How to Easily Close All Types of Blinds, Even If They're Stuck

Any type of blinds are sure to look great in your home, and they up your privacy factor, too. But, no one likes it when blinds get stuck in place or won't roll back up. The cords can be confusing—which side are you supposed to pull again?

Once you've selected the best blinds for your home, it’s important to know the right way to open and close them to avoid a stuck situation. We’ve compiled all the information you need on closing blinds of all types and styles.

How to Close Horizontal Blinds

For cordless horizontal blinds, which are ideal to buy over corded, place your hands on either side. Then, gently pull down and release.

If your blinds are corded, follow these instructions.

1. Locate the cord on the blinds. Pull in the direction that will release the locking mechanism, either left or right depending on the type.

2. Holding the cord at a 45-degree angle, release it to the desired length. Keep tension on the cord until the blinds reach your desired height.

3. Lock the blinds. Move the cord in the opposite direction until the lock catches and the blind can remain at your chosen height.
   

How to Lower Roman Shades

Some Roman shades have no cord, and in this case, you can pull the shade down to the desired length and it should lock in place.

If your Roman shades do have a cord, follow these instructions to move them up and down.

1. Gently pull the cord to the left at a 45-degree angle. Pull on the angle and slightly downward to trigger the release. If your blinds release to the other side, pull the cord to the right at a 45-degree angle instead.

2. Hold the middle of the shade in one hand to drag it down. Keeping the cord at a 45-degree angle, use your free hand to support the middle of the shade while continuing to release the cord until the shade completely covers the window.

3. Sit the shade on the windowsill if it made it down. If the shade hasn't made it to the bottom yet, gently pull the cord on the release side (left or right) so it once again locks in place. 
   

How to Close Vertical Blinds

Most vertical blinds work on a track system that can either be moved with a continuous cord or a wand, which you use to manually pull to close. Vertical blinds also have a rod that adjusts each vertical blind to open or close as it is twisted.

For vertical blinds on a continual cord:

1. Gently and repeatedly pull on the cord. This will move it in a circular motion, looping down up and around, until the blinds are closed.

2. Use the rod to adjust the light coming through the blinds. Your shades will likely be in the open position, so use the rod to move each blind to the closed lighting position.

For vertical blinds controlled by just a wand:

1. Gently grasp the rod and continuously pull. Stop when your blinds are in the closed position while holding at a 45-degree angle.

2. Twist the rod. Stop when the shades are all closed to your desired openness.

Tip

Remember that the decorative side of the blind should be facing into the home when fully closed.

How to Close Roller Blinds

Depending on what kind of roller blinds you’re using, your closing method will vary. Most roller blinds will be cordless or have a continuous cord.

For roller blinds with a chain, you simply pull straight down on the chain to spin the tube at the top of the blind to unroll the window covering. Keep continuously pulling until the shade has been completely lowered.

Cordless window coverings are becoming preferred due to their safety benefits and streamlined aesthetic. Closing a cordless blind is as easy as gently pulling downward on the blind and stopping when your shade is fully closed.

How to Close Faux Wood Blinds

As mentioned, closing cordless faux wood blinds simply requires pulling down on the blind set and locking it to your desired length.

To close wood blinds with a cord, pull the cord at a 45-degree angle to either the right or the left depending on which direction triggers your lock mechanism to release. Hold the cord at the same angle as you gently allow the curtain to release to the desired length.

Once the curtain is closed, find the wand located at either the top right or left of the blind, and twist to close out the light.

Helpful Tips for Opening and Closing Blinds

Before you get started, keep in mind these helpful tips:

• Determine what kind of style and type of blinds you’re working with before you attempt to open your blinds. This will ensure you don’t harm the mechanism or blind.

• Cordless blinds will have to be pulled to close, corded blinds will require pulling on a cord to release the locking mechanism, and single-loop blinds employ a continuous pulling motion to close the blinds.

• For blinds that have light adjustments (like individual slats or panels that can be adjusted with a rod), face the slats up when closing for maximum privacy.
  

Read Next: Blinds Cleaning Hack: How to Clean Your Blinds Without Taking Them Down

Read the original article on The Spruce.