Residents
Owners
There are many things that attract potential tenants to your rental property. A simple property feature that appeals to them is window coverings. Window coverings offer aesthetics and function and come in various styles and materials. However, choosing which window covering to deck your rental home can be difficult.
Curtains, blinds, and shades are the three common types of window coverings available today. Of course, they have their upsides and downsides, and you have to pick one that complements the style of your home interior and suits your budget. Here is a guide when choosing the best window coverings for your rental property.
Blinds
Blinds have either vertical or horizontal slats that are adjustable with handles or cords to enable different levels of luminosity and visibility. You can customize and fit blinds according to the size or design of your window. They are also easy to clean and can be treated to prevent them from fading quickly.
Styles of Blinds
- Panel Blinds. These blinds have vertical slats that slide through a track installed above a window they cover.
- Venetian Blinds. These blinds are common in many households. They feature one-inch-wide horizontal slats connected by a cloth strip or cord that bunch together when raised vertically.
- Mini Blinds. These blinds have the same features as Venetian blinds, but they have smaller slats that are less than one inch wide.
Materials
- Wood. This material for blinds offers a refined and polished appearance. It also lends a warm and traditional look because it is a natural material, and it has a durable quality. For a house with a modern style, wood might not be a preferred choice. It is also costly in terms of purchase price and maintenance or repair.
- Faux Wood. If you are tight on the budget and want a wood blind as a window covering, choose faux wood slats. Of course, it resembles wood, but it is made of synthetic materials, which makes it easy to maintain and moisture-resistant.
- Metal. This material is a plus due to its durability and moisture resistance. The most durable variety of metal blinds are the ones with smaller gauges. The disadvantage of this material is it tends to produce noise when adjusted.
- Plastic. It is a common material used to make blinds because of its affordability. Plastic blinds can be in different sizes and colors, but they do poorly when it comes to durability. This material for blinds requires you to replace it frequently.
Shades
In contrast to blinds that have slats, there is only a single, unified layer of material for shades. You can pull this material up or down to cover your windows. The design of shades is purposely made to fold up and roll down.
Styles
- Cellular Shades. This style of shade has a combination of two layers of material that you can fold like pleated shades while creating a gap in the middle. This distinctive design makes cellular shades better for insulating against external temperatures and sounds. Many homeowners prefer this style for window coverings in their properties.
- Pleated Shades. This style of shade is a good option for its simplicity. It utilizes a sheet of thin material shaped into an accordion, and it can be bundled up or unfurled down.
- Roller Shades. This style of shade consists of fabric you can pull up or down without folding due to its distinctive mechanism that enables the fabric to be stretched. It comes with various customizations and materials.
- Roman Shades. This style is a hybrid of a Venetian blind and a curtain. It is typically made from different kinds of cloth, such as UV-filtering and special thermal cloth. The design of Roman shades allows it to be lowered and raised as it folds into itself.
Curtains
Curtains are used as window coverings in many households and rental properties. They are made of cloth or fabric fitted on a wall-fixed track or rod. You can place it or slide it over the window.
Advantages
- Many fabric options are available. Plus, you can choose from various materials and colors.
- You do not have to fit curtains precisely to a window. You only need to find the size that fits, and they are good.
- You can prefer a thicker fabric to provide maximum coverage or a lighter one to allow more natural light to enter.
Disadvantages
Curtains can attract pollen, dust, and pet hair, which requires you to wash them regularly.
You cannot install curtains in bathrooms or kitchens because they can get more moisture and make them moldy.
Final Thoughts
There are many options when choosing a window covering for your rental property. Blinds, shades, and curtains are the most common covering that can make your windows aesthetically appealing and functional. They come in various styles and materials. So, you need to choose wisely!
