As a home improvement warehouse giant, Lowe‘s offers a vast selection of window treatments to suit every budget and style. Many DIYers and homeowners turn to Lowe‘s for their blind needs, attracted by the competitive prices and variety. But one common question remains: does Lowe‘s actually cut blinds to size?
The short answer is yes – but only for certain types of blinds under specific conditions. To help you navigate Lowe‘s blind cutting services like an expert, we‘ve created this comprehensive guide full of insider tips and valuable information. Learn exactly which blinds Lowe‘s will cut, how the free service works, and whether it‘s the best option for your window covering needs.
Lowe‘s Free Blind Cutting Service: The Basics
Let‘s start with the key facts about Lowe‘s blind cutting. Lowe‘s offers a free service to cut blinds to your exact window measurements, but it‘s only available for LEVOLOR brand blinds within the Trim+Go product line. This includes the following blind types:
- LEVOLOR Trim+Go Faux Wood Blinds
- LEVOLOR Trim+Go Vinyl Mini Blinds
- LEVOLOR Trim+Go Aluminum Mini Blinds
- LEVOLOR Trim+Go Cellular Shades
- LEVOLOR Trim+Go Roller Shades
If you purchase any of these eligible Trim+Go products in-store, a Lowe‘s associate can trim them down to your specified sizes at no additional charge. However, a few important restrictions apply:
- The blinds must be purchased from Lowe‘s – they cannot cut blinds bought elsewhere
- The blinds must fall within the specific Trim+Go product line – no other LEVOLOR blinds can be cut
- The blinds must be a standard rectangular shape – they cannot cut angled, arched, or other specialty shapes
- The cutting service is only done in-store, not at your home
As long as your blinds meet those criteria, taking advantage of Lowe‘s free cutting service is easy. Simply bring your window measurements with you when purchasing the blinds (rounding down to the nearest 1/8"), and a store associate can perform the cuts in-store while you shop. According to Lowe‘s, the cutting process typically takes 5-7 minutes per blind.
Benefits of Cutting Blinds to Size
So why go through the extra step of having your blinds cut to size? While it may seem like a hassle, ensuring your blinds precisely fit your window dimensions offers several key benefits:
1. Improved Light Blocking
Ill-fitting blinds with gaps around the edges allow light to seep in around the sides, which can be especially frustrating in bedrooms or media rooms. Blinds that are properly fit to the window frame provide optimal coverage to keep the room darker.
2. Better Insulation
Similarly, blinds that are too small for the window allow drafts to enter the room, driving up your energy bills. Snugly fit blinds act as an additional barrier against heat transfer, improving your home‘s insulation.
3. Enhanced Safety
If blinds extend past the bottom of the window frame, the excess slats can pose an entanglement risk for small children and pets. Trimming blinds to the proper length keeps cords and slats away from curious hands and paws.
4. Cleaner Appearance
From an aesthetic perspective, custom cut blinds provide a much more polished, high-end look compared to off-the-shelf sizes. You can avoid the awkward look of bunched or sagging blinds that distract from your decor.
That last benefit can even translate into a better return on investment. Real estate experts estimate that new window treatments like custom blinds can increase your home‘s value by 4-5%[^1].
Measuring for Blinds Like a Pro
Of course, to achieve the perfect fit, you first need to obtain accurate window measurements. Lowe‘s free cutting service is only as precise as the numbers you provide. While it‘s always best to have a professional installer take measurements for you, if you‘re going the DIY route, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a steel measuring tape that includes 1/8" increments, and measure each window individually (even if they appear identical)
- For inside mount blinds (fitted inside the window frame), measure the internal depth, width, and height of the frame in three different places and record the smallest number
- For outside mount blinds (hanging outside the frame), measure the outer width and height of the area you want to cover, then add 2-3" to each side for optimal light blocking.
- If a measurement falls between 1/8" increments, round down to the nearest 1/8" for inside mounts and round up for outside mounts
- Always double-check your numbers before ordering or cutting blinds to avoid expensive mistakes
By providing Lowe‘s with careful measurements, you‘ll end up with blinds that fit like a glove. If you‘re still unsure, you can also take advantage of Lowe‘s free in-home measurement service and have an expert take the guesswork out of the process.
Lowe‘s Blinds vs. Competition
Lowe‘s is far from the only game in town when it comes to custom blinds. In fact, the global window coverings market is expected to reach $36.5 billion by 2027[^2]. How does Lowe‘s stack up against the other top players? Let‘s take a look:
Home Depot
Lowe‘s biggest rival, Home Depot, offers a very similar in-store blind cutting service. They will cut blinds purchased from their stores for free, including brands like:
- Hampton Bay
- Home Decorators Collection
- Bali
- Blinds.com (Home Depot‘s online-only brand)
However, they use a different cutting machine than Lowe‘s, so the turnaround time may vary. Home Depot also carries a wider overall selection of window treatments, but Lowe‘s offers a more robust selection within the LEVOLOR brand.
