Vertical blinds are a stylish and practical way to control light and privacy, but if they’re too long, they can drag on the floor or windowsill, causing uneven wear or making the room look untidy. Shortening them ensures a cleaner finish and smoother operation. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can easily adjust their length without damaging the slats or mechanism.
Preparing before you start
Begin by fully extending the blinds and checking how much length you want to remove. It’s best to leave a small gap between the bottom of the blind and the windowsill or floor — about 1 to 2 cm usually works well. Make sure you have a flat surface to work on and note the order of the slats, as they’ll need to be reattached in the same sequence.
Before making any adjustments, it’s a good idea to consult professionals like vertical blinds with fitting service if you’re unsure — particularly for large windows or made-to-measure installations.
Step-by-step guide to shortening vertical blinds
- Remove the slats: Unclip each slat from the headrail by lifting it upwards to release it from the hook or hanger.
- Measure the desired length: Lay a slat flat and measure the new required height. Use a pencil to mark where you want to cut, ensuring consistency across all slats.
- Trim carefully: Use sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter for fabric slats, or a fine-tooth saw for PVC or wooden ones. Keep the edges neat and straight.
- Reattach the bottom weights and chain: If your blinds have bottom weights connected by a chain, remove them before trimming and refit them once the slats are shortened.
- Rehang the slats: Clip each slat back into its original position, ensuring all hang evenly.
Common issues and simple fixes
If your blinds hang unevenly after trimming, check that each slat was measured and cut to the same length. Slight differences can cause misalignment. If the chain or bottom weights no longer connect properly, you may need replacement clips or links — these are easy to find at most blind retailers.
For more complex adjustments, like resizing the headrail or rebalancing large sets, expert help from vertical blinds with fitting service ensures a precise, professional result without risk of damaging the mechanism.
When to call in the professionals
While shortening fabric slats is simple enough, PVC or aluminium blinds can be trickier. If your blinds include curved tracks, custom fittings, or integrated valances, it’s worth leaving the job to the experts. The experienced team at Kelly’s Blinds can measure, modify, and reinstall your blinds for a flawless fit and finish.
What to do next
If your vertical blinds are too long or need a professional refresh, explore vertical blinds with fitting service for tailored advice, repairs, and expert installation — helping your blinds look and perform their best for years to come.
FAQ – How to Shorten Vertical Blinds?
Can I shorten vertical blinds myself?
Yes – if you’re careful and have the right tools, fabric slats are easy to trim to the desired length.
Do I need to remove the blinds from the headrail?
Yes – it’s best to remove each slat and work on a flat surface for clean, even results.
What if my blinds are PVC or wood-effect?
Use a fine-tooth saw for a smooth cut, or consult a professional fitter for a perfect finish.
