How to lengthen curtains: we will go a different way, more practical

Width calculation

The dimensions of the curtains depend on the size of the window and the shape of the sashes. The length of the rolled web is not so important when choosing, because it is standard and adjustable. The standard height of the curtain is 180 cm, the width of the curtains is from a minimum of 25 cm to a maximum of 300 cm. The measurement is always made according to the width indicated on the packaging, taking into account the shaft.

For standard windows, you can select ready-made curtains with instructions and a specified mounting location, but for atypical windows or irregularly shaped windows, you must select the width of the curtain yourself or make an individual order.

To correctly measure a plastic or wooden window for installing curtains you need:

1. Measure the width and length of the glass to determine the minimum required roller blind size.
2. Calculate the depth of the glazing bead (the parts between the glass and the window door). If the glazing bead depth is 1.5 cm or less, the “Mini” roller blind system is suitable. If the size is larger, then the Uni system is suitable.

Rolled fabric, which is attached directly to the sash, shades the room well and when rolled up goes unnoticed.

How to reduce in height (length) or width?

Before the procedure, you need to prepare the necessary tools, which depend on the type of curtains and the direction of fitting:

The easiest way is to reduce the length of horizontal blinds when the width matches the window parameters. It is enough to disassemble the structure from below in a certain order, remove the excess slats, and then fix the bottom bar again (read about how to make and install horizontal blinds here).

If you choose horizontal blinds, then preference should be given to matching the width rather than the length, since shortening a curtain of this type is easier than trimming metal or wooden slats.

• In the case of vertical curtains, you need to try to guess the length (read more about how to assemble and hang vertical blinds here). It is easier to eliminate several side elements than to cut all the slats in height. In roller blinds, shortening is allowed in different directions, but the work is a little more complicated, since some materials require processing of the edges of the fabric. Most often, overlocking or sewing a thin finishing tape is used (you can learn more about the types, installation methods and cleaning of roller blinds here).

Horizontal

Despite significant visual differences, horizontal blinds have similar components to vertical ones:

• lifting mechanism;
• rotary handle;
• lamellas or panels;
• cord for moving curtains vertically;
• common cornice;
• mounting brackets.

The material of the slats is wood, plastic or aluminum. Shortening the height of horizontal blinds is done with scissors and a lighter or matches. This is required to cut the cord and threads of the ladder, burning their ends to maintain integrity. The soldered ends are easier to thread through the holes in the slats.

Instructions for shortening horizontal curtains:

1. Measure the length of the blinds and mark it on the wall. You can use masking tape or other materials that are harmless for finishing and stick to the surface.
2. There are a pair of plastic plugs on the bottom of the final curtain strip. They need to be removed, pulled out a little from the structure so that the control thread can be cut. Here, after this operation, you need to burn the ends of the artificial cords so that they do not unravel.
3. To remove the interfering slats, you must first remove the control cord 1 slat higher from the mark on the wall. Then cut off from 1 to the last “extra” planks after the gap formed. There will be approximately 2 flights of stairs left.
4. The bottom strip with the adjacent lamella is removed and threaded into the empty space left in the main structure.
5. The control cord is passed through all the holes of these slats and strips in the reverse order. Plastic clips are again put on the ends of the cord, which are attached to the recesses on the bar. But before that you need to tuck the protruding ends of the rope ladder.

MINI system

To calculate the width of the Mini roll sheet for installation on the sash you need:

• Measure the width and height of the glass in mm. Add 40 mm to the resulting width and 120 mm to the height.
• decide on the location of the mechanism for lifting the rolled web, the best option is on the side.
• choose a mounting method, it can be adhesive tape, screws, or a bracket.

The standard width of the roll sheet for mounting on the sash is 9 centimeters greater than the width of the glass. “Mini” curtains are fixed to the sash without drilling, but with the help of plastic fastening, Velcro, and staples.

Preparing for work

First of all, you need to find a kit for repairing roller blinds in stores or at the construction market. This includes:

Brackets with three types of fastenings - with tape, with staples, with self-tapping screws

Chain control mechanism

Chain

Line for guides

Decorative plugs

For this kit you need to purchase:

• thin-walled aluminum tube with an internal diameter of 17 mm and a length of 2 meters or a white PVC water pipe with an internal diameter of 17 mm and a length of 2 meters;
• two end plastic plugs that fit tightly into the tube or are put on from the outside;
• a hacksaw for metal with a blade for sawing off the tube to the desired size;
• flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers;
• screws for fastening 2.5x10 or 2.5x13 with a cross groove;
• narrow double-sided tape 2 meters long;
• any thick fabric you like or a tube of wallpaper with a width equal to the width of the window or window sash;
• tape measure 3 meters;
• a simple pencil;
• stationery knife with a retractable blade 13 mm wide;
• a strip of fine-grit sandpaper to clean the edges of the aluminum tube.

