Is it OK if blinds are too long?

Author: Cindy Streich  |  Last update: Thursday, October 9, 2025

Is it okay if blinds are too long? Yes, it is okay for blinds to be too long, but they mustn't be too long.

What happens if blinds are too long?

Blinds that are larger than necessary will make an unsightly, impenetrable pile of unnecessary slats at the bottom of the window. Not only does that look bad, but it's also a potential fire hazard. Not to mention, more slats mean more weight. That's going to put extra strain on them every time you lift and lower.

Is it OK for blinds to be longer than window?

In case of both the vertical and horizontal blinds, it is usually preferable to keep the window treatment longer than the window. And keeping the window shades longer may not be enough: it may still lead to the seepage of light and air. So, you also need to make them wider than the window.

Do blinds have to be the exact length?

Blinds are supposed to fit the window exactly if hung inside of the recess – so you would measure up the inside of the recess and order a blind that will cover the entire window side to side with the smallest possible gap at the edges – we will make 1cm or so allowance (depending on the type of blind), to ensure that ...

Does it matter how long your blinds are?

Ideal Length for Exact-Fit Blinds

Measure from one side of the window to the other and then add 50mm to each side. This makes the blind wider and longer than the window, which helps you ensure the window is covered, reducing the chance of sunlight leaking through around the edges.

Is it OK if blinds are too long?

How far should blinds extend past window?

For optimum light control, the blinds should extend 1-1/2 inches beyond the window opening on each side. Measure the height to the nearest 1/8 of an inch between the highest and lowest points where you'll place the blinds.

Does it matter if day and night blinds are too long?

No, it doesn't matter if the fabric of a roller blind is too long, or more to the point, longer than the minimum length it needs to be. This causes no functional issues and isn't visible, as the additional length remains rolled up around the tube at the top.

How much gap should be on each side of blinds?

Add an overlap of 3” on each side of the window (6” total) to allow for more privacy and light blockage. Please note: Factory Deductions: Inside mounted products have a light gap between 1/8” and 1/4” on either side of the window – this gap is required in order for the product to operate properly.

Should blinds touch the window sill?

Privacy: Blinds that touch the sill can improve privacy, especially in spaces like bathrooms or ground-floor rooms. Day and Night Blinds and Roman Blinds benefit from this setup as they prevent gaps through which people can see. Temperature Control: In colder months, blinds that touch the sill can help retain heat.

How much does Home Depot charge to cut blinds?

Our associates can cut your in-store bought blinds to the exact size needed, for free.

Why you shouldn't close your blinds during the day?

Sunshine in your home can help kill bacteria that live in the air, and spending time outside can help reduce respiratory issues. Science Daily published an article that suggests closing blinds during the day can suppress melatonin production and increase respiratory diseases.

How much should blinds overhang?

For horizontal blinds, we recommend a minimum of ¾ inch overlap on each side, for a total of 1.5 inches of overlap. For vertical blinds, you will want even more overlap: 1.5 inches on either side, for a total of 3 inches.

What to do if blinds are not long enough?

Mounting Window Blinds That Are Too Short

A few options to cover this gap is by adding a larger custom valance, a cornice, or drapery above the blinds. If you are handy you could even mount wooden valance boards at the top and paint or stain them to match the horizontal blinds.

What do I do if my vertical blinds are too long?

Even though it may take longer, we recommend cutting the slats one by one to make them the same. You can only shorten vertical blinds from the top of the slat, because you need to use the folded pockets for the bottom weights, which keep the blind in place.

What is the average lifespan of blinds?

So what's the average lifespan of blinds? Blinds, like shades, need to be replaced every few years. Often, you'll see signs of wear and tear on your window treatments that are a good indication they need to be replaced. We recommend replacing them every 6-8 years to ensure proper safety and ease of use.

Does it matter if Roman blinds are too long?

While there are not any official weight and size constraints, this is a point where much thought should be given. We therefore, recommend that the maximum size of a roman shade be 72” wide x 72” in length or a combination that equates to a similar square footage.

How much longer should blinds be than windows?

Measure both the width of the window and the height of the window. Consider adding an extra 3 inches to the width and height for optimum light control and privacy. Extending the blinds outside the window will also provide the space needed for the mounts and help the window appear larger than it actually is.

Should blinds be flush with windows?

Inside mount blinds are typically flush with the window's opening and don't cover the window trim. On the other hand, outside mount blinds and shades get installed outside the window frame.

Should you close your blinds up or down at night?

When nighttime hits, placing your blind's slats in the down position is best.

Do blinds have to fit exactly?

Measure your window's height at three points, the left, the center, and the right. For the blinds' length, always go with the longest measurement. Depth: Depending on the type of blind you're installing, you might need to measure the window's depth as well to ensure the headrail and the slats fit inside the frame.

How do you fix a gap between blinds?

Although light gaps may be inevitable, there are many options to reduce them or remove them.
  1. Install light blocking strips or liners. Light blocking strips or liners can be installed to cover the light gap. ...
  2. Install outside mounted blinds instead of inside mounted blinds. ...
  3. Use other window treatments.

Is it bad if blinds are too long?

Yes, it is okay for blinds to be too long, but they mustn't be too long. Vertical blinds should ideally overlap the top of your window recess by at least an inch. And, if you do find your blinds are still too long and overlap at the bottom, you can still make slight changes to them afterward.

Why you should stop closing your blinds during the day?

The big argument in favour of keeping your blinds open is that it's healthier. According to a report in Science Daily in 2018, letting extra sunlight into a room kills bacteria in the dust. In tests conducted at the University Of Oregon, researchers discovered that bacteria prefer dark rooms.

What is the standard length of blinds?

There are endless varieties of window treatments to suit any style. So, the first step to creating functional, appealing window treatments is to take measurements. The standard window length ranges from 36 to 72 inches and the standard width ranges from 24 to 60 inches.

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