Best cordless blinds units give you the flexibility to control the lighting in your room. They provide an effortless way of deciding how much light comes through your windows.
Regardless of the name “cordless,” it still has cords that go through the slats for a smooth operation. They are easy to operate, if you are looking to lower them, for example, simply pull down the rail at the bottom and angle the bottom rail backward and forward so that the slats tilt.
Also Read:
- How to fix cordless faux wood blinds
- How to remove levolor cordless cellular Shades from brackets
- How to adjust tension on cordless blinds
Can you Shorten Cordless Blinds?
Yes, you can shorten cordless blinds. Although shortening cordless blinds is not a walk in the park, as in the case of corded blinds, you can reduce them. All you need is extra effort and a bit of acuteness in the process. You should think of it as a fun DIY project. Besides, it will save you the additional coins that you would have otherwise spent on a handyman.
Types of Cordless Blinds
There are three main types of cordless blinds:
- Wood Cordless Blinds
- Vinyl Cordless Blinds
- Faux Wood Cordless Blinds
You have probably noticed that the only difference between the cordless blinds above is the material from which they are made. Each type of cordless blinds carries a different aesthetic appeal.
Note: The process of shortening the blinds is the same regardless of the material.
Tools for Shortening Cordless Blinds
Fortunately, shortening cordless blinds does not require power tools. All the tools you will need for this project are staples in many homes. If you are new to DIYs, you will need the following tools for your quest.
- A pair of Scissors
- Pliers
- A flat-head screwdriver
- Sticky tape or push pins.
With all the tools in place, you can comfortably move to the process of shortening the cordless blinds.
How to Shorten Cordless Blinds
The below video provides a step-by-step process of shortening a vinyl cordless blind
Step 1: Have your tools ready
Have all the tools you will need for this exercise within arm’s reach.
Step 2: Install the blinds
- Fasten the brackets to each corner of your window by drilling two tiny holes into each corner and then insert the provided screws into the wall’s holes using a flat-head screwdriver. If you have extra brackets, insert them along the top window sill between the two corner brackets.
- Install the trim brackets to the blinds by snapping them on.
- Fit the trim brackets to the brackets inserted on the wall. They should click into position with little force.
- Push the trim piece onto the brackets.
If you prefer, you can refer to the user manual provided by the manufacturer.
Step 3: Lower the blinds
Lower the blinds to full length and rotate the slats to open them. Lowering and opening the blinds will help you establish the ideal length of blinds to complement your window.
The ideal length should be even with or one slat below your window sill. Make a mark on the new last slat as an indicator of the slats to be removed and those that remain.
Step 4: Take off the end caps/bottom rail buttons
There are two designs for the bottom part of cordless blinds.
The blinds can have the bottom rail housing the last slat and covered with caps on each end. Alternatively, they can have a thinner bottom rail in direct contact with the last slat and rail buttons on the bottom side of the rail.
At this point, both the end caps and the bottom rails are removed. There are different ways to remove each of them.
- End caps: If the end caps are installed, remove them by twisting them off.
- Rail buttons: Remove the rail buttons by popping them out using a flat-head screwdriver.
Be careful not to break the slate in the process.
Step 5: Take out the bottom slat.
If your cordless blinds have the design that includes end caps, slide out the slat from the bottom rail after removing the end caps.
Step 6: Remove the connector cords.
You will need to be very careful at this point because snapping the wrong cord might cost you the whole blind.
Below the designated last slat, cut all the horizontal connector cords. Be extra keen not to cut any vertical connector cords; otherwise, you will ruin the blinds.
Step 7: Remove all the excess slats.
Once you are through with the cutting of the horizontal cords, you can now easily and safely remove all the slats below the designated last slat.
Note that some people interchange step six above with this step. They first remove the excess slats by cutting them and then cut the horizontal connector cords immediately after. If you find it easier to reverse the steps as well, feel free to do so.
Step 8: Raise the bottom rail to the new slat
Depress the lift button and slowly raise the bottom rail until it touches the new last slat. With dangling cords all over the place, you should take your time doing this to avoid any damage.
