How to EASILY Take Down Blinds: 7 Major DIY Window Treatments

Throughout your lifetime, there may be many instances where you find yourself needing to change your window blinds. Whether it's because they're outdated, damaged, or just time for a new look, taking down window blinds can be a daunting task without the right knowledge and tools.

Lucky for you, this article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to easily take down your existing window coverings with minimal effort and stress! Just keep in mind that, no matter what type of blinds you have – whether they’re horizontal, vertical, or even cordless blinds – it's crucial to follow the right procedure to ensure you do it safely and correctly.

Let's dive right in!

Prepare Your Tools

Before embarking on any kind of blinds removal, you should take a moment to prepare your space and collect the tools necessary for the job. You’ll need any or all of the following:

• A flat-head screwdriver, to help lever the headrail away from the brackets
• A Philips head screwdriver or drill bit, to unscrew the brackets from the wall
• A sturdy ladder so that you can reach the blinds if they're mounted high up on the wall
• Safety goggles and dust masks, as you can be sure there’ll be some dust when taking down blinds

That's all you need for a successful blinds removal project. You may want to clean your blinds before taking them down so that dust doesn’t fly everywhere. 

Now, let's take a look at the removal steps for the different types of window treatments.

How to Remove Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are one of the most common types of window treatments and are generally the easiest to take down. They're the perfect window treatment for most rooms and aesthetics since they offer both light control and privacy.

These blinds consist of a series of horizontal slats connected by cords. To open them, you either pull a cord or tilt a rod. To lift them, there is usually a cord or a motorized system.

Here's how to remove them, when the time comes:

1. If you have a valance on the blinds, remove that first.
2. Take the tilt wand or cord and tilt the slats to sit fully horizontal. Doing so will make it easier to raise the blinds.
3. Raise the blinds until they are all gathered at the top as opposed to hanging down over the window. Ensure they are locked in this position.
4. Press firmly on one end of the headrail. This will disengage it from the bracket, and you will be able to tilt the headrail back and roll it out of the bracket. Repeat this on the other side and remove the headrail.
5. Once you have removed the headrail, unscrew the brackets from the window frame.
6. Place the blinds aside, and your Venetian blinds are now removed!

How to Remove Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are a sophisticated yet minimalist window treatment; a piece of fabric rolls on and off of a long spool, raised and lowered by a looped chain. They're ideal for those who want the choice between total privacy and full sun. Living rooms and kitchens particularly benefit from the installation of roller blinds – and better still, they can be customized with a range of fabrics, textures, and colours.

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Here's how you can remove roller shades:

1. Start by locating the chain loop on the side of the blind. There will be a small bracket holding the loop in place, which you need to unscrew with a Philips head screwdriver or drill.
2. Once the bracket is removed, go to the opposite side of the headrail.
3. Look at the end of the round tube – you should see a pin going into the end from the side. Wedge a flathead screwdriver between the pin and tube, then lever the pin up and out of the end.
4. Once you have done this, the blind should come loose from the headrail and you can easily lift it off its brackets.
5. To remove the remaining bracket, unscrew it with a Philips head screwdriver or drill until it's completely removed from your window frame.

How to Remove Roman Blinds

A more elegant choice than roller blinds, roman blinds are made of pleated fabric and create a soft fold when raised. They're ideal for bedrooms, living rooms – any space that requires privacy but also needs to look stylish.

Typically, roman shades are lifted by a cord on the side. Here's how to take them down:

1. Start by pulling the top of the fabric away from the headrail (it should only be attached with velcro). This will reveal the mechanisms behind the blind.
2. Locate the levers holding the headrail in place. There may be two or more, and they will be visible at the top of the headrail against the ceiling or window frame.
3. Using a screwdriver, or your finger, if they are loose enough, pull the levers out to release the headrail.
4. Gently lift the headrail down and away from the window frame.
5. Remove any remaining brackets with a Philips head screwdriver or drill, and your roman blinds are removed.

How to Remove Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds aren't in fashion as much anymore, but they still make an excellent practical choice for some rooms. They are a great way to let light in while maintaining privacy, and they are typically tilted via a chain loop or rod at one end. A sturdier cord-operated mechanism is used to open and close them.

