How to Shorten a Window Blind: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve just installed new blinds only to find they’re too long, don’t panic. Shortening window blinds is a common DIY task that can be done relatively quickly with some simple tools and a bit of know-how.

Whether you have vinyl, aluminum, faux wood, fabric, or any other type of blinds, this guide will walk you through measuring, cutting, and rehanging your window treatments to get them fitting just right. We’ll also cover tips for shortening blind cords and troubleshooting other length issues.

Table of Contents

Steps to Shorten a Window Blind

By the time you finish reading, you’ll be ready to trim those blinds down to size and finally fix that frustrating gap or uneven overhang. So let’s get started!

Step 1: Remove the Blinds from the Window

First, you need to take the blinds down from the window so you can work on them quickly.

For inside-mount blinds that fit within the window frame, pop the brackets off the sides of the frame.
For outside-mount blinds, unscrew the brackets from the wall or window casing.

Place the unmounted blinds on a flat surface like a table or floor where you have plenty of space. Make sure the area is clean to avoid getting dirt or debris on the blinds while you work.

Step 2: Measure How Much You Need To Shorten

Now, it’s time to figure out how much length needs to be removed.

For inside mounts, measure from the top of the headrail (the horizontal piece the brackets attach to) to where you want the bottom of the blinds to end. Mark this length on the blinds.
For outside mounts, measure from the top of the headrail down to the window sill and mark this length.

You’ll cut off any excess that falls below that mark. Cut a little at a time rather than removing too much length in one go is better.

Step 3: Cut the Blinds with Proper Tools

Cut the Blinds with Proper Tools

To make straight, clean cuts, you’ll need the right tools for your specific blind material:

Cutting Vinyl or Aluminum Blinds

Use a hacksaw with a fine-toothed blade for basic vinyl miniblinds or aluminum blinds with slats. Place the headrail in a miter box or clamp it to a steady surface. Saw slowly and gently on your cut line to cleanly slice through the plastic or metal.

Cutting Faux Wood or Wood Blinds

Use a sharp, fine-toothed handsaw, jigsaw, or chop saw to cut through faux or real wood horizontally. Cut slowly and carefully on a flat surface. You can also use a miter box to ensure the ends are square if desired.

Cutting Fabric Shades

To snip through the fabric, use sharp scissors meant for detailed cutting. For heavy-duty materials like blackout cloth, use poultry shears. Cut right along your measured line.

No matter the blind type, always cut a bit longer than your line to leave room for adjustments. You can always trim off more but can’t add length back!

Step 4: Remove any Excess Cord

If your old blinds had a continuous loop pull cord, you’ll need to remove any extra length so the loops aren’t dangerously long.

Use pliers to detach the cord connector pieces from the bottom rail on vinyl, aluminum, or faux wood blinds.
On fabric shades, carefully remove the stitches securing the bottom of the cord loop.

Pull the cord to slide it out of the rail or shade and cut it to an appropriate length using scissors. Reattach the connector piece or sew a new one in place.

Leave enough cords so you can still easily reach and operate the blinds. But don’t leave any excess dangling, as this poses a strangulation risk for kids and pets.

Step 5: Rehang the Shortened Blinds

Now comes the fun part—seeing the freshly shortened blinds in the window. Reattach the mounting brackets and slide the headrail back into place.

For inside mounts, center the blinds in the window frame before tightening the brackets.
For outside mounts, make sure the headrail is centered over the window before screwing the brackets into the wall or casing snugly.

Open and close the blinds to ensure the length is just right and the operation is smooth. Make any final tweaks as needed until you have the perfect fit.

How do you reduce the length of a window blind?

There are several ways to reduce the length of a window blind, depending on the blind and its operating mechanism. Here’s a general process:

Identify the blind type: Determine if it’s corded, cordless, vinyl, wood, faux wood, or aluminum.
Mark the desired length: Extend the blind fully and mark the position of the new bottom slat on the window frame.
Remove the bottom rail: Locate the plugs on the bottom rail and remove them to access the cords or ladder strings. Untie any knots and remove the rail.
Remove excess slats: Pull the lift cords or ladder strings from the slats you want to remove. Detach the slats.
Reattach the bottom rail: Thread the cords or strings back through the holes in the rail and reattach it below the marked slat. Tie new knots or use alternative fastening methods.
Trim cords (if applicable): Cut the excess cords for corded blinds, leaving enough length for operation.

How can I make my blinds shorter without a pull cord?

For cordless blinds, the process is similar but without cords. You’ll need to access the ladder strings underneath the bottom slat. Look for mechanisms like clips or tensioners to remove the excess slats and reattach the bottom rail accordingly.

Can you shorten blind cords?

Yes, you can shorten blind cords by cutting them after adjusting the bottom rail and ensuring enough length remains for operation. However, improper cutting can damage the mechanism. Consider replacing the entire cord for safety and functionality.

How do you change blind length?

Follow the steps mentioned to reduce the length. Remember, if the mechanism is complex, some blind types might require window professional modification.

Is it OK if the blinds are too long?

Long blinds can pool on the floor, creating a tripping hazard and collecting dust. Additionally, they might not block light effectively or obscure the view outside. Shortening them ensures proper functionality and aesthetics.

How do you shorten Aluminum blinds?

The process for aluminum blinds is similar to other types. However, be gentle while handling the slats, as they can bend easily. Use a hacksaw or metal shears to cut and smooth the cut edges to prevent injury.

Troubleshooting Other Blind Length Problems

Shortening blinds is the solution when they’re just too long overall. But other fit issues can come up that require different fixes:

Blinds Are Too Short

If your blinds turn out slightly too short, you can lower the mounting brackets to gain a little extra length. Just be careful not to set them too low on the window frame or wall where they may not be secure.

Blinds are Uneven

Adjust the cord tilt mechanism to level out blinds that are longer on one side. Give more slack to the short side and take up excess cord on the long side until even.

Bottom Rail is Uneven

For blinds with crooked bottom rails, gently bend the rail to straighten it. Apply pressure evenly across the width of the rail to avoid creasing or snapping it.

Blinds Don’t Raise Evenly

Blinds Don't Raise Evenly

If the slats or fabric bunch to one side when raising the blinds, check that the lift cords are straight and untangled. Gently pull any twisted cords until they’re smooth.

Conclusion

With the proper steps, it’s easy to customize the length of your blinds for an ideal fit in any window. Measure carefully, use the appropriate cutting tools, remove excess cord, and rehang for a quick DIY blind shortening project. No more awkward gaps or unsightly extra inches getting in your way.

Proper blind length can make all the difference in your home’s appearance and safety. So give those blinds a trim and finally get them fitting just right!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I shorten my blinds?

When fully lowered, the blinds should clear the window frame by about 1/2 inch at the bottom for inside mounts. For outside mounts, they should be left long enough to cover the window sill by about 1 inch.

Can I cut vinyl or aluminum slats individually?

It’s best to cut through the whole headrail for an even, clean cut. Trying to cut slats separately can result in uneven lengths.

What should I do with the excess cut-off part?

You can dispose of the excess blinds in regular household trash. The materials are not hazardous. Just make sure to cut any loops in the cords.

Will shortening blinds affect how they work?

Shortening blinds should not affect operation if you reattach any cords correctly and straighten the bottom rail. The lift cords and tilt mechanism will function the same.

Can I return the blinds if I cut them too short?

Most retailers will not accept returned blinds that have been cut, so measure carefully before cutting. Save your receipt in case the blinds were mislabeled or miscalculated.