8 Best Renter Friendly Window Treatments for Rental Places

Explore temporary renter friendly window treatments – blinds, shades, curtains, and more – that are stylish, budget-friendly, easy to install, adaptable, removable, and perfect for maintaining privacy and comfortable internal temperature in your rental property.

Peel-and-stick window films, bracketless curtains, tension rod roller shades, and magnetic cellular blinds are some of the best no-drill, non-permanent, easy-to-apply, and removable window treatments for renters.

We really encourage you to request free samples of renter friendly window shades, blinds, and Roman curtains (with free shipping!) to see how they look and work in your rental apartment, office, studio, garden unit, or penthouse? Or book a free consultation session with our experts.

Scroll on to learn about 8 best renter-friendly window coverings with pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision when buying a new blind or shade for your rental apartment or other space.

5 Things That Make Window Treatments Renter Friendly

1. Damage-Free Installation – renter friendly blinds can be hung inside the window frame or the wall around it without requiring drilling, nailing, screwing, or other physical change to the structure or window or wall.
2. Easily removable – Temporary window treatments can be uninstalled without leaving any holes, residue, or stains on window or wall decorations, helping your prepare the building for a new tenant with least expenses.
3. Comply with Landlord Rules – Blinds requiring massive drilling, welding, or holes in the concrete walls may go against landlord rules.
4. Add Value to Your Rental Property – Aesthetic and comfort enhancing blinds, like beautifully patterned Roman shades, insulating cellular shades, and sleek privacy roller blinds will attract high-paying tenants, increasing your rental income.
5. Reusable – Renter friendly window shades, such as faux wood blinds, can be repainted to give them a fresh new look. Plus they last 7 to 10 years, which means, if a year has four seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter) in the USA, your renter-friendly faux wood blinds will last at least 28 seasons.

Top 8 Renter-Friendly Window Coverings That Tenants Will Love

Looking for cost-effective, temporary window treatments for your rented property? Need affordable window covers that provide privacy, style, and comfort?

Want to create some privacy on the patio of your apartment or keep the bedroom of a hotel, resort, office, or other rented property dark and cool?

From adhesive window films & blinds to roller shades and sunscreens, renters have lots of options to choose from. They not only help you get privacy and security to sleep better, but they also add major flair to any room.

For example, roller blinds are smart and clever window treatments, offering one of the quickest and sleekest ways to add style & functionality to a rental.

Plastic mini blinds and cheap faux wood blinds are low cost and easy to replace rental property blinds, which are important in attracting tenants.

The right renter-friendly window covers can be a valuable addition to your rental properties as well as primary residence.

The right kind of window covering will depend on the style of your building or room, specific functional requirements, and the latest window treatment trends of that area. For example, if you like to use a striped window treatment, go with a long curtain.

1. Peel-and-Stick Window Films – A Super DIY-friendly, Quick Fix Option for Rentals

Pros

• No-drill, damage-free blinds – available with peel-and-stick and static cling options
• Can effectively block unsightly view and control solar heat and glare
• Available in a wide range of decorative patterns and tints for full and semi-privacy
• Best for domestic DIY projects – treat front patio doors, street-facing kitchen windows, & 2nd-floor balcony windows, etc.
• Allow solar control during the winter and full sun during the colder, darker months of the year

Cons

• Reduced winter light
• Limited nighttime privacy

Pro Tip

When installing new reusable window films in your rental property, save the packaging box and backing paper, as original packaging is ideal for storing your window films for future use. I have been using seasonal decorative and solar control window films for my own DIY projects. I have used light filtering peel2fix window films on front glass doors and east-facing windows to improve privacy and maintain light flow in winter. And replace them with insulating tilted films in summer.

2. Tension Rod Roman Shades – Add Visual Interest to Your Rental’s Interior

Roman shades can be used as window treatments in rental properties to add a stylish, luxurious, comfortable touch.

