Blinds going though sewing machine after being cut to size.

Can You Alter Roman Blinds? A Guide To Customising Your Window Treatments

Transforming your Roman blinds can be a game-changer for your window decor and it’s simple with our handy guide. In just a few steps you can customise your window treatments to perfectly suit your style and window dimensions.

Roman blinds are one of the most popular blind options because they not only have an elegant and timeless appeal, but 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.

Altering Roman Blinds

If you’re finding it 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 not so straightforward and a certain level of sewing skills is required, however, it can be done. In this guide, we will explore the ways you can customise and alter Roman blinds to suit your unique style and window requirements.

Altering Roman Blinds

How To Alter Your Roman Blinds

You will need: 

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

 

Adjusting the Width

One of the most common alterations for Roman blinds is adjusting the width to ensure they fit your window perfectly. If you have existing Roman blinds that are too wide, you can trim them down to size. Here’s how:

Measure your window

Measure your window’s width accurately. Measure the width of the inside of the window recess at three points: top, middle, and bottom. Record the narrowest width measurement. Make sure you measure it at several points as measurements may vary.

Prepare your blind

Remove the blind from the brackets and cords, then lay it on a clean, flat surface. Unfold the blind and ensure it’s completely flat, ready for cutting. Any folds in the blind now will lead to an uneven edge when you cut it

Work out your size

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 your measurements

Mark out the difference with a pencil on the headrail and along the fabric. Mark the desired width of your blind using a ruler to keep a straight edge.

Altering Blinds

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 that run through the back of the blind; simply move them out of the way.

Cut and finish the fabric

Use sharp fabric scissors to trim the excess fabric. Make sure your scissors are super sharp for a really clean edge. You then need to hem the edges for a neat finish and to reattach to the lining using a sewing machine, or you can do it by hand. 

Rehang your blinds

Reattach the blind to the brackets, making sure it’s centred and level. 

Altering blinds

Our Roman Blinds Are Tailor-Made To Your Specifications

At Concorde Blinds, our blinds are tailor-made to suit your requirements, so no need for tricky alterations. Not only do we manufacture many of the products at our dedicated factory, ensuring the highest quality every time, our professional and friendly fitting team are employed directly by us so have comprehensive knowledge of installing all our products perfectly for you.

Browse our range of Roman blinds, or call now for a quote on 01234 841535. Or alternatively, our friendly showroom in Kempston is the perfect place to pop in to see our range and discuss the perfect solution for your windows. We’d love to use our expert knowledge to help you find the perfect blinds for your home. 

Blind altering