Cut down horizontal blinds that are too wide Menu

Sometimes blinds are measured incorrectly or ordered with the incorrect size. We strongly recommend sending them back in to the factory to be cut down if it is possible for that product. Please contact Customer Service to see if your product is able to be cut down. However, if you feel you need to do it yourself, below are the instructions for cutting down the width of most horizontal window treatments. Please Note: Some of these repairs will void the warranty!

In order to cut down the size of your coverings you may have to cut down the valance, headrail and slats. Directions for each are provided below.

1. Blind Headrail
2. Blind Slats
3. Blind Valance

Cutting down the headrail

For the headrail you can use a hacksaw or a pair of tin snips to cut it. Don't worry too much about the looks of the headrail cuts because you won’t see them once they are placed in the box type brackets.

1. Measure in the distance you would like to cut and mark a line. You can cut an even amount off of each side of the headrail or if it is a small amount, just cut it off of the lift cord side of the headrail.
2. Remove the end stiffener from the headrail.
3. With the tin snips or hacksaw, carefully cut the headrail along the mark you made. As you cut the headrail you may want to bend the cut portion out of the way with pliers or a screw driver.
4. Bend the ends of the headrail back out into position with pliers or a screw driver.
5. Replace the end stiffener back into the headrail.

Cutting down the slats

If the slats are too wide use a powered saw of some kind. We recommend changing the blade to one that doesn't have much bite on it. Go slow with the saw. If you are using a hand saw try using a hacksaw rather than a standard carpenters saw. Just remember that in order to do a good job you must take your time and go slow.

1. Align the slats so that they are even.
2. Using a clamp or rubber bands, secure the slats together into position.
3. Wrap the slats with masking tape to prevent chipping.
4. Measure where you want to cut and mark a line with your pencil. Make sure that the masking tape covers the entire area you are cutting.
5. Lay them on the saw and line up the blade where you need to cut. Make sure that you take into to account the width of the blade.
6. Make sure that the headrail and the clamp is not interfering with the saw. You can slide the headrail to the side out of the way.
7. Slowly cut through the tape and slats.
8. Remove the tape and clamps or rubber bands.

Cutting down the valance

If the valance is too wide to fit within your window sill, follow these simple steps to cut it down.

1. Mark with a pencil where you want to cut the valance. You can either measure your window and cut the valance at 1/8" under the width, or just simply put the valance up to the window and make a mark 1/8" shorter.
2. Place the valance in the saw and line it up with your mark
3. Cut the valance. Go slow to prevent chipping.

Avoid Measuring Mistakes the First Time Around

Windows aren’t one-size-fits-all, and neither are slatted window treatments. Buying them and hoping they fit your windows will always leave you disappointed. That’s why SelectBlinds window coverings are completely customizable. If measured correctly, these will be a perfect fit every time, and you’ll never have to cut down again.

Custom Measuring Resources

There is a correct method for measuring your windows, and it involves measuring multiple areas of your window to get a true measurement. Don’t get overwhelmed. It’s easier than it sounds. Here’s a quick video that tells you all you need to know about measuring your windows.

When measuring, you’ll need to know first if you’re doing an inside mount or an outside mount. This will change your measurements. Once you know which mount you want, reference our guide. This guide will help you with specialized, product-specific measuring guidelines.

Need more measuring tips? Read this blog post about measuring custom window coverings to perfection.