They are made of woven fabric and combine the accordion action of blinds with the privacy of a shade. Paisley patterns are inspired by Middle Eastern textiles and look great with neutral shades.

If you are unsure if paisley is right for your building to let, neutral and earth-toned Roman shades are a better choice.

You’ll find these Roman shades in a variety of styles, patterns, and colors. These shades can be purchased with safety options, so they won’t pose a risk for the young children and pets of guests.

You can also choose a suitable mounting style (inside mount & outside mount) to customize your shades.

Meanwhile, there are plain classic fold and flat-fold options to choose from. A plain fold Roman shade provides more coverage, while a flat-fold shade is more pleasing to the eye.

Here are some of the pros and cons of Roman shades for hotels and guest rooms.

Pros

• No-drill, one-step installation – push the rod into the frame and adjust
• Available in many colors, designs, and fold styles (e.g. soft fold)
• They’re also very affordable.
• A simple white Roman blind can create a relaxing ambiance while black Roman blinds can offer complete blackout protection.
• Roman shades can be customized to suit your taste and style.
• Roman shades don’t take up as much space as traditional drapery.
• They are mounted either inside the window frame or above it.
• They are also safe for children & pets.

Safety Options

• Because they can’t be pulled or tugged on, they won’t get dirty or damaged by children.
• They’re also easy to maintain and clean.

Cons

• Roman shades provide limited light control.
• They can be bulky window treatments.
• Roman shades may not be suitable for hotels and guest rooms in humid environments.
• They may not be as durable as other window treatments.

3. Renter-Friendly Plantation Shutters – Longest-Lasting Window Covers

Plantation shutters can be a great way to add elegance and style in your rental property.

These shutters are customizable, which means you can choose the exact size and shape of the louvers that you want to cover your windows.

Louver sizes vary from two-and-a-half to four-and-a-half inches, and each has its own aesthetics and functionality.

You will be amazed at the difference in style and your guests will love to spend time admiring the window covers.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of plantation shutters for rental properties.

Pros

• In fact, shutters last from 20 to 25 years (or even longer!)
•  Can be mounted inside or outside the window frame. However, you should measure your windows and measure the louvers to make sure they fit correctly.
• They come in a variety of colors & materials including vinyl, composite, and real wood.

Color selection

• These shutters cover the entire window and can be closed to block a view, offering your space a sense of privacy.
• You can adjust the louvers to let in natural light and still keep your privacy.
• They are also very durable so you can rely on them for many years.
• Wood plantation shutters add an air of class and sophistication to a rental room.
• They provide texture and a consistent look that will encourage your guest to move around the room.
• They look especially beautiful with wood or tile floors, but luxury vinyl can also accomplish this look.
• If you’re looking for a more modern style, you can choose faux wood plantation shutters or other window treatments.

Cons

• Plantation shutters can be costlier than other window treatment options, such as blinds or curtains.
• These window treatments for hotels and guest rooms can be more challenging to install than other window treatments.
• Plantation shutters need periodic cleaning, and the louvers can be more difficult to clean

4. Roller Shades – Sleek, Space-Saving Rental Blinds

Roller shades for windows are a great way to create a dark and comfortable room. In addition to blocking light, these window treatments don’t take up valuable space.

These window treatments can be matched with your bed sheets. So, whether you’re planning to decorate a hotel or guest room, they’ll look great.

Here are some of the pros and cons of roller shades for windows.

Pros

• Simpler design.
• These window treatments can be operated using a pull cord or a cordless lift system. Cordless lift option is great for children’s guest rooms.
• You can use bold colors or patterns to give your guest room a sophisticated look because they only require one piece of fabric.
• You can even opt for roller shades with a blackout option.
• And since they’re so easy to operate and create a blackout effect, they are great for bedrooms.
• Pick a color that will suit your rental building. You can choose a soft yellow, warm, or earthy brown. Whatever your choice is, your room should reflect your own personality.

Cons

• Some styles of roller shades do not provide complete insulation.
• They require frequent cleaning and maintenance.