Step 9: Insert the ladder cords into the bottom rail
Insert the ladder cords into the top side of the bottom rail. From the open bottom side of the rail, pull the ladder cords as far as possible. Be gentle with the tagging, though.
Step 10: Check the desired length of the blind and Trim the Ladder Cords
Inspect the newly shortened blinds by double-checking to ensure that the desired length has been achieved. If satisfied with the new blind length, trim all the ladder cords to four inches below the bottom rail.
Step 11: Threat the ladder cords through the eyelets
The eyelets should be in the parts bag. From the underside of the bottom rail, thread both ends of the ladder cords through the eyelets. Repeat for all the ladder cords.
Step 12: Slide the eyelets into the bottom rail and Trim excess ladder cords
To keep the chords firm, slide the eyelets as into the bottom rail then crimp the eyelets tightly using pliers. Trim the ladder cords by another two inches. To further reinforce the eyelets, tie double knots with the remaining cord below the eyelets.
Step 13: Slide bottom slat into the bottom rail
Ensure that all the cords are appropriately tucked inside the bottom rail before sliding the bottom slat into position. Install the end caps.
Note:
You can buy the best cordless blind units at amazon.com. One of the most sought after model is Redi Shade 3511069 Trim-at-Home Light Filtering Fabric White. This unit has a cordless lift mechanism for easy operation and clean appearance. The fact that it is cordless makes it safer for your crawling children and pets, another reason to fancy having this exemplary unit for your window covering.
Click the link below to buy at amazon.com
Buy On Amazon
Notice:
If your blinds have the design with the button rails at the bottom, you can pop the button rails right back in after step 11 above. Steps 12 to 16 only apply for blinds with end caps on the bottom rail.
Warnings on shortening cordless blinds
While shortening cordless blinds to suit your window is quite simple, there are a few things to consider before embarking on the project:
- For most manufacturers, any form of alteration on the blinds voids warranty. If you would like to utilize your cordless blind warranty in the future, perhaps shortening your blinds is not the best option.
- Removing more slats than necessary could also interfere with the cordless blind’s lift mechanism. Research into the maximum number of slats that can be removed from the specific type of cordless blinds you have before starting your project.
Another sort after cordless blind unit you can buy at amazon is Achim Home Furnishings Cordless Morningstar 1″ Light Filtering Mini Blind. Click the link below to buy.
Buy On Amazon
How to Shorten Cordless Mini Blinds
Cordless mini blinds are typically designed to fit standard-size windows. If you buy one for a smaller residential or garage window, you may end up with a significant amount of extra length.
While getting that additional length from the manufacturer may seem like good value for money, it can make the blinds look a poor fit for the window. Thankfully, you can always shorten cordless mini blinds with fairly little effort.
How to shorten cordless mini blinds remains the same regardless of the type you have. But knowing how these blinds work may be a perfect starting point.
What are cordless mini blinds?
While the blinds are termed cordless, they still have cords going through the slats to operate them.
However, they are called cordless because they do not include the string typically used to operate standard blinds that usually dangles from the top rail.
Cordless mini blinds do not have a string to pull when you want to lower or raise the blinds, and this is where the name comes from.
They have strings interlaced inside the blind slats instead of exposed ones running alongside them.
Instead of exposed cords that raise and lower the blinds, this system features an adjustable tension string with multiple spool drums to do the job.
To operate the blinds, you simply need to grasp the bottom rail in the middle and pull it up or down with a gentle, even force.
The blinds in this cordless system will stay wherever you place them. One main advantage of this kind of operation is creating a clean look across the window treatments. They are also safer for children and pets that might play with dangling cords.
On the downside, the height of the blinds may be limited to the height of the person operating them. You can only raise them as high as you can reach since your hand must grasp the bottom rail.
How to Shorten Cordless Mini Blinds
The process of shortening the cordless mini blinds is the same regardless of the material.
Here are the steps to follow to complete the task by yourself.
