How to Close Blinds: A Step-by-Step Guide to Ensuring They Work

Blinds can be more of a hassle than they appear at first glance. You might think it's as easy as pulling a string or rolling a shade, but these window treatments can have a mind of their own. From a cordless blind that only moves on one side to a roller shade that won't stay down, the difficulties of opening and closing blinds can cause a headache. Plus, not handling them properly can lead to damage.

Are you frustrated with your window blinds or shades? Fear not, because we have some tricks up our sleeves to help you. Whether you're a new owner of cordless blinds or an old hand at roller shades, there's always something new to learn. We're here to offer you some tips that will make your life easier and your window treatments work better. By the time you're done reading, you'll be a pro at operating your blinds!

The Types of Blinds You Can Have in Your Home

Installing blinds is an excellent way to add style and privacy to any room. A Roman shade adds instant elegance to bedrooms and living rooms; blackout shades can help control light in a nursery or home office. The type of blinds you choose depends on your decor style and the function you need them to perform.

Single-String Blinds

The most common type of blinds is single-string blinds. These are the kind with a pull cord that allows you to open and close them from the bottom or side. The cord is attached to a pulley system, which moves the slats to adjust the light or block it out entirely. Single-string blinds come in both horizontal and vertical styles, so you can find something that fits your window size and shape perfectly.

Top Down-Bottom Up Blinds

If you're looking for something with a bit more versatility, top down-bottom up blinds are the perfect solution. These blinds can be adjusted from the top or bottom, making them ideal for rooms where you want to control light and privacy while still having an unobstructed view. 

Continuous-Cord Blinds

Some blinds, such as roller shades and cellular shades, come with a continuous cord. This is the kind of cordless blind that operates from one side of the window only; you can pull up or down to adjust it. The advantage of this type of system is that it's easier to operate than single-string blinds, which have many cords that need to be adjusted separately.

Cordless Blinds

Have you got pets or young children in the house? Then cordless blinds are the way to go. These blinds operate without any cords, so they're completely safe for kids and pets. Some are remote-operated while others have a bottom rail that you can pull up and down.
Check Out our ColleCtion of cordless Blinds 

Blinds with Rods

For a classic look, blinds with rods come in horizontal or vertical styles and can be adjusted from either side. Most rod mechanisms can be rotated to open and close the slats, but some require you to pull up or down on the rod. Consider these treatments for French doors or other large windows.

Important Considerations

Opening and closing your blinds doesn't have to be difficult, but there is more to the process than twisting cords and yanking on strings. Blinds come in several different styles, and the method for closing and opening them varies depending on many factors. Before we dive into the steps, let's take a look at a few considerations.

Style

Like any other type of window treatment, blinds come in a multitude of styles. The most common include roller, cordless, Venetian, pleated, Roman, and honeycomb. Knowing what type of blinds you have is crucial because each has its own mechanism for closing and opening.

Operating Mechanism

Depending on what type of blinds you have, they may open and close using a rod or have a continuous beaded cord. There are also styles featuring one or two strings to pull. Understanding what operating mechanism your blinds use is a vital step in learning how to close them properly and without causing damage.

Privacy

Deciding what position you want your blinds in is important when privacy is a concern. For maximum privacy, you will want to close your blinds with the individual slats facing upward.

Weather

The way you close your blinds can have a huge impact on your energy bills, so this is an important consideration if you are trying to save some money. For example, you can keep your home cooler in the summer just by closing your blinds with the slats facing up.

Aesthetics

Blinds from Factory Direct Blinds always look great and add visual appeal to your home. However, the way you position them impacts their appearance and can make them more eye-catching. If you are going for the best possible aesthetics, closing them with the slats facing down is your best option.

Closing Your Blinds in Six Easy Steps

As we mentioned, there are different types of blinds, and the process for opening and closing them varies depending on their style. However, Venetian blinds are the most common style — and one of the ones people tend to struggle with the most — so that is what we will be focusing on here. Closing Venetians isn't difficult, but it does take some patience and practice. After all, you don't want to damage these delicate window treatments.

Most Venetian blinds feature two strings that raise and lower the slats and a clutch mechanism that moves them up and down and locks them in place. There is also a rod that opens and closes the slats when twisted. And, with a bit of practice, you'll be able to use these features to open and close your blinds with ease and without damaging your window treatments.

Visit OUR Mini Blinds COLLECTION

Step 1: Find the Pull String

The pull string is typically located on the right side of the blind. It is attached to the clutch at the top and connects the slats to each other. If you recently installed your blinds, the pull string may be tied in a knot instead of hanging freely.

