Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Cutting the main rail
• Method 2 of 2: Cut the battens
• Tips
• Necessities

Horizontal blinds are practical window treatments that help enhance the comfort and beauty of your home or office. Many blinds are affordable and readily available in most standard window sizes. However, there are times when blinds are mis-measured or only sold in sizes that are too wide to fit your window. In this case, you may have to cut the blinds yourself. With a little patience and the right tools, it is easy to cut horizontal blinds at home.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Cutting the main rail

1. Measure the width of the window to determine the necessary width of the blinds. In general, a set of internally mounted blinds should be about 1/2 inch less than the width of the window. Make sure to measure the inside of the frame where the blinds actually fit, and not the entire window frame.
   • Measure in at least three places: the top, bottom, and center of the window.
2. Mark the smallest measurement and cut it. Most windows will be regular, uniform dimensions, but this may vary slightly in older homes. If there is a difference, use the smallest size.
3. Pull off 2/3 cm from each side to make sure the blinds have room to move up and down. This small space will keep your blinds from breaking or getting stuck on the windowsill.
4. Measure the blinds from the main rail and use a pencil to mark your new desired length. Using the above measurement, mark the main rail (the top of the blinds) at this length. You can cut an even amount on both sides or cut only from the side of the drawstring.
   • If the drawstrings are on one side, you can only cut from the other side. In many ways, cutting from just one side is much easier.
5. Cut the main rail of the blinds with a hacksaw or tin snips. Just start sawing to remove the main rail from the point you marked:
   • Remove the metal reinforcement bracket from the side (s) you are cutting.
   • Use the hacksaw or tin snips to cut the main rail from the point you marked.
   • File any rough edges with a metal file. However, keep in mind that the edges of the main rail will be covered by the mounting brackets so that a rough cut will not be visible.
   • Place the metal power stiffener back on the newly cut main rail.

Method 2 of 2: Cut the battens

1. Align the slats and bottom rail evenly. Make sure the drawstring is fully tightened so that there is no slack.
2. Secure the ends of the slats with rubber bands or a clamp. Make sure it is tight, but also right. You want them to be perfectly aligned for a perfect cut.
   • The band or clamp should be on the inside of wherever you cut.
3. Cover the ends of the slats with masking tape to prevent chipping or splintering. This is especially useful if you are working with wooden or artificial wood blinds.
4. Measure and mark the correct width. This will line up exactly with your newly cut main rail. Use a straight edge to make sure they line up nicely and draw a line to cut along.
5. Make sure the main rail does not get in the way of the saw blade by sliding all fins to the side. Once you've made a line, slide the slats away from the main rail if possible.
6. Cut the slats and the bottom rail with a circular saw or table saw. You can even use powerful scissors for plastic blinds.
7. Confirm that all slats, the main rail and the bottom rail are cut to the same length. If not, trim the individual elements as needed to get a consistent width. Use some sandpaper to clean the edges of the blinds.

Tips

• If you're not comfortable cutting your blinds at home, most stores or larger hardware stores will do the job for a small fee.
• If you need to cut blinds, you can do it easily by following these steps.

Necessities

• Venetian blinds
• Tape measure
• Hacksaw
• Tin snips
• Pencil
• Metal file
• Masking tape
• Clamp
• Power saw