Have questions about shortening the length of your window blinds? If your window blinds are so lengthy that they look bad and create a safety issue for young children, you can easily resize them to desired length yourself in 7 easy, DIY steps, such as:
- Determine the desired length
- Remove the plugs
- Remove the extra slats
- Cut the horizontal ladder cords from the slats you removed
- Trim the excess lift cord,
- Reattach the bottom rail and retie the cords
- Replace the plugs
Whether you’re dealing with wooden, Venetian, or roller blinds, this 7-step guide to shorten window blinds is for you. It’s designed so that you can shorten the window treatments without having to hire a professional installer. Once you’ve shortened window blinds correctly, your windows will look great and add style to any space.
If your blinds are made of a single continuous piece of fabric, mark a straight line on the fabric which needs to be removed, and then cut the excess fabric with a pair of sharp scissors.
To get started, measure the length from the top of the blind casing to the blind slat that most closely corresponds with the window measurements.
Resizing (shortening the height or width of) window blinds will be effortless with this 7-step DIY guide. Scroll on to master the art of length adjustment quickly and easily, saving you both time and money.
Why It is Important to Understand How to Shorten Blinds
Shortening window blinds can be a tricky task. However, with the right tools and knowledge, you can easily resize your blinds to achieve a perfect fit and any desired look. Whether it’s for aesthetic purposes or to avoid blocking out natural light, understanding how to adjust blinds is key to achieving the perfect fit.
Here you will learn when you need to alter your window blinds as well as a 7-step procedure on how to effectively shorten them. From initial preparation to securing the adjustments, follow these steps carefully so that you get optimal results from your blinds shortening project.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need to Shorten Window Blinds
Collect the right tools and materials before you start resizing the blinds to the desired length.
For all types of blinds, you’ll need:
- A steel tape measure (to measure the window height and determine the length of the blind)
- A pair of scissors or snips (to cut down the cord lock string which is used to adjust the length of pull cords)
- A screwdriver or a drill (to unscrew and remove the bottom rail)
- Screws (optional) for installing new brackets
7 Easy, DIY Steps to Shorten Window Blinds
Step 1: Determine the New Length of the Blinds
Measure the window frame to determine the exact length of the blinds.
Step 2: Mark the Slats (or the Excess Fabric) to be Removed
For slatted blinds, mark the new bottom slat, so that you’ll know how many slats to be removed.
For a continuous piece of fabric, make sure to mark where you’d like cuts made beforehand; use string or painter’s tape as a guideline so that each side is even.
Mark place to cut
Step 3: Untie Knots in the Lift Cord
After cutting, untie any knots at either end of the cords so that they come free from the slats.
Step 4: Determine New Length of Ladder Cords and Lift Cord and Re-tie Knots
Measure each cord individually and re-tie knots at points that will secure each side of the blinds at their new lengths.
Step 5: Secure the Ends with Knots
Be sure to leave some slack when securing the ends with knots, otherwise pulling up and down on the cords could cause damage over time.
Step 6: Reattach Pieces to the New Bottom Slat
Once all pieces have been tied off securely, reattach them to the new slat.
Step 7: Test How New Length Works
Check if everything is functioning properly before putting away any tools used during installation.
Follow up Steps and Finishing Touches
Once you have cut off the excess length (slats or fabric vanes) of your window blinds, it’s time to move on to the finishing touches. It may involve adjusting cords to the new size, and attaching shortening clips to each end of the slats.
Step 1: Double-Check Measurements
Give your blinds a double-check by measuring their current length. Make sure they match up with what was originally planned for them before shortening them.
Step 2: Attach Shortening Clips
Securely attach shortening clips to each end of the slat or louver to hold the slats or fabric in place after being trimmed down. Cut-off strips may be needed if trimming more than one inch from either side of the slats.
Step 3: Readjust Lift Cords According to New Size
Lastly, resize the ladder cords and the lift cord according to the new size of your window blinds and make sure everything is functioning correctly. This should give you peace of mind knowing that all slats are securely fastened and ready for use!
How to Measure for Window Blinds’ New Length
Here is our DIY step-by-step guide on how to measure windows to determine new length and width of blinds.
- Measure the height of the top of the window or other space from the top to bottom in the left, middle, and right.
- Record the shortest measurement. For example, if the measurements are 96”, 96 ¾”, and 96 ¾”, order blinds measuring 96 inches (8 ft) in length.
How to Reinstall Window Blinds after Shortening Them
For a professional, inch-by-inch, edge-to-edge fit, follow DIY step-by-step guide on how to reinstall window blinds after shortening them.
- Step 1: Close the slats or unroll the fabric.
- Step 2: Rehang the blinds on the existing brackets.
Summing Up
If you have purchased replacement blinds to fit an oddly-shaped window frame, and aren’t sure how to go about cutting them down to size, follow this 7-step procedure to do it successfully on your own. All you need is a pair of scissors, a ruler, and a little bit of patience!
In this way, you can save time and money by forgoing the expense of hiring professionals to resize your window blinds. By taking on this simple task yourself, you’ll soon have perfectly shortened window blinds that add style to any room!
FAQs
How do you reduce the length of a window blind?
Here’re quick, easy steps to reduce the length of a window blind:
- Step 1: Extend the blinds completely to get a better idea of where the excess length lies.
- Step 2: Choose where you want your blinds to shorten to and mark the ‘new’ bottom slat.
- Step 3: Remove the plugs located on the bottom side of the bottom rail to release the knotted lift cord and string ladders.
- Step 4: Undo the knot in the lift cord and pull it up enough to release the horizontal slats you need to remove.
- Step 5: Remove the bottom rail.
- Step 6: Remove the slat(s) necessary to shorten the window blind to the desired length.
- Step 7: Reattach the bottom rail and lift cord.
- Step 8: Trim the extra cord length.
- Step 9: Retie the knot in the lift cord.
Is it OK if blinds are too long?
Yes, it’s perfectly normal and acceptable. If you want to install the blinds outside the window frame on a small window, it’ll be okay if they are too long. Extra length will make your window look taller than it actually is. Also, it will ensure extra coverage and prevent light seepage.
On the other hand, if you want to mount the blinds inside the window recess, you need to trim the extra length to make them fit perfectly. Otherwise, the bottom rail will keep hitting against the windowsill or the floor.
How do you lower blinds with only a wand?
Cordless blinds can be raised or lowered using a wand or rod attached to the bottom rail of the blind.
You can tilt slats open or close with the simple twist of the wand.
To lower the blinds with only a wand, follow these steps:
Step 1: Hold the rod or wand.
Step 2: Pull down until the blinds reach the desired height.
To raise the blinds:
Step 1: Hold the wand or rod.
Step 2: Push up the blinds until they reach the desired height.
If you have corded blinds, you’ll need to pull the lift cord down at a slight angle to raise or lower the blinds.
Once you have positioned the blinds at the desired height, move the cord back to the side to lock it in place.
Want to Know More?
Still unsure how to shorten window blinds? Contact our professionals using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109 for expert advice and custom blind resizing solutions.