Step 2: Unlock Your Blinds

As we mentioned above, the clutch locks your blinds in place. To unlock it, gently pull the string across the window at roughly a 45-degree angle. You will need to apply a bit of pressure to release the clutch, but don't tug hard enough to risk damaging the mechanism or any other part of the blinds. You'll be able to feel when the clutch is disengaged and the slats loosen. There may also be an audible “click.”

Step 3: Adjust the Slats

When the clutch releases, the blinds may move unevenly. One side might drop while the other stays up. Adjust the string to keep the slats as even and flat as possible. Each string moves one side of the blinds, so moving them independently allows you to even out the sides. Take your time, and adjust until all of the slats are lying flat. Make sure they are positioned appropriately, too, to avoid damage from closing them at the wrong angle.

Step 4: Lower the Blinds

With the slats lying flat and the pull string held in a left diagonal position to keep the clutch mechanism unlocked, slightly loosen your grip. Doing this should allow the string to slide through your hand and lower the blinds. Again, don't rush. Take your time to ensure the slats stay flat and do not become tangled. Adjust the strings as needed if the blinds start lowering unevenly. It takes a bit of practice, but, once you've mastered the technique, you should be able to lower your blinds using a slow, steady, and smooth motion.

Step 5: Lock the Blinds in Place

You're almost done! After lowering your blinds to the desired level, it's time to lock them in place. To do this, gently pull the string at a 45-degree angle to the right. You should feel and hear a click when the clutch locks into place. Don't tug, but make sure to give the string a firm tug, so your blinds stay in place. A loose clutch could allow your blinds to rise back up.

Step 6: Shut the Blinds

Find the stick rod, which is usually located on the left side of the blinds. Lift the rod away from the blinds slightly, then twice using your fingertips. It should rotate 180 degrees clockwise and counterclockwise to open and close the slats. Twist to close the slats upon themselves in an upward or downward direction, taking care not to over-tighten them.

What Position Should You Close Your Blinds In?

At Factory Direct Blinds, we're often asked what position the blinds should be in when they're closed. The answer is, it depends on your needs. Let's look at the main positions and what they're best for.

An Upward Position

When blinds are in the upward position, the outermost edge of the slats is positioned higher than the inner edge. Depending on how much you close them, this allows you to see out of the window while still getting some privacy; it's ideal for rooms where you want to be able to see outside but don't need total darkness.

A Downward Position

In the downward position, the outermost edge of the slats is lower than the inner edge. This completely blocks out light and creates total privacy, so it's best for bedrooms or other areas where you need complete darkness.

Should Your Blinds Face Up or Down?

This is a common question – is there a better position for your blinds to face when they're closed? You can make the decision depending on your preference, and it's easy to adjust them if you change your mind.

The biggest difference between the two is observed when you keep the slats partially open. In the downward position, partially open blinds create a dimmed light effect; there is almost complete privacy. In the upward position, partially open blinds create a more open atmosphere with more light.

When to Close Your Blinds with the Slats Facing Up

If you have Venetian blinds, twisting the stick rod in a counterclockwise direction closes the blinds with the slats facing up. In other words, the rounded side of the slats will face the window while the concave side will face outward.

This position isn't as aesthetically pleasing to most folks, but it does offer a few benefits. For starters, this position lets in the minimum amount of light. It also provides a greater degree of privacy by making it more difficult for someone outside to peek through your windows.

Closing your blinds with the slats facing up keeps your home cooler in the summer, too. Upward-facing slats block out more light, and they deflect it toward the ceiling and away from the center of your home. In addition to keeping you and your family more comfortable, this could help make your cooling bills more manageable.

When to Close Your Blinds with the Slats Facing Down

To close your blinds with the slats facing down, turn the stick rod clockwise. This will adjust the slats so that the rounded sides of the slats face inward while the concave sides face the window. This is the most common closure method, and it is the neatest, most aesthetically pleasing option.

The downside, however, is that downward-facing blinds let in more light and heat, and they offer less privacy from outsiders. During cold weather, though, they'll deflect heat toward the center of your home, helping it stay a bit warmer. Closing your blinds with the slats facing down could help insulate your windows and keep cold air from seeping in, too.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with proper care, you could run into problems and need to learn how to fix blinds at some point. If your blinds are stuck and won't close (or open) correctly, a damaged cord could be to blame. If the string breaks or becomes frayed, you may need to replace it and restring your blinds. Tangled cords can prevent the slats from turning, too.

