How to Remove Blinds

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Take down any type of blinds quickly for repairs or replacements

Co-authored by Eric McClure Reviewed by Barry Zakar

Last Updated: May 11, 2024 Fact Checked

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Horiztonal Blinds

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Vertical Blinds

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Roman or Cellular Blinds

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Roller Blinds

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Tips

There are a lot of different blinds out there, and each one can have a different mounting system. The good news is that the basic steps are functionally universal. You remove the valence (cover) on top of the headrail by hand, then you either unlock some clips or unscrew a bracket to release the blind and pull it down. Regardless of the type of blind, we’ll explain how to remove them step-by-step.

How to Take Down Horizontal Blinds

Remove the valence covering the headrail by prying it out of the clips.
Open the bracket on each end of the headrail by hand or pry it open with a flathead screwdriver.
With the brackets open, slide the blind out of the window and set it down.
Use a drill or screwdriver to remove the brackets attached to the window frame.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Removing Horizontal Blinds

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Pull the chords to raise the blinds up all the way. If you have a valence cover on top of the headrail at the top of the blind, remove it by hand. You can normally just jiggle the valence or slide it out to remove the clips.
2
Open the brackets on the ends of the headrail using a screwdriver. Most horizontal blinds have small, square brackets on the front surface of the headrail. The brackets are like small doors that you can pry open with a flathead screwdriver. Wedge the head of the screwdriver between the bracket and the headrail, then lift it up. Open the bracket on the opposite end as well.^{[1]
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- The headrail usually will not fall out until you start pulling on it. However, keep a hold on it at all times in case it happens to come loose after you open the brackets.
- These brackets are very noticeable if your blinds have them. If you don’t see the square-shaped covers on the front of the headrail, look behind it.
- Mini blinds have the same kind of bracket as regular horizontal blinds.
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3
Pull the headrail toward you to detach the blinds from the wall. Once you have the brackets open, nothing will be holding the headrail in place. Hold onto the headrail with both hands. Then, slide it out from the wall to remove it.^{[2]
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- Hold the headrail with both hands to balance it as you bring it down toward you. Then, lay it down on the floor.
4
Unscrew the brackets to remove them from the wall. The metal mounting brackets will remain on the wall. If you need to remove them, get a power drill fit with a Phillips head bit. Use it to rotate the screws counterclockwise. Finish by pulling the loosened screws and brackets off of the wall.^{[3]
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- You can leave the brackets in place if you plan on putting the blinds back up.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Removing Vertical Blinds

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1
Rotate the vanes to half-open and remove the valence. Vertical blinds are a little different and don’t retract. Instead, use the rotating rod or bead chain to open the vanes. Position the vanes so they are perpendicular to the headrail. If you have a valence covering the headrail, remove it by hand. You may need to pry out clips to get it off.^{[4]
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- Rotating the vanes protects them from damage and helps you reach the clips locking them to the headrail.
- If you're planning on saving the blinds to reuse them, you will need to remove the vanes before dismounting the headrail.
2
Detach the vanes by opening the clips securing them to the headrail. Slide a flat object, such as a credit card, between the clip and one of the vanes. As you slide the card up, push the vane up gently toward the headrail. Then, pull both down at the same time to detach the vane. You will need to repeat the process for each vane.^{[5]
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- Removing the vanes by hand may seem a little tedious, but it protects them from damage. If you don’t plan on reusing the blinds, doing this is less important but still makes the blinds easier to move.
- Some types of clips can be opened by hand. If you’re not having any luck using a credit card, gently lift the clips and pull the vanes out.
3
Unscrew the headrail if it is attached to the wall. Stand underneath the blinds and look up at the headrail. You may be able to spot screws passing through the headrail and into the wall. Turn the screws counterclockwise until the headrail comes off of the wall. Hold onto the headrail to prevent it from falling once it comes loose.
- This type of attachment is common with inside-mounted blinds. Inside-mounted headrails sit inside the window frame. Outside-mounted blinds attach through brackets screwed to the window frame.
4
Use a screwdriver to open the bracket clips if your blinds have them. If the headrail isn’t screwed directly to the wall, it will have a pair of brackets and connecting clips on its back side. Stick the tip of the screwdriver between the clip and the headrail, then turn it until the headrail pops free. Loosen the other clip as well to remove the blinds.^{[6]
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- The clips will be between the wall and the headrail. You should be able to see them slightly sticking out from the blinds.
Find the metal brackets where the clips were if your blinds had them. Install a Phillips head drill bit into a power drill. Use it to turn the screws counterclockwise until you are able to slide the brackets off the wall.^{[7]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Removing Roman or Cellular Blinds

