I believe it could be possible as long as you don't cut any of the strings.

Agreed, or you can just open up the top slats manually to allow more light to come in the room while maintain some privacy.

I hadn't thought of that. Yesterday I ordered shutters for the lower windows, but I am still interested in whether this is feasible. Someone posted instructions for converting blinds to top down/bottom up (on the Internet but not Houzz), but there's been no activity on the site for a few years so I am hesitant to try it.