JCPenney
While better known for clothing and housewares, JCPenney also sells a surprising array of window treatments. They provide free in-store cutting for their own JCPenney Home and Linden Street brands, but charge a $10 fee to cut blinds from any other brands. The selection and customization options are somewhat limited compared to a specialty retailer like Lowe‘s.
Online Retailers
In recent years, a growing number of online-only window treatment retailers have emerged to compete with traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Some of the most popular include:
These sellers specialize in custom-made blinds, shades, and shutters to fit virtually any window size and shape. Shoppers input their window dimensions online, and the blinds arrive perfectly sized and ready to hang. While the prices are often slightly higher than Lowe‘s off-the-shelf Trim+Go options, these retailers offer a vast array of colors, materials, and upgraded features to choose from.
The main downside to online retailers is that you don‘t get to see and feel the blinds in person before purchasing. They also require careful self-measuring, whereas Lowe‘s will handle that for you. But for sheer convenience and selection, online custom blind sellers are hard to beat.
Additional Window Treatment Services from Lowe‘s
Beyond their free blind cutting, Lowe‘s offers several other useful services to simplify your window treatment shopping:
Free In-Home Measurement
Not confident in your measuring skills or just don‘t have the time? Lowe‘s can send a professional to your home to take precise window measurements at no charge. This ensures the most accurate fit, whether you‘re ordering custom-sized blinds or taking advantage of the free cutting service on Trim+Go products.
Blind Installation
For a fee starting at $99 per window, Lowe‘s can handle the entire installation process for you. Simply choose your blinds, provide measurements (or have Lowe‘s measure), and schedule a convenient install appointment. The fee includes an in-home consultation, precise measuring, delivery of all materials, and expert installation. All labor is backed by a 1-year warranty[^3].
Custom Blinds & Shades
If you need an unusual size or specialty shape that isn‘t available off-the-shelf, Lowe‘s can also special order custom blinds and shades to your exact specifications. This includes products from top brands like LEVOLOR and allen + roth in a wide variety of materials, colors, and lifting mechanisms. Custom-made window treatments typically take 2-3 weeks for production and delivery.
Recycling Old Blinds
Replacing your old window coverings with new blinds? Lowe‘s can help you dispose of them responsibly. Many Lowe‘s locations partner with local recycling centers and waste management companies to recycle old blinds and shades, keeping them out of landfills.
To recycle your used blinds at Lowe‘s, remove all excess hardware like brackets, cords, and valances. Then simply bring the remaining blind material to the customer service desk at your local Lowe‘s store, and they‘ll take care of the rest. The plastics and aluminum in blinds can be melted down to create new materials.
Additional Services & FAQs
Lowe‘s prides itself on being a one-stop shop for window treatments, and that extends beyond just budget blinds. A few other common questions and services:
- Lowe‘s offers a wide variety of curtain and drapery rods, rings, and other hardware to coordinate with your blinds. They can cut curtain rods to size for free in-store.
- Looking for a more upscale option than blinds? Lowe‘s can special order genuine wood shutters and specialty shape cellular shades to fit unique windows like arches, angles, and circles. Free in-home consultations are available to discuss custom shutter options.
- Motorized smart blinds and shades are available from brands like LEVOLOR and Project Source, allowing you to adjust your blinds via remote control, smartphone app, or voice commands through smart home systems.
- Lowe‘s installs exterior solar shades and patio shades for additional UV protection and climate control in outdoor living spaces. These can be custom ordered to the size of your porch or patio.
- All window treatments sold at Lowe‘s include the manufacturer‘s warranty, typically 1 year for defects and 3-5 years for motor repairs on motorized blinds.
- Lowe‘s offers a generous 90-day return policy on all blinds, shades, and shutters, even if they have been cut or custom-ordered (as long as they are not yet installed). You may receive store credit rather than a refund for custom orders.
- Military members, veterans, and their families can receive a 10% discount on all window treatment purchases. Teachers are also eligible for discounts during special promotional events each year.
The Bottom Line
For an easy and affordable way to upgrade your window coverings, Lowe‘s free blind cutting service is tough to beat. By measuring your windows carefully and choosing from the wide array of LEVOLOR Trim+Go products, you can score a custom look at an off-the-shelf price.
While the service does have limitations, it‘s an excellent option for most standard windows. And if you need additional customization or professional assistance, Lowe‘s has you covered with a full range of services from installation to disposal.
The key is knowing how to navigate the potential pitfalls and understanding your options. By following the tips and information in this guide, you can find the perfect custom fit blinds at Lowe‘s with minimal stress. Your windows (and wallet) will thank you!
[^1]: Realtor.com: Which Home Improvements Pay Off?[^2]: Market Watch: Window Covering Market Size
[^3]: Lowe‘s Window Treatment Installation FAQ
