Help! My Blinds Won’t Fit!
Image via Flickr user net_efekt
You’ve sent in your measurements, ordered custom window treatments and now they’re on your doorstep. But what if your blinds are the wrong size? Custom window coverings are made to your exacting specifications by our manufacturers so they fit perfectly in your windows. They take the measurements of your window and calculate the perfect width so that your blinds so that they can operate smoothly and have the smallest light gap possible. However, mistakes can happen in measuring and manufacturing that leave customers with blinds that don’t fit. If you come across this problem we’re here to help.
If You’re a Blinds.com Customer:
We want to make sure that you get the perfect fit every time and have no reason to be nervous about measuring for window coverings on your own. We’re proud to offer the Blinds.com exclusive- Surefit™ Guarantee. Although 98% of our customers measure correctly, we promise that if you make a mistake measuring, or if for any other reason your blinds don’t fit, we’ll replace them for free – a 100% exchange!
If your blinds are the wrong size, just call one of our window coverings experts at 800.505.1905 and we’ll get a replacement to you ASAP. You don’t even have to pay return shipping on your old blinds. We only ask that you pay the difference if your new blind is more expensive than your old one. If you’d like to find out more, read our SureFit™ Guarantee FAQs.
If You Purchased Elsewhere:
If you are not eligible for the SureFit™ Guarantee or inherited ill-fitting blinds when you moved into a new home or apartment, there are still ways to get your blinds to fit right. The first thing you need to determine is whether you are hanging the blind as an inside mount where blinds are installed within the window frame or an outside mount where the headrail is mounted on or above the window frame and covers all molding when lowered.
Inside Mount Blinds offer a clean look and showcase window casing.
Blinds or shades with an outside mount block more light and can conceal old or unsightly window casings.
Blinds Too Wide? Try An Outside Mount.
The easiest solution for blinds that are too wide is to install them as an outside mount instead of an inside mount. The included installation brackets are compatible with either mounting option, so this is a quick fix. However, if you don’t like the look of an outside mount, you can trim many blinds to allow them to fit within the window frame. Find out how below.
Blinds Too Big? Trim Them To Fit.
Many blinds are constructed without internal mechanisms or ladder cords in the outer few inches of the blind. This allows window coverings that are too large for the window to be trimmed to fit new measurements.
How to Trim Wood Blinds – Image via Apartment Therapy
How to Cut Down Wood Blinds and Faux Wood Blinds – Measure the width of your window opening and determine the length to be cut off each end of the blind. Fully raise the blind and secure the slats and head rail between a C clamp with the slats evenly aligned. Secure the slats in place and mark the line to be cut with painter’s or masking tape. Cut along the line with a hack saw in slow, even strokes through the slats and metal or plastic head rail. You may also cut a metal head rail with tin snips.
How To Trim Woven Wood Shades – Image via Flickr user Kristin Roach
How to Cut Down Woven Wood Shades – Roll bamboo or grass shades up to the head rail in a spiral and secure with tape. Cut equal lengths from either end of the head rail with a hack saw or tin snips to reach the desired length. Trim either end of the shade roll with a hack saw to match the length of the head rail.
How to Trim Mini Blinds
How to Cut Down Aluminum and Vinyl Blinds – Cut equal lengths from either end of the head rail with a hack saw or tin snips to reach the desired length. Trim equal lengths from either end of slats with tin snips.
How to Trim A Cell Shade- Image via Do It Yourself
How to Cut Down Cellular Shades – Cut equal lengths from either end of the head rail with a hack saw or tin snips to reach the desired length. Fully raise shade and secure the stack with painter’s or masking tape. Cut the bottom rail with a hack saw to avoid misshaping it. Cut through the fabric stack with a razor blade in slow, even strokes.
Use drapery panels to conceal blinds that are too narrow.
Blinds Too Narrow? Layer Window Treatments.
If you ordered blinds for an inside mount and they’re too narrow you may be left with a large light gap that is unsightly and inconvenient. Unfortunately, blinds can’t be lengthened, but you can camouflage the extra space and block out light with beautiful drapery panels. This look will highlight your window coverings, and add to the complexity of your interior design.
Get it Right Next Time!
Make sure you have perfectly precise measurements next time you order custom blinds, shades or shutters. Find instructions for every type of treatment in the Blinds.com Measuring Center, or in our YouTube measuring playlist.
