Shortening Blinds: My Personal Experience

As a new homeowner, I quickly realized that not all windows are created equal. Some were too wide, others were too narrow, and the blinds I bought just didn’t fit right. After some research, I discovered that I could actually shorten my blinds to fit my windows perfectly. Here’s what I learned about how to shorten blinds.

How Do You Shorten Blinds?

Shortening blinds is a fairly simple process. Here are the basic steps:

Step 1: Measure Your Windows

Before you begin, measure your windows to determine how much you need to shorten your blinds. Be sure to measure both the width and the length.

Step 2: Remove the Bottom Rail

Next, remove the bottom rail from your blinds. This is the long metal or plastic piece that holds the slats in place.

Step 3: Remove the Excess Slats

Once the bottom rail is removed, you can remove the excess slats from the bottom of the blinds. Use a pair of scissors to cut the strings that hold the slats in place. Be sure to cut the strings on both sides of the blinds.

Step 4: Reattach the Bottom Rail

Now that you’ve removed the excess slats, you can reattach the bottom rail to the blinds. Simply slide it back into place and reattach any clips or brackets that hold it in place.

Step 5: Trim the Pull Cord

If necessary, trim the pull cord so that it’s the right length for your shortened blinds. Be sure to knot the end of the cord so that it doesn’t unravel.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Shortening Blinds

Here are some tips and ideas to keep in mind when shortening your blinds:

Measure, measure, measure. It’s important to be precise when determining how much you need to shorten your blinds.
Use sharp scissors to cut the strings that hold the slats in place. This will make the process much easier.
Be sure to reattach the bottom rail securely. You don’t want it falling off once you’ve hung your blinds back up.
Consider using a fabric glue to hem the bottom of your blinds for a cleaner, more professional look.
Shortening blinds can also be a great way to repurpose old or thrifted blinds that don’t fit your windows.
If you’re not sure how much to shorten your blinds, start by removing one slat at a time until they’re the right length.
Shortening blinds can also be a great way to customize the look of your blinds. You can remove slats to create a scalloped or zigzag edge, for example.
Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before shortening your blinds. Some types of blinds may not be able to be shortened.
Consider using a straight edge or ruler to ensure a straight cut when removing excess slats.
Take your time and be patient. Shortening blinds can be a bit tedious, but it’s worth it to have blinds that fit your windows perfectly.

Pros and Cons of Shortening Blinds

Shortening blinds can be a great way to customize the look of your blinds and ensure that they fit your windows perfectly. However, there are also some potential downsides to keep in mind:

Pros

Customize the look of your blinds
Ensure a perfect fit for your windows
Repurpose old or thrifted blinds

Cons

Can be a bit tedious and time-consuming
May not be possible with all types of blinds
Requires some basic DIY skills

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I found that shortening my blinds was a fairly simple process that didn’t require any special tools or skills. However, it did take some patience and attention to detail to ensure that my blinds were the right length and looked neat and tidy. I would highly recommend shortening your blinds if you’re having trouble finding blinds that fit your windows perfectly. It’s a great way to customize the look of your blinds and ensure that they’re just the right length.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Can you shorten any type of blinds?

A: It depends on the type of blinds. Some types, such as roller blinds, may not be able to be shortened. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to shorten your blinds.

Q: How much can you shorten blinds?

A: You can usually shorten blinds by a few inches without any issues. However, if you need to shorten them by more than a few inches, you may need to remove some slats from the bottom.

Q: Do I need any special tools to shorten my blinds?

A: No, you don’t need any special tools. All you need are a pair of sharp scissors and a ruler or straight edge to ensure a straight cut.