorized cellular, light filtering, woven wood, plain classic pleated romans, or other options that support smart home integration.

If your window treatments with any of the above issues are covered by a lifetime warranty, ask for a repair rather than going with a replacement.

14. You Just Updated Your Entire Home

Have you just redesigned your entire home? You’ll need updated window treatments that will match with your rooms’ updated settings.

15. You Want to Sell Your House? Upgrade Window Shades and Blinds to Increase its Value

Updated window shades and blinds will give a new look to your house and increase its sale value. Just buy new high quality blinds that look and work great.

FAQs

What should be considered when selecting window treatments?

When selecting window treatments, consider light control, privacy, room function (sleeping or working on screens), home decor, energy savings, ease of opening/closing, and finishing touches (mounting style and orientation).

What is the life expectancy of window blinds?

The average life expectancy of window blinds is 6 to 8 years, with faux wood blinds lasting 3 to 5 years and draperies 9 to 11 years.

How do I update my window treatments?

To update your window treatments, choose durable material, align patterns, beautify stitching, do layering, and add blackout lining, valance (to hide open-close mechanism), and trim.

Do window treatments increase home value?

The right window treatments add value to your home, elevating it above the competition in terms of function, style, and safety.

How often should window shades be replaced?

Typically, window shades need to be replaced every few years. The signs of wear and tear start appearing on your window treatments after about 6 years, which are a good indication they need to be replaced. We highly recommend replacing your fabric window shades every 6 to 8 years. If you have sturdy wood shutters in place, they would need to be replaced after 10 years.

When to replace cellular shades?

Due to their honeycomb structure, cellular shades are more delicate than other window treatments. Cellular shades typically last between 5 and 8 years. You’ll need to replace them when you notice the following signs:

• The cells are yellowed or discolored.
• Your cellular shades lose their insulation power.
• They are difficult or impossible to raise or lower.
• Frayed edges.
• Your cellular blinds are no longer safer for kids.

Should all blinds in front of the house match?

The decision whether all blinds in front of the house match or not is purely an aesthetic choice and personal preference. However, selecting the same-colored blinds can make the design process a bit easier. It will also give your house a more uniform look.

Need More Help?

Still unsure when to upgrade window shades and blinds? Get in touch for free consultation and expert advice! Use 24/7 live chat or give us a call at (800) 863-6109 to contact our experts for DIY window treatment upgrade solutions.

Yes, they do! When completely lowered (with tightly closed slats) on a sunny window, highly reflective mini blinds can reduce heat gain up to 77%, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

What are mini blinds? They are affordable blinds made of horizontal slats that are less than half the width of standard (2-inch) faux wood blinds. They boost your modern decor style and are available with a cordless option, making them safe for home with kids and pets.

These 1-inch-slat beauties can beat summer heat to keep you cool and cut your air conditioning costs.

Mini-slat shades have dual thermal regulation functionality – they keep heat out during the summer and prevent heat loss during the winter.

Plus you can stack their slats at the top to let the sun warm your room during the winter.

If your windows are south-facing, the solar heat gain will be reduced by 65%. On the other hand, the ‘minis’ on west-facing windows beat the summer heat by 77%.

For maximum heat prevention, use horizontal slats in light colors that reflect more sunlight. Research has shown that medium-colored shades with white plastic backings can reduce heat build-up by 33%. Switching to pure white color will further prevent harmful UV rays from entering your room, helping you cut down your air conditioning bills.

Also, you can adjust their slats to control light and privacy, and to insulate. When you adjust the tilt of slats to reflect sunlight onto a light-colored ceiling, this phenomenon will diffuse light without much heat or glare. So, they would be a good choice for home theaters.

Factors Affecting Ability of Mini Blinds to Reduce Temperature

If properly installed, your high-end mini blinds can reduce the amount of heat that gets into your house from the environment, creating a more comfortable living space.

Following are the major factors affecting the energy efficiency of small-slat window coverings.

• Tight Fitting Slats/Vanes: If small horizontal slats tightly fit into each other, they will block both heat and cold from penetrating into your living space. If there are any gaps between the slats, replace them with new ones. In the case of gaps along the edges between the blind and the window frame, use an insulation liner.

• Closed or Open Weave: If your mini blinds are made of fabric vanes, the type of fabric will greatly affect their insulation potential. If you choose closed or tightly woven fabric, you’ll get better protection from harsh sunlight. The opposite is true for open weave fabric vanes.

