Blackout blinds are designed to block light completely, making them ideal for bedrooms, home cinemas, or meeting rooms. However, if your blinds are too long, they can crease or gather at the bottom, reducing both their sleek appearance and their effectiveness. Shortening them helps ensure a perfect fit, smooth operation, and complete light control.
Before you begin
Blackout blinds typically use thicker, coated fabrics than standard roller or Day and Night blinds, so cutting them requires extra care to avoid fraying or damaging the blackout layer. Begin by fully extending your blind and measuring how much length you need to remove. Leave a small gap — around 1–2 cm — above the sill or floor to keep the fabric clear when fully lowered.
If your blind is cassette-fitted or motorised, it’s best to contact specialists such as Blackout blinds with fitting service before attempting any adjustment, as these systems require precise reassembly.
Step-by-step guide to shortening blackout blinds
- Remove the blind from its brackets: Lift the roller gently from the mounting brackets, supporting it to prevent damage to the mechanism.
- Unroll the fabric completely: Lay the blind on a flat surface with the coated side facing down.
- Remove the bottom bar: Slide or unclip the weighted bar from the hem pocket.
- Measure and mark the new length: Use a tape measure and pencil to mark the desired drop, adding a small allowance for refitting the bottom bar.
- Trim the fabric: Cut carefully along the marked line using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter, ensuring a straight, even edge. Avoid cutting through the blackout coating unnecessarily.
- Refit the bottom bar: Slide it back into the hem, securing it evenly. If needed, reapply double-sided fabric tape or re-sew the hem to keep it sealed.
- Rehang and test: Fit the blind back into its brackets and check that it rolls smoothly and stops at the correct length.
Common issues and how to fix them
If your blind rolls unevenly after shortening, double-check that the fabric was trimmed straight and reattached symmetrically to the roller. Creases or small bumps in the blackout layer can often be smoothed by gently hanging the blind for a few days. If the fabric begins to peel at the edge, reseal it with clear fabric glue or hemming tape to prevent further damage.
For cassette or spring-loaded blinds, adjustments can be more complex — in such cases, consider using Blackout blinds with fitting service to guarantee a precise and professional finish.
When to call in the professionals
Because blackout fabrics are dense and delicate, one wrong cut can compromise their light-blocking ability. The experienced team at Kelly’s Blinds can measure, cut, and refit your blackout blinds perfectly, ensuring they hang smoothly and maintain their full blackout performance.
What to do next
If your blackout blinds are too long or not performing as they should, explore Blackout blinds with fitting service for professional resizing and installation. With expert adjustment, your blinds will look pristine and block every ray of light exactly as intended.
FAQ – How to Shorten Blackout Blinds?
Can I shorten blackout blinds myself?
Yes – if you have standard roller blackout blinds, you can trim the fabric carefully using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter.
What tools will I need?
A tape measure, screwdriver, scissors, and double-sided hemming tape are usually sufficient.
Can shortening affect the blackout performance?
It can if done incorrectly. Always cut evenly and reseal the edges, or have professionals do it for a perfect finish.
