How to Make Wood Venetian Blinds

Measure the inside width of your window frame and subtract a half inch to find the length to which you need to cut each slat. Measure the height inside the frame and divide it by 1.5 to determine how many slats you need.

Measure and cut the necessary number of slats to the desired length based on your information in Step 1. Measure and cut one 1-by-2-inch board to the same length and set aside for your mounting board.

Measure 1 inch in from each end on all of the slats and mark this point. Measure to find the exact center of each slat and mark this point as well. Drill a hole through each slat at each marked point, giving you a total of three holes through each slat.

Cut one length of string to the height of the window plus 3 feet. Tie a knot in one end of the string. Slip the string upward through a center hole of a slat. Tie a second knot in the string 1.5 inches above the slat. Slip the string through the center of a second slat. Measure up 1.5 inches and tie a third knot.

Continue to add slats and tie knots all the way up the string until each slat has been added. Tie one last knot along the top of the last slat. Expect to have a few inches of string remaining.

Cut two lengths of string to twice the height of the window frame. Tie a knot into the end of one of these and run the string up through the holes along one side of the slats. Repeat this process and run the second long string up the other side of the slats.

Lay the 1-by-2-inch board on a flat surface. Measure in 1 inch from each end and insert a hook eye screw at these two points. Lay the connected slats out flat below the board with the center string extended. Drape the center string tail over the center of the board and staple it in place.

Run the long string ends extending through the sides of the slats through the hook eyes above them. Tie a knot into both long strings at the point where they exit the hook eye to hold the string in place.

Lift the blind unit and hold the mounting board’s 2-inch width to the inside of the window frame’s top with the hook eyes pointing down. Secure the board to the frame with four evenly spaced wood screws. Pull the strings along the sides to lower and raise the blinds.