How To Shorten Wooden Blinds: A Personal Experience
As someone who enjoys DIY projects and home improvement, I recently found myself in need of shortening some wooden blinds in my bedroom. Not only did the blinds obstruct the view, but they also let in too much light in the morning. After some research and trial and error, I discovered a simple and effective way to shorten wooden blinds.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Shorten Wooden Blinds
What You Will Need:
– Measuring tape
– Scissors or utility knife
– Pliers
– Tape or glue
Steps:
1. Measure the length of the blinds from the top to the bottom of the slats.
2. Remove the bottom rail of the blinds by unscrewing or pulling it out.
3. Using scissors or a utility knife, cut the cords that hold the slats in place at the desired length.
4. Remove the extra slats from the blinds.
5. Tie a knot at the end of each cord to hold the remaining slats in place.
6. Reattach the bottom rail of the blinds.
7. Use pliers to crimp the metal stopper back onto the cord to secure the knot.
8. Use tape or glue to cover the cut cords and prevent fraying.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas on How to Shorten Wooden Blinds
1. Measure the length of the blinds twice to ensure accuracy.
2. Use a sharp utility knife or scissors to avoid fraying the cords.
3. Remove extra slats from the blinds evenly on both sides to maintain balance.
4. Tie a knot at the end of each cord to prevent the slats from falling out.
5. Use pliers to crimp the metal stopper back onto the cord to secure the knot.
6. Use a hot glue gun to glue the cut cords to prevent fraying.
7. Consider using decorative cord covers to cover the cut cords.
8. Use a wood file to smooth out any rough edges on the bottom rail.
9. Keep the extra slats for future repairs or replacements.
10. Ask for help from a friend or family member to make the process easier.
Pros and Cons of Shortening Wooden Blinds
Pros:
– More aesthetically pleasing for the room
– Allows for better view and light control
– Saves money compared to buying new blinds
Cons:
– Requires some DIY skills and tools
– May damage the blinds if done incorrectly
– Not reversible
My Personal Review and Suggestion on How to Shorten Wooden Blinds
Overall, I found shortening wooden blinds to be a simple and effective solution to my problem. The process was straightforward and only required basic DIY skills and tools. The blinds look much better and allow for better light control. However, I would suggest being cautious and double-checking measurements to avoid damaging the blinds. I would also recommend using a hot glue gun to prevent fraying of the cords. Overall, I am happy with the outcome and would recommend this DIY project to anyone in need of shortening their wooden blinds.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: Can you shorten wooden blinds that have a cord tilt mechanism?
A: Yes, you can still shorten wooden blinds with a cord tilt mechanism using the same steps.
Q: Can you shorten wooden blinds that have a wand tilt mechanism?
A: No, you cannot shorten wooden blinds with a wand tilt mechanism as it is not possible to remove extra slats without affecting the mechanism.
Q: How much can you shorten wooden blinds?
A: You can shorten wooden blinds as much as you need, but it is recommended to keep at least three slats for stability and balance.
Q: Can you reuse the metal stoppers?
A: Yes, you can reuse the metal stoppers as long as they are not damaged.