How to Shorten Mini Blinds

I've working in the window treatments department of a home improvement store for over 13 years now, and one of the questions I get over and over is: how can I shorten my mini blinds? The answer is, with cellular or honeycomb style cloth blinds, it can't be done (at least not by any manufacturer approved process). However, if the blinds are vinyl, aluminum, or wood slat style blinds, then the process is fairly simple and can be done by even the least experienced do-it-yourselfer. One quick warning first: this task, while easy, is quite time consuming, so be patient and don't try to rush; doing so will just tangle the blinds and waste even more time. To ensure the job goes smoothly simply follow the steps out lined below.

Step 1 - Measure Carefully

Before even purchasing the blinds remember: measure the length of the window carefully in at least three places. Typically, the length is measured on the right, in the middle, and on the left to guarantee that the window is square. If it is not square, use the longest measurement as the basis for which size blinds to purchased. It is ALWAYS better to have a blind be too long rather than too short. It is wise to add an extra 2 or 3 inches onto the measurement when purchasing or shortening a blind. At worst, the extra length will merely rest on the bottom sill and keep and light from seeping in at the bottom.

Step 2 - Remove the Buttons from the Bottom Rail

Before the blind is mounted, set it on a flat surface and look carefully at the bottom rail of the blind (the piece that hangs lowest when the blind is mounted). The bottom of the blind will have a series of buttons running across it into which thin threads are running (as shown in Picture 1; below). There are usually 2 or 3 of these buttons, but wider blinds may have more. Using a screwdriver or other small, stiff prying tool, pop these buttons out of the bottom rail of the blind.

Step 3 - Begin Removing Slats

Once the buttons are removed (as shown in Picture 2; below) untie or cut the knots in the strings that were being held in the bottom rail by the buttons. These strings run up through the rest of the slats in the blind and allow the pull cord to lift the slats up and down, and the wand to tilt them back and forth. Once the stings have been untied or cut, begin removing the slats. This should be down slowly and meticulously so that the cords do not become a tangled mess. Most mini blinds, have 1 or 2 inch slats, so depending on the type that is being shortened, each slat that is removed is either taking 1 or 2 inches off the total length of the blind.

Step 4 - Re-tie the Strings

Once the blind is at the desired height, trim the stings up to where the blind slats are. Allow a little extra cord length to tie the strings and to ensure that the blind can operate freely. Re-tie the stings into a knot and push it and any excess string back into the holes on the bottom rail.

Step 5 - Put the Buttons Back On

Finally, push the buttons firmly back into place in the bottom rail so that the strings are securely attached. Once done, the blind should be ready to be mounted.