We can all agree that investing in a rental property is a tricky endeavour. You want to personalize the unit, but something keeps telling you it’s not worth the trouble. After all, it’s just a rental. However, there are simple things you can do to make your stay more comfortable, like upgrading the window treatment. And you can go with an off-the-shelf option or spring for a custom shutter, depending on your budget. Everything is explained in the blog post if you’re ready to pull the trigger on a purchase.
Things to Consider When Choosing Window Treatment for a Rental Home
- Value for money: Price is often the first thing that comes to mind when looking at a renovation project in a rental. And the easiest way to save money is choosing an off-the-shelf solution with great reviews. These are relatively cheap compared to custom-made stuff, but most of them leave a lot to be desired in the quality department.
- Maintenance requirements: Some window treatments come with steep maintenance requirements than others. For example, drapes need a good wash every other month to get rid of dirt and stains. This is particularly true if you choose a material with bright colours. Conversely, shutter maintenance is almost non-existent. Just wipe them down with a cloth and cleaning agent once in a while, and you should be fine.
- Safety: The hanging cords in blinds can cause a choking risk to children and pets. This has happened enough times to warrant concern, so you might want to consider automating them or going cordless.
- Final look: It’s obvious that most people reading this are looking to revamp their homes. So, you want to choose an option that looks great and still gets the job done. For example, people who work from home might need a solution that looks nice, lets in natural light, and still offers privacy. Think shades or blinds.
Faux Wood Shutters Are the Best Window Treatment for a Rental Property
Also known as false wood blinds, this is one of the most affordable window treatment options you can implement in your rental home. They are designed to look like wood, and they can be highly durable with proper care and maintenance.The biggest benefit of this fake wood is its moisture resistance. Just like any other plastic, water cannot get into its core. That means you will never deal with rot or mould in the house, as long as you clean them regularly. You can also use them in moist areas such as bathrooms and kitchens with little to no problems.
Unlike wood, a vinyl product will never warp after extended exposure to the sun, and you also don’t have to worry about cleaning. Just remember to use a light PH-balance liquid soap, and you should be good to go.
Still, faux wood has its drawbacks. Not all people like the design of fake wood as it might come off as cheap. Also, this material cannot be repaired. That means you’ll have to replace the entire thing if one piece breaks or gets a dent.
Curtains can also work well with blinds if you want the best of both worlds. The blind allows you to control the light during the day while the curtain blocks and insulates the windows at night. Curtains also come in a variety of exciting patterns and colours that can complement your interior decor.
Then there are garden-inspired fabric curtains with holes cut in the shape of leaves, branches, and other outdoor things. They are perfect for people who love gardening, but some designs can be overly feminine.
Automated blinds and shades are also a great way to upgrade your rental home. These might not be the cheapest way to treat your windows, but a little automation goes a long way. Imagine closing the blinds while stuck in traffic or when lazying on the sofa. This is particularly helpful to people living in houses with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Overall, you get what you pay for. The best window treatments cost a tidy sum, and they come with impressive styling. However, that does not mean cheaper alternatives are not worth a try.
Unlike wood, a vinyl product will never warp after extended exposure to the sun, and you also don’t have to worry about cleaning. Just remember to use a light PH-balance liquid soap, and you should be good to go.
Still, faux wood has its drawbacks. Not all people like the design of fake wood as it might come off as cheap. Also, this material cannot be repaired. That means you’ll have to replace the entire thing if one piece breaks or gets a dent.
Are There Alternatives?
Of course! Faux wood is not the only affordable window treatment out there. Shades are also known for their practicality and ability to block UV rays. They also come in various materials, patterns, and colours, making them ideal for most rooms in the house.Curtains can also work well with blinds if you want the best of both worlds. The blind allows you to control the light during the day while the curtain blocks and insulates the windows at night. Curtains also come in a variety of exciting patterns and colours that can complement your interior decor.
Then there are garden-inspired fabric curtains with holes cut in the shape of leaves, branches, and other outdoor things. They are perfect for people who love gardening, but some designs can be overly feminine.
Automated blinds and shades are also a great way to upgrade your rental home. These might not be the cheapest way to treat your windows, but a little automation goes a long way. Imagine closing the blinds while stuck in traffic or when lazying on the sofa. This is particularly helpful to people living in houses with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Overall, you get what you pay for. The best window treatments cost a tidy sum, and they come with impressive styling. However, that does not mean cheaper alternatives are not worth a try.