Here's how to take them down:

1. Start by tilting the blind slats so that as much light is coming through as possible, then unhook each of the vanes – one at a time – from the top of the blinds.
2. At the back of the headrail, locate the spring brackets. There should be two or more, and they will look like pieces of flat metal holding the top of the headrail in place.
3. Take a flat-head screwdriver and wedge it between the headrail and one of the brackets; twist, and the headrail should come loose from the bracket.
4. Repeat the twisting process until the headrail is completely free from the brackets. Unscrew the brackets from the window frame.

How to Remove Cellular Blinds

Cellular shades are made of honeycomb-shaped fabric that can be opened or closed to keep out light and provide privacy. Available in a top down bottom up variety, they are a great way to insulate your windows from the heat, cold, and sound of the outside world.

These blinds operate by a cord loop. Here's how to take them down:

1. Start by lifting the shade up so that it's completely closed at the top of the window. This will make it significantly easier to remove.
2. If the blinds will not stay in the up position, secure each end with a rubber band.
3. Hold the headrail firmly at each end. Push forward to disengage the brackets, then roll backward and down. The headrail will be released from the brackets.

It's as easy as that!

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How to Remove Mini Blinds

Put simply, mini blinds are exactly as they sound – they're small, light-blocking blinds made of thin slats, and far shorter than typical blinds. They are usually operated by a cord loop or wand that runs along the headrail and tilts the slats up and down. Bathrooms benefit from mini blinds because they provide privacy without taking up much visual space.

Here's how to take your mini blinds down:

1. Start by tilting the slats to the horizontal position, then lifting them up so that all slats are gathered at the top.
2. Locate the two brackets at either end of the headrail, and lift them open with a flat-head screwdriver.
3. The headrail will now freely lift out of the mounting brackets.
4. Use a Philips head drill or screwdriver to remove the brackets from the window frame. And that's it!

How to Remove Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds are loved for their aesthetics and convenience; they offer the appeal of real wood blinds but are much easier to maintain and don't require as much upkeep. They are usually operated with a cord loop or wand, and they come in many different colours, sizes, and styles.

To take faux wood blinds down, follow the process you would usually follow to remove any other set of Venetian blinds: pull the slats up to the open position, push each end of the headrail forward and down, and disengage it from the brackets.

How to Take Down Blinds FAQs

How do you remove blinds from brackets?

This will depend on the type of bracket you have. If you have standard spring-loaded brackets, simply push each end of the headrail back; roll it backward and downward, then lift it out of the brackets. If your brackets have clips, lift them using a flat-head screwdriver and pull the headrail out.

What is the easiest way to remove blinds?

It's always easiest to remove the headrail from its brackets before attempting to unscrew the brackets themselves. Some people assume you can skip a step and just unscrew the brackets, but this can be a lot more difficult and time-consuming. Remember to lift the blinds into the open position before removal, too.

How do you remove horizontal blinds?

The process of removing horizontal blinds is simple: lift the slats up into the open position, then push firmly on either end of the headrail to disengage the brackets. Roll it backward and downward until it comes away from the brackets, and then lift it out.

Is it easy to take down blinds?

These days, most blinds are built with highly convenient features, making them easier to take down than ever. As long as you have the right tools and follow the instructions for your particular blinds, taking them down should be a breeze!

Is it safe to remove my own blinds?

Yes, it is safe to remove your own blinds as long as you follow the instructions for the specific type of blinds that you have. Depending on the type of window treatment, there may be different procedures and tools required.

Do I need any special tools?

For most blinds, you will only need a flat head and a Philips head screwdriver. Some blinds don't require any tools at all; you can simply unhook them from the brackets.

Can I use old brackets for new blinds?

Yes, you can usually reuse the old brackets when installing new window blinds if they are the same size and type as your old blinds. However, it's usually easier to just remove the old brackets and replace them with the new ones accompanying the new blinds.

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Ready for a Blind Replacement?

Follow these steps to easily take down your existing blinds. Before you know it, you’ll have your new blinds installed, window treatments will be ready to enjoy. If you want to know how to install window blinds without drilling, don’t forget to check out our guide.

And, if you’re still shopping for the perfect new blinds, Factory Direct Blinds offers samples of blinds – so you can see how they will look in your home before you commit to a full order. Order your samples today!