Vertical wood blinds are a good choice for window treatments. They can help keep cold air out in the winter and keep the room cool in the summer. They also provide privacy. Vertical wood blinds, however, typically come in standard sizes. If you end up with blinds that are too wide for a window in your home, it is possible to cut the blinds for a perfect fit. Keep in mind that you can make your window appear larger if you have blinds or drapes that extend past the width of the window.
- Vertical wood blinds are a good choice for window treatments.
- Keep in mind that you can make your window appear larger if you have blinds or drapes that extend past the width of the window.
Measure the wide of your blinds and the width of your window. Calculate how wide your want your blinds to be to fit the window the way you want them to. If you want your blinds to be 4 inches narrower than they are now, then you will need to cut two inches off each side. Before cutting, check to see if it is possible to remove a vertical blind. If you happen to have blinds that are 4 inches wide and you want to narrow the blinds by 4 inches, it might be possible to simply remove one blind.
Tape the area of the blind slats that you are going to cut to prevent any splintering. Mark a line along the taped slats with a yardstick and pen or black marker so you will know exactly where to cut.
- Tape the area of the blind slats that you are going to cut to prevent any splintering.
- Mark a line along the taped slats with a yardstick and pen or black marker so you will know exactly where to cut.
Ensure that the headrail will not be impeding your cutting area. Using your hacksaw or table saw, carefully cut the blind stats along the line you marked on the taped slats. Repeat this step for the taped blind slat that goes on the opposite side of the window.
Cut the headrail, if necessary. Measure and mark a line where you want to cut it. Take out the metal end stiffener that is on the end of it. Cut the headrail with the hacksaw. The edges of the headrail are not seen, as they are covered by the valance, so it won't matter if it is not cut perfectly straight.
Position the metal end stiffener back in to the headrail. Mount the headrail and blinds on your window.
TIP
This method of narrowing blinds should also work for faux wood blinds. If you are not comfortable with your cutting skills or if you do not have the right tools for this project, there are blinds companies that will narrow your blinds professionally for you. Cut roller blinds with a hobby knife.
WARNING
Always take care when using sharp tools such as a hacksaw to ensure that your fingers and hands are protected by not putting them in harm's way.