These items are enough to assemble one roller blind.

Installation of roller blinds

Guide to choosing and installing roller blinds on plastic windows

Instructions

More details

Repair of roller blinds

How to repair roller blinds yourself?

Instructions

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How to remove roller blinds

How to remove roller blinds from a window, depending on the method of their fastening

Instructions

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How to assemble and install roller blinds

Step-by-step algorithm of actions with installation rules

Instructions

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Types of roller blinds

Rules for choosing roller blinds, taking into account type, color, size

Instructions

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UNI system

The Uni system fits into any interior. The roll is hidden in a box; it can be mounted at any level, on the sash or on top of the window opening. Mounted with self-tapping screws.

To calculate the width of roller blinds for installation over an opening you need:

• measure the external dimensions of length and width, using these data, taking into account the dimensions of the guide roller blinds, select a model.
• the height is equal to the sum of the external size of the window and the height of the box 7 centimeters (UNI 2).

The standard width for mounting on a wall above a window opening is 10 centimeters greater than the width of the window opening, so that the panel is lightproof.

Roller blind measurement, UNI 1 system

Roller blind measurement, UNI 2 system

Reducing the length of horizontal products

Before shortening horizontal blinds, measure the parameters of the new opening several times. It is important to avoid mistakes in this process, since increasing the parameters of the canvas will be difficult, and in some cases impossible.

If you need to reduce the height of the canvas, follow these steps:

1. Move the product to the “Open” position. Release the retaining cord at the level of the lowest strip. It can be untied or simply cut off.
2. Pull the rope out to the level by which you need to reduce the height of the canvas.
3. Remove all excess blind strips from the structure. When the canvas is adjusted to the required height, secure the cord under the lower lamella. Do this work very carefully, since in the process of removing the strips you can move the strips you need. To return them to their original position, you will have to tinker.

This completes the reduction in the length of the blinds. To prevent the cord from fraying during use, treat its edges with the flame of a lighter.

Table of minimum and maximum sizes

Method No. 5

When using transverse inserts for lengthening, it should be taken into account that this method is the most painstaking, and thus making roller blinds will be very difficult. You will need to prepare for a complete redo of the curtains. The curtains are cut in the place where the insert is planned to be used. Curtains with insert material not just in the center of the canvas, but slightly to the left or right, can look very stylish. The insert usually uses a material that has a contrasting color, but which will be as close as possible in style, texture and type. It can be linen, cotton, organza, etc. To ensure that the hemmed inserts do not have a too detached look, it is recommended to sew special tiebacks for curtains or any other decorative elements using the same material. Products can be completed by making edging from a similar material.

The inserts may not be transverse; if you like, they can also have an oblique appearance. In practical terms, increasing the length of the curtain is done with the utmost care so that the finished product does not resemble a cheap craft.

How to cut the width of a curtain (photo instructions)

You can handle the task of cutting the width of the curtain yourself and without special tools. To take all measurements you need to use a length ruler or construction tape.

You can shorten the width of the roll as follows:

1. Cut off the shaft. To do this, subtract the thickness of the bracket from the width of the roll. Measure the required length of the shaft, cut off the excess and install a special plug on it.

2. Lay out the curtain and mark the desired width using a rail.
3. Cut the fabric with a knife.

4. To install the material on the shaft, you need to remove the film from the self-adhesive strip of the shaft. Make sure that the roller blind is wound onto the shaft from the side of the window opening. Check where the curtain lift mechanism will be located. The curtain must be fixed on the shaft strictly in a horizontal direction to avoid distortions. Bend 5 centimeters from the top of the roll to form a fold. Attach the shaft into the fold with the self-adhesive side up.
5. Roll the shaft to the top of the canvas, wrap the roller blind, leaving ¼ of the free edge, and fix the bottom rail.

6. Installation on the bracket has the following sequence: first the edge with the mechanism is inserted, then the other.
   Read also:  Decoupage of a cabinet in Provence style: the first step to the charm of coziness

It is not difficult to initially correctly measure the width based on the mounting location on the window if you initially select a curtain system model and take measurements from the window opening or sash. But if there is a need to trim the width of the roller blinds, then you can do it yourself.

The size doesn't fit. How to trim a roller blind with your own hands?

If you just can’t find roller blinds of suitable dimensions and don’t want to contact a specialist for custom tailoring, since it is very expensive, then you can solve this problem on your own by cutting roller blinds to the required size.