The supplies you will need to complete the task.
Shortening cordless mini blinds requires only a few essential tools that you likely already have at home. Here is the list:
- Pliers
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Pushpins or a sticky tape
Once you have all the tools in place, you can begin shortening the cordless blinds by following these steps.
Preliminary step: measure your window’s height.
If you are going to fit the slats to the size of your window, you need to know the measurements to target. Use a tape measure to determine the exact length of the window that the mini-blinds will cover.
Notice that you will mount the blinds somewhere at the top of the window casing. So, measure the distance between this part to the windowsill below. Then, note down the measurement somewhere.
Step 1: Install the blinds
Once you have your window measurements noted, install the mini blinds by following the instructions on the user manual.
The manual typically features a step-by-step installation procedure with pictures to make the entire process intuitive and straightforward.
In any case, here is a summary of the steps:
- Start by fastening the brackets to each window corner or at intervals along the top window sill depending on the system. Some systems may require drilling screw holes beforehand, while others may involve sticking the stainless steel brackets on the top window sill then fastening each with screws to secure them in place.
So, the idea is to follow what your user manual says to get the correct outcome.
- Next, install the small brackets. This should involve snapping them on.
- Fit your small brackets to the wall brackets by gently applying force until they click into position.
- Once they are in position, push the trim onto the wall brackets.
Step 2: Test the blinds by lowering and opening them.
You need to get a picture of the full length of the blinds to determine how much length you must remove to fit the length of the window. So start by lowering the blinds to their full length.
Once you have opened the blinds, identify the slat sitting immediately below the window sill. This slat should be the last one when creating the new length. So make a mark on it to know which slats you will remove and which ones will remain.
Step 3: Remove the bottom rail plugs
Mini-blinds usually have a bottom rail encasing the last slat. This rail features plastic plugs on its underside. Your mini blinds are likely to have three of these plugs, the standard number for most designs.
These end caps are likely to be distributed at intervals along the length of the rail. They can also appear on both ends of the bottom rail, housing the last slat.
Regardless of the design, you need to release the plugs to allow access to the string ladders (often three in number) and the lift cord on the mini-blinds.
Some plugs just require pulling to remove them from the rail. Others are threaded and therefore require twisting to remove.
If the plugs are in the form of buttons, you may remove them by popping them out of the sockets using a flat-head screwdriver.
If you must use a screwdriver, watch out for the amount of pressure you apply to avoid breaking the slate in the process.
Step 4: Remove the bottom rail.
You may have to untie the knot on the lift cords before you can remove the bottom slat. Most designs feature the knot to lock the lift cords in the plugs.
Whatever the case, your user guide should indicate how to go about it. If your design features this knot, untie it and pull the string upward.
By so doing, you will slide the lift cords through the tiny openings in the bottom rail and the slats immediately above it.
Stop pulling the cords upward once you reach the marked slat. Next, slide the bottom rail out of the string ladders to access the blind slats attached to it.
Step 5: Remove the excess horizontal connector cords.
At this point, you have determined the length to retain and the slats to remove. The next step is to cut all the horizontal connector cords below your newly selected last slat.
Ensure you are very careful when cutting these cords. You do not want to snap the wrong cord as so doing might damage your entire mini blind setup.
So take care not to tamper with any vertical connector cords. These must remain uncut.
Step 6: Remove the excess slats.
Cutting the horizontal connector cords allows the associated slats to come free. These are the unneeded slats below the designated last one.
Once that happens, the cords will no longer be threaded through these slats, so you can effortlessly and safely remove them to remain with your required number of slats.
To remove the excess slats, simply slide each of them out of the three string ladders to remain with your desired length.
Note: Step 5 and step 5 are interchangeable. You can remove the excess slats first by cutting them at the holed points where the cords go through them. Cutting them in these areas allows them to come free, after which you can then cut the now unused horizontal connector cords.
Step 7: Reattach the bottom rail and raise it to the new last slat.
Since you removed the bottom rail earlier on, now is the time to reattach it to the window treatment. Slide it back into the string ladders under the remaining blind slats.
