Ever found yourself gazing at those beautiful wooden venetian blinds, only to realize they’re just a tad too long for your window? It’s a common dilemma, and you might be asking yourself, “how do I shorten wooden venetian blinds?” While cutting down blinds can seem daunting, it’s a manageable DIY project with the right approach and, often, the best solution is to get the perfect fit from the start!
Wooden venetian blinds add warmth, charm, and a classic touch to any home. They offer excellent light control and privacy, but getting the length just right is crucial for a polished look. In this article, we’ll dive into how you can tackle the task of shortening your blinds, discuss some handy tips, and explore five fantastic products that can either help with minor adjustments, ensure a perfect fit from day one, or maintain your blinds beautifully. Let’s get to it!
Understanding How to Shorten Wooden Venetian Blinds
Generally, shortening wooden venetian blinds involves removing excess slats from the bottom and then re-tying the lift cords and ladder strings. It sounds simple, but it requires precision to ensure the blind functions smoothly afterward. You’ll typically need to:
- Measure and mark your desired new length.
- Untie the knots at the bottom rail and slide off the bottom caps.
- Remove the necessary number of slats.
- Cut the excess ladder strings and lift cords.
- Re-thread and tie the cords and strings, securing the bottom rail.
It’s a process that demands patience, but getting the length right makes all the difference! However, sometimes, the best “shortening” method is to invest in blinds that already offer a custom fit or are designed for easy integration.
Top Products to Help You Achieve the Perfect Blind Setup
Whether you’re looking to modify existing blinds or ensure a flawless fit with new ones, these products can make a world of difference.
Qty 8. Hidden Valance Clip for Wood, Faux Wood, Venetian…
These hidden valance clips are unsung heroes for anyone dealing with wooden or faux wood venetian blinds. If you’ve ever had a valance fall off or struggle to stay put, you know the frustration. These clips ensure your valance – that decorative top piece that hides the headrail and hardware – stays securely in place, giving your blinds a clean, finished look. While not directly involved in shortening, a well-maintained valance contributes to the overall neatness, ensuring your blinds look purposefully installed, regardless of their length.
- Key Features:
- Hidden design clips into the back groove, invisible from the front.
- Recommended usage: 1 clip per 18″ of blind width for optimal support.
- Pack of 8 clips can support up to 4 valances.
- Made from durable plastic, resistant to sun heat and cold.
- Available in WHITE or CLEAR, clear blends with any blind color.
- Pros:
- Provides a clean, professional finish by securing the valance.
- Durable and long-lasting, even in harsh window conditions.
- Easy to install and replace missing or broken clips.
- Invisible design keeps the focus on your blinds.
- Cons:
- Only suitable for valances with a compatible groove.
- May require careful measurement to ensure enough clips are used for wider blinds.
- User Impressions: Many users praise these clips for their perfect fit and durability, often replacing brittle original clips. They love how seamlessly they secure the valance, making blinds look brand new again.
- See it on Amazon here
ARLO BLINDS Faux Wood Blinds with Crown Valance – 22.5″…
Sometimes, the best way to avoid the question “how do I shorten wooden venetian blinds” is to buy a blind that’s already the right size! ARLO BLINDS offers a fantastic faux wood option that focuses on precise measurements and includes a stylish crown valance. These blinds are designed for longevity and ease of use, making them a smart choice for a hassle-free window treatment. Their emphasis on accurate sizing means less need for DIY adjustments.
- Key Features:
- Pre-measured for specific window widths (e.g., 22.5″), with detailed measuring instructions.
- Includes a matching 3-1/4 inch tall crown valance with side-covers for a polished look.
- Durable 2-inch PVC faux wood slats are moisture-resistant, preventing warping, peeling, or staining.
- Cordless lift design for safety in homes with children and pets (certified “Best for Kids!”).
- Easy installation with all necessary hardware and instructions included.
- Pros:
- High-quality faux wood is durable and easy to clean.
- Cordless design enhances safety and convenience.
- Stylish crown valance provides a finished look without extra accessories.
- Excellent for high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Cons:
- Requires very precise window measurements to ensure a perfect fit.
- Faux wood might not have the exact feel of natural wood for some.
- User Impressions: Customers love the “Best for Kids!” certification and the ease of installation. The quality and clean appearance, thanks to the integrated valance, are frequently highlighted. Users appreciate not having to worry about how do I shorten wooden venetian blinds when they choose the correct size from the start.
- See it on Amazon here
2″ Slats Wooden Venetian Blinds for Windows 20″ 28″ 32″…
If you’re looking for genuine natural wood and the flexibility of custom sizing, these wooden venetian blinds are a superb choice. Rather than asking “how do I shorten wooden venetian blinds,” you can simply order them in the exact width and length you need. This eliminates the need for any cutting or re-tying, saving you time and effort while ensuring a perfect, tailored fit for your windows.
- Key Features:
- Made of 2-inch wide natural wood slats, offering light filtering and privacy.
- Easy adjustment for light control and room darkening.
- Supports customizable width (20in~72in) and length (30in~82in).
- Versatile for various indoor and outdoor scenes: living rooms, bedrooms, offices, balconies, etc.
- Includes mounting hardware and instructions for simple installation.
- Pros:
- Authentic natural wood adds warmth and elegance.
- Customizable sizing virtually eliminates the need for shortening.
- Offers excellent privacy and light regulation.
- Durable and suitable for a wide range of environments.
- Cons:
- Being natural wood, it might require more care than faux wood in high-humidity areas.
- Custom orders may take longer to arrive.
