{"id":6258,"date":"2023-04-01T20:24:37","date_gmt":"2023-04-01T20:24:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/?p=6258"},"modified":"2024-04-15T11:56:47","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T11:56:47","slug":"quick-and-easy-guide-to-shortening-window-blinds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/quick-and-easy-guide-to-shortening-window-blinds\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do You Shorten Window Blinds? 7 Easy DIY Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/how-do-you-cut-length-window-blinds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resize them to desired length<\/a> yourself in 7 easy, DIY steps, such as:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Determine the desired length<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Remove the plugs<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Remove the extra slats<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Cut the horizontal ladder cords from the slats you removed<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Trim the excess lift cord,<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Reattach the bottom rail and retie the cords<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Replace the plugs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re dealing with wooden, Venetian, or <a href=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/shades\/roller-shades\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">roller blinds<\/a>, this 7-step guide to shorten window blinds is for you. It\u2019s designed so that you can shorten the window treatments without having to hire a professional installer. Once you\u2019ve shortened window blinds correctly, your windows will look great and <a href=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/category-by-style-of-shade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">add style<\/a> to any space.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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, <a href=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/smart-window-blinds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">saving you both time and money<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Why It is Important to Understand How to Shorten Blinds<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8151\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8151\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/window-blinds-1.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8151\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8151 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/window-blinds-1.jpg\" alt=\"Window Blinds\" width=\"650\" height=\"550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/window-blinds-1.jpg 650w, https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/window-blinds-1-300x254.jpg 300w, https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/window-blinds-1-70x60.jpg 70w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8151\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Window Blinds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>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\u2019s for aesthetic purposes or to avoid blocking out <a href=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/the-best-window-blinds-for-maximizing-natural-light-in-your-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">natural light<\/a>, understanding how to adjust blinds is key to achieving the perfect fit.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2>Tools and Materials You\u2019ll Need to Shorten Window Blinds<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8534\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8534\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Gather-tools-.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8534\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8534 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Gather-tools-.jpg\" alt=\"Gather tools\" width=\"650\" height=\"550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Gather-tools-.jpg 650w, https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Gather-tools--300x254.jpg 300w, https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Gather-tools--70x60.jpg 70w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8534\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gather tools<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Collect the right tools and materials before you start resizing the blinds to the desired length.<\/p>\n<p>For all <a href=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blinds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">types of blinds<\/a>, you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">A steel tape measure (to measure the window height and determine the length of the blind)<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">A pair of scissors or snips (to cut down the cord lock string which is used to adjust the length of pull cords)<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">A screwdriver or a drill (to unscrew and remove the bottom rail)<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Screws (optional) for installing new brackets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>7 Easy, DIY Steps to Shorten Window Blinds<\/h2>\n<h3>Step 1: Determine the New Length of the Blinds<\/h3>\n<p>Measure the window frame to determine the exact length of the blinds.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: Mark the Slats (or the Excess Fabric) to be Removed<\/h3>\n<p>For slatted blinds, mark the new bottom slat, so that you\u2019ll know how many slats to be removed.<\/p>\n<p>For a continuous piece of fabric, make sure to mark where you\u2019d like cuts made beforehand; use string or painter\u2019s tape as a guideline so that each side is even.<\/p>\n<p>Mark place to cut<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: Untie Knots in the Lift Cord<\/h3>\n<p>After cutting, untie any knots at either end of the cords so that they come free from the slats.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 4: Determine New Length of Ladder Cords and Lift Cord and Re-tie Knots<\/h3>\n<p>Measure each cord individually and re-tie knots at points that will secure each side of the blinds at their new lengths.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 5: Secure the Ends with Knots<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 6: Reattach Pieces to the New Bottom Slat<\/h3>\n<p>Once all pieces have been tied off securely, reattach them to the new slat.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 7: Test How New Length Works<\/h3>\n<p>Check if everything is functioning properly before putting away any tools used during installation.<\/p>\n<h2>Follow up Steps and Finishing Touches<\/h2>\n<p>Once you have cut off the excess length (slats or fabric vanes) of your window blinds, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 1: Double-Check Measurements<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: Attach Shortening Clips<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: Readjust Lift Cords According to New Size<\/h3>\n<p>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!