• Reflective Power of Color: Lighter colors have better reflective power than darker ones. Darker hues are good at absorbing heat and transferring it into your home. In other words, dark-colored blinds will actually trap heat in rather than keeping it out. There are also dual reversible shades with white and dark sides, which can be switched with the changing seasons. Homeowners can switch to white (sun-reflecting) side in summer and dark (heat-absorbing) side in winter.

• Material Choice: The materials like aluminum, vinyl, and PVC have inherent insulating potential, helping reduce temperature in hot summer. On the contrary, the thermal resistance of wood and fabric materials is lower.

• Proximity to Windows: The closer the blinds are hung to windows (almost touching the window panes), the better they will block solar heat from entering your room. For maximum energy savings, install them as close to the glass within the frame as possible.

• Use of Cornice and Seal: If you install a cornice at the top of your mini blinds and seal them at the sides, it will minimize the transfer of solar heat into your room, keeping your cooling bill in check.

• Interior or Exterior Installation: Installing sun-blocking mini blinds inside or outside the window will have a great effect on their cooling effect. When placed on the outside, they create a double layer of insulation. First, they filter the majority of the sunlight even before it reaches the glass. Second, they create an insulation barrier between the blind and the window pane. This second barrier will effectively prevent heat from entering your room, maintaining its coolness during the hottest summer months. When the winter months arrive, you can easily remove the mini blinds.

• Layering or Adding a Liner: You have two choices to double the insulation power of mini blinds. First, install an insulation liner. Second, hang another window coverings, such as a blackout roller, a light filtering sheer curtain, or a heavy fabric Roman shade, in front of your mini-slat blind.

• Preventing Dust Build-up: Accumulation of dust, dirt, or debris on the slats of mini blinds will affect their tight fit, creating the chances of small gaps when closed. On the other hand, well-cleaned and maintained slats will give optimal performance in reducing heat.

Alternatives to Mini Blinds to Reduce Heat Gain

Cellular or honeycomb shades are a better alternative to mini blinds for keeping heat out and maintaining a cooler interior during hotter months of the year. They are available with single-cell, double-cell, and triple-cell designs with increasing degree of thermal regulation.

Do mini blinds keep heat out?

Outside mounted mini blinds deflect the sun’s UV rays (and heat) before it gets into your home, reducing solar gain and keeping your room cooler in hot weather.

Do mini blinds help with temperature control?

Yes! Mini 1” slat blinds employ a double-layered insulation mechanism for temperature control, preventing both heat and cold from escaping or coming in during different seasons. Some other window treatments, like solars, offer better thermal and light regulation.

Do mini blinds keep cold out?

High-end mini blinds with tight-fitting slats can keep heat in and cold out during colder months, with their insulation potential being closer to that of cellulars.

How much heat loss do blinds prevent?

Blinds (especially cellular ones) can prevent heat from escaping through windows by up to 80%, preserving warmth and coziness of your home in winter and cutting down your heating bills.

Need More Help?

Need expert advice on improving the heat reducing ability of mini blinds and how to measure for them? Contact our professionals using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109.

Are your mini blinds too long for the window opening? You’ll need to remove extra slats at the bottom to make them a right fit. Here are some practical tips and quick DIY steps to remove mini blind slats easily and safely.

When you choose an inside mount for your new 1-inch-slat window treatments, you’ll need to ensure precise custom cut according to the width and height of the window frame.

You should also consider depth requirements before ordering a mini blind, which is usually 1 ½” for an inside mount and 2 ⅜” for flush mount.

For a perfect, sleeker, more functional fit, always ask your product manufacturer or retailer to ship the product with an exact width and breath.

When it comes to height, you don’t have to worry much. If the manufactured length is longer, you can easily shorten it by removing extra slats with a few simple tools.

What are Mini Blinds?

Also referred to as aluminum blinds, mini-slat blinds, ‘minis’, or horizontal shades, mini blinds are one of the most stylish, affordable, child-safe, and easy to care for window coverings. Their slats measure 1” in width.

They come with different colors, sizes, and functional models, from light filtering to total blackout.

What are Slats?

Also known as vanes, slats are easy to clean horizontal pieces of natural (wood) or synthetic (faux wood) materials, which you can tilt, raise, or lower when operating your blinds. Slat sizes range from 1” (mini) to 3 or 4 inches.

