How to Cut Down PVC Venetian Blinds

Over time, indoor window treatments can start to look worn and outdated. But before replacing your PVC venetian blinds completely, consider giving them new life by cutting them down to size. Trimming blinds is an easy, affordable way to customize the fit and refresh your room's décor.

In this article, we'll explain how to accurately measure and neatly cut PVC venetian blinds to suit your windows. With some simple tools, steady hands, and these key tips, you can achieve a flawless custom fit.

Gather Your Materials

Before measuring and marking, assemble the following supplies:

Metal tape measure

Pencil

Wire cutters

Fine-grit sandpaper

Handheld vacuum

Clear ample space to fully extend the blinds during the process. You'll likely only trim from the bottom, but having room to maneuver is key.

Measure Carefully

First, carefully measure the exact width of the window opening you need to accommodate. Note measurements at the very top, middle, and bottom to account for any inconsistencies. Mark down the narrowest width.

Next, fully extend the existing window blinds and determine their current length from top to bottom. Compare this to your needed window width to see how much you'll need to cut off the bottom.

Remember to leave an extra 1/4" - 1/2" to allow room for re-mounting hardware. Consider keeping cut-off portions to potentially use elsewhere.

Mark Your Cut Lines

Using a pencil, lightly mark straight cut lines across the entire bottom of the blinds, including any connected string supports. We recommend marking 1-2 inches above your final cut line as well. This gives you room for error while cutting.

Use a yardstick or level placed along the bottom to guide straight pencil lines across all the slats.

Secure Blinds in Place

Before cutting, safely secure the fully extended blinds. There are two simple options:

Use large bar clamps to grip the headrail.

Insert cords/strings from the weight pocket to lightly hold in place.

This prevents slippage and allows straight cuts across all slats in one pass.

Cut Along Guidelines

Position your wire cutters atop the lower pencil guidelines. In one smooth, straight motion, apply firm pressure while closing the tool to slice through the PVC. Let the cutters do the work.

Take care not to bend or twist blinds during cutting which can crack slats. Make any remaining final trims using the upper guidelines.

Smooth Rough Edges

Use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly smooth any remaining rough plastic edges. Wipe clean with a dry cloth. Then thoroughly vacuum both sides of the blinds to remove all plastic shards, debris and dust.

Re-hang Your Custom Blinds

Refer to the manufacturer's hardware instructions to re-mount your newly trimmed blinds into the window frame. Most use simple side brackets or spring-loaded tension rods.

Finally, adjust the slats and admire your refreshed, custom-fit window treatment! Properly cutting down PVC venetian blinds is an easy DIY project that can make a big visual impact.