Can You Alter Roman Blinds?

Roman blinds are one of the most popular blind options because they not only look stylish, they provide excellent coverage from sunlight, and privacy from prying neighbours. Roman blinds, like all types of blinds, come in multiple sizes and widths, but some windows simply do not conform to standard sizing.

 If you’re finding it near impossible to find the style of Roman blind you desire in the size you need to fit your window, you’ve likely contemplated whether or not it’s possible to alter a large blind to suit your requirements. The short answer is yes, it is possible to alter Roman blinds, and the good news is, it’s not as complex as you might think.

You will need:

•       Tape measure
•       Pencil
•       Hand saw
•       Needle and thread/sewing machine

1. Measure the window and the blind

The first step to altering your Roman blind is to remove it from the window and lay it on a flat surface. You’ll then want to use a tape measure to measure the window. Make sure you measure it at several points as measurements may vary – particularly in old houses.

You’ll then need to measure how long you want to blind to be. Again, take several measurements for accuracy.

2. Mark out the difference

Once you have your measurements, you’ll need to mark out the difference on your blind. If your window is 100cm wide, and your blind is 130cm wide, you’ll need to remove around 32cm from your blind (you don’t want it scraping on the walls as it rolls up and down).

In this instance, you can choose to remove 16cm from either side, or you can tackle just one side. We’d recommend doing both sides for a more even finish. Mark out the difference with a pencil on the headrail and along the fabric.

3. Cut the headrail

When you’re sure of where you need to cut, you need to use a hand saw to cut the headrail. If your blind has a bar along the bottom, remove this from the fabric and cut it too. Take care not to cut the strings (if your blind has them) – simply push them away.

4. Trim the fabric

The next step is to trim the fabric. You can put it with scissors and hem the edges for a neat finish using a sewing machine, or you can do it by hand. If your blind is too long, make sure to trim the bottom of it, ensuring there is space for the rail to go in where necessary.

5. Fit the blind

When your blind is hemmed and the edges are smooth, you can re-install it. It should now fit better than before.

 Our Blinds Are Tailor-made to your Specifications

We hope you’ve found this guide on altering Roman blinds helpful. At Concorde Blinds, our blinds are tailor-made to suit your requirements – so no need for tricky alterations. Browse our range of blinds, or call now for a quote on 01234 841535 .