Reasons to Remove Mini Blind Slats

• Shortening the length of the blinds
• Repairing damaged/broken slat(s)
• Replacing slats
• Upgrading blinds to match new room decor

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

• A pair of scissors
• A screwdriver
• New slats (if needed)
• String or pull cords (if they get broken during the process)
• Step ladder (if windows are high)
• Safety helmet (to protect your eyes, face, and head from harm)

• Hand gloves (to prevent hand injuries)

10 Easier DIY Steps to Remove Mini Blind Slats

Step 1: Remove Safety Clips or Devices

If you have installed safety clips or other safety devices to make your blinds kid-safe, unscrew and remove them.

Step 2: Fully Lower the Blinds

• Fully lower your mini window blinds by releasing the lift cords.
• If there are no cords, push down on the bottom rail with your hand (cordless), or press the ‘down’ button on your wireless remote (motorized).

If they are longer than the height of your window, the bottom bar will hang past the windowsill.

Step 3: Detach Plugs from the Bottom Rail

• Locate small, round plastic plugs on the bottom side of the bottom rail (or bar). Depending on the width of your mini blind, they might be 2 to 4.
• Open these plugs from the underside of the rail using your hand.

Step 4: Undo the Knot on Lift Cord

• Lift the mini blind slats with one hand, while holding the plug in the other.
• Expose the knotted end of the lift cord.
• Undo the knot if you are going to reinstall the damaged slats after repairing them.
• If you need to shorten the blinds, you should cut the lift cord directly above the knot using a pair of scissors.
• Pull the plug off the unknotted or cut end of the cord and set it aside.
• You can repeat the same process for the remaining plugs.

Step 5: Remove Bottom Rail

• Pull the bottom rail or bar from the string ladder and take it down.
• Put it aside for reuse when reassembling the parts of the mini blind.

Step 6: Remove Control Cord/Chain System

• Pull the control chain or lift cord out of each mini blind slat one by one until you reach the final slat at the bottom of the blinds.
• Then gently pull the slat at the bottom from the string ladder. Remove as many slats as you need.

Step 7: Reinstall Bottom Rail and Lift Cord/Chain

After you have shorted the blind to the required length, now start reattaching the parts that were removed, especially the bottom rail and cords.

Thread the rail back through the string ladder just below the bottom slat.

Make sure the rail does not rest on the same rung as the bottom slat, but instead on the string ladder rung below the bottom slat.

Next locate holes in the top of the bottom rail and insert lift cords or chains through them.

Pull the cords/chains through the rail and let them hang underneath the rail.

Step 8: Thread Cords/Chains

• Thread cords through plugs.
• Tie an overhand knot at the bottom end of each cord.
• Try raising the blinds by pulling cords till the plastic plugs touch the bottom side of the bottom bar.

Step 9: Cut the String Rungs and Replace Plugs

• Cut through the string ladder about 3” below the rail.
• Cut the string rungs from the ladder.
• Take two ends of each string ladder and tie a square knot to hold them together.
• Locate plug openings on the underside of the rail and stuff the knot in them.

Note: To keep from damage the plugs, use a rubber mallet or hammer when replacing them.

Step 10: Reattach Safety Devices

If you removed any safety clips or devices, just reattach them to your mini blind’s control cords or chain system.

Note: The step-by-step process – detailed above – for the removal of mini blind slats is for corded window treatments. Things will be easier with cordless window covers as many steps will be skipped.

FAQs

Can I remove slats from blinds?

Yes, you can conveniently and safely remove slats from blinds. Here are some quick tips:

1. Remove plugs on the underside of the bottom rail.
2. Release string ladders and knotted lift cords.
3. Undo the knot in the lift cord and pull it enough to release the slats.
4. Remove the bottom rail and the slats that need shortening, repair, or replacement.

How do you remove mini blinds from brackets?

Step 1: Gather tools: a drill, a drill bit, and a screwdriver.

Step 2: Locate mounting brackets between the cassette and the window frame.

Step 3: Open the bracket latches using a screwdriver.

Step 4: Remove the blinds by pulling them out of the brackets.

Step 5: Attach the drill bit in the drill check.

Step 6: Unscrew the brackets using the drill and remove them from the wall.

All done!

How do you remove wood slat blinds?

• Lift your wood slat blinds all the way up.
• Unhook and remove the valance – a decorative covering at the top.
• Take a flat head screwdriver and lift the bracket latches (at both ends) up.
• Carefully slide out and pull the wood slat blinds down.