This should involve inserting the ladder cords into the rail from the top side and pulling them from the underside of the bottom rail. Ensure you gently and carefully pull them as far as possible.
You may need to depress the lift button as you slowly raise this bottom rail until it touches your new last slat. This process, too, requires some caution because there will be cords dangling all over the place, and you don’t want to damage anything.
After positioning the bottom rail appropriately, reconnect the lift cords by tying a new knot in each of the three ends to lock it in place.
Consider using a measuring tape to ensure all three knots are at the same level to keep the bottom rail perfectly horizontal. Taking this step is also essential in ensuring the slats hang evenly.
Step 8: Trim off the excess ladder cords and thread them through the eyelets
After reconnecting the lift cords, inspect the shortened blinds to ensure you correctly achieved the desired new length.
If you are satisfied with it, trim off the excess sections of the ladders no longer in use. You may trim the ladder cords to approximately four inches below the bottom rail.
Once that is done, thread both ends of the ladder cords through the setup’s eyelets (often in the parts bag). You should do the threading from the bottom-facing side of the rail.
Repeat this process for every ladder cord.
Next, slide the eyelets into the bottom rail to keep the chords firm. After that, use a pair of pliers to crimp the eyelets tightly in place.
You can further trim the ladder cords by another two inches if you want a clean setup. Then tie two knots with the remaining cord below the eyelets to reinforce them further.
Step 9: Replace the rail plugs.
Tuck all the cords appropriately inside the bottom rail and slide the bottom slat into the bottom rail as the final step.
After that, you can then replace the end caps. Ensure all the three caps are securely in position before testing the adjusted mini-blinds.
Test it by raising and lowering the blinds and opening and closing the slats to confirm they are working properly.
Top 5 Best Cordless Mini Blinds to buy at Amazon
- ShadesU Window Blind Dual Layer Zebra Roller Light Filtering Sheer Shades
- Achim Home Furnishings Cordless Morningstar 1″ Light Filtering Mini Blind
- Redi Shade Inc 1617201 Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black
- LOTUS & WINDOWARE MLX2272WH Lotus & Windoware Cordless 1″ Vinyl Blind
- Bali Blinds – 044294 187900 1″ Vinyl Cordless Blind
Why do you need to shorten your cordless mini blinds?
Cordless mini binds can make an excellent addition to any décor. They carry minimalist aesthetics that can be a welcome addition to any space.
They also help protect your privacy when you want to keep your space separated from potentially prying eyes outside.
However, you may want to shorten them for these two main reasons.
To make them fit better.
Mini blinds are typically designed to fit standard window sizes. So if you have irregularly-sized or small windows finding a fitting set from the manufacturer can be difficult.
For this reason, resizing the blinds is often the ideal option to make them fit non-standard-sized windows.
To improve the aesthetics of these cordless mini blinds
While the blinds are functionally appealing, keeping a larger size for your smaller window can do more harm than good to your décor. The blinds generally look better over the windows when they fit properly.
Large cordless blinds can also obscure the ornate decorative elements of your home instead of highlighting them. Shortening them can help correct that disservice and ensure they look way better.
Fitting cordless mini blinds may be safer for kids
Depending on your home’s design, shortening cordless blinds can place them out of the reach of little children.
If you keep the blinds too long, they may extend to the ground within reach of children. Playing with such blinds could cause minor accidents to your little ones, which makes shortening them such a good idea.
A video showing how to shorten cordless blinds
CONCLUSION
Cordless blinds can be shortened to fit your window better. Shortening these blinds is simple, fun, and does not take up too much time. It can make an exciting DIY project for both DIY newbies and veterans. The use of readily available tools is also a plus.
Shortening cordless mini blinds will make them better-fitting and more beneficial to your home. And knowing how to complete this task on your own can be a great way to save on the potential cost of hiring someone to do it for you.
We hope you find this tutorial helpful for your next home improvement project. Please leave a comment to let us know your thoughts on the topic.
