Can You Shorten Cordless Vinyl Blinds?

The world is changing with technology, and this era has brought with it simpler ways of doing exceedingly difficult tasks. As phones are getting smarter and homes are getting integrated, the world of window treatments is also, simultaneously, undergoing a change. Earlier we had corded window treatments for opening, closing and adjusting them. Now, we are faced with cordless window treatments that have become a necessity in modern homes. So what exactly is the mechanism of cordless window shades? These shades work with a lift mechanism either through the headrail or the bottom rail. To adjust, open or close them, you can either lift them or lower them. The bottom rail can be twisted to adjust and open their slats, or a wand can be used to operate them. These shades can also be operated by the help of a smartphone or a remote to control them. This makes them convenient and easy to control, besides having a range of styles. Wood blinds often come to mind as luxurious window treatments that can up the ante when it comes to sophisticated modern decor. However, vinyl blinds are now also gaining prominence as great and cost-effective substitutes. In this section, we observe the oft-recurring problem of shortening cordless vinyl blinds. Let us see whether that is possible, and then examine the steps necessary for the same.

Steps Involved In Shortening Cordless Vinyl Blinds

When a cord is involved in the blinds, people find it less challenging for this exercise. However, cordless vinyl blinds can also be shortened without great difficulty, albeit the exercise can be a tad tricky and requires considerable focus. We suggest trying this out yourself and go DIY instead of seeking professional help, which might burn a hole in your pocket.

Disclaimer: Please follow these instructions at your own risk. ZebraBlinds takes no liability for any issues or damaged caused through following DIY methods. Since all blinds and shades are different, we always recommend checking with your blind manufacturer or retailer first before making any modifications to your blinds. As well, if you are uncomfortable on your own, look for the help of a professional.

Here are the steps that you can take to follow the procedure

1. Get The Necessary Tools: A pair of scissors and a plier is a must, so ensure that you have these tools ready before you set out to follow this exercise. This will entail some kind of manual work.

2. Get The Blind Installed: No rocket science involved here because the procedure of installing vinyl blinds is fairly common. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the booklet. If that is complicated and you fear to break the slats, contact the customer service for step-by-step guidance.

3. Lower The Blinds: Lowering cordless blinds all the way down will help you ascertain how far they need to be shortened to complement the window.

4. Take Out The End Caps: Check the bottom of the end rail to see if the end caps are already installed. Take them out by twisting them off or using a pen or knife to pop them out if they are difficult to be disengaged. Ensure that you do not damage the bottom rail in the process.

5. Take Out The Bottom Slat: Just slide it out using your finger, after which you will be able to see the inside portion of the rail.

6. Select The New Bottom Slat: Instead of the already existing bottom slat (of the overlong vinyl blind), choose the slat which is right next to the window sill, and bookmark it. This should be your new bottom slat.

7. Remove The Connector Cords: Ensure that you cut and remove all the horizontal connector cords below your new bottom slat. However, keep in mind that you do not cut any vertical connecting cord in the process by mistake.

8. Remove All Unnecessary Slats Below The New One: Take out all of them after you are done trimming all the loop cords below the new slat.

9. Raise the Bottom Rail To The New Slat: You must depress the lift button and raise the bottom rail till the point where it touches the new bottom slat. Do not hurry into this procedure. Sensitive handling of the equipment is a must.

10. Insert The Ladder Cords In The Bottom Rail: Insert the ladder cords in the opening in the bottom rail, and then pull them as far as possible.

11. Trim The Ladder Cords: Double-check the desired length of the shortened window blind, and then trim the ladder cords after you’ve cut their metal eyelets.

12. Thread The Ladder Cords: Take the eyelets out from the parts bag and then thread either end of the ladder cord through the openings in these eyelets. This procedure must be repeated for all ladder cords.

13. Push The Eyelets In The Headrail: They must be pushed in as far as possible. Compress them using the plier, and repeat this exercise for all ladder cords.

14. Remove Excess Ladder Cord: Trim the extra ladder cord below the eyelets of the new slat, and then tie them properly to ensure safety.

15. The Final Step: Make sure that all the cords are properly tucked inside the bottom rail before you slide the slat inside. Put the end caps back on.

Thus, we see that the procedure of shortening your cordless vinyl blinds isn’t a very complicated one. When you are in the habit of doing stuff on your own, this exercise can be fun and interesting. Once you’ve got around to handling the hardware equipment of your blinds, that will make regular cleaning a simple exercise for you, and you will be able to resolve the issue every time you face difficulty in opening, closing or adjusting them.