How to Alter Your Cellular Shade's Width
Cellular or honeycomb shades can reduce heat loss through single-glazed windows by as much as 49 percent, according to a study at the University of Wisconsin Extension. In comparison, closed drapes or Venetian blinds cut heat loss by only 4 to 6 percent. The cellular construction of the shades traps cold air and heats it slightly before releasing it into the room. It's important that shades fit the windows properly to maximize their thermal efficiency. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Measure the width of the window. If the shade will hang outside the window frame, the finished shade should be at least 2 inches wider than the frame, to allow for a 1-inch overhang on each side. If you want the blind to hang entirely inside the window frame, measure the exact width inside the frame and subtract 1/2 inch for clearance.
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2
Measure the width of the widest part of the blind, usually the lower rail. Subtract the desired finished width from the actual shade width to determine the amount to cut off. Divide this figure in two to determine the amount to cut off from each side. For example, if the shade measures 36 inches and you want the finished width to be 33 inches, you will be cutting off 3 inches in total, 1 1/2 inches from each side.
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3
Close the shade and stack it so the fabric edges are straight and the ends are square. Measure the amount to cut off from the edge on the first side and mark the point with pencil on the rail. Wrap the end of the blind with masking tape, ensuring the tape covers the pencil mark. Remeasure the amount to cut and make a pencil mark on the masking tape.
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Cut the first side through the masking tape with the miter saw. Go slowly, using little pressure, and cut in one continuous movement.
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Measure the second side of the blind and wrap it with masking tape. Mark the amount to cut on the masking tape, then hold the shade up to the window to check the width before making the final cut. Change the pencil mark if necessary.
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Cut the second side of the shade with the miter saw. Remove the masking tape and hang the shade.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not cut off the total amount from one side, or the shade will be unbalanced.
Ensure you do not cut into the shade's mechanism.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit window-blind image by Joanna Redesiuk from Fotolia.com
