5 Ways to Fix Blinds That Are Too Wide

Here’s the truth for blinds that feel too wide for window frames: while there are ways to address oversized blinds, cutting them yourself can be dangerous and often ruins the product. We’re sharing five solutions, but let’s be crystal clear. The safest, smartest option is always custom blinds made to your exact measurements. Your home (and fingers) deserve better than risky DIY modifications.

Your new blinds from Blindsgalore will fit. They’re custom made. That’s what we do. Here we will focus on fixing blinds that are “too wide” because they’re old. 

How to Accurately Measure Window Width Before Buying Blinds?

Prevention beats any cure. Let’s make sure this never happens again.

Grab your metal measuring tape. Not the fabric one from your craft drawer. Metal tapes don’t stretch or bend, giving you accurate measurements every time. For inside mount blinds, measure the width at three points: top, middle, and bottom of your window opening. Use the narrowest measurement. Windows aren’t always perfectly square, especially in older homes.

For the outside mount, decide how much you want the blinds to overlap your window frame. We recommend 2-3 inches on each side for proper light control and privacy. Measure from where you’ll place the left bracket to where you’ll place the right bracket.

Write down all three measurements, not just the final number. This gives you reference points if something seems off later. Take photos of your window with the measuring tape in place. Trust us, these visual references save headaches down the road.

Optimal Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount Measurements for Blinds

Sometimes switching from inside to outside mount solves your width problem entirely.

• Inside mount blinds sit within your window frame. They create a clean, built-in look but require precise measurements. Your window opening needs to be perfectly square and deep enough to accommodate the headrail. Minimum depth varies by blind type, but typically runs 1-3 inches.
• Outside mount blinds attach to the wall or trim surrounding your window. They offer more flexibility with sizing since you control the exact placement. If your blinds are slightly too wide for inside mounting, outside mount might be your golden ticket. You’ll need at least 2 inches of flat surface above your window for mounting brackets.

The beauty of the outside mount? It can make windows appear larger while hiding imperfect frames. Plus, those extra-wide blinds suddenly become a design feature rather than a mistake.

What Tools Are Required for Installing Blinds Outside the Window Frame?

Switching to outside mount requires basic tools most folks already own:

• Drill with bits (both for pilot holes and screws)
• Level (crooked blinds will haunt your dreams)
• Pencil for marking
• Measuring tape
• Screwdriver
• Stud finder (for heavier blinds)

Mark your bracket positions carefully. Use that level religiously. Pre-drill pilot holes to prevent wall damage. Most importantly, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. Each blind type has specific requirements for bracket spacing and placement.

Can Extension Brackets Be Used with All Types of Blinds That Are Too Wide?

Extension brackets can be a temporary fix for slightly oversized blinds, but they’re not universal solutions.

These special brackets extend your mounting surface, allowing wider blinds to fit. They work best with lightweight options like mini blinds or some cellular shades. However, heavier blinds like faux wood or real wood can stress extension brackets beyond their limits.

The catch? Extension brackets often look clunky and can affect blind operation. They’re band-aids, not solutions. For long-term satisfaction and safety, custom-sized blinds remain your best bet.

Detailed Steps for Cutting the Headrail of Blinds That Are Too Wide

Warning: We strongly discourage cutting blinds yourself. This section is for informational purposes only.

Cutting blinds risks injury, product damage, and voided warranties. Most manufacturers explicitly void coverage for modified products. Our Blindsgalore products come with a free 3-year warranty that protects against defects, but modifications void this protection.

If you absolutely must proceed (please don’t), understand that:

• Metal headrails require specialized cutting tools
• One wrong cut ruins the entire blind
• Internal mechanisms can be permanently damaged
• Sharp edges create ongoing safety hazards
• Cordless and motorized blinds have complex internal systems that cutting destroys

The process varies dramatically between blind types. What works for basic mini blinds will destroy cellular shades or motorized options. This complexity is exactly why we craft each blind to your exact specifications.

Best Practices for Cutting Slats Evenly When Blinds Are Too Wide

Again, we cannot stress enough: don’t cut your blinds at home.

Cutting slats evenly requires professional equipment and expertise. Each material behaves differently. Faux wood splinters. Metal bends and creates sharp edges. Fabric frays. Cellular shades have internal cords that, once cut, cannot be repaired.

Professional blind manufacturers use specialized saws, guides, and finishing equipment. They understand weight distribution, cord routing, and structural integrity. Your kitchen scissors or garage saw can’t replicate these precise cuts.

Remember, we offer free exchanges within 30 days for any reason. Four windows per household are covered under our industry-leading guarantee. Why risk injury or ruined blinds when we’ll make it right?

How to Layer Curtains and Blinds to Disguise Oversized Blinds?

Now here’s a creative solution we can get behind! Layering window treatments adds depth, style, and functionality while cleverly hiding fit issues.

Drapery panels mounted on an outside rod can frame your oversized blinds beautifully. Choose panels that extend 8-12 inches beyond each side of your window. When open, they’ll conceal any blind overhang. When closed, they provide additional privacy and light control.

For a designer look, try:

• Sheer curtains over light-filtering blinds for soft, diffused light
• Blackout drapes over cellular shades for maximum energy efficiency
• Patterned panels to draw attention away from blind edges
• Floor-length curtains to create vertical lines that minimize width issues

This approach turns a mistake into a deliberate design choice. Plus, you get the benefits of both window treatments: the precise light control of blinds with the softness of curtains.

Visual Tricks for Making a Window Appear Larger with Blinds That Are Too Wide

Sometimes perception is everything. Use these designer tricks to make oversized blinds look intentional:

Mount higher: Install your blinds 4-6 inches above the window frame. This draws the eye upward and makes windows appear taller, balancing out extra width.

