How to shorten vertical blinds
If you have vertical blinds in your home and they are too long for your windows, don’t worry! Shortening vertical blinds is a simple process that you can easily do yourself. By following a few steps, you can adjust the length of your blinds to perfectly fit your window and give your space a polished finished look.
Step 1: Measure and Mark
Start by measuring the length you want your blinds to be. Use a measuring tape to determine the desired length, keeping in mind that the bottom of the blinds should clear the floor or window sill. Once you have your measurement, mark it on the vanes using a pencil or a piece of chalk. It’s important to mark all the vanes to ensure a consistent length.
Step 2: Prepare the Blinds
Next, take your blinds down from the wall or the rod so that you have better access to them. Lay the blinds on a large flat surface, such as a table or the floor. This will make it easier for you to work on them and prevent any damages or tangling of the vanes.
Step 3: Cut the Blinds
Using a sharp pair of scissors or a craft knife, carefully cut the vanes of the blinds at the marked spots. Make sure to follow the pencil or chalk lines you made earlier. Take your time and cut along the entire width of the blinds to create a straight and clean cut. Repeat this step for all the vanes, ensuring consistency in the length.
Step 4: Rehang the Blinds
After you have shortened all the vanes, rehang the blinds back onto the wall or the rod. Test the length to make sure it matches your desired measurement. If necessary, make any additional adjustments by repeating the cutting process.
Congratulations! You have successfully shortened your vertical blinds. By following these simple steps, you can easily adjust the length of your blinds to fit your windows perfectly and give your room a neat and stylish appearance.
Step-by-step Guide: Shortening Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are a popular window treatment that can add style and functionality to any space. However, if the length of your blinds is too long, it can create a messy and disorganized look. Luckily, shortening vertical blinds is a relatively simple process that you can do on your own.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Pliers or a screwdriver
- Velcro strips or hemming tape (optional)
Step 1: Measure the Desired Length
Start by determining the ideal length for your vertical blinds. Use a tape measure to measure from the top of the blinds to the desired bottom hem. Make sure to account for any hems or excess fabric that you want to remove. Write down the measurement for later reference.
Step 2: Remove the Bottom Chain or Weight
Most vertical blinds come with a chain or weight at the bottom to keep them in place. Use pliers or a screwdriver to remove the bottom chain or weight. Carefully detach it from the blinds, as you will need to reattach it later.
Step 3: Remove Excess Slats or Fabric
Carefully remove the excessive slats or fabric from the bottom of the blinds. If your blinds have multiple slats, remove them one at a time by detaching the connectors. If your blinds have fabric panels, unfold them and cut along the measured line. Use scissors to ensure a clean and even cut.
Step 4: Reattach the Bottom Chain or Weight
Once you have trimmed the excess material, it’s time to reattach the bottom chain or weight. Make sure it is securely attached to the bottom of the blinds.
Step 5: Optional – Use Velcro Strips or Hemming Tape
If you prefer a neater appearance, you can use velcro strips or hemming tape to create a new hem at the bottom of the blinds. This can help to prevent fraying and provide a more finished look. Simply attach the strips or tape to the bottom edge of the blinds and fold over the excess fabric, securing it in place.
Overall, shortening vertical blinds is a simple DIY task that can help improve the appearance and functionality of your window treatment. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily achieve the perfect length for your blinds.
Measure and Mark
Before shortening your vertical blinds, it’s important to measure and mark the desired length. Follow these steps:
- Start by fully extending the blinds to their maximum length.
- Using a tape measure, measure the desired length of the blinds from the bottom edge. This will be the new finished length after shortening.
- Once you have determined the desired length, mark it with a pencil or a marker on the blind slats.
- Double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy.
It is important to note that you should always measure and mark on the slats rather than the cords or the tracks.
By properly measuring and marking the desired length, you can be confident that your vertical blinds will fit perfectly in your window and will look professionally shortened once you make the necessary adjustments.
Remove Excess Slats
If your vertical blinds have too many slats, you can remove the excess slats to shorten the length. Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to remove the excess slats:
- Start by fully closing the blinds, so all the slats are aligned.
- Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the plastic caps from the bottom rail.
- Slide out the bottom rail, taking care not to damage the blinds or slats.
- Count the number of excess slats you want to remove.
- Remove the excess slats by sliding them out of the blind mechanism.
- Reposition the bottom rail back into place.
- Replace the plastic caps on the bottom rail.
By removing the excess slats, you can customize the length of your vertical blinds to fit perfectly in your windows. Make sure to store the extra slats in case you need them in the future.
Meet Harrison Clayton, a distinguished author and home remodeling enthusiast whose expertise in the realm of renovation is second to none. With a passion for transforming houses into inviting homes, Harrison's writing at https://thehuts-eastbourne.co.uk/ brings a breath of fresh inspiration to the world of home improvement. Whether you're looking to revamp a small corner of your abode or embark on a complete home transformation, Harrison's articles provide the essential expertise and creative flair to turn your visions into reality. So, dive into the captivating world of home remodeling with Harrison Clayton and unlock the full potential of your living space with every word he writes.