Note: To rehang the blinds, slide it into the mounting brackets, close the latches, and reattach the valance.

How do you remove vertical blind slats?

Try these quick steps:

Step 1: Slide a flat cord between the hook side of the vertical slat (or vane) carrier.

Step 2: Push up on the slat and then pull it down. The slat shall pull out easily.

Step 3: If a hook is holding the slats, just lift the slat up and pull it towards the opening of the hole.

Step 4: Follow the same procedure to remove as many slats as you want.

Note: To install a repaired (or replacement) slat back into the window, push it up into the clip and then pull down to make sure it is firmly seated. Open and close the slats to test the repair. Make adjustments, if needed.

Still Unsure?

Do the instructions mentioned above don’t help? Maybe it’s time to buy new, more affordable blinds.  Or you can seek help from our DIY experts to safely remove mini blind slats? Contact our customer care professionals for more practical tips and solutions. Use 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109 now.

Want to figure out how cordless mini blinds go up and down? Answered!

Mini 1” slat window coverings use a tension system, top-down/bottom-up push/pull, or a motorized control system to open or close without pulling cords.

Some cord-free styles can also be lifted or lowered with a single touch, requiring only one hand. This is where great style meets modernity, child-safety, and ease of operation.

The cordless lift/lower mechanism is in either the headrail or bottom rail. 

In some products, there is a wand that you need to twist or rotate to tilt the slats for the required level of privacy, light regulation, insulation, blackout, and ventilation. 

If you have (cord-free) panel track blinds, they work by simply sliding left or right to adjust or readjust light exposure.

A high-quality cordless control system is durable and reliable, allowing you to evenly raise, lower, or adjust their slats.

When it comes to visual interest, the blinds without dangling cords give your window treatment a sleeker, clutter-free look.

So, home improvement professionals recommend them to homeowners to enhance the interior decor, and improve the quality of life (with convenience and security).

What Are Cordless Mini Blinds?

Cordless mini blinds are truly easier-to-operate and child-safe window coverings, made of 1” vinyl, PVC, or aluminum slats. They are one of the most popular window covers today for their function, style, and safety options.

Cordless window covers are not totally cord-free but have hidden strings going through the slats, behind the shade, or within the shade, to operate them. Modern “minis” are one of the most affordable blinds on the market today.

You can get an Essential 1 Inch Privacy Mini Blinds set for less than $20 for a 24 x 24” window! Similarly, an Elite 1 Inch Cordless One Touch Mini Blind is priced under $40! The latter are equipped with state-of-the-art cordless technology. You can watch a video to see how exactly they work.

How to Operate Classic Cordless Minis

• Classic cordless mini-slat shades come with a top-down/bottom-up control style, which can be raised from the bottom up or lowered from the top down. 
• To raise the blinds, just push up on the bottom rail. To lower them, simply pull down on the bottom rail. 
• To fully or partially open or close slats, tilt the bottom rail back or forth. Tilting the headrail forward or backward only takes a couple of seconds.
• Top bottom style is excellent for letting light in from the top, while still providing privacy in your room by blocking the lower part of the window opening. 
• You can also partially open the blind from both top and bottom for two-way light exposure and ventilation.

How to Operate Modern Automatic Cordless Mini Blinds

• Modern automated cord-free blinds can be operated without standard strings. 
• Cords may be used only to keep the slats hanging together. 
• Motorized shades can be raised or lowered using a remote, your voice, and an app or smart device.
• You can also program them for automatic raising or lowering based on the time of the day, and temperature or light requirements.

Are Cordless Blinds Safer to Operate in Homes with Kids?

Definitely, they are! According to CPSC’s (Consumer Product Safety Commission) New Federal Safety Standards for Custom Window Coverings, cordless blinds reduce the risk of strangulation for kids and pets.

Young children and pets are curious to play with hanging cords or strings, occasionally getting caught in them.

As cordless shades do not pose any such hazards, they are perfect for new parents.

They work with different cord-free options like a one-touch operation and use of a remote or a smartphone app. Safer blinds provide peace of mind by preventing any serious injuries.

When Cordless Mini Blinds Won’t Go Up or Down?