5. Curtain Panels with an Attractive Pattern

Your rental property can be a focal point for design by using a subtle, but attractive pattern on curtain panels. 

Pros

• Easy to install, easy to clean, easy to wash.
• Some curtains feature a cotton pattern, which adds a country-chic sweet feel.
• Curtains are versatile, customizable window treatments – can be matched to the rest of your room.

Cons

• Space-consuming design – need to be mounted outside the recess, on the wall surrounding the window opening
• Loose-hanging fabric – likelihood of holes for light and heat seepage

5 Design Tips for Rental Curtains

1. Avoid using contrasting patterns, as they can be confusing. Choose patterns that are subtle and not too saturated. The same goes for sheer and patterned curtains.
2. For a more sophisticated rental bedroom, you can choose a combination of sheer and patterned curtains.
3. Try selecting a cool tone for the walls and furniture. Light-toned fabrics, such as cotton and linen, keep the room feeling airy and comfortable.
4. For a bold focal point, you might use a bright green pattern on your curtains panels. You can buy them in stores, but it is better to get free samples to ensure that the curtains reflect the decor of your room.
5. The room’s views should not be obscured by the colors or patterns.

6. Sheer Curtains – Winter-Friendly for Lots of Sun & Privacy

Pros

• Sheer curtains for windows provide lots of UV-free natural light and privacy to rental properties in winter
• Can soften the overall look and feel of the space.

Cons

• May not help block heat in summer
• Unable to provide total blackout – not suitable for rental bedrooms

7. Motorized Cellular Shades – Luxury and Energy Efficiency in Summer for Tenants

Pros

• Motorized cellular shades (also known as honeycomb blinds) offer a great deal of insulation and can help regulate the temperature in guest rooms.
• Multiple control options – a push-button, wireless remote, voice commands, and a smartphone app
• They are also available in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a versatile option for any hotel.

Cons

• Empty cellular compartments are likely to collect dust, pollens, and pollutants, adding to the difficulty of cleaning
• Operation is dependent on uninterrupted power supply – will stop working during power cuts

8. Venetian Blinds – Can be Repainted for a New Season, New Tenant

Pros

• Venetian blinds are a popular choice for rental properties as they offer privacy while still allowing natural light to enter the room.
• They come in a variety of materials such as wood, faux wood, aluminum, and vinyl.
• Slats can be precisely adjusted between 1 to 90 degrees for the desired amount of light and privacy.

Cons

• Not as durable as shutters
• Prone to mechanical damage (bending and twisting if your pet cat jumps on the slats)

6 Things to Consider When Buying Renter-Friendly Window Coverings

Every renter or occupant wants to create a space that is both warm and inviting. Window treatments can elevate the level of comfort of a room through light control, temperature regulation, and privacy.

For rental properties, window blinds are also a part of visual appeal to tenants. They are also an easy renovation option to increase the value and appearance of your space.

Here are 6 things to consider when shopping for rental property window covers.

1. Longevity

Rental properties usually see a lot more traffic coming through on a regular basis, which accelerates general wear and tear of your blinds. So, always choose beautiful and functional window treatments that will hold up over time.

Cellular shades, roller shades, solar roller shades, & vinyl mini blinds are the best options for a rental property in terms of longevity.

2. Child Safety & Legal Compliance

Tenants or occupants likely have children and pets with them. So, always choose a pet- and child-safe, CPSC-approved option that 100% conform with the New US Federal regulations. New child safety regulations prohibit the sale or use of the most corded custom window coverings due to severe strangulation risks to the children.

3. Easy to Replace

Window treatments are more frequently replaced in rental properties. Therefore, choose blinds, shades, or curtains that require less time, money, and effort to be replaced.

4. Energy Efficiency

Select insulating rental property blinds that keep your guests and tenants comfortable without increasing energy costs.

A cellular or honeycomb shade is the most energy efficient window treatment option for rental properties. They can keep heat or cold out throughout the year.

