Cordless blinds are a convenient and safe option for window treatments, as they eliminate the need for cords that can get tangled or pose a risk for children and pets. However, cordless blinds may also need some adjustments, such as removing slats to shorten the length or change the appearance of the blinds. Removing slats from cordless blinds is not very difficult, but it requires some care and precision. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove slats from cordless blinds.
To remove slats from cordless blinds, you need to lower the blinds, remove the plugs, cut the cords, slide out the slats, and reattach the bottom rail.
What You Will Need
To remove slats from cordless blinds, you will need the following tools and materials:
- A flat screwdriver or a similar tool to pry out the plugs
- A pair of scissors or a sharp knife to cut the cords
- A measuring tape or a ruler to mark the desired length
- A pencil or a marker to mark the slats
- A ladder or a stool to reach the top of the blinds
How to Remove Slats from Cordless Blinds
Follow these steps to remove slats from cordless blinds:
- Lower the blinds and turn the slats into an open position. Measure the desired length and mark the last slat that you want to keep. This will be your guide for cutting the cords and removing the excess slats.
- Remove the plugs from the bottom rail of the blinds. The plugs are small plastic caps that cover the holes where the cords run through. You can use a flat screwdriver or a similar tool to pry them out gently. Be careful not to damage the plugs or the rail, as you will need them later.
- Cut through the holes of the slats that you want to remove. Use a pair of scissors or a sharp knife to carefully cut through each hole of each slat that you want to remove, including the marked slat. Make sure to cut only through the holes and not between them, as this will damage the cords and ruin the blinds.
- Cut only the outer ladder string of each slat that you want to remove. The ladder string is the cord that runs along both sides of the slats and holds them together. Do not cut the inner cord, which is the cord that runs through the middle of each slat and controls the tilt of the blinds. If you cut the inner cord, you will break the mechanism of the blinds and make them unusable.
- Slide out the slats that you want to remove. After cutting through each hole and each ladder string, you should be able to slide out each slat that you want to remove easily. You can discard them or reuse them for other purposes.
- Reattach the bottom rail to the last slat that you want to keep. Slide in the bottom rail through each hole of the last slat that you want to keep. Make sure that it is aligned with both sides of the ladder string and that it fits snugly into each hole.
- Tie a knot on each end of each inner cord and tuck them into each hole of the bottom rail. This will secure the bottom rail and prevent it from sliding out.
- Replace the plugs into each hole of the bottom rail. Push them firmly until they snap into place.
- Adjust the tilt of your blinds and enjoy your new look.
FAQs
Q: How do I measure my cordless blinds before removing slats?
A: You can measure your cordless blinds by using a measuring tape or a ruler and comparing them with your window frame or your desired length. You can also use a pencil or a marker to mark where you want to cut your cords and remove your slats.
Q: How do I know how many slats to remove from my cordless blinds?
A: The number of slats that you need to remove from your cordless blinds depends on how much you want to shorten them or how much you want to change their appearance. You can experiment by removing one or two slats at a time and checking how they look before removing more.
Q: How do I reuse my old slats from my cordless blinds?
A: You can reuse your old slats from your cordless blinds in various ways, such as:
- Making garden markers by cutting them into smaller pieces and writing plant names on them
- Making a sunburst mirror by cutting them into different lengths and gluing them around a round mirror
- Making a picture frame by cutting them into four pieces and gluing them together in a rectangle shape
Final Thoughts
Removing slats from cordless blinds is a simple way to adjust their length or change their look. You can do it yourself by following the steps above and using some basic tools and materials. However, you need to be careful not to cut the inner cord or damage the plugs or the rail, as this will ruin your blinds. You can also recycle or reuse your old slats in creative ways.
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.