• Manufacturer’s Error: A manufacturer’s error with the control system of the blinds may cause them to stop operating. If your shade comes with a (free lifetime) warranty, you can immediately order a replacement.
• Getting Stuck: Cordless mini shades may get stuck in the up or down position. This happens due to bent or warped slats. You can fix this issue by straightening or replacing the damaged or twisted slats.
• Inactive Spring Mechanism: Check if the spring mechanism of your cord-free mini blinds is active. If it isn’t in proper working condition, contact the customer care department of your seller to get the issue fixed.
• Dead or Low Battery: If you have battery-operated cordless mini covers, check if the battery is fully charged. If it is dead or low, recharge it and your mini blinds will restart going up or down with the push of a button.
• Effect of Heat and Humidity: The effect of heat and humidity on the blind fabric or slats may cause them to swell or damage. It may prevent them from opening or closing altogether, requiring the installation of a fresh piece. Make sure to exactly measure your window for a perfect fit that, in turn, will ensure a smooth operation.
• Non-Functional Friction Clips: Friction clips help your blinds recoil in the headrail. If they aren’t operating, your mini blinds won’t go up or down. Remove non-functional clips and install new ones in their place to get your window covers moving again.

How to Keep Cordless Mini Blinds in Healthy Working Condition?

Here are some practical tips to ensure optimal performance of your cordless mini covers.

• Regular Cleaning: Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the slats of your window treatments over time, causing them to malfunction. Keep them clean using a feather duster, soft cloth, or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.
• Avoid Excessive Force: If your minis come with a panel track system or a top down option, you’ll operate them with your hand. Avoid exerting excessive force when raising, lowering, or adjusting them. A gentle and even pull or push will ensure smooth working and prevent any damage to the operating mechanism of blinds.

What is the mechanism inside cordless blinds?

• Tension Mechanism: There is a tension mechanism inside the headrail or bottom rail of cordless blinds that holds them in place and allows you to open or close them. To easily lower or raise them to the desired height, you can pull or push the thick and sturdy base slat.
• Spring-Loaded System: It allows you to operate your blinds without the use of cords.
• Continuous Loop: A tension device holds tight a loop of chain or cloth. Pull one side to open the covering and pull the other side to close it.

Do cordless mini shades cost more?

No, not at all! Surprisingly, cordless mini blinds are much cheaper than traditional window coverings, like Romans or rollers. For example, while a classic Roman shade would cost around $100, you can get a cordless mini for as low as $18!

Is there a trick to cordless blinds?

Yes! Here’s the trick to operate cordless blinds, when they don’t work:

• Try to reactivate springs by lowering the blind down as far as it will go.
• Try lifting the bottom rail of the blind up while gently rocking it from side to side.
• Again pull it down to see if the function is restored.
• Use the twist wand (if there is one) to tilt the slats.
• Repeat this process a couple of times to reset the control mechanism.

Need More Help?

Need expert advice on improving the working of your cordless mini blinds? Contact our professionals using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109.

Can’t figure out how to lift your child-safe cordless mini blinds? Modern 1” Cordless One Touch Mini Blinds can be raised or lowered with a gentle push or pull.

All you need to do is push your hand (or finger!) in the middle of the shade and push up on the bottom bar to raise the blinds to the desired height. To lower them, simply pull down on the bar.

If your new ‘minis’ come with an optional clear handle, just snap it onto the bottom rail.

Do your cordless mini shades have a wand? Just twist the wand (or rod), so that the slats are horizontal, and just lift up the blinds from the bottom. When you need privacy, just pull them straight back down.

Did you know? All cordless window covers have a lift mechanism either in the bottom rail or headrial.

If you are used to standard corded blinds and shades, figuring out how to operate cord-free window covers could seem confusing. But the fact is just the opposite! Operating cordless is very easy – just a touch of your finger can lift them!

Motorized cordless mini blinds can be controlled with a wireless remote or a smart device. And string-free panel track blinds can be easily slid left and right to adjust light exposure, insulation, and privacy.

Some cordless mini blinds work with a tension system that allows you to move your ‘minis’ up or down without pulling or touching cords. The tension mechanism provides enough force to hold the blinds in place.

Make sure to precisely measure the window frame and get a custom cut blind for smoother operation.

What are Cordless Mini Blinds?

Also referred to as aluminum blinds or ‘minis’, mini blinds are simple, clean, durable, and affordable window treatments. Their long narrow slats are 1 inch wide.

Cordless mini blinds are a safe and stylish option for most windows, measuring in width and height from 16 x 26” to 72 x 72”. They fully conform with the CPSC’s New Federal Safety Standards for Custom Window Coverings, so you can safely install them in homes with young children and pets.