5. Style and Flair

When it comes to choosing the right window treatment for a rental property, adding style and flair should be on the list of the important factors to consider. Aesthetic appeal will make your property more desirable to potential renters.

Roman shades, pleated shades, shutters, & layered window treatments are some of the popular options to add beauty and style to your rental property.

6. Affordability

Rental window treatments are a temporary window treatment solution that needs to be frequently replaced based on changing trends and the demand of new occupants.

Lift Options for Rental Window Treatments

Window treatments for guest rooms come with several lift options, including corded, cordless, top-down, bottom-up, motorized, & smart lift mechanisms.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Blinds for renters can be cleaned through dusting, vacuuming, and washing. However, before washing, you should make sure that the fabric is washable.

FAQs

What window treatments never go out of style?

Renter-friendly window treatments that never go out of style include roll-up blinds, custom roman shades, classic panels (curtains and drapes), modernized sheer panels, and white wooden blinds and shutters.

What are the most cost-effective window treatments?

Four most cost-effective window treatments for renters and tenants are:

1. Peel-and-stick window films ($2/sqft to $20/sqft)
2. Cordless privacy mini blinds ($21 to $90 for 18×24” to 72×72” windows)
3. Cellular shades ($45 to $137.97 for 21×24” to 72×72” window openings)
4. 2” faux wood blinds ($45.41 to $133.66 for 20×24” to 72×72” windows)

Note

Their prices vary greatly based on size, quality, control type (corded, cordless, and motorized), and sales season (summer sale, winter sales, autumn sales, spring sale), etc.

How can I cover my windows for privacy without curtains?

Blackout roller blinds, two-fabric top down bottom up shades, privacy liners, thick-fabric roman shades, and opaque panel-track blinds can provide more privacy than curtains.

What window treatments save money?

Cellular or honeycomb shades are one of the most energy-efficient window treatments, cutting down on your energy costs year-round.

During the summer, these insulating window covers reduce solar heat gain by up to 20%, and during the winter, they increase the heating efficiency of your room by about 10%.

According to the Department of Energy, window awning on south-facing windows can reduce solar heat gain during the summer by up to 65%, and on west-facing windows by up to 77%.

What is a renter-friendly curtain alternative?

While curtains are simple, removable, and reusable renter-friendly window coverings, alternatives such as blinds, shades, and shutters provide a spectrum of styles, materials, and functionalities that can better suit modern interiors, specific design themes, child-safety regulations, and landlord rules.

Is window film renter-friendly?

Yes, here’re 6 reasons window films are renter-friendly.

• Reason 1: Peel-and-stick and static cling window films are non-permanent, renter-friendly window coverings.
• Reason 2: Can be easily applied to window panes with water and can be cleanly removed without permanent changes to the building’s hardware.
• Reason 3: Window films can easily customize the space for one tenant’s duration in the building. 
• Reason 4: They are easily changeable for the new tenants after the older ones have moved out.
• Reason 5: Window films provide privacy, UV & glare protection, noise reduction, & energy savings without permanent changes.
• Reason 6: Super affordable (prices starting from $2/sqft) and landlord-friendly.

What are people using instead of blinds?

Wood shutters are a more popular and durable alternative to blinds (both minis & faux wood options), because they take the traditional slatted style, while offering a more luxurious look and more precise tilt-adjustment for better functionality.

Is there a renter-friendly way to hang curtains?

Adhesive hooks, tension rods, and magnetic rods are drill-free, screw-less, nail-free, and hassle-free ways to hang curtains. These classic solutions allow you to hang curtains in your rental apartment or other space without any need for installation.

Need more help?

We are ready to assist with choosing the best no-drill renter-friendly window treatments that don’t cost much. We invite you to our 24/7 live chat. Or contact us at (800) 863-6109, or customerservice@affordableblinds.com. Explore the ‘About Us’ section to learn about our expertise.