How to Shorten Wood Blinds
- 1). Hang the blind according to the manufacturer's directions. Fully lower the blind.
- 2). Use the blade of the screwdriver to pry out the plugs on the underside of the bottom rail at the end of the row of slats. This will reveal the string ladder, which is the woven framework upon which the wood slats are resting, plus the lift cords, which are strung through holes in the wood slats.
- 3). Pull the ends of the lift cords through the holes in the bottom rail, then cut off the knots at the ends of the cords. Pull the cord up and out of the bottom rail, plus all the wood slats you wish to remove. Slide the bottom rail and excess wood slats out of the string ladder and set the wood slats aside.
- 4). Attach the bottom rail to the string ladder on the rung below the remaining slats. Make sure the bigger holes in the bottom rail are facing the floor. Thread the lift cords through the corresponding holes in the bottom rail. Knot the cords close to the bottom rail.
- 5). Pull on the other end of the lift cords just enough to pull the knots up tight against the bottom rail. Fine-tune the length of the blind. Make sure the bottom rail is level by adjusting the placement of the knots.
- 6). Cut off most of the excess string ladder, leaving one square below the rung holding up the bottom rail. Cut off the excess lift cord 1/2 inch below the knots. Tuck the extra string ladder up into the plug holds and push the plugs back into the bottom rail.