How to Cut Bamboo Shades

Bamboo shades may be too wide for the window and can be cut to size.

Bamboo shades are wood window blinds connected to a headrail piece. When mounted they cover the window opening; however, if the window is narrow the shades may appear to overlap and cover the surrounding wall. You can cut a few inches off the end of the shades and headrail to get a better fit over the window. You can do this yourself at home without any special skills or tools.

Things You'll Need

• Painter's tape
• Measuring tape
• Thick pencil
• Sharp handsaw

Instructions

1. Place the blinds including the attached wood headrail on a flat surface.

2. Begin rolling up the blinds tightly around the headrail until completely rolled up.

3. Cover the edges with painter's tape to reduce the risk of splintering and cracking.

4. Wrap a long piece of painter's tape tightly around the center of the rolled-up blinds to keep them rolled up.

5. Measure the amount of wood length of the bamboo shade blinds you want to cut off. Measure the entire length of the blinds from end to end with a measuring tape. Determine how many inches you want to take off. Remeasure from one end and use a thick pencil to make a mark at the desired cut-off length.

6. Firmly hold the end not being cut with your hand. Use the handsaw to make a clean cut on the pencil mark. Cut all the way through in a straight line until the end falls off. You will be cutting the headrail at the same time.

Tips & Warnings

• Double-check your measurements before cutting to ensure accuracy.

• Consider measuring the width of the window to get an idea of how much to cut off the blinds. For example if the window is 10 inches wide and the blinds are 15 inches and you want a 1/2-inch overlap on each side, you would cut 4 inches off the blinds.

• Use care when using the sharp saw.

References

• Blinds Chalet: Cutting Bamboo Shades to Size