How to Take Down Blinds the Easy Way

What goes up must come down. Whether it’s time for cleaning, replacement, or a much-needed upgrade, your blinds and shades will eventually have to come off the wall. When the time comes, you’ll need to know how to remove blinds to save effort and prevent damage. Here’s how to avoid any hassle.

For exact instructions on how to remove your blind or shade, please refer to your owners guide which can be found on our install page.

Figure Out What Type of Blinds You Have

Rule number 1 is to save your muscles for the gym. Don’t just rip your blinds off the wall! Take your time.

Your first step is to identify the type of blinds you’re dealing with. Are they Wood Blinds? Faux Wood Blinds? Roman Shades? Venetian Blinds? Verticals? Each one will require a slightly different approach.

 

 

Prepare Your Tools

Next step is to gather all of the tools you’ll need. Also, prepare your work area before attempting to remove any blinds. Some combination of the following may be required:

• A flathead screwdriver that can be used to pry the headrail free from the mounting brackets
• A ladder or stepstool to access your blinds if they are installed on a high window.
• An electric drill or Phillips head screwdriver to remove the mounting brackets from the wall.
• Protective eyewear to guard against dust/debris if you are working directly below a bracket.

I know it seems counterintuitive, but you may even want to clean your blinds before removing to prevent too much dust from flying around. Just a tip.

 

 

The Easiest Ways to Take Down Various Types of Blinds

Every type of blind or shade has distinct characteristics. However, for the most part, everything will involve some type of clip and bracket. The headrail of your blinds are clipped onto a mounting bracket which is attached to the wall or window recess. That much is nearly universal. Still, we recommend studying your product beforehand for a tailored approach. Adapt your removal technique accordingly.

Also, prioritize safety by wearing goggles and gloves. Use a secure ladder or step stool to avoid accidents. Haphazardly pulling or tugging on your blinds from the top of a wobbly ladder is a recipe for disaster. Trust us. Your personal safety is paramount.

General Tips for How to Remove Window Blinds

• Remove the decorative valance on the top of your blinds, if you have one.
• Use the tilt wand or pull cord to get the slats to lay flat.
• Inspect the headrail to find out how your blinds are clipped onto the brackets.
• Once you’ve removed the headrail, unscrew the brackets from the wall or window frame.

How to Take Down Mini Blinds

Not all mini blinds are built the same. Still, these tips should work for most of our products.

1. Bring the slats to a horizontal angle. Then, raise them until they are all gathered at the top.
2. Use a flathead screwdriver to open the two brackets at the ends of the headrail.
3. The headrail should slide easily out of the brackets, away from the window.
4. Use a Phillips head screwdriver or drill bit to unscrew the mounting brackets.

How to Remove Horizontal Blinds from Brackets (Standard & Box Style)

When learning how to remove horizontal blinds from brackets, you must first identify if you have “Box Brackets” or “Spring Loaded” brackets.

Method 1: Standard Box Brackets (Visible Metal Squares) This is common for older mini blinds and wood blinds.

1. Locate the Locking Door: Look at the square brackets on the far left and right of the headrail. There is a hinged “door” on the front face.
2. Pop the Latch: Insert a flathead screwdriver under the lip of the door and gently pry it open. It should swing up or out.
3. Slide and Remove: Once the doors are open on both sides, the blind is unsecured. Grip the headrail firmly and slide it straight out toward you.

Method 2: Spring-Loaded Brackets (Invisible) If you are asking how to remove mini blinds from brackets but see no visible clips, they are likely spring-loaded.

1. Find the Grip: Grip the headrail with both hands near the bracket locations.
2. Roll and Release: Rotate the bottom of the headrail toward the window glass while pulling the bottom edge up. This rolling motion disengages the spring hook.

How to Take Down Vertical Blinds

These sliding door staples look trickier than they are, here are a few general removal tips.

1. Angle the slats so that you can see outside and unhook each hanging vane one-by-one.
2. Use a flathead screwdriver to unclip your headrail from the bracket. There may also be a separate screw that will allow you to remove the clip entirely.
3. You may have to unclip your headrail from each bracket individually. If you’re having trouble with your headrail, try to gently twist the back of the headrail away from the window.
4. Use a Phillips head screwdriver or drill bit to remove the mounting brackets from the wall.

How To Take Down Wood Blinds

Wood blinds require a delicate touch. Use caution to prevent damage. If you have faux wood blinds, they will afford you a bit more durability.

1. Remove the valance from the top of your blinds, if you have one.
2. Check the sides of the headrail for the brackets. Use a flathead screwdriver to pop them open, away from the window.
3. Slide the headrail out of the brackets and off of the window. We recommend raising your blinds first to prevent them from being too unwieldly.
4. Use a Phillips head screwdriver or drill bit to remove the mounting brackets from the wall.

How To Take Down Blinds with Hidden Brackets

Hidden brackets can be tricky, but understanding their mechanism is vital. Generally, these are concealed neatly behind your headrail and the clip/bracket system is combined into a spring-loaded mechanism.

1. Inspect the sides and back of your headrail to locate your brackets.
2. Use a flathead screwdriver to push on the spring-loaded clips to release.
3. While pushing on the spring, gently pull your headrail away from the wall. Generally this is easier to do one bracket at a time.
4. Remove the brackets from the window frame using a Phillips head screwdriver or drill bit.

Specific Brand Guide: How to Take Down Blindsgalore Blinds with Hidden Brackets

A common frustration for homeowners is figuring out how to take down Levolor blinds with hidden brackets. Unlike standard clips, Levolor often uses a “snap-in” concealed system that requires a specific motion to release tension.

The “Push-and-Tilt” Method:

1. Empty the Window: Raise the blind completely to the top so the slats are gathered in the headrail.
2. Locate the Release Tab: Feel along the top rear of the headrail (between the blind and the window glass). You are looking for a metal or plastic tab protruding slightly.
3. The Motion: Place your thumbs on the bottom front of the headrail and your fingers on the rear release tab.
4. Execute: Push the headrail UP (toward the ceiling) while simultaneously tilting the top of the headrail AWAY from the window (toward you).
5. Listen for the Click: You should hear a snap as the tension releases. Lower the front of the blind gently to remove it.

Finding the Best Replacement Blinds

Finding the perfect replacement blinds involves considering material, style, and functionality.
Learn more about window blinds here at Blindsgalore to discover how to select blinds that flawlessly complement your space. We can also help you find a suitable replacement for any of your old blinds.

You can also read our Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments for quick highlights of all of the blinds and shades we offer.

Removing blinds doesn’t have to be daunting. It’s actually quite easy. With the right tools, knowledge, and safety measures, you can get the job done effortlessly. Give yourself the opportunity to clean, replace, or redecorate. When in doubt, follow your installation instructions in reverse. You can do it!

 

 

Troubleshooting: What if the Blind is Stuck?

Sometimes, following the steps for how to remove blinds from brackets doesn’t work because the hardware is seized.

• Paint Lock: If the brackets were painted over, use a utility knife to score the dried paint around the edges of the bracket door. This breaks the seal.
• Stiff Springs: For hidden brackets, if the “push back” method fails, wrap a flathead screwdriver in a thin cloth (to protect the metal) and insert it between the headrail and the bracket clip to gently pry the tension loose.

Removing Blinds and Replacing Blinds FAQs