How to shorten the length

Most often, adjusting the length of roller blinds is not required, since it is enough to simply not unwind the entire length of the canvas. But if you are a perfectionist and it is extremely important for you that the roller blind is the right size, then follow the following instructions:

1. Hang the curtains, lower the fabric, wait until it is completely straightened and lies neatly, then take measurements.
2. Mark where you want to cut the fabric.
3. Remove the roller blinds and spread them on a horizontal surface.
4. Remove the weight from the bottom edge.
5. Add an allowance of 40-50 mm to the measured length to create a new “pocket” for the weighting material.
6. Trim the fabric.
7. Place fabric at the bottom of the curtain and sew a “pocket” for the weighting agent, insert it.
8. Hang the curtain on the window.

If the length of the “excess” fabric is not too long, then you can do without trimming. It is enough to make a double fold of the fabric, with which you can hide up to 30 cm of fabric. This option for shortening roller blinds is much simpler and faster.

How to cut a roller blind to width

Trimming roller blinds to width is more difficult and requires more care. Preliminary preparation and measurements are carried out similarly to the scheme described above. After all the measurements have been taken and the fabric has been marked, you can begin adjusting the fabric to the required dimensions. The work flow is as follows:

1. Lay out the curtains on a flat surface, disassemble them into components (take out the shaft and weighting material) and unfold the fabric.
2. Cut the shaft to the required width. Keep in mind that its width should be 8-10 mm greater than the width of the canvas. It is better to cut with a hacksaw. After trimming the edges, be sure to sandpaper or file so that there are no jagged edges that could catch the fabric.
3. Cut the weighting material (it should be 10-15 mm narrower than the roller blinds).
4. Assemble the curtain back into a single structure and hang it on the window.

Extend the curtains from the bottom:

Rip out the bottom allowance

Sometimes, if only a few centimeters are missing, we can use the simplest option: rip and iron the bottom hem allowance. In this case, the edge of the curtain must be processed in another way: with a decorative overcast stitch, edging (to match or choose a contrasting combination), or facing.

An additional piece of fabric can simply be inserted at the bottom of the curtains

We add ruffles

This method is suitable if your room is decorated in a romantic style: Provence or shabby chic. Ruffles are also appropriate in country style.

A spectacular gathering along the bottom edge of the curtains, lovingly done with your own hands, will not only add length, but also make the interior more elegant.

Simple and bright - dynamic flounces at the bottom of the curtains

Just remember the same rule: the fabric for ruffles must be consistent with the main material in texture and color combination. If a contrasting option is chosen, it is better to complement the frill with the same element at the top of the curtains. Then the elegant extension will look harmonious and not deliberate.

Adding decor

The missing centimeters can be added from below using a variety of decorative elements. For example, sew on a fringe or ribbon made of pendants that suits the style. Window decoration looks beautiful, complemented by pendants made of beads, crystals, rhinestones, and stones. By the way, such pendants can be assembled with your own hands. Provided that you have suitable beads or stones in your handicraft bins. Well, of course, it is necessary to take into account that this process is painstaking, requiring perseverance, attention, accuracy and patience. But the result will please you! Such elements will not only increase the height of the curtains, but will also significantly transform the interior as a whole.

Short curtains up to the windowsill can also be lengthened with beautiful decor.

Decorating curtains can be an expensive proposition

Let's look at other possibilities to lengthen the curtains.

How to choose fabric

Fabric for roller blinds should be:

• dust-repellent;
• moisture-repellent;
• antibacterial;
• opaque (or reflective).

Roller blinds - “store-bought” option

The fabric acquires these qualities after using a special impregnation.

Advice. By choosing a fabric with cross stripes, you will visually increase the width of the wall, and the vertical pattern will make your ceilings higher.

The color and pattern on the fabric should be selected to match the interior of the room. You can use a plain fabric that contrasts in color with the wallpaper in the room, then the roller blind will serve as an interesting color accent. By choosing a translucent fabric with ruffles, you will create the illusion of stained glass windows.

Advice. If the windows face south, then cold-colored curtains (blue, green, purple) will help create a cool environment. Northern rooms will be warmer with orange, red and yellow shades of roller blinds.

If you have not yet decided on the choice of roller blinds for your home, our website will always help you out. After looking through the photos of various options for roller blinds, you are sure to find something of your own.

Which fabric to choose

The best fabric for any lifting curtains, including roller blinds, is polyester. This material has a special impregnation that protects against water, dust and dirt. Polyester curtains do not have to be completely removed and washed for minor stains; simply treating stains with a damp cloth is sufficient. Although polyester has such positive qualities, this does not mean that other fabrics are not suitable for roller blinds. You can use thick cotton, linen, cambric, and even burlap.

The color and pattern on the fabric should correspond to the main idea of ​​the interior. Horizontal stripes widen the window opening, but can significantly lower the ceilings. It is better for bright floral designs to be small, because a large, splashy pattern can unfavorably focus attention on a modest window. If the room is exposed to too much daylight during the day, you can hang roller blinds made of thick fabric in dark shades. White and beige fabrics make the room bright and cheerful, and allow the sun's rays to pass through well.