Mini blinds are an ideal choice for small windows of your kitchen, media room, and living room. They are preferred as a heat- and moisture-resistant alternative to blackout roller blinds, Roman shades, woven wood shades, and room darkening sheer shades.

4 Easier Ways to Lift/Lower Cordless Mini Blinds

1. One Touch Cordless Operation

Advanced 1-touch operation allows you to easily raise your blinds with the touch of your finger. Similarly, they can be lowered or closed with minimal force.

2. Cordless Rail System

Lift the Rail to Raise the Blinds: To lift or open your mini blinds, simply lift the bottom rail upwards. Use smooth and easy motion to open the blinds completely or partially.

Tilt the Rail to Rotate Your Blinds: Tilt the bottom rail to adjust the angle of the mini 1” slat. You can also open or close them completely. Just pivot the rail back and forth to adjust the tilt of slats.

Pull Down on the Rail to Close the Blinds: Softly pull down on the roll with your thumb to completely or partially close the blinds. Only use gentle, natural pull. If you encounter resistance when lowering the blinds, they might be broken or incorrectly installed. Contact the installer or your local window treatment shop to get an inspection.

3. Twist Wand System

If you bought your mini blinds with a twist wand system, use the wand or rod left or right to adjust the angle of your slats. If you are unsure how a twist wand works, twist it both left and right to quickly learn its operation (through trial and error method).

4. Remote or Smart Device-Based Motorized Control

If your purchased battery-powered motorized mini-slat window coverings, they can be typically operated with a wireless remote or a smart device (e.g. your smartphone, table, or a smart home hub).

Wireless Remote: Use clearly labeled buttons or commands on a wireless remote to raise, or lower the fabric or control the direction of slats.

Push Button: When your remote isn’t nearby and you want to lift the shades, just hold don the push-button until the mini blinds are at the desired level, then release.

Smart Device:

If you choose to lift your cordless mini blinds with a smart device, download a manufacturer-specific app, link it to the blinds, and enjoy lifting or lowering the blinds with a tap on the touchscreen!

Program Your Minis for Automatic Operation: Smart mini blinds can be pre-programmed to open and close at certain times of the day, such as before bed, or in response to heat or lighting requirements in your room. Use this option for luxurious operation.

2 Quick Fixes for When Your Cordless Mini Blinds Won’t Go Up

If your cord-free 1-inch-slat shades aren’t going up properly or they’re uneven when you raise them, try the following:

Reset Tension Mechanism

Step 1: Place your hand on either side of your mini blind and pull it all the way down.

Step 2: Slowly lift the blind up, while gently rocking it from side to side.

Step 3: Again pull down on the bottom rail and push up to test if it’s opening and closing properly.

Note: To fully reset the tension mechanism, repeat this process a few times.

Reset Internal Motor

Some ‘minis’ come with an internal motor spring that retracts on lifting the blind. This control system may stop functioning, so you’ll need to reset it to restore its function.

Replace Damaged Parts

Extreme heat and humidity can cause the slats to expand and alter their shape, so they won’t go up properly. As a quick fix, you’ll need to replace the damaged part.

Note: Also look for and remove installation errors, if any.

FAQs

How do you raise cordless mini blinds?

Raising (and lowering) cordless mini blinds is the same process as cellular shades, as the tension mechanism is in the bottom rail for both. Gently push up in the middle of the rail (or rod) with your finger to open the blinds, and pull down on the rail to close them. A motorization system is a better alternative to go with.

How do you make cordless mini blinds go up?

Your cordless mini blinds will smoothly go up by:

• Lifting the bottom rail
• Using a wireless remote
• Pushing the button
• Tapping on your smart device
• Using voice commands
• Pre-programming to automate operation, etc.

How do you lift cordless roller blinds?

Cordless roll-up or roller blinds offer a precise, quiet, and cord-free operation just like mini blinds. One popular is to tug down the bottom rail, then up to lift and neatly stack the fabric into the roller mechanism in the headrail.

How do you raise and lower mini blinds?

Use mechanical or electronic lift systems to partially or completely raise and lower your inside or outside mounted mini blinds for the desired amount of light, ventilation, and privacy.

Need More Help?

Still unsure how to figure out the lift system of your mini blinds? Contact our customer care professionals for practical tips and solutions. Use 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109 now. Also, you can order a free sample with your desired lift mechanism.