Levolor Blinds: Shortening Them Without Shortening Your Temper
Ah, Levolor blinds. Those sleek, stylish window coverings that somehow manage to look both sophisticated and like they could withstand a toddler wielding a juice box like a paint gun. But here's the thing: sometimes, even the most fabulous blinds end up a tad too long. Maybe you underestimated the dramatic flair of those floor-to-ceiling windows, or perhaps your cat mistook the slats for a jungle gym and, well, let's just say some "adjustments" are needed.
Whatever the reason, shortening Levolor blinds can feel like a daunting task. Fear not, fellow window fashionistas! With a little know-how and a whole lot of patience (because, let's be honest, DIY projects are rarely as smooth as those Pinterest pins make them seem), you can transform your overly-enthusiastic blinds into perfectly proportioned masterpieces.
Before We Begin: A Word on Safety
Look, we all love a good laugh, but power tools and dangling blinds are not a comedic duo. Safety first, friends! Make sure you have a clear workspace and keep curious critters (human or otherwise) at bay.
The Great Blind Shortening Adventure: A Step-by-Step Guide (with Optional Sass)
Now, onto the fun part! Here's what you'll need:
- Your trusty Levolor blinds: The star of the show, hopefully not a tangled mess.
- A metal tape measure: Because eyeballing it never goes well (unless you're a superhero with laser vision, in which case, can you help me hang these darn things?)
- A flathead screwdriver: Your unsung hero for prying things open without resorting to brute force (or worse, a butter knife).
- Scissors: Preferably not the ones you use on your award-winning topiary plants.
- Patience: This one's important. Trust me.
Step 1: Measure Twice, Cut Once (Especially Since We Can't Exactly Sew Blinds Back Together)
- Unfurl the blinds: Let your Levolors breathe (and hopefully they don't decide to do the whole "window shade breakdance" routine).
- Measure, measure, measure!: Decide on your desired length. Pro tip: Aim for the blinds to be slightly above the window sill to avoid that awkward window-hugging look.
- Mark your masterpiece: Use a piece of tape or a light pencil marking to indicate the chopping block (er, cutting line).
Step 2: The Disassembly Dance (Don't Worry, No Fancy Footwork Required)
- Flip those blinds over: Time to get acquainted with the underside.
- Unscrew the bottom rail: This is where that trusty flathead screwdriver comes in. Be gentle, but firm. We don't want any stripped screws adding to the drama.
- Release the slats: With the bottom rail free, you can carefully remove the slats that extend past your designated cutting line.
Step 3: Snip, Snip, Hooray! (Almost There!)
- Cord Caution! Here's the tricky part. You'll need to identify the lift cords (the ones that raise and lower the blinds) and be very careful not to snip these.
- Target the ladder cords: These are the horizontal cords that run between the slats. You can safely cut these a few inches below the marked line on your blinds.
- Trim the excess: Snip off any leftover lift cord dangling from the bottom rail.
Step 4: The Grand Reassembly (Hopefully Without Any Leftover Parts)
- Rethread the cords: Carefully feed the cut ends of the ladder cords back through the holes in the bottom rail.
- Reattach the bottom rail: Screw that baby back on, making sure everything is nice and secure.
- Test it out!: Raise and lower your blinds to ensure everything functions smoothly.
Step 5: Take a Bow (and Maybe Pat Yourself on the Back)
You did it! You successfully wrestled those Levolor blinds into submission. Now, sit back, relax, and admire your handiwork. You've not only saved yourself some money (because let's face it, professional blind alteration isn't exactly cheap), but you've also conquered a DIY challenge. High five!
