Fitting roller blinds is a domestic task you can do by yourself - even if you have very little experience with domestic projects.
Roller blinds are an alternative solution to curtains and venetian blinds. They are good at blocking light and providing privacy but it can be hard to buy a roller blind that fits the length and width of your home window exactly. Since roller blinds products are available in standard sizes, the solution is to cut them.
Cutting roller blinds to fit is an activity you can do at home - just follow the information on the product installation guide. If you have venetian blinds, check out our guide to customising them.Before you buy any roller blind products, measure the window size. Measuring is particularly useful to avoid buying blinds smaller than the windows. If the blind is larger than the window, cut it to size.
Decide if you want a recess mount, a wall mount or a ceiling mount. After deciding where to install the roller blinds, fix brackets on the recess section, wall or ceiling. Further, use the window's length and width dimensions to cut the roller blind to size.
Carefully disassemble the blind part by removing the top and bottom rods, the cords, chains and any other removable part. Measure the rods and fabric. Mark areas to cut with a pencil. Use appropriate cutting tools to cut each part. Use a small gauge hacksaw to cut the rods and a sharp knife or scissors to cut the fabric. Reassemble the parts and mount the blind on the brackets. Test if the roller blinds are working properly.
Windows provide light and helps to air a room. They can also be sources of irritating sunlight that damages furnishings. At night blocking off windows guarantees privacy and roller blinds are perfect. Windows are designed in different sizes and shapes. However, blinds are sold in standard sizes. The choice to cut blinds to size gives you the benefit of getting the results you want if you get the measurements correctly.
The first step to buying and fitting blinds is to measure the window frame where it will be fitted. Depending on the size of the blind you buy, you can easily shorten the length or the width as you may require. With readily available household tools, you can shorten any roller blinds like a professional. Some consider blinds easier to customise than curtains.There are several steps involved in the process of cutting a roller blind to size, outlined below.
Get the window frame length and width or the drop measurement. Measure from different points in case the surface is uneven. If the blind is wider or the drop is in excess, it needs trimming.
Mark the position of the brackets on the window frame. Drill the holes and fit the brackets on the wall using screws.
Unfold the blind. Remove the chain plugs and end caps fitted on the rods. To prevent damage or soiling, spread blinds on a flat clean background. Remove the top roll bar by sliding the fabric on the rail. Do the same with the bottom bar.
Measure the top rod as per the window dimensions. In the measurements, give an allowance equivalent to the size of the brackets. Mark the part to cut with a pencil. Always cut the side where the operating mechanisms are not fitted. Repeat the measuring and cutting process for the bottom rail. Use a small light gauge hacksaw to cut the bars.
Use the measuring tape, a ruler or the resized rod to mark on the fabric the part to cut. Mark on the reverse side of the fabric. Use a sharp utility knife or scissors to cut along the marked straight line.
Slide the fabric back onto the rail. Fit the end caps, the plugs and the chain cord.
Fit the banner on the brackets. Test blinds a few times to see if they are working properly. Adjust if required.
Cutting roller blinds is an activity you can do by yourself even with little experience. With an installation guide and some household equipment, you can easily get the job done. First, be prepared to put your DIY skills to practice. Second, you should be able to follow measurement requirements. Meaning, you must be able to use a measuring tool and correctly interpret the measurements. Finally perform the cutting according to the dimensions. That said, the following tools will help you get a professional job you will be proud of.
Use either tool to calculate the window length and width, wall or ceiling measurements where the blind will be installed. The measuring tape is also useful in transferring the window dimensions to the rods and the fabric. Use a pencil to mark the cutting line.
To cut the roll bar to size you will require a fine grade hacksaw. The small gauge prevents the edges from chipping. To even have a better finish, use a file to smoothen any roughness left when cutting. To cut the fabric, you can either use any utility knife like the Stanley type. A rolling knife will also do the job. Ensure the blade is sharp. Alternatively, use sharp scissors.
The brackets need to be fixed on the surface you chose. Use a drill bit to make holes to fit the screws. Use bits that are smaller than the screws you plan to use to anchor the brackets.