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Maintaining your vertical blinds is essential not only to ensure they look their best, but also to extend their life and functionality. If some of your vertical slats have become damaged, stained or broken through wear and tear over the years, you may be looking to replace just a select few slats, rather than replacing the blinds entirely.

In this guide, we’ll be explaining everything you need to know about replacing individual blinds slats.

What Are Vertical Blind Slats?

Vertical blinds consist of individual slats that hang vertically from a track system at the top of a window or door. These slats can be rotated or drawn to one side to control light and privacy. 

Each slat is attached to a runner on the track, which is operated by a chain or a wand. The ability to replace individual slats as needed is one of the key advantages of vertical blinds, making maintenance both straightforward and cost-effective.

Types of Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds come in a variety of materials and styles, each offering different aesthetics and functionalities. Common materials include:

Fabric Slats

Popular for their soft appearance and vast range of colours and patterns, fabric slats can provide a filtering effect for light, reducing glare while still allowing natural light to enter the room. These blinds offer an elegant look in any home, and can seamlessly integrate into your interior design styles. 

PVC Slats

Known for their durability and ease of cleaning, these blind slats are great for both domestic and commercial properties, offering a sleek look. They are particularly ideal for areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. 

Metal Slats

Often made from aluminium, metal slats are highly resilient. These blinds are especially effective in commercial settings, where hygiene is a key priority thanks to their easy clean properties. 

Signs You Need to Replace Vertical Blind Slats

Vertical blinds are subject to daily use and exposure to sunlight, which can lead to various signs of wear and tear. Here are some common indicators that your vertical blind slats need replacing:

Fraying or Splitting Edges

Over time, the edges of fabric slats can begin to fray or split due to mechanical wear or sun damage.

Stains

In homes with young children and pets, blinds are often subject to sticky fingers and muddy paws, which are particularly noticeable with lighter colours. Whilst most marks can be easily wiped from blinds, some stains may remain, which would require a replacement slat.

Warped or Bent Slats

Plastic or PVC slats may become warped or bent due to heat physical impact, affecting how they hang and operate.

Missing Slats

Accidents or mishandling can lead to slats breaking or becoming detached from the headrail, and with.

These physical damages not only affect the functionality of your blinds but also their appearance and effectiveness in controlling light and privacy. 

Preparing to Replace Slats on Vertical Blinds

What’s Needed

• Replacement Vertical Blind Slats: Ensure you have the correct size and style that matches your existing blinds.
• Flathead Screwdriver: Useful for prying open the clips that hold the slats in place.
• Measuring Tape: Essential for accurate measurement of the slats.

Removing Old Slats

1. Open the Blinds: Extend the blinds fully using the chain or wand to ensure all slats are evenly spaced and accessible.
2. Rotate the Slats: Turn the slats to an open position (parallel to the floor) to easily access the clips at the top of each slat.
3. Unclip the Slats: Gently lift each slat up and away from the clip that holds it to the track. For some models, you might need to use a flathead screwdriver to pry the clip open slightly.
4. Remove Each Slat: Carefully detach each slat from its clip and set it aside. If you plan to reuse some of the slats or need to match them for colour, keep them clean and undamaged.

Installing New Slats

1. Attach Slats to Clips: Hold a slat just below the clip, align it correctly, and gently push it upward into the clip until it snaps securely into place.
2. Check Each Slat: After attaching a slat, gently pull on it to ensure it is securely held by the clip.
3. Rotate and Test: Once all slats are attached, rotate them using the chain or wand to ensure they move freely without any obstructions.
4. Adjust as Needed: If a slat does not hang correctly, unclip and reattach it, ensuring it is even with adjacent slats. 

Considering Full Replacement of Your Vertical Blinds

While maintaining and replacing individual slats is one way to extend the life of your blinds, it can sometimes be more time and cost effective to replace a set of blinds entirely. At Aspiration Blinds, we offer a wide range of stunning blinds that would make a beautiful addition to any home.

Made-to-Measure Solutions in Bolton

Every window is unique, and off-the-shelf solutions often don’t provide the best fit or appearance. Aspiration Blinds specialises in made-to-measure blinds, ensuring that each blind is perfectly tailored to the exact dimensions of your window. This personalised approach not only enhances the look of your blinds but also improves their performance in light control and insulation.

Professional Blinds Installation in Bolton

Choosing Aspiration Blinds means you can have your blinds fitted by our professional installation team with precision and care. This professional installation helps prevent issues related to improper fitting, such as uneven wear or functionality problems.

Request a free appointment today to discuss how we can help you.

Vertical Blind Replacement FAQs

Can I replace just one slat, or do I need to replace them all at once?

You can replace just one slat or a few slats as needed. There’s no need to replace all slats unless you’re looking for a complete design overhaul or there is extensive damage across all slats.

Where can I find replacement slats for vertical blinds?

Replacement slats can be purchased from home improvement shops, specialised blind and curtain stores, or directly from manufacturers. 

How often should I replace my vertical blind slats?

The frequency of replacement depends on the material of the slats and the level of wear they are exposed to. Typically, slats may need to be replaced every few years if they show signs of significant wear or damage. However, with good maintenance, they can last much longer.

Are there universal slats that fit all vertical blinds?

While many vertical blinds are designed in standard sizes, there’s no guarantee that “universal” slats will fit all blind systems. It’s essential to measure your existing slats and check product specifications when ordering replacements to ensure a proper fit.

What do I do if my new slats don’t match the colour of the old ones?

Due to slight changes in batches, as well as discolouration from sunlight, it can sometimes be difficult to get an exact match. That’s why we would recommend replacing your blinds entirely with new, high quality and long lasting blinds from Aspiration Blinds.