A damaged clutch mechanism is the most common cause of blinds that won't stay open. If you're having this problem, remove the blind from the wall and lay it on a flat surface. Inspect the clutch to see if it is jammed. If so, free it using a flathead screwdriver. A damaged or pinched cord could be the cause of this issue, too. If this is the case, your cord will need to be replaced. The other possible cause is a broken clutch. If that is the case, you will need to replace the mechanism or invest in new blinds.

Top-down bottom-up cellular shades are another popular style of blinds, and they can have their own issues. They sometimes get stuck and can be tricky to close. If you are having this problem, try leveling the lift cords with the headrail and gently pulling the blinds to disengage the cord lock.

With roller shades, the most common problem is that they will not stay down. If your shade refuses to lock into place, a dirty clutch or spring operating mechanism is the most likely cause. To solve this all-too-common problem, raise the shade completely. Then, take the blinds down to access the operating mechanism. Use compressed air (the kind you use for cleaning a computer keyboard) and a toothpick to carefully remove any dust and debris inside and around it. Finally, lubricate with WD-40, but be careful not to get it on the blind itself as it will damage or stain the fabric.

What is the Importance Of Closing Your Home's Blinds?

The interesting thing about hanging blinds in your home is that they create the illusion of privacy even when open. That means you need to be careful when you leave them open and make sure you close them at night. Closing your blinds is important for a few reasons:

Security

To prevent burglars from seeing into your home, you should always keep your blinds closed when you're not at home. This is especially important if you leave the house for extended periods of time like vacations or business trips. Open blinds allow criminals to scope out your home and determine if it's a good target for break-ins.

Privacy

Closing your blinds is also important for privacy. It creates a buffer between you and the outside world, so you don't have to worry about people peeking in at inappropriate times. In areas with high foot traffic like apartments or condos near busy streets, this is especially important.

Darkness

There are many reasons why you may need to keep your room dark. If you're trying to sleep during the day, for example, or if you have a home theater and want a darker environment for watching movies. Closing blinds can help ensure total darkness in these scenarios.

Keeping Heat In

Finally, closing your blinds is a great way to keep heat in during the winter months. Blinds create an extra layer of insulation that can help you save money on energy bills and make your home more comfortable.

When to Shop for New Blinds

If you are tired of fighting with your old blinds and want to give your windows a fresh new look, we can help. Even the best blinds will not last forever. When yours become more hassle than they're worth, it might be time to invest in new ones.

Ordering your new blinds from Factory Direct Blinds means buying affordable, high-quality products that will work and look great for years to come. Doing so also means you'll get to avoid the frustration of fighting with lower-quality blinds that don't work correctly. Here at Factory Direct Blinds, we guarantee your complete satisfaction and will do everything possible to make things right if you do not love your new blinds. There aren't many other companies that can make that promise!

Conclusion

Blinds are functional and stylish window treatments that look great in any home. Sometimes, though, they can be trickier to use than they appear. Everything from tangled pull strings and poor pulling techniques to jammed clutches and crooked slats could prevent your blinds from opening and closing as they should. And if you try forcing them to do what you want, you risk damaging them.

If you are having trouble figuring out how to close blinds without frustration or damage, the suggestions above should help. We can also guide you through the process of changing your window blinds. 

Tired of dealing with old blinds that no longer work properly? Consider ordering new ones from Factory Direct Blinds!

FAQs

Why won't my blinds go down?

If your blinds won't go down, it's likely due to a broken cord or string. Broken cords and strings are the most common issue with blinds, but it's usually an easy fix. First, check the tensioner – this is located at the top of your window frame and ensures that the cords remain taut when you open and close them. If it looks loose or worn out, replace it. If that doesn't work, you may need to replace the entire cord or string.

How do you close blinds on a push up?

If your blinds are a push-up style, the process is slightly different. First, tilt the slats in an upward position and pull on the bottom rail until it's close to the bottom of your window frame. Then, press down on both sides of the bottom rail until it locks into place. Finally, lower the slats to their desired position and you're all set!

How do vertical blinds open and close?

Vertical blinds are opened and closed by pulling on the chain and rotating the wand. To open them, simply pull the chain until the slats are dispersed evenly across the window. To change the angle of the slats, rotate the wand until they are in the desired position. To close them, pull on the chain and rotate the wand in the opposite direction until all of the slats are gathered to one side.

What is the correct way to close blinds?

The correct way to close blinds is to lower them down to your desired position, then rotate the slats into a downward position. This ensures that they are completely shut and will provide maximum privacy and darkness.