Can You Cut PVC Venetian Blinds?

PVC, or vinyl, venetian blinds are cost-effective and customizable window treatments. With a sleek, modern look, vinyl venetians work well in many rooms. Their ability to trim down larger stock blinds makes these plastic venetians extremely versatile too. But what's actually involved in cutting them yourself?

How to Shorten PVC Venetian Slats

Vinyl venetian blinds consist of horizontal plastic slats connected by string ladders. The manufacturer intentionally makes the slats longer than needed so they can be custom-cut on site. Here's a simple DIY process to shorten them:

Carefully measure and mark the excess length to remove

Support the slats on a flat, stable surface

Use a sharp hacksaw to cut through the vinyl

File any rough edges smooth

Be sure to factor the desired location of the bottom rail when measuring for the cut line. Cut equal amounts off each end for the best appearance.

Adjusting Other Blind Components

In addition to shortening the slats, you'll need to size other parts too:

Headrail - Usually aluminum, the top headrail can be cut with a hacksaw or pipe cutter

Bottom Rail - Cut the matching decorative bottom piece to match slat width

Cords/Wand - Adjust control lengths to align with new height

Measure the final cut slat width and cut remaining components to match for proper operation and visual symmetry.

The Benefit of DIY Sizing

Getting stock vinyl venetian blinds cut to fit has many advantages over custom ordering:

Cost Savings - Far cheaper than paying extra for custom sizing

Convenience - Easy for renters and adjustable window types

Flexibility - Fits non-standard measurement windows

Light Gaps - Tailor fit eliminates uneven light leakage

So don't overlook stock vinyl venetians. With some simple DIY blind cutting, you can customize plastic venetians to install perfectly on any window.