How Should I Close My Blinds?
There are many reasons to choose blinds for your home or office space.
Blinds allow the user to control how much light can enter a room at any given time. They also fit comfortably with almost any design aesthetic. Blinds come in a wide range of styles, colours, and varieties, allowing something for every room. In addition, they are often more affordable than curtains (as well as being easier to clean), and they last for a long time.
…Unless something happens to them, that is.
It is vitally important to the longevity of a set of blinds that they are opened, closed, and operated carefully and correctly. Failure to do so can sometimes see blinds damaged beyond repair, at which point, replacements must be procured.
So, how are blinds supposed to be closed, ensuring that they operate at peak efficiency for as long as possible?
As a general rule, it is always best to lower blinds slowly and carefully. Just as shutting curtains quickly increases the risk of damaging the curtain rod, or knocking things down, shutting blinds too quickly or aggressively will often cause them to sustain damage.
For blinds with vertical slats, it’s important to position the slats facing downwards, which ensures that the blinds are completely shut, and minimises any opportunities for damage.
Obviously, different styles of blinds will differ as to their operation.
If your blinds employ a ‘single string’ mechanism (sometimes this takes the form of multiple Strings entwined together), the best method is to carefully face the string to the right (or left, whichever direction loosens the slats), then lightly tug it at a 45-degree angle.
Pulling the string to the right unlocks the mechanism, which should then allow the slats to move more freely. Once they feel loose, DO NOT simply let the slats fall. Instead, release the slack, but do not let go of the string entirely. This method should allow you to gently guide the slats to their preferred position, closing the blind both carefully and safely.
Cordless blinds, as the name suggests, are not operated via strings. The correct method of closing these blinds is to hold the very lowest portion of the blinds (with both hands, if possible. If not, we recommend placing a single hand in the mid-section of the lowest part) and keep your hands evenly spaced so as to avoid pulling one side down too far. Then, slowly and carefully pull both sides equally until the blind is shut properly.
Blinds with rods should be closed by tilting the rod to a 45-degree angle and pulling it gently across the window in the proper direction. The rod may then be twisted to close the slats.
Many blinds are able to be set in either an ‘up’ or ‘down’ position. An ‘up’ position (with the rounded side of the slats facing outwards) offers a greater degree of privacy, as well as better light control than the alternative.
A ‘down’ position (with the rounded sides of the slats facing inwards) is perhaps more aesthetically pleasing, but may offer less privacy and light control. Blinds should always be restored to the ‘neutral’ position (i.e., neither up nor down) before being closed.
The single most important piece of advice we can give is to operate your blinds carefully, gently, and relatively slowly. Avoid pulling chords too hard, or at too severe an angle (45 degrees is recommended). If the mechanism resists, do not try to force it. A measured and methodical approach will be far more effective than ‘brute force and ignorance’ every time.
If the blinds appear to be caught, or otherwise unable to move, check the mechanism thoroughly and carefully for damage or other impediments. Once again, force is almost never the answer when it comes to the operation of blinds.
Finally, always keep your blinds clean and well lubricated, as this can help to prevent impediments to the mechanism, as well as the kind of general wear and tear that can accumulate over time.
Closing blinds properly and carefully should ensure years of reliable usage, making this an important habit to cultivate.
