There are many reasons why you might need to shorten your blinds. Maybe you’ve moved into a new home with blinds that are too long, or maybe you’ve simply decided that you want a shorter length for your current blinds. Whatever the reason, shortening your blinds is a relatively easy project that you can do yourself with a few simple tools. In this article, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to shorten your blinds. Plus, we’ll offer some tips on how to prevent your blinds from fraying or becoming damaged during the process.
Before you begin, it’s important to gather all of the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a measuring tape, a pencil, a utility knife, a screwdriver, and a pair of scissors. You may also want to have some fabric glue or tape on hand, in case you need to make any repairs to the blinds. Once you have all of your tools and materials assembled, you can begin the process of shortening your blinds. First, measure the length of the blinds that you want to shorten. Then, mark the desired length on the blinds with the pencil. Next, use the utility knife to cut the blinds to the desired length. Finally, use the screwdriver to remove the bottom rail from the blinds. Once the bottom rail is removed, you can simply reattach it to the blinds at the new desired length. Use fabric glue or tape to secure the bottom rail in place, and allow the glue to dry completely before rehanging the blinds.
Gathering Necessary Tools
Before beginning the process of shortening your blinds, it is crucial to gather all the necessary tools. This will ensure a smooth and efficient procedure. The following items should be collected:
- Measuring Tape or Ruler: To accurately determine the new length of the blinds.
- Scissors: To cut the fabric and cords to the desired dimensions.
- Needle and Thread: To hem the fabric if necessary.
- Screwdriver: To remove the screws that hold the blinds together.
- Drill (Optional): If rivets need to be removed.
- Rivets (Optional): To replace removed rivets.
- Safety Gloves (Optional): To protect your hands from sharp edges.
- Work Surface: A clean and flat area to work on.
- Carpenter’s Level (Optional): To ensure the blinds are installed level.
- Light Table (Optional): To help visualize the fabric cuts (particularly useful for patterned blinds).
Additional Tips for Gathering Tools
Consider the following additional tips for gathering tools:
- If you are unsure about any of the tools required, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or a professional.
- Ensure all tools are in good working condition before starting.
- Gather all tools in one place to avoid misplacing them during the process.
- Gather your tools: You will need a screwdriver, a measuring tape, and a level.
- Measure the blinds: Measure the width of the blinds from the top of the headrail to the bottom of the vanes.
- Mark the desired length: Use a measuring tape to mark the desired length on the vanes.
- Remove the bottom rail: Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the bottom rail in place.
- Cut the vanes: Using sharp scissors, carefully cut the vanes to the desired length.
- Reattach the bottom rail: Secure the bottom rail back in place using the screws.
- Adjust the tilt angle: Use the tilt wand to adjust the angle of the vanes as desired.
- Check for level: Use a level to ensure that the blinds are hanging evenly.
- Remove the blinds from the window.
- Measure the length of the blinds that you want to remove.
- Mark the length on the blinds with a pencil.
- Cut the blinds to the desired length using a sharp knife or scissors.
- Reattach the blinds to the window.
- A sharp knife or scissors
- A measuring tape
- A pencil
Trimming the Bottom Hem
Shortening the bottom hem is the most common way to adjust the length of blinds. Here’s how to do it step by step:
Materials You’ll Need:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Measuring tape | To measure the new length of the blinds |
| Scissors | To cut the excess fabric |
| Iron and ironing board | To press the hem in place |
1. Measure the New Length
Use a measuring tape to measure the desired length of the blinds from the top of the headrail to the bottom of the fabric. Make sure to add a few extra inches for the hem.
2. Fold and Pin the Hem
Fold the bottom edge of the fabric up by the desired amount (remembering to account for the extra inches for the hem). Pin the folded edge in place.
3. Sew the Hem
Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew along the pinned edge to secure the hem. Make sure to use a stitch that is strong and durable.
4. Press the Hem
Once the hem is sewn, press it in place using an iron and ironing board. This will give the hem a clean and professional finish and help it to stay in place.
