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Many sets of mini-blinds sold in retail stores are manufactured to fit standard sized windows. While the price for these types of blinds is used very reasonable, a significant amount of additional length can make the blinds look like a poor fit for the window. Fortunately, it is possible to shorten mini-blinds with relatively little effort.
Steps
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Measure the height of the window. You need this to determine the exact length that you need for the mini-blinds. Start with the inside top of the casing where the blinds will be mounted, and measure all the way to the windowsill below.
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Place the mini-blinds on a flat surface and expand to the full length. Measure from the top of the blind casing to the blind slat that most closely corresponds with the window measurements. Move downward 1 additional slat to allow a little room for error. Mark the first slat to be removed with a marker or pen.Advertisement
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Remove the rail plugs. Mini-blinds are equipped with plastic plugs on the underside of the bottom rail. Most designs will feature 3 plugs along the length of the rail. Releasing the plugs allows access to the lift cord and the 3 string ladders on the mini-blinds. [1] X Research source
- You can usually just pull out the plugs without having to do anything fancy.
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Untie the knot on the lift cords and pull upward. This action will slide the lift cords through the holes in the bottom rail and the slats immediately above the rail. Continue to pull the cords upward until the marked slat is freed from the cords. [2] X Research source
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Slide the bottom rail out of the string ladders. This will provide you with better access to the blind slats. [3] X Research source
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Remove the desired number of slats. With the lift cords no longer threaded through the slats, this requires sliding each of the slats out of the 3 string ladders. [4] X Research source
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Reattach the bottom rail. Slide the rail back into the string ladders just under the remaining blind slats. Trim off any unused sections of the ladders that you no longer need. [5] X Research source
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Reconnect the lift cords. Tie a new knot in each of the 3 ends. Use the measuring tape to make sure the knots are in the ideal position so the cords are all the same lengths, and the slats will hang evenly.
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Replace the rail plugs. Make sure that all 3 are securely in position, and then hang the adjusted mini-blind in the window. Take a moment to try raising and lowering the blinds, as well as opening and closing them to make sure they are functioning properly.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionIs it possible to shorten a cordless vinyl mini blind?Community AnswerNo. They are pre-tensioned, or designed to work with the weight they start with. Removing anything would cause the blind to raise on its own, and no longer be a blind.
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QuestionI cut the cord to raise and lower, and it went into the mechanism in the top. How can I get the cord?Community AnswerYou'll have to take apart the top, a very tedious and time-consuming task. You might want to consider just buying another.
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QuestionHow do I shorten vinyl mini-blinds, the roll-up type?Community AnswerNo. They are pre-tensioned, or designed to work with the weight they start with. Removing anything would cause the blind to raise on its own and no longer be a blind.
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Tips
- If the rail plugs are difficult to reinsert, use a rubber mallet to gently pound them back into position. The softer head on the mallet will prevent the possibility of denting or otherwise damaging the plugs.Thanks
- While it is possible to shorten mini-blinds while they are hanging in a window, simply eye-balling the length, laying the blinds on a flat surface makes it easier to apply exact measurements and is often a much quicker process.Thanks
- Save the removed blind slats in a safe place. You can always use them to replace any slats that are damaged over the years.Thanks
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Warnings
- Make sure that you don't lose the plugs while you're working, otherwise you won't be able to close up the bottom rail.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- Tape Measure
References
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To shorten your mini-blinds, start by placing them on a flat surface and expanding them to the full length. Next, remove the rail plugs, untie the knot on the lift cords, and pull upward to release as many slats as you like. Then, reattach the bottom rail into the string ladders just under the remaining slats and trim off any unused sections of the ladders. Additionally, tie a new knot in each of the ends of the lift cords. Finally, replace the rail plugs before hanging the adjusted mini-blinds. To learn how to measure the height of the window the mini-blinds will hang in, keep reading!
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 172,867 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "My friend needs to replace the mini blinds in her trailer. We need to be able to remove excess length while at remote trailer park. There is no wi-fi, so the printable step by step process with pictures is perfect for our needs. " ..." more
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"My friend needs to replace the mini blinds in her trailer. We need to be able to remove excess length while at remote trailer park. There is no wi-fi, so the printable step by step process with pictures is perfect for our needs. "
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"I was somewhat clueless about shortening mini blinds, although my husband said it was easy (he didn't offer to help). I pulled up this article and was quite surprised how easy it really is. Blinds are hanging perfectly!"
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"I haven't tried yet. I think it will be okay, a friend gave them to me years ago and told me that they were for my back sliding door. When I opened it, the box two strings were cut tied in knots. I think I can do it."
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"The pictures helped a lot! I read a different article first and was so confused. wikiHow always makes it easy and simple. I don't know why I didn't look here first!"
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"This helped me understand exactly what I needed to do to shorten my blinds. It was easy to follow and simple to do. Thanks bunches."
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