Roller blinds are one of the most practical and versatile window coverings, but sometimes they arrive slightly longer than your window requires. Excess fabric can cause uneven rolling, bunching at the bottom, or a less polished appearance. Shortening them gives your blinds a cleaner look, smoother operation, and a better overall fit for your window.
Preparing before you start
Begin by fully unrolling your blind to reveal the total drop and measure how much excess length you want to remove. Leave a small gap — around 1–2 cm — above the windowsill or floor to ensure the blind can move freely. Work on a clean, flat surface, and make sure the fabric remains smooth and aligned throughout the process.
If your blind includes a cassette or motorised mechanism, it’s best to check with professionals such as roller blinds with fitting service before making adjustments to avoid damaging the mechanism.
Step-by-step guide to shortening roller blinds
- Remove the blind from its brackets: Lift the roller carefully from the mounting brackets.
- Unroll the blind fully: Lay it flat with the back of the fabric facing upward.
- Remove the bottom bar: Slide or unclip the weighted bar from the fabric’s bottom pocket.
- Measure and mark the new length: Use a tape measure to mark your desired drop, adding a small allowance for refitting the bottom bar.
- Trim the excess fabric: Cut in a straight line using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to ensure a clean edge.
- Refit the bottom bar: Slide the bar back into the hem pocket, ensuring it’s even and the fabric is taut.
- Rehang and test: Reinstall the roller into its brackets and check that it rolls smoothly and evenly.
Common issues and troubleshooting
If the fabric doesn’t roll evenly, double-check that the bottom bar is centred correctly. Wrinkles or slight misalignment can usually be corrected by unrolling and reattaching the fabric. For blinds with a spring mechanism, be sure not to unwind it too far during removal — otherwise, the tension may need to be reset.
If you’re working with textured or blackout fabrics, which are thicker and harder to cut, consider getting assistance from experts offering roller blinds with fitting service to ensure a precise finish.
When to call in the professionals
While shortening roller blinds is generally straightforward, blinds with cassette systems, motorisation, or patterned fabrics require extra care. The experienced team at Kelly’s Blinds can measure, trim, and refit your roller blinds with perfect precision, ensuring they hang neatly and operate flawlessly.
What to do next
If your roller blinds are too long or need professional adjustment, explore roller blinds with fitting service to achieve a perfect fit and smooth performance for years to come.
FAQ – How to Shorten Roller Blinds?
Can I shorten roller blinds myself?
Yes – it’s possible with care, but make sure you measure accurately and cut evenly for a clean finish.
Do I need to remove the blind before trimming?
Yes – removing the blind and laying it flat ensures accuracy and prevents damage.
What if my roller blind is motorised?
Motorised or cassette-fitted blinds should always be adjusted by professionals to protect the internal mechanism.
