Can vertical blinds be cut to size?
At Lifestyle Blinds, we’re passionate about making sure every single customer understands the benefits of vertical blinds. Yes - we all love roller blinds, Venetian blinds and wooden blinds too. And, yes - all styles of window dressings have their place in different spots around the home. But, the humble vertical blind has spent so many years being confined to offices, that we feel it has much more to give. Being highly versatile, functional and suited to many different rooms, there are a whole host of reasons why you may choose them. Some of these we have outlined in our blog post, ‘Are Vertical Blinds Good’. And, in today’s guide, we’re going to address an FAQ - ‘Can Vertical Blinds Be Cut To Size?’.
The difference between made-to-measure and off-the-shelf vertical blinds
To answer this question, we need to look at two different types of vertical blinds. Those that are made to measure for your windows and those that you buy off the shelf. There are benefits for both. Off the shelf vertical blinds can be cheaper and more accessible, especially if you’re in a rush. You can see them in person before purchasing and can feel the fabric. So, you know you’re making the right decision. However, off-the-shelf vertical blinds are just that - off the shelf. They come in a set range of sizes without the option for customisation. So, if you’re working with an unusually tall, wide, or shaped window, you’ll be hard-pressed to find the right-sized one. If you want to cover bay windows, you may need a curved headrail or numerous smaller blinds for each section. This becomes more challenging if you’re restricted to off-the-shelf options.
Made-to-measure window blinds are custom-made bespoke for each person’s requirements. They give you the opportunity to choose the specific colour, pattern, and fabric that you need. It allows you to change your choices to make sure you get the exact specifications you’re looking for. They may cost you more but you get a bespoke and more durable solution for your windows. Again, if you’re working with unusually long, wide, or shaped windows, made-to-measure vertical blinds are ideal.
Can vertical blinds be cut to size?
The reason why we have discussed the differences between off-the-shelf or made-to-measure vertical blinds is to help us better answer this question. In short - yes, you could purchase blinds from your local hardware store or supermarket and cut them to size. Most vertical blinds are manufactured from very pliable fabrics that can be unstitched, cut and then re-glued or sewn into place. However, unless you’re a professional seamstress, can ensure that your cut is perfectly straight or have the experience to make sure the end job looks professional, there is a high chance that you’ll damage the look of your vertical blinds if you do.
Consider this. You want to shorten your vertical blinds by 1” across the board. To do this, you’ll have to remove all of the slats, unpick or unstitch the bottom seam without damaging the fabric and then cut them all to the exact same length. When they’re hung back up, you want each of the slats to look as smooth and smartly finished as they arrived in the packet.
Made-to-measure blinds for the perfect fit
If you want to get the perfect fit on your windows, we highly recommend opting for made-to-measure vertical blinds. They are a good investment in your home, helping you to optimise light and privacy control too. You won’t be hindered by different colours, fabrics, or styles. All you need to do is pick the combination that will work best for you and input your measurements. At Lifestyle Blinds, we have a specialist team on hand who manufacture your vertical blinds to the highest standards and to your exact measurements. This way, all you need to do is unpack them, install the headrail and make sure of your brand-new blinds.
How to measure for bespoke vertical blinds
As all of our blinds are custom-made per customer, we cannot offer returns because the measurements supplied are wrong. Therefore, it is very important that you have all of the accurate measurements available when you place your order. Full instructions on how to measure your vertical blinds are available on our website and we will detail them here too.
Vertical blind installation instructions
Note: Use a metal tape measure to take these as it will give you the most accurate measurements
- Decide whether you would like your vertical blinds to sit outside of the recess or inside the recess.
- For blinds sitting inside the window recess:
- Measure the width of the top of the recess where the headrail is to be fitted.
- Measure the drop from the recess at the top to the window sill
- Don’t deduct anything from the size. We will adjust 10mm from the width and drop during the manufacturing process to ensure it fits properly.
- For blinds sitting outside of the window recess:
- Measure the exact size you want the finished blind to be
- Add a minimum of 10cm (4”) to the recess width to allow for the overlap
- Add 5cm (2”) to the drop for the top plug and further required overlap for the bottom, taking into account any obstructions such as radiators.
When you place your order, you will need to submit these measurements and our team can get to work. With this information, there will be no need to cut your vertical blinds to size. Our bespoke window blinds are designed specifically for every customer and ensure you have the right coverage to use your window blinds properly. If you have any questions about taking measurements for your vertical blinds or ensuring they fit properly, please do get in contact before ordering and our team will be happy to help.