<\/p>\n<h2>How to Measure for Window Blinds\u2019 New Length<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8251\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8251\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/measure.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8251\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8251 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/measure.jpg\" alt=\"Window Measurement\" width=\"650\" height=\"550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/measure.jpg 650w, https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/measure-300x254.jpg 300w, https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/measure-70x60.jpg 70w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8251\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Window Measurement<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Here is our DIY <a href=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/How_to_Measure_Instructions.pdf\">step-by-step guide<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/r\/how-to-measure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">how to measure windows<\/a>\u00a0to determine new length and width of blinds.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Measure the height of the top of the window or other space from the top to bottom in the left, middle, and right.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Record the shortest measurement. For example, if the measurements are 96\u201d, 96 \u00be\u201d, and 96 \u00be\u201d, order blinds measuring 96 inches (8 ft) in length.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to Reinstall Window Blinds after Shortening Them<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8299\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8299\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/install-window-blinds.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8299\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8299 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/install-window-blinds.jpg\" alt=\"Installation\" width=\"650\" height=\"550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/install-window-blinds.jpg 650w, https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/install-window-blinds-300x254.jpg 300w, https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/install-window-blinds-70x60.jpg 70w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8299\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Installation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For a professional, inch-by-inch, edge-to-edge fit, follow DIY step-by-step guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/r\/installation-instructions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">how to reinstall window blinds<\/a> after shortening them.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Step 1: Close the slats or unroll the fabric.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Step 2: Rehang the blinds on the existing brackets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Summing Up<\/h2>\n<p>If you have purchased replacement blinds to fit an <a href=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/solutions-for-uniquely-shaped-windows-the-benefits-of-custom-window-blinds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">oddly-shaped window frame<\/a>, and aren\u2019t 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!<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019ll soon have perfectly shortened window blinds that add style to any <a href=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/rooms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">room<\/a>!<\/p>\n<h2>FAQs<\/h2>\n<h3>How do you reduce the length of a window blind?<\/h3>\n<p>Here\u2019re quick, easy steps to reduce the length of a window blind:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Step 1: Extend the blinds completely to get a better idea of where the excess length lies.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Step 2: Choose where you want your blinds to shorten to and mark the \u2018new\u2019 bottom slat.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Step 3: Remove the plugs located on the bottom side of the bottom rail to release the knotted lift cord and string ladders.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Step 4: Undo the knot in the lift cord and pull it up enough to release the horizontal slats you need to remove.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Step 5: Remove the bottom rail.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Step 6: Remove the slat(s) necessary to shorten the window blind to the desired length.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Step 7: Reattach the bottom rail and lift cord.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Step 8: Trim the extra cord length.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Step 9: Retie the knot in the lift cord.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Is it OK if blinds are too long?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, it\u2019s perfectly normal and acceptable. If you want to install the blinds outside the window frame on a small window, it\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3>How do you lower blinds with only a wand?<\/h3>\n<p>Cordless blinds can be raised or lowered using a wand or rod attached to the bottom rail of the blind.<\/p>\n<p>You can tilt slats open or close with the simple twist of the wand.<\/p>\n<p>To lower the blinds with only a wand, follow these steps:<\/p>\n<p>Step 1: Hold the rod or wand.<\/p>\n<p>Step 2: Pull down until the blinds reach the desired height.<\/p>\n<p>To raise the blinds:<\/p>\n<p>Step 1: Hold the wand or rod.<\/p>\n<p>Step 2: Push up the blinds until they reach the desired height.<\/p>\n<p>If you have corded blinds, you\u2019ll need to pull the lift cord down at a slight angle to raise or lower the blinds.<\/p>\n<p>Once you have positioned the blinds at the desired height, move the cord back to the side to lock it in place.<\/p>\n<h4>Want to Know More?<\/h4>\n<p>Still unsure how to shorten window blinds? <a href=\"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/get-help\">Contact<\/a> our professionals using 24\/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109 for expert advice and custom blind resizing solutions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":8137,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6258","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/mini-blinds-600x400.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/mini-blinds-600x550.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Admin","author_link":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/author\/aamirjawad97gmail-com\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6258","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6258"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6258\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10041,"href":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6258\/revisions\/10041"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8137"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6258"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6258"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6258"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}