How to Shorten Mini Blinds

Last Updated: July 29, 2019 Approved

Many sets of mini-blinds sold in retail stores are manufactured to fit standard sized windows. While the price for these types of blinds is used very reasonable, a significant amount of additional length can make the blinds look like a poor fit for the window. Fortunately, it is possible to shorten mini-blinds with relatively little effort.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Shortening the Blinds

1
Measure the height of the window. You need this to determine the exact length that you need for the mini-blinds. Start with the inside top of the casing where the blinds will be mounted, and measure all the way to the windowsill below.
2
Place the mini-blinds on a flat surface and expand to the full length. Measure from the top of the blind casing to the blind slat that most closely corresponds with the window measurements. Move downward 1 additional slat to allow a little room for error. Mark the first slat to be removed with a marker or pen.

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3
Remove the rail plugs. Mini-blinds are equipped with plastic plugs on the underside of the bottom rail. Most designs will feature 3 plugs along the length of the rail. Releasing the plugs allows access to the lift cord and the 3 string ladders on the mini-blinds.^{[1]
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- You can usually just pull out the plugs without having to do anything fancy.
4
Untie the knot on the lift cords and pull upward. This action will slide the lift cords through the holes in the bottom rail and the slats immediately above the rail. Continue to pull the cords upward until the marked slat is freed from the cords.^{[2]
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5
Slide the bottom rail out of the string ladders. This will provide you with better access to the blind slats.^{[3]
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6
Remove the desired number of slats. With the lift cords no longer threaded through the slats, this requires sliding each of the slats out of the 3 string ladders.^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Finishing Up

1
Reattach the bottom rail. Slide the rail back into the string ladders just under the remaining blind slats. Trim off any unused sections of the ladders that you no longer need.^{[5]
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2
Reconnect the lift cords. Tie a new knot in each of the 3 ends. Use the measuring tape to make sure the knots are in the ideal position so the cords are all the same lengths, and the slats will hang evenly.
3
Replace the rail plugs. Make sure that all 3 are securely in position, and then hang the adjusted mini-blind in the window. Take a moment to try raising and lowering the blinds, as well as opening and closing them to make sure they are functioning properly.

Community Q&A

Question

Is it possible to shorten a cordless vinyl mini blind?

Community Answer

No. They are pre-tensioned, or designed to work with the weight they start with. Removing anything would cause the blind to raise on its own, and no longer be a blind.
Question

I cut the cord to raise and lower, and it went into the mechanism in the top. How can I get the cord?

Community Answer

You'll have to take apart the top, a very tedious and time-consuming task. You might want to consider just buying another.
Question

How do I shorten vinyl mini-blinds, the roll-up type?

Community Answer

No. They are pre-tensioned, or designed to work with the weight they start with. Removing anything would cause the blind to raise on its own and no longer be a blind.

Warnings

Make sure that you don't lose the plugs while you're working, otherwise you won't be able to close up the bottom rail.

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