Looking for cost-effective, temporary window treatments for your rented property? Need affordable window covers that provide privacy, style, and light filtration?
Here are top 7 super-inexpensive, practical window treatments for renters.
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?
These popular temporary window cover ideas will best serve the form and function of the windows.
From curtains and 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.
Curtains are smart and clever window treatments, offering one of the quickest ways to add style and 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.
6 Things to Consider When Buy Renter Window Covers
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 or occupants. 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, and vinyl mini blinds are the best options for a rental property in terms of longevity.
2. Cordless
Tenants or occupants likely have children and pets with them. So, always purchase cordless window covers that comply with CPSC’s new Federal Safety Standards for custom window coverings.
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, and 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.
Top 7 Renter-Friendly Window Coverings
The right renter-friendly window covers can be a valuable addition to your rental properties as well as primary residence.
You have many options for window treatments in your guest rooms, hotels, or other rental properties.
These include blinds, curtains, and plantation shutters.
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. Patterned Roman Shades
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 and 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
- Roman blinds are 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 and pets.
- 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.
2. Renter-Friendly Plantation Shutters
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
- Shutters 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 and materials including vinyl, composite, and real wood.
- 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
3. Roller Shades
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.
4. 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. Some curtains feature a cotton pattern, which adds a country-chic sweet feel.
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.
For a more sophisticated rental bedroom, you can choose a combination of sheer and patterned curtains.
Curtains should be matched to the rest of your room. 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.
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.
The room’s views should not be obscured by the colors or patterns.
5. Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains for windows provide a light and airy feel to rental properties and can soften the overall look and feel of the space.
They also allow natural light to enter the room while still providing some privacy.
6. Cellular Shades
Cellular shades (also known as honeycomb blinds) offer a great deal of insulation and can help regulate the temperature in guest rooms.
They are also available in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a versatile option for any hotel.
7. Venetian Blinds
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.
Lift Options for Rental Window Treatments
Window treatments for guest rooms come with several lift options, including corded, cordless, top-down, bottom-up, motorized, and smart lift mechanisms.
The cordless lift options are safe for children and pets.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The top 7 window treatments for renters can be cleaned through dusting, vacuuming, and washing. However, before washing, you should make sure that the fabric is washable.
Summing up, you can choose any of the top 7 window treatments for rental buildings based on your preferences for functionality and curb appeal.
FAQs
What window treatments never go out of style?
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?
The most cost-effective window treatments are typically cordless privacy mini blinds (starting as low as $17), cellular shades ($40), 2” faux wood blinds ($41), and roman shades ($93). Their prices vary greatly based on size and control style.
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%.
Still Unsure?
Still confused which window cover to go with for your rental property? Contact our DIY experts for more practical tips and solutions. Use 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109 now.
