Vertical blinds can open to stack on the left, on the right, in the middle, or split in the middle to stack evenly on both sides. If you want to change your vertical blind to a different draw type, hire a professional or purchase a new headrail that operates how you prefer.
Standard vertical blinds draw or open to one side. Split stack vertical blinds open from the center and open to each side leaving a stack of vertical blinds on each side. With vertical blinds, the stack side is usually on the opposite side of the window from the door opening or window opening.
The more your vertical blind overlaps your window recess, the more light you eliminate. Measure the height from where you want the top of the headrail to start, and the bottom bar to finish. This is your drop measurement. We recommend your vertical blind overlaps the top of your window recess by at least 7cm.
In the window covering world, we call these “light gaps.” These gaps exist because blinds and shades can't be made to fit perfectly tight to the sides of the window. Without this gap, the fabric or slats would scrape along the window frame when they raise and lower, causing damage.
The runner may have become blocked. This often happens with dust and debris buildup, so look up and check to make sure the blinds can move properly along the runner. You'll also want to check the runner itself. A frayed section leads to the pulley getting caught, which prevents it from sliding open and closed.
We recommend adding between 3” to 6” to your width measurement. Also add 2 ½” to your height measurement to allow enough room for the mounting brackets above the opening. Our suggested floor clearance is ½” to 1”. At least 2” of flat space is required to outside mount verticals.
For the best results allow your blind to overlap the edges of the recess by at least 35mm on each side - ensuring that you have enough space to accommodate the suggested overlap.
Shortening vertical blinds can be done quite simply by cutting them with sharp scissors and gluing the pocket back together at your desired length. This guide will give the details in full on how to shorten vertical blinds properly. Shortening vertical blinds is far from being a tricky endeavour.
All blinds over 48” wide require the use of center support brackets - be sure to mount support bracket(s) in position(s) that will not interfere with the lift mechanisms. Important Note: Always use at least two screws per bracket to ensure a strong, secure mount. All blinds require two mounting brackets (included).
Often blinds larger than 48 inches need a center support bracket. Some larger horizontal blinds, usually blinds more than 48 inches wide, are prone to sagging over a long period of time. This can be prevented by installing a center support bracket to hold the blinds in the middle.
Inside a recess, venetian, roller and roman blinds will need clearance space either side to ensure the sides don't drag on the wall during extension, therefore the overall width should be reduced by 1cm.
Since their heyday in the '80s, vertical blinds may have faded from view a little, but have never truly gone out of fashion. And they are now enjoying a resurgence in popularity, although, thankfully, we've moved on from the bright, gaudy styles (hello mirrored gold vinyl) that were considered trendy back in the '80s.
For Roller Shades, Solar Shades, Sheer Shades, or Vertical Blinds choose the shortest height. For all other styles, use the longest height.
Width is typically the most important figure. Generally, inside-mounted blinds should be about 1/4- to 3/8-inch smaller than your narrowest width measurement. Length is a bit different. If you don't want your blinds to rest on your window sill, make sure they're ¼-inch smaller than the length of the window frame.
Vertical blinds tend to take up a lot of physical space (comparatively to other types of blinds, that is) and also visual real estate; but if you're working with a wide window in a low room, the fact that they're vertical can give the impression of greater height, and make the room feel less cramped or low-ceilinged.
The standard gap between multiple blinds on a common headrail is about 1/2 inch. This cannot be adjusted, however you may be able to mount 2 separate blinds at the distance you need and then add a custom valance that will cover both blinds.
Installing spacer blocks adds thickness behind your window treatment, pushing the blind out and away from the mounting surface to allow for smooth operation of the window treatment when there is an obstruction, such as in instances where the blind is being mounted on the wall above molding.
Privacy: When the vanes of vertical blinds are open 90 degrees, you can see outdoors and the outdoors can see in. For privacy, angle the vanes of these blinds at about 45 degrees or less, so if you are on one side of the blinds, you won't be seen.
First, make sure to fully tilt the vanes to the open position before trying to draw them across the window. When it's hard to open the blinds, it may indicate that the cord is frayed or wearing. Follow the entire path of string and inspect it for wear. If necessary, replace the cord.