Pleated blinds are an elegant, space-saving solution that fits beautifully into almost any window style — from conservatories to modern living rooms. However, if they’re too long, the pleats can bunch up or look uneven, affecting both their appearance and function. Shortening your pleated blinds ensures they hang neatly, operate smoothly, and complement your window’s proportions perfectly.
Before you begin
Unlike standard roller blinds, pleated blinds use cords and tension systems to hold their signature concertina folds in place. Adjusting the length means carefully working with these cords to keep the fabric even and symmetrical. Before you start, fully lower your blinds and measure how much length you want to remove — usually leaving a 1–2 cm gap above the sill for clearance.
If your blinds are tensioned within a frame (such as roof or Perfect Fit styles), or you’re unsure about the cord layout, consider consulting professionals such as Pleated blinds with fitting service to avoid damaging the mechanism.
Step-by-step guide to shortening pleated blinds
- Fully lower the blind: Extend it completely so you can see how much needs adjusting.
- Remove the blind from its brackets or frame: Unclip it gently from the window, using a screwdriver if necessary.
- Locate the cord system: You’ll find cords running vertically through the fabric. These control how the blind folds and unfolds.
- Undo the knots at the bottom: At the lower rail, untie or unclip the cords carefully while noting their original positions.
- Adjust the length: Pull the cords to shorten the drop to your desired height, keeping the tension even on both sides.
- Retie and secure the cords: Once the new length is set, tie the cords firmly or reattach them to their clips.
- Reinstall the blind: Clip it back into place and test the operation, ensuring it folds evenly without sagging.
Common issues and how to fix them
If your blind looks uneven after shortening, the cords might have slightly different tension — gently adjust them until the pleats align. If the fabric creases or sticks, it may be because the cords are too tight. Loosening them slightly usually restores smooth operation.
For more complex adjustments or delicate fabrics, professionals offering Pleated blinds with fitting service can handle the process precisely, ensuring the pleats remain crisp and symmetrical.
When to call in the professionals
Because pleated blinds rely on tension and precise cord alignment, even small mistakes can affect how they open and close. If you’re not confident or have wide or roof-mounted blinds, it’s best to leave it to the experts. The skilled team at Kelly’s Blinds can shorten, re-tension, or refit your pleated blinds to perfection, saving you time and ensuring flawless results.
What to do next
If your pleated blinds are too long or need adjustment, explore Pleated blinds with fitting service to get expert assistance. Professional fitting guarantees a perfect balance between function and style, helping your blinds look as elegant as the day they were installed.
FAQ – How to Shorten Pleated Blinds?
Can I shorten pleated blinds myself?
Yes – it’s possible, but you’ll need to work carefully with the cords to keep the pleats even.
What tools do I need?
A screwdriver and scissors are usually enough, though some blinds may require a small pliers for cord clips.
Why do my blinds look uneven after shortening?
Uneven tension in the cords is the most common reason — readjust them until all pleats hang evenly.
