Can Vertical Blinds Be Repaired?
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again - vertical blinds are one of the most practical and stylish options you can choose for your home. Offering an effective way to easily control both light and privacy, they’re no longer just for offices or hospitals. There are options to choose from for every room in the house, from waterproof styles to suit bathrooms and kitchens to solar reflective designs that help you better manage heating bills. As with all window blinds, some degree of maintenance is required to get the most out of your vertical blinds. And, over time, it’s not uncommon for them to require some form of repair - especially if they’re used regularly in a high-traffic environment. So, can vertical blinds be repaired? Read on to see.
The history of vertical blinds
If we first take a look at the history of vertical blinds, we can better understand the reasoning behind their design. Originally designed and patented back in the ’60s by the Bopp brothers for ‘Sun Vertical’, vertical blinds were a practical alternative to Venetian blinds. The idea was to find a solution that removed the high percentage of horizontal surfaces where both dust and dirt could accumulate. In turn, the brothers hoped to reduce the need for repeated and excessive cleaning while still designing a solution that allowed for good control over light and privacy.
In comes the vertical blind. With its window-length vertical louvres (also known as slats), homeowners were able to redirect their maintenance efforts elsewhere in the home. They also solved an issue many less able individuals face. Instead of having to use manual force to pull down on the cord to lift the blind, the slats could be slid to one side. And, they offered a solution for longer windows too. All in all, vertical blinds entered the scene with a presence and went on to become a well-favoured option in offices, hospitals and other business environments. Now, we’re passionate about ensuring homeowners understand their benefits and consider them in their own spaces too.
The design of vertical blinds
Vertical blinds have a construction that is unlike other window dressing options. They feature a top channel that sits along the inner alcove of your window or door. Into these, individual louvres/slats are clipped to on their own mechanisms. The number of louvres will depend on your window width with the right amount being chosen to completely cover the window when closed. These individual mechanisms allow the slats to twist 180°, meaning they can lay flat in both a right and left position. And, they can be adjusted anywhere within this range to allow light in. This is generally done with either a wand or cord, depending on the design.
You can choose to have your vertical blinds with no bottom chain (which keeps them linked together) or your vertical blind with sewn-in weights (which holds them taut against the mechanism). These features are both aesthetical and practical but all lend to the style of your blinds.
Vertical blinds are one of a few window dressings that allow for two adjustment options. As well as the louvres twisting on their own axis, they can be slid over in unison to one side of the window. This exposes the entire window and gives you optimal light (and, it’s brilliant when working with patio doors or other walkways). If we look at other forms of window covering, we’ll see different designs. Roller blinds, for example, have a single panel of fabric that sits within the working mechanism. It rolls around on itself when lifted and sits neatly at the top. Venetian blinds and wooden blinds share a similar design whereby the slats are either threaded into the cord skeleton or use the weight of gravity to put them in place.
The design of vertical blinds isn’t an accident. Yes, it had been done to help manage the need for excessive cleaning. But, it also provides a solution to damage and permanent staining too.
Can vertical blinds be repaired?
For anyone considering vertical blinds for their home, we want to take this moment to say - yes, vertical blinds can be repaired. That is the beauty of their design. They have been manufactured to allow for most issues to be rectified at home and to provide an effective solution for larger damage too.
Common issues
If you’re experiencing problems with your vertical blinds' usability and function, we have a blog post entitled ‘How to fix my vertical blinds’ over on our blog here. It covers some of the most common problems faced with vertical blinds, including issues with the sliding or rotating mechanism. However, if the issue you’re facing is localised to the louvres/slats, there is another solution. As we mentioned above, the install-yourself design of vertical blinds means that each individual slat simply clips into its dedicated mechanism. And, because of this, they can just as easily be unclipped if needed.
Regardless of the fabric you choose or how careful you are with your vertical blinds, things happen. Slats become worn over time - especially if they’re in a high foot-traffic environment. They can get stained from spills and splashes (particularly evident in homes with small children) or they can fade if exposed to very direct sunlight, over a period of time. When you have your vertical blind manufactured, the slats will each be made from the exact same fabric. The goal is to ensure they look like a complete panel of fabric when installed. And the slightest mark or change in colour on one slat can become a niggling annoyance around your home.
Enter replacement vertical blind slats.
Replacement vertical blind slats explained
Designed to extend the lifespan of vertical blinds, replacement slats are a cost-effective and practical solution. As the name suggests, they are designed to directly replace any louvres/slats you have that don’t match the same quality as the others. We mentioned how these slats clip onto their individual mechanism. So, all you have to do is order the same colour and length replacement vertical blind slat, remove and dispose of the old one and then fit a new slat in its place.
Because you’re ordering from the same manufacturer as your full set, you can guarantee the same colour and fabric type in your new slats. At Lifestyle Blinds, we have 89mm (2 ½”) replacement vertical blind slats that come complete with free sewin-in top hangers, white weights and chains to perfectly integrate themselves into your existing set. And, we have the same options for all of our designs so no one gets left out.
Style with replacement vertical blind slats
As you’ll see on our website, our vertical blind full sets are provided in single colour options. However, we love the idea of using your own blinds to make a new and unique statement in your home. With individual louvres being so easy to change, why not consider changing them for slats of a different colour or pattern? Consider alternating each slat in a different colour to create a unique striped design. Or pop a single-colour louvre at the central point to give you something to work off of with the accessories around a room.
We manufactured each replacement vertical blind slat bespoke to suit your measurements. So, when installed, no one will even know the difference. And, we make sure to source the same fabric or provide the next closest alternative, should the original not be available anymore. Replacement slats are a cost-effective, easy-to-fit and practical option when it comes to extending the lifespan of your window blinds. You can place your order on our website here today. Or, if you cannot find the replacement slat you’re looking for, get in contact with our team who will be happy to help.
