While closing blinds sounds easy, it can be quite tricky if you're not experienced with the specific type of blind you want to close. Some blinds have cords, some have only a bar, and some have no bar or cord at all. Once you know what type of blinds you want to close and the proper technique, it shouldn't be too difficult.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Single cord blinds
Step 1. Pull the cord to the left to unlock the blinds
Grip the cord tightly, then bring it over the front of the window at a 45-degree angle. You may also need to pull the cord lightly to unlock the blinds.
Luxaflex, mini-blinds, micro-blinds, roman blinds, and roller blinds are often systems with one cord
Step 2. Slowly release the cord to lower the blinds
Once you have unlocked the blinds, continue to hold the cord to the left. Then gradually loosen your grip to let it go up slowly.
- Make sure to keep the cord to the left or the blinds may get stuck.
- Going slow will prevent the cord from getting tangled in the locking mechanism.
Step 3. Lower both cords at the same time to keep the blinds even
If the blinds start to skew, pull one of the two cords to straighten them again. If the two sides become even more uneven, pull the other cord.
Step 4. Secure the blinds by pulling the cord to the right
Once the blinds are where you want them, grip the cord tightly to keep them from going up any further. Then pull the cord to the right of the window to lock the blinds in place.
Release the cord slowly to check that the blinds are properly locked
Method 2 of 4: Continuous chain blinds
Step 1. Check if the blinds are operated with a continuous chain
Look for a chain that looks like a loop. If it is a continuous chain system, the blinds should raise or lower evenly when you pull on one side of the chain.
- The length of a continuous chain does not change when you raise or lower the blinds.
- Roman blinds and blinds often have continuous chains.
Step 2. Pull one side of the chain to lower the blinds
If pulling on this side raises the blinds, pull on the other side. Stop pulling when the blinds are at the desired height.
Step 3. Turn the rod on the other side of the window to adjust the slats
If the blinds have adjustable slats, you can open and close them by turning the rod that hangs down from the top of the window. Simply turn the rod to the right or left to move it.
Not all blinds have adjustable slats
Method 3 of 4: Slats with bars
Step 1. Slide the bar to move the slats back and forth
Many vertical blinds and slats are operated with a rod and rail system rather than a cord. To operate this type, pull the rod in the direction you want the blinds to move. The rod is usually located at the end of the slats.
Some models of vertical slats can be operated with a single wire and/or continuous chain system
Step 2. Rotate the rod to rotate the slats
Many vertical blinds can be turned with a rod. Turn the rod to the left to start. If the slats don't start to close, just turn the rod in the opposite direction.
Step 3. If the slats do not move, check the rail system for obstacles
The rail system is located at the top of the window or door. Stand on a stable chair or stepladder to access the rail system. Then remove any obstacles you see.
Method 4 of 4: Wireless blinds
Step 1. Pull down the bottom bar to lower the cordless blinds
Grab the center of the bottom bar and pull down gently. When the blinds are where you want them, just let go and the blinds will stay in place.
Some models require you to press a button or latch on the bottom bar to unlock the blinds
Step 2. Tilt the bottom bar of the wireless blinds down to rotate the blinds
If the blinds don't have a bar, you may be able to adjust the angle of the slats with the bottom bar. However, not all models of wireless blinds can be operated in this way.
Step 3. Close electric blinds with a remote control
The specific controls for electric blinds vary by brand and model. On most models, you can close the blinds by pressing a down arrow or a button that says 'close'. Consult the manual if you are not sure how to operate the blinds.
- Replace the batteries in the remote control if it does not respond.
- With some electric models, you can also control the blinds with an app on your smartphone or with a smart home device.