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1
Press the headrail back to loosen it. Cellular and Roman blinds don’t typically have traditional valences. Instead, grab the headrail with both hands and move it toward the window. Push gently to avoid knocking it into the glass. As you push it, you should feel it begin to come out of the brackets.^{[8]
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- The metal brackets are hidden on top of the headrail. Both Roman and cellular blinds tend to have this kind of attachment mechanism.
- Roman blinds are shades that fold up when you pull on them. Cellular blinds are honeycomb-shaped shades.
2
Tilt the headrail and pull it toward you to detach it. Roll the bottom edge of the headrail back toward you. Keep moving it until its bottom edge is right over your head. Then, pull the headrail down to snap it off the wall.^{[9]
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- The headrail has to be pushed back first to unlock the brackets. If you try to pull the headrail out right away, it won’t budge.
3
Release the brackets with a screwdriver if you can’t remove the headrail. Your blinds will most likely have clips that need to be unlocked. Look at the back end of the metal brackets. Insert the tip of a flathead screwdriver between one of the brackets and the headrail. Twist it, then do the same to the other bracket to unlock it.^{[10]
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- Cordless Roman and cellular blinds sometimes have bracket clips. If you can’t move the headrail by hand, check the brackets.
- Keep one hand on the headrail. The blinds will fall once you unlock both clips.
Bob Villa, Home Improvement Expert

First, identify your blind type and mounting style. In most cases, you can open the brackets gently with a screwdriver and slide out the headrail. Minimal tools, but maximum care. Avoid forcing anything. Patient, gentle handling prevents damage to the blinds and window frame. Rushed removal may bend brackets or scratch paint. Whenever working above ground level, make safety the priority.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Removing Roller Blinds

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1
Use a screwdriver to remove the child safety clip if you have one installed. The safety clip is a wall-mounted piece of plastic that is separate from the blinds. If you have one, the pull cord or chain will be wrapped around it. Locate the screw in the center of the clip and turn it counterclockwise to remove it.^{[11]
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- Your blinds may not have such a clip, so you can focus on dealing with the roller.
2
Unlock the roller by turning its disk if it has one. Check the roller for a small, serrated disk barely sticking out on one end. Spin it counterclockwise by hand until you hear it click. The click means you have successfully unlocked the bracket and can pull down the roller when you are ready.^{[12]
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- The disk is usually on the side opposite from the pull chain.
- If the wheel is stuck, push it with a dull knife or a similar tool.
3
Push the pin on the roller to free it from the mount. If you don’t see a wheel on the end of the roller, look for a moveable cap on the end of the roller. Slide a flathead screwdriver between the cap and the rest of the roller. While holding the roller with your free hand, push the screwdriver up against it to free it from the bracket.^{[13]
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- The pin is often on the end opposite from the pull chain. It is pretty small, so climb up on a ladder to get a close look at the roller.
- You may also need to slide a flathead screwdriver between the roller and the brackets to unlock the mounting clamps. Pry the roller toward you to remove it.
4
Lift the roller off the mounting bracket. Hold it with both hands and pull it toward you. If it doesn’t come out right away, don’t force it. Check to see where it is stuck. It may still be locked in place by a clamp, pin, or another component.^{[14]
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- You may need to push the roller in and then lower it toward you to get it off the mounting brackets.
Use a power drill with a Phillips head drill bit on the screws holding the brackets to the wall. Turn the screws counterclockwise. Once they are loose, pull them out along with the brackets.^{[15]
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Tips

If you plan on rehanging the blinds, give them a deep cleaning with soap and water.

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To avoid spreading dust throughout your home, wipe blinds clean before pulling them down.

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You can fix old blinds after taking them off the wall. For instance, you can replace the slats, vanes, and broken strings.

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