How To Get Blinds To Go Down

Are you struggling to operate your window blinds? Simple as it may seem, opening and closing these window treatments can actually be confusing, especially if it is your first time using them. Proper closing and opening can minimize damage to your blinds. In this guide, I will show you how to close window blinds like a pro!

Learn how to close window blinds: Things to consider

There is more to operating blinds than just pulling on strings or twisting cords. How you close or open your blinds will depend on several factors. Let's have a look at them.

Style: Blinds, like other window treatments such as window film for day and night privacy, come in many different styles. The most common ones include Venetian, roman, pleated, and honeycomb just to mention a few. Each has its own closing and opening mechanism.
Mode of operation: Some models come with a stick rod while others feature one or two strings or a beaded continuous cord that you can use to operate the window shades.
Weather: Did you know that how you close your shades affects your home's energy efficiency and ability to stay cool or warm as desired? For example, closing your blinds with the plates facing up might help keep your home cooler in summer.
Privacy: If privacy is a concern, you have to choose the best position with which to close your window shades. You stand to enjoy greater privacy when you close the blinds with the plates facing up.
Aesthetics: Blinds will look more eye-catching when you shut them in a certain position. If looks matter to you, closing them in a downward position might be your best bet.

A step-by-step guide to closing window blinds

With a little practice, you will find closing and opening blinds quite easy. The trick is being gentle when handling these delicate window treatments. I will give you tips on how best to shut your windows for maximum energy efficiency, privacy, and aesthetic appeal.

As mentioned, there are different types of blinds but we'll focus on Venetians, the most common style. This one typically comes with color-coordinated double-strings that lower and raise the slats, a rod that closes and opens the blinds, and a clutch mechanism at the top that helps to move the shades up and down and to lock them in position.

Let's get straight into it!

Step 1: Locate the pulling string

Find the pull-string, which typically hangs on the right side of the shades. This string links each slat to the other. It also attaches to a clutch at the top, which lets you move the blinds up and down.

Step 2: Unlock the blinds

Unlock the blinds

Pull the string across the window at a 45-degree angle to your left to unlock the blinds from their current position. Try tugging onto the string slightly to release the clutch at the top. This will completely loosen the slats.

Step 3: Adjust the slats

Adjust the slats

Maneuver the string to keep the slats in a flat, even position. If some slats are uneven, pull just one of the strings to position them back into place. Pull on the other string as needed until the slats are lying flat. Position all slats properly to avoid damaging or closing the blinds at an awkward angle.

Step 4: Lower the blinds

Lower the blinds

Continue holding the string in the left diagonal position to keep the blinds unlocked. To close the blinds, slightly loosen your grip on the string and allow it to rise back up toward the trigger motor. This motion will lower the slats, bringing them toward the bottom of the windowsill. Keep this motion slow, smooth, and steady to avoid entangling the slats or locking them.

Step 5: Lock the blinds

Lock the blinds

Pull the string diagonally to the right to lock the blinds in your preferred position. You can close the blinds halfway or lower them completely. Be sure to tug firmly onto the string to keep the slats from moving back up after a while due to a loose clutch.

Step 6: Shut blinds

Shut blinds

Locate the stick rod I mentioned earlier, to close the blinds. You should be able to find it on the left side of the window. This rod is twistable at a 180-degree angle. To shut the blinds and block out light, lift the rod slightly and then, using your fingers, rotate it in a clockwise or anticlockwise motion until the slats begin to close one upon the other.

Turn window blinds up or down?

A common question that comes up is whether you should shut the blinds facing upward or down. It all really comes down to personal preference but each position has its pros and cons.

When to close blinds in an upward position

On horizontal window blinds, rotating the stick rod anticlockwise will close the blinds in an upward position. This means the concave side of the slats will face in and the rounded side will face the window.

In this position, the blinds might not look as attractive as they would when they are down. However, upward-facing slats let in less light and it is more difficult for people outside to peep through, giving you greater privacy.

In addition to this, closing the blinds with the slats facing upwards can help keep your house cooler in summer. This is because upward-facing slats deflect heat toward the ceiling and away from the center of the house.

When to close window blinds in a downward position

In the downward position, the rounded side of the slats will face inward while the concave side will face the window. This style gives the binds a neat appearance.

That being said, downward-facing blinds offer less privacy and let in more light and heat. In this position, the slats deflect heat toward the center of the house, which might be helpful during winter.

To close the window blinds in a downward position, simply rotate the stick rod in the opposite direction.

Conclusion

Unlike window film for day and night privacy, which is a set and go treatment, tilted slats, a tangled pull string, and poor pulling technique can all make closing window blinds quite tricky. Follow the steps we've outlined in this guide and you will be able to operate your window shades with ease.

Have you tried other hacks to close window blinds? We'd love to hear them! Please leave your questions and comments below.