5. Rehang the Blinds
Once the hem is complete, rehang the blinds on the window and adjust them to the desired height.
Shortening the Slats
Depending on the type of blinds you have, you may be able to shorten the slats yourself. If you have aluminum or vinyl blinds, follow these steps:
1.
Measure the desired length of the slats.
2.
Mark the slats at the desired length.
3.
Using a hacksaw or tin snips, cut the slats to the desired length.
4.
File or sand the edges of the slats to smooth any rough edges.
5.
Reassemble the blinds.
If you have fabric blinds, you will need to take them to a professional to have them shortened. This is because fabric blinds are more difficult to shorten yourself, and you may damage the blinds if you try to do it yourself.
| Slat Type | Can You Shorten Yourself? |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | Yes |
| Vinyl | Yes |
| Fabric | No |
Reattaching the Slats
To reattach the slats, simply insert the clips of the slat back onto the clips of the valance or headrail. Start at the center and work your way outwards. If the slats are not fitting properly, you may need to adjust the tension of the clips. To do this, use a screwdriver to loosen or tighten the screws that hold the clips in place.
Attaching Headrail or Valance
Once the slats are reattached, you can reattach the valance or headrail. To do this, simply align the valance or headrail with the top of the slats and snap it into place. If the valance or headrail is not fitting properly, you may need to adjust the tension of the brackets that hold it in place. To do this, use a screwdriver to loosen or tighten the screws that hold the brackets in place.
| Tools You’ll Need: |
|---|
| • Screwdriver |
| • Drill |
| • Tape measure |
| • Pencil |
| • Hacksaw |
| • New slats (if necessary) |
Adjusting the Tilt Mechanism
To adjust the tilt mechanism of vertical blinds, follow these steps:
Reinstalling the Blinds
Once you have finished shortening your blinds, it is time to reinstall them. This process is relatively simple, and can be completed in a few steps:
1. **Remove the old blinds.** First, you will need to remove the old blinds from the window. This can be done by lifting the blinds up and pulling them off the brackets.
2. **Install the new brackets.** Once the old blinds have been removed, you can install the new brackets. The brackets should be attached to the window frame, using the screws that came with the blinds.
3. **Hang the new blinds.** Once the brackets are installed, you can hang the new blinds. To do this, simply lift the blinds up and place them on the brackets.
4. **Adjust the blinds.** Once the blinds are hung, you can adjust them to the desired height. To do this, simply pull the bottom rail of the blinds up or down.
5. **Secure the blinds.** Once the blinds are adjusted to the desired height, you should secure them in place. This can be done by tightening the screws on the brackets.
6. **Test the blinds.** Once the blinds are secured, you should test them to make sure they are working properly. To do this, simply raise and lower the blinds several times.
7. **Enjoy your new blinds!** Once you have tested the blinds and made sure they are working properly, you can enjoy your new, shortened blinds.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the old blinds |
| 2 | Install the new brackets |
| 3 | Hang the new blinds |
| 4 | Adjust the blinds |
| 5 | Secure the blinds |
| 6 | Test the blinds |
| 7 | Enjoy your new blinds! |
How To Shorten Your Blinds
If you’re looking to give your blinds a new look, or if they’re simply too long for your windows, shortening them is a relatively easy DIY project. With a few simple tools and a little bit of patience, you can have your blinds looking their best in no time.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to shorten your blinds:
If you’re shortening vertical blinds, you’ll need to remove the weights from the bottom of the blinds before you cut them. To do this, simply unclip the weights from the bottom of the blinds and pull them out. Once the weights are removed, you can cut the blinds to the desired length and then reattach the weights.
People Also Ask
How much does it cost to shorten blinds?
The cost to shorten blinds will vary depending on the type of blinds, the length of the blinds, and the complexity of the job. However, you can expect to pay between $20 and $50 per blind.
Can I shorten blinds myself?
Yes, you can shorten blinds yourself with a few simple tools and a little bit of patience. However, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always hire a professional to do it for you.
What tools do I need to shorten blinds?
To shorten blinds, you will need the following tools:
