How to Cut PVC Blinds That Are Too Wide

Installing new blinds can transform the look and feel of a room. But what do you do if the blinds you purchased are too wide for your windows? Cutting down PVC blinds to size is actually quite easy with the right tools and a bit of know-how. In this article, we'll walk through the complete process step-by-step.

Gather Your Materials

First, make sure you have all the right supplies on hand. Here's what you'll need:

PVC blinds

Metal tape measure

Pencil

Safety goggles

Power drill

Hack saw with fine-toothed blade

You'll also want to clear an area to work with plenty of space and lay down a protective covering like a tarp or large sheet to catch debris.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

Start by carefully measuring the width of your window opening. You'll want to take measurements at both the top and bottom to account for any inconsistencies. Note the narrowest width. It's a good idea to measure twice to ensure accuracy before making any cuts.

Once you have the precise window width, measure and mark your cut line on the PVC blind. Add an extra 1/4" to both ends to allow room for the blind brackets. Use a pencil so you can erase and adjust marks as needed.

Secure the Blinds

Before cutting, you'll want to secure the blinds in place. There are a few options here:

Use bar clamps to clamp the blinds to a steady surface like a workbench.

Ask a helper to hold the blinds securely while you cut.

Some blinds have a channel on the bottom rail that allows you to insert a hacksaw blade to hold them in place for cutting.

Cut Slowly and Carefully

Put on your safety goggles and line up your hacksaw at the measured mark. Cut slowly, allowing the saw blade to do the work. Applying too much pressure can cause the PVC to crack or splinter.

Take slow, steady strokes keeping your hand stable to ensure a straight cut line. The fine-toothed blade will glide smoothly through the PVC.

Note: Only cut through the side you measured and marked to size. For wide blinds, you'll likely only be shortening them from one side rather than cutting equally on both sides.

Inspect and Touch Up

Once cut, inspect the edges for any rough spots. Lightly file or sand if needed. Vacuum away any plastic debris.

You can leave the edges as-is or for a more polished look, apply metal tape cut to size along the top and bottom edges. The tape helps reinforce and strengthen the cut PVC while giving your blinds a custom, finished appearance.

Install Your Customized Blinds

The final step is installing your resized blinds into the window. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for how to correctly insert them into the top and bottom brackets.

Sit back and admire your handiwork! Custom-fitted blinds can make a huge difference in highlighting a room's dimensions. With the right techniques and a careful, methodical approach, sizing down blinds is an easy DIY job.