How To Lower Blinds With Strings [Detailed Step-By-Step Guide]

Aside from adding a decorative accent to your window, blinds are used to control the amount of sunlight coming inside the room. They are also good for protecting your privacy. However, if you're puzzled about how to lower your blinds using strings, we've researched this topic to help you out.

To lower your blinds, slightly pull the string towards the center of the blinds at a 45-degree angle and let the blinds go down until they reach the level that you want. After rolling them down, you can secure the blinds in place by pulling the string slightly towards the opposite side. You can also do this method in multiple-stringed blinds if you want to lower your blinds.

We will get into further detail about how you can lower your blinds with strings. In addition, we will be discussing how you can fix stuck blinds and how you can fully shut the slats. Keep reading this post until the end to learn more about these topics. So, let's get right into it!

How To Lower Blinds With Strings [Detailed Guide With Step By Step]

Privacy, design, insulation; blinds have a lot to offer. That's why most homeowners prefer having blinds as a form of window treatment. Aside from its subtle effect, it is easy to pair with curtains, and it can stand out on its own!

There are several types of blinds that you can choose from depending on your preference, but one thing most of these blinds have in common is how they get pulled up and rolled down using strings. 

Don't be deceived by how blinds function. Although they can look tricky, operating them is actually simpler than you think--you just have to know how to properly open and close your blinds without breaking their mechanical components.

Blinds are easy to operate once you understand how their string works. Most blinds come with single, double, or triple strings that allow you to control the entire blinds. 

To lower your blinds, follow this simple guide.

1. Unlock The Blinds

The first thing you need to do to control the slats is to unlock the string attachment of your blinds. You can do this by pulling the strings to the center of the blinds at a 45-degree angle until you feel a slight tug on its headrail. This method should unlock the blinds.

2. Release The String

After unlocking the blinds, slowly loosen your grip on the string to let the blinds roll down. Do not entirely let go of the string nor pull it to the other side. It must remain at a 45-degree angle to the left so the blinds will not stop rolling down.

3. Lock The Slats In Place

Once the blinds are completely rolled down or if it reached the level you prefer, simply hold the string again and pull it towards the right at a 45-degree angle. This should secure the slats of the blinds in place.

See these window blinds on Amazon.

Blinds Don't Lower - What To Do?

Getting a window blind stuck can happen sometimes due to a failure in the mechanical part responsible for locking and unlocking the string. If your blinds don't lower even if you've followed the correct instructions on how to lower blinds, then it is likely due to a jammed string.

Don't worry! There are ways for you to quickly fix the issue without giving the professionals a ring. Here are ways you can release a jammed string.

1. Try To Release The Tension

Before you check the mechanical parts located in the headrail, you can try to release the tension on the string by turning it either clockwise or counterclockwise. This method can help lower the blinds all the way down. You can adjust the level of your blinds afterward.

2. Fully Open The Blinds

One of the reasons why you're unable to lower your blinds is that you're trying to adjust the slats while in the closed position. You have to fully open the blinds before pulling them up or down to avoid jamming the string.

3. Check The Lock Mechanism

If the first two methods failed, it is time to unscrew the headrail from the wall. Carefully remove the entire blinds and lay them carefully on a flat surface. 

Check the lock mechanism inside the headrail. This part of the blinds is responsible for letting you control the level of the slats. If the string is stuck in the lock mechanism, then you won't be able to lower the blinds to your desired level or roll them up.

You can use a flat screw to release the jammed string. Make sure that the string can move freely before you mount the headrail back to your wall. 

After putting the blinds back, try to pull the string and see if the slats will finally lower.

How To Close The Blinds Tighter

Aside from preventing light from coming inside the room, blinds are also used for privacy. You can lower your blinds and fully shut the slats to achieve the privacy that you want, but what if the blinds will not close tightly?

There are several possible reasons why your blinds will not close all the way. 

Something Is Preventing The Blinds From Closing

If your blinds fail to shut tightly, you can check if there are any obstructions hindering the slats from properly closing. Try to see if the strings are tangled with some of the slats--this may be the reason why the blinds are not fully closing.

Remove the obstructions and try to close the blinds all the way. Avoid pulling the strings too hard to avoid breaking the mechanical components of your blinds.

You can check each of the slats, the string holding it in place, and the string connecting the slats to the headrail. Make sure everything is free of obstructions before trying to shut the blinds again.

Broken Slats Need To Be Replaced

Slats can get damaged or break over time. If not replaced immediately, this can prevent your blinds from closing properly. Good thing you can individually replace the slats instead of throwing away the entire window blinds. 

You can examine your blinds to see if the stubborn slat is just twisted and needs to be straightened, or if it's entirely broken.

If you need to replace your slats, you can follow this simple guide. 

1. Undo the plugs at the bottom of the headrail.
2. Locate the lift cord and start untying it.
3. Remove the slats one by one until you reached the broken one.
4. Place each of the slats back including the new one.
5. Tie the knots to secure the slats in place.
6. Secure the lift cord by inserting the knot in the hole at the bottom of the headrail.
7. Check if the slats are evenly hanging. If not, adjust the string until the slats become even.
8. Test the blinds to make sure they can fully close.

Switch To Wooden Blinds

In case you've already checked whether the strings are tangled or you've finally replaced the broken slats yet your blinds still refused to close all the way, then perhaps it is time to upgrade your blinds.

Wooden slats offer better privacy than plastic and aluminum slats. Unlike the other types of blinds, blinds made of wood can be tightly shut and don't reveal shadows from the inside or outside of the room.

In addition, wooden blinds are easy to operate, require low maintenance, and are adaptable to almost every interior design due to their wooden style. Thus, switching to them instead of settling for stubborn aluminum or plastic slats would be a great choice.

In Closing

If cared for properly, blinds offer a lot of benefits aside from giving the room an additional style. Caring for your blinds means knowing how to operate them properly in order to avoid damaging their important parts. Remember to pull the strings to the center at a 45-degree angle then release the strings if you plan to lower your blinds.

Avoid pulling the strings with a lot of force so you will not damage your window blinds. You can study your blinds first before maneuvering them so you will be familiar with how it works. 

Before you go, don't forget to check out these posts, too:

Do Blinds Need Drywall Anchors? – Tips For Secure Attachment That Lasts

How To Install Venetian Blinds [5 Easy Steps]