Paint Living Room

As a homeowner, I like to switch up my decor every now and then. One of the most recent changes I made was to replace my old curtains with wooden blinds. They looked great, but there was one problem – they were too long for my windows. Instead of hiring a professional, I decided to take matters into my own hands and try shortening them myself. Here’s what I learned about how to shorten wooden blinds.

Step-by-Step Guide

What You’ll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Saw
• Sandpaper
• Pencil
• Cloth or towel

1. Measure the length of the blinds and decide how much you need to shorten them by. Use a pencil to mark the new length on each slat.

2. Remove the bottom rail from the blinds.

3. Using a saw, carefully cut each slat to the desired length. Be sure to wear protective eyewear and keep your fingers away from the saw blade.

4. Use sandpaper to smooth the edges of each slat.

5. Reattach the bottom rail to the blinds.

6. Use a cloth or towel to wipe away any sawdust.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

1. Measure twice, cut once. Make sure you’re cutting each slat to the correct length.
2. Use a fine-toothed saw for a cleaner cut.
3. Take your time and be patient. Rushing can lead to mistakes.
4. Consider using a clamp to hold the blinds in place while you cut them.
5. If your blinds have decorative cloth tapes, be sure to remove them before cutting.
6. Sand the edges of each slat to prevent splinters.
7. If you make a mistake, don’t panic. You can always buy replacement slats.
8. Shortening wooden blinds may void the warranty, so be sure to check with the manufacturer.
9. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, it’s best to hire a professional.
10. Consider painting or staining the blinds after shortening them to give them a fresh look.

Pros and Cons

Shortening wooden blinds yourself can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:

Pros:

• You can save money by not hiring a professional.
• You have more control over the finished product.
• You can take pride in completing a DIY project.

Cons:

• You may accidentally damage the blinds.
• You may void the warranty.
• You may not have the necessary tools or skills.
• Shortening the blinds may alter the overall look of the room.

My Personal Review

Overall, I’m glad I decided to try shortening my wooden blinds myself. The process was relatively easy, and I saved money by not hiring a professional. The blinds look great and fit perfectly in my windows. However, I did have to be careful not to damage the slats while cutting them, and the sawdust was a bit messy. Overall, I would recommend trying this DIY project if you’re up for a challenge.

Question & Answer

Q: Can I use a hand saw instead of a power saw?

A: Yes, you can use a hand saw. Just be sure to use a fine-toothed saw for a cleaner cut.

Q: Do I need to remove the blinds from the window before shortening them?

A: No, you can leave the blinds in place while shortening them. Just be sure to protect your floors and furniture from sawdust.

FAQs

Q: Can I shorten faux wooden blinds?

A: Yes, you can shorten faux wooden blinds using the same process as real wooden blinds.

Q: Is it safe to saw through the slats?

A: Yes, it’s safe as long as you take the proper precautions, such as wearing protective eyewear and keeping your fingers away from the saw blade.

Q: Can I return the blinds if I damage them while shortening them?

A: It depends on the store’s return policy. Be sure to check before attempting to shorten the blinds.