Universal blinds come in preset lengths and usually you choose one that fits the closest
size to your window.
But they’re usually never the right length but these can be shortened by removing the
unwanted slats.
So let’s start at the bottom of the blind.
On this one there are 3 tabs that need to be popped out.
Yours might have more or less depending on the width of the blind.
These are usually easy to pop out using a screwdriver.
The ones I have here come right out but there are other variations that have a string through
the center.
It doesn’t matter which one you have because the process to remove them is similar.
But once the tabs have been removed all the strings inside need to be pulled out.
Now start with one of the lift strings in one of the holes.
Pull it out a bit and then cut off the knot.
Then I’m going to repeat that on the remaining strings.
Sometimes it’s helpful to have a pair of needle nose pliers to help pull the lift string
out.
When the knots have been cut take a look at the window sill and determine the desired
height of the blind.
Now pull out the lift string at the slat just below the height you want the blind at.
Do the same with the other lift strings at the same slat.
These should slip out easily as shown.
Now start at the first slat without the center string in it and slide it out to the left
or right.
At the moment they’re just laying on top of the ladder string and will slide out freely.
Take all of them out until you get to the bottom bar.
After the slats are out slide out the bottom bar as well.
Setting everything aside, let’s take a look at the ladder string.
Count down three or four rungs and cut the rest off.
This leaves some margin of error in case an extra slat needs to be put back in.
So just repeat this on the other ladder strings leaving the same amount of rungs where you
cut.
Now grab the bottom bar and slide it into the ladder string just below the last slat
in the blind.
When the bar is in place take one of the center strings and feed it through a corresponding
hole in the bottom bar.
It might help to use something pointy to help feed it into the small hole in the surface.
Once it’s through it’s helpful to use some pliers to pull the string out of the
bottom.
Extend about 6 to 7 inches of slack when you pull it through.
On my blind I have 3 main lift strings and like I mentioned before you might have only
two or you might have more than what I have here.
I’ve shortened a lot of blinds over the years and this is really the most tedius part.
But it’s still not difficult to do.
Now I’ll tie a simple double knot at the bottom of each lift string.
Try to tie the knot fairly close to the end of the string.
And make sure it’s big enough so it won’t slip out of the top hole.
If you have the plastic caps with a hole in it then the string will go through the cap
with the knot at the end.
When all the knots are tied take a hold of the pull cords and slowly pull them all down.
I’ll pull one first so you can see the knotted string slide into the bottom bar.
But you can grab all your strings and pull them at the same time.
Now at the bottom, start at one of the ladder strings and give it a bit of a twist and then
stuff them into the hole in the bar.
It doesn’t have to be perfect but just get them in so there aren’t a bunch of scraggly
ends sticking out.
Finish this off by reinserting the plastic cap we originally popped out.
Now stuff the rest of the strings into the bottom bar and reinsert the caps.
We’re almost done but not quite yet.
On the pull strings, determine how much you want hanging from the top of the blind.
Then take your scissors and cut the rest off that you don’t need.
Now slip the strings out of the plastic pulls.
I’m going to attach these pulls on each of the remaining pull strings that are hanging
from the top of the blind.
And they’re simply held in place with another knot.
Usually I have to tie 2 to 3 knots but try to tie these all at about the same height.
If there’s extra string hanging out of the bottom you can cut them near the knot to make
this look cleaner.
And now as you can see I’ve successfully shortened this blind to the size of my window.
Hopefully you can see that this can be done in less than half an hour even if you’ve
never done it before.
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