- User Impressions: Reviewers frequently praise the quality of the natural wood and the accuracy of the custom sizing. The ease of installation and the beautiful aesthetic are also commonly mentioned positives, making them a popular choice for those wanting a tailored look without the DIY hassle.
- See it on Amazon here
2″ Wood Blinds for Home – Blackout Privacy Custom Size…
These wooden blinds offer superior blackout privacy and light control, all with the convenience of custom sizing. Available in both solid wood and durable faux wood options, they provide a sleek, modern look that seamlessly integrates into any home interior. The ability to tailor the size precisely means you won’t be grappling with how do I shorten wooden venetian blinds, ensuring a perfect fit for even the trickiest windows, like French doors or bay windows.
- Key Features:
- Features 2-inch slats for superior blackout privacy and light control.
- Crafted from high-quality faux wood or solid wood, resisting warping and moisture.
- Supports custom sizes for widths from 13” to 83”, ensuring a perfect fit for any window.
- Designed for drill-mounted installation for a secure and long-lasting fit.
- Versatile and eco-friendly options to match various décors.
- Pros:
- Excellent room darkening and privacy features.
- High durability, especially the faux wood option for damp areas.
- Extensive custom sizing options to fit almost any window.
- Stylish design enhances home aesthetics.
- Cons:
- Requires drill-mounted installation, which might not be suitable for all renters or DIYers.
- The variety of material options might require careful selection based on your specific needs.
- User Impressions: Users highly recommend these blinds for their effective light blocking and the convenience of custom sizing. The quality of both the faux and solid wood options receives consistent praise, as does their contribution to a sophisticated interior.
- See it on Amazon here
EVOZEN 2″ Slats Wood Blinds for Indoor Windows, Custom…
EVOZEN’s custom solid wood blinds are another excellent option for achieving that perfect, tailored window treatment without needing to figure out how do I shorten wooden venetian blinds. These premium blinds are cut to your exact specifications, ensuring flawless coverage and a luxurious feel. Beyond just aesthetics, they offer energy-efficient benefits, helping to regulate indoor temperatures year-round.
- Key Features:
- Customizable 2-inch slats made from premium solid wood.
- Precise sizing options for both inside and outside mounts.
- Adds natural warmth and can help regulate indoor temperatures, reducing AC/heating needs.
- Quick and simple installation with all hardware and clear instructions included.
- Features dual cords for intuitive control of sunlight tilt and smooth lifting.
- Pros:
- High-quality solid wood construction for a premium feel.
- Custom sizing ensures a perfect, no-fuss fit.
- Energy-efficient properties help save on utility bills.
- Easy to install and operate with intuitive cord controls.
- Cons:
- Premium solid wood may be a higher price point.
- Requires a minimum window frame depth for inside mounts.
- User Impressions: Customers rave about the elegance and natural beauty these solid wood blinds bring to their homes. The ease of custom ordering and the straightforward installation process are frequently highlighted, along with the noticeable difference in room temperature regulation.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Wooden Venetian Blinds
Q1: How do I shorten wooden venetian blinds if they are too long?
A1: To shorten wooden venetian blinds, you typically need to remove the bottom rail caps, untie the lift cords and ladder strings, slide off the excess slats, cut the cords and strings to the new length, and then re-thread and tie them securely to the bottom rail. It’s a precise process requiring patience and careful measurement.
Q2: What tools do I need to shorten wooden venetian blinds?
A2: You’ll generally need a measuring tape, a pencil for marking, sharp scissors or a utility knife for cutting cords/strings, and possibly a flathead screwdriver or pliers to help untie stubborn knots or remove end caps.
Q3: Is it difficult to shorten wooden venetian blinds myself?
A3: It can be challenging if you’re not experienced with DIY projects. The main difficulty lies in ensuring the cords are re-threaded correctly and tied securely to maintain the blind’s smooth operation. If done improperly, the blind might not lift or lower evenly.
Q4: Can all types of wooden venetian blinds be shortened?
A4: Most standard wooden and faux wood venetian blinds with removable slats at the bottom can be shortened. However, blinds with unique bottom rail designs, sealed systems, or those where slats are permanently attached may be more difficult or impossible to adjust without specialized tools.
Q5: What are the risks of shortening my own wooden venetian blinds?
A5: Risks include uneven slats, cords fraying, the blind not lifting smoothly, or even damaging the blind’s mechanism if done incorrectly. There’s also the risk of voiding any warranty if the blind is altered.
Q6: What are the alternatives to shortening my wooden venetian blinds?
A6: The best alternative is to purchase custom-sized blinds that fit your window perfectly from the start. Many manufacturers offer precise sizing options, eliminating the need for any DIY adjustments. For existing blinds that are only slightly too long, sometimes just raising them slightly and ensuring the bottom rail rests neatly on the windowsill is sufficient.
Q7: How do I measure my window to get the right size blinds and avoid needing to shorten them?
A7: For an inside mount, measure the exact width in three places (top, middle, bottom) and use the narrowest measurement. Do the same for height. For an outside mount, measure the window opening, then add 2-6 inches to both the width and height for better light control and privacy. Always refer to the specific manufacturer’s measuring instructions.
Final Thoughts
While learning how do I shorten wooden venetian blinds is a valuable skill for any homeowner, often the smartest approach is to invest in products that fit your space perfectly from day one. Whether you’re opting for custom-sized new blinds or simply needing the right clips to keep your existing valance looking sharp, ensuring your window treatments are the right fit enhances your home’s aesthetic and your peace of mind. Happy decorating!