Embrace the overlap: Paint the wall area covered by your blinds the same color as the blinds themselves. This creates a seamless look that appears planned.

Add architectural details: Install decorative molding around your window that accommodates the blind width. Crown molding or picture frame molding turns oversized blinds into a focal point.

Create symmetry: If one window has oversized blinds, consider mounting all blinds in that room at the same width. Consistency looks intentional.

Where to Find Professional Blind Cutting Services Near Me?

Looking for professional cutting services? Look no further than custom blind manufacturers like us.

Here at Blindsgalore, we don’t just cut blinds. We craft them specifically for your windows. Our process eliminates cutting altogether by building your blinds to the exact dimensions you need. With free shipping across the continental U.S., custom shades ship in as little as 5-7 business days.

Local hardware stores might offer cutting services, but consider the risks:

• No warranty protection
• Potential for uneven cuts
• Limited expertise with different blind types
• No recourse if something goes wrong

Our design experts are available at (877) 702-5463 to help you find the perfect custom solution. We’ve been the online custom blind pioneers since 1998, and we know how to get it right the first time.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Blind Cutting vs. Custom Blinds

Let’s talk about real value, not just price tags.

DIY Cutting Costs:

• Your time and safety (priceless)
• Specialized tools you’ll use once
• High risk of ruining your blinds
• Zero warranty protection
• Potential medical bills (those edges are sharp!)

Professional Cutting:

• Service fees vary by location
• Still voids manufacturer warranty
• No guarantee of quality
• Limited to basic blind types

Custom Blinds from Blindsgalore:

• Perfect fit guaranteed
• Free 3-year warranty
• Free samples to ensure you love your choice
• Expert guidance throughout the process
• Safe, professional results every time

We offer solutions for every budget. Our custom blinds aren’t luxury items. They’re smart investments in your home’s comfort and style.

Can Roller Blinds Be Easily Cut Down in Width?

Roller shades might seem simple to cut, but appearances deceive.

The roller tube contains spring mechanisms or motors that must be perfectly balanced. Cut one end, and you’ve destroyed this balance. The fabric also requires professional cutting and sealing to prevent fraying. Those clean edges on quality roller shades? They’re heat-sealed or specially finished, not just cut with scissors.

Motorized roller shades add another layer of complexity. The motor, battery, and control systems are precisely calibrated for the blind’s weight and width. How to cut blinds that are too wide becomes “how to destroy expensive motorized systems” when you’re dealing with these sophisticated products.

Cutting Down Wood or Faux Wood Blinds That Are Too Wide

Wood and faux wood blinds might seem sturdy enough to withstand DIY modification. They’re not.

Real wood blinds splinter and crack without proper cutting equipment. The bottom rail contains crucial hardware for cord routing that’s nearly impossible to reassemble correctly. Faux wood blinds fare slightly better but still risk chipping, cracking, and permanent damage.

The headrail houses delicate tilting mechanisms. One wrong cut damages these mechanisms beyond repair. Even if you manage clean cuts, you’ll need to:

• Refinish cut edges to prevent moisture damage
• Restring the entire blind
• Somehow reattach end caps that no longer fit
• Deal with warranty voiding

Why risk it? Our wood and faux wood blinds come in hundreds of sizes, perfectly crafted for your windows.

What Are the Potential Risks of Cutting Down Blinds at Home?

Let’s be frank about the dangers:

• Personal injury: Sharp tools, metal edges, and splintering materials create real hazards. Emergency room visits cost more than custom blinds.
• Product destruction: One slip ruins everything. Internal mechanisms, once damaged, can’t be repaired.
• Toxic exposure: Some older blinds contain lead or other harmful materials that become airborne when cut.
• Warranty voiding: Every manufacturer voids coverage for modified products.
• Poor results: Uneven cuts, frayed edges, and malfunctioning blinds frustrate more than wrong-sized ones.
• Hidden damage: Cutting can weaken structural integrity, leading to sudden blind failure weeks or months later.

Your safety matters more than saving a few dollars. We’ve built our family business on helping customers get perfect-fitting blinds without these risks.

How to Maintain Blinds That Have Been Adjusted for Width?

If you’ve already modified your blinds (we hope not!), maintenance becomes critical:

• Check cut edges monthly: Look for sharp points, cracks, or splinters. Sand or cover dangerous edges immediately.
• Inspect mounting regularly: Modified blinds may stress brackets differently. Tighten screws and check for wall damage.
• Clean carefully: Avoid snagging clothes on rough edges. Use vacuum attachments designed for blinds.
• Monitor operation: Watch for binding, uneven lifting, or unusual noises. These signal developing problems.
• Document everything: Take photos of any issues. You’ll need evidence if problems worsen.

Better yet, take advantage of our free exchange policy and get properly sized blinds. Your future self will thank you.

The Smart Solution: Custom Blinds from Blindsgalore

After 25 years in business, we’ve seen every possible blind problem. Blinds too wide for window issues disappear when you start with custom manufacturing.

Our process is simple:

1. Order up to 15 free samples
2. Measure your windows (we’ll guide you)
3. Customize your perfect blinds online
4. Receive expertly crafted blinds that fit perfectly
5. Install easily with our included instructions

No cutting. No risk. No stress.

Whether you need cellular shades for energy efficiency, Roman shades for elegance, or motorized options for convenience, we craft each one specifically for you.

Ready to skip the hassle and get blinds that fit perfectly from day one? Call our design experts at (877) 702-5463 or explore our full collection online. Your windows deserve blinds made just for them.

Frequently Asked Questions