Tips for Shortening Cellular Shades

With a few tips and tricks you can shorten your cellular shades to the exact length you need. With the right tricks and tips you will be able to get them shortened to the exact right length for your needs, and it only takes a few minutes to do.

Tip 1: Starting Off

First, lower the cellular shades to the their full length. Then decide how long you want them to be and place a paper clip on the pleat where it needs to end. This marks the spot when it comes time to actually shorten shade. It is also a good idea to get two more paper clips and place them right below the first. Go ahead and take off the first paper clip after you have applied the other two. This way, you will be able to cut it exactly where it should be.

Tip 2: End Caps

Once you have picked out the spot, you are ready to remove the end caps. They are located at the bottom part of your shade. Once you have done this you are ready to slide the rail off of the bottom of the shades. Now you should be able to see the internal cords weighed down by some washers.

Tip 3: Cutting

Once you have the washers exposed, take off the paper clip that is on the side you wish to start on. Cut the pleat that is on the front of the cellular shade. Once you have done this, do the same with the back pleat. Work slowly, taking care not to cut any of the cords as you go. As you are cutting, make your way to the washers and cut them off the two cords that are going to be above the actual knots. Once you have done this place the washers in a nearby area. Make sure that you have all of the extra fabric removed from the area.

Tip 4: Finish Up

Once you have finished removing the extra fabric you are ready to remove the plastic slat that is at the lower part of the extra fabric. Once you have done this, go to the bottom pleat and insert the plastic slat and string the cord from the left of the plastic slat all the way to the bottom pleat. From there, reattach the washer and tie your cord into a knot. Do this on both sides. Slide the bottom rail over the plastic slat that you just placed down and you're done.

Tips for Shortening Cellular Shades

How do I lower my cellular shades?

Cellular shades are made in a wide variety of colors and sizes but there are only two main types of cellular shades, as determined by how they operate.

If you have motorized cellular shades, press and hold the up or down button until the shade moves where you want it to. Standard shades are lowered by hand.

Hold the bottom of the shade, pull it out slightly toward yourself and pull downward until the shade is extended as far as you want. When you want to raise the shade, place both hands beneath it and slowly raise them straight up.

What is the best depth for cellular shades?

Most cellular shades require a minimum mounting depth of three-fourths of an inch or one and three-fourths of an inch for a secure inside mount. A flush inside mount needs a depth of at least two inches.

How do you make cellular shades look good?

Pair cellular shades with curtains and window treatments to give windows a more finished overall look.

Should cellular shades be wider than window?

The size of shades versus windows is strictly a style choice but you will get maximum light control and privacy if you add three inches to the width and height of the window to determine the size of cellular shades. Having blinds slightly larger than the window provides space for the mounts as well.

How much shorter should blinds be than window opening?

Blinds should actually be about three inches longer than the height of the window to block light but this is purely personal preference.