What Are the Best Blinds for Rental Properties?

TLDR;

The best blinds for rental properties are roller shades, faux wood blinds, and cellular shades due to their durability, low maintenance, and wide tenant appeal. They strike the right balance between affordability, style, and function, making them ideal for landlords seeking hassle-free window treatments.

Why Smart Window Treatments Matter in Rental Properties

Window treatments aren’t just about looks – they impact tenant satisfaction, safety, maintenance costs, and property appeal. Choosing the right blinds can mean fewer repairs, lower utility bills, and a better experience for tenants.

What to look for in blinds for rentals:

• Durable materials that resist wear and moisture
• Easy maintenance and simple repairs
• Appealing, neutral designs that suit most interiors
• Safe, cordless options (especially for families)
• Budget-conscious solutions that add long-term value

At Love Is Blinds CO, we understand that landlords need window treatments that are both tenant-friendly and cost-effective.

What Do Tenants Really Want in Window Coverings?

Tenants aren’t picky about brand names. They care about function, safety, and style. Here’s how to align your choices with tenant expectations:

Privacy & Light Control

Most renters want to control natural light without compromising privacy.

• Blackout shades for bedrooms
• Light-filtering roller shades for common areas
• Tilt-controlled blinds for precise light adjustment

Neutral, Modern Designs

Tenants prefer window treatments that blend with any decor.

• White, off-white, or gray tones work best
• Sleek styles like roller or faux wood over bulky drapes
• Avoid ornate or loud patterns

Safety & Family Friendliness

Cordless blinds are now a must.

• Cordless lift systems prevent accidents
• Complies with child safety laws
• Ideal for families, pet owners, or multi-family units

Best Types of Blinds for Rental Properties (Pros & Cons)

Let’s break down the top blind types for rental units and when to use them.

Roller Shades

Why they're great:

• Sleek, modern look
• Comes in blackout and light-filtering options
• Easy to clean and operate

Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, minimalist rentals

Pros:

• Low maintenance
• Durable fabrics and steel rollers
• Affordable

Cons:

• Limited insulation compared to cellular shades
• May not suit very upscale properties

Faux Wood Blinds

Why they're great:

• Looks like wood but handles moisture better
• Durable and long-lasting

Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, traditional interiors

Pros:

• Moisture-resistant
• Affordable alternative to wood
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Heavier than real wood
• Slats may warp under extreme heatNew Paragraph

Cellular Shades

Why they're great:

• Excellent insulation and energy savings
• Noise-reducing

Best for: Bedrooms, street-facing windows, colder climates

Pros:

• Reduces energy bills by up to 25%
• Cordless options available
• Clean look

Cons:

• Can be more expensive
• Not as durable in high-traffic rentals

Vertical Blinds

Why they're great:

• Great for sliding glass doors and wide windows
• Easy to replace damaged slats

Best for: Patio doors, large living room windows

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Functional for large openings
• Replacements are easy

Cons:

• Slats can break or fall off
• Outdated look in modern spaces

Aluminum Mini Blinds

Why they're great:

Looking for budget-friendly window treatments for modern homes? Aluminum mini blinds offer unmatched affordability and basic functionality—ideal for rentals.

• Very affordable
• Basic and functional

Best for: Budget rentals, garages, basements

Pros:

• Cheap to replace
• Available in many sizes
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Bends easily
• Less attractive
  

Legal and Safety Standards for Landlords

Landlords must comply with safety laws to avoid fines and keep tenants safe.

Key legal considerations:

• Cordless compliance: U.S. regulations require cordless blinds in certain rentals, especially those with children
• Fire safety: Use flame-retardant materials when possible
• Modification rights: Tenants may request modifications for accessibility or allergies

Always check local building and housing codes to ensure compliance.

How to Install and Maintain Blinds in Rentals

Proper installation and upkeep keeps your blinds lasting longer and tenants happier.

Installation Tips

• Use no-drill mounting for easy removal
• Choose universal sizes or customizable options
• Opt for bracket styles that fit common window types

Maintenance Tips

• Blinds: Dust regularly, deep clean with soap and water every 6 months
• Shades: Spot clean with a damp cloth, avoid soaking fabrics
• Curtains: Wash or dry-clean between tenants



Create a cleaning checklist for turnover periods and inspect for wear and tear.

Best Blinds by Room in a Rental Property

Different rooms need different solutions. Here’s what works best in each space:

Bedroom: Maximum Privacy & Light Blocking

• Blackout roller shades
• Cordless cellular shades

Kitchen: Moisture & Grease Resistant

• Faux wood blinds
• Aluminum mini blinds (budget pick)

Bathroom: High Moisture Area

• Faux wood or vinyl blinds
• PVC vertical blinds

Living Room: Stylish Yet Practical

• Light-filtering roller shades
• Faux wood blinds with wide slats

Patio Doors: Wide Openings

• Vertical blinds
• Panel track shades

Budget vs Long-Term Value: What Should Landlords Prioritize?

Spending more upfront can save you in the long run.

Price Comparison (Per Window, Avg. Install Included):

• Roller Shades: $60-$90
• Faux Wood Blinds: $50-$85
• Cellular Shades: $80-$130
• Vertical Blinds: $45-$70
• Mini Blinds: $25-$50

ROI Considerations

• Energy savings from cellular shades = lower utility bills
• Better aesthetics = higher rental value
• Durable options = fewer replacements



Choose what balances your budget and the level of tenant experience you want to offer.

Common Window Treatment Mistakes Landlords Make

Even experienced landlords get it wrong sometimes. Here are the top missteps:

• Choosing trendy over practical: Stick with classic, neutral options
• Ignoring safety codes: Always go cordless in family units
• Skipping maintenance checks: Leads to damage and tenant complaints
• Installing incorrectly: Loose brackets can damage walls and blinds



Avoiding these pitfalls can save time, money, and headaches.

Upgrade Your Rental Property with Smart, Stylish Blinds

Smart window treatments can give your rental an edge in the market. With the right choices, you can:

• Improve tenant satisfaction
• Reduce energy costs
• Minimize replacements and maintenance

Love Is Blinds CO offers customized window solutions tailored to rental properties. Whether you manage a single-family home or a large portfolio, we help you pick blinds that perform as great as they look.