Blinds and window coverings are used every day and yet many investors find them one of the most regrettable expenses.

What are investors looking for in a window covering?

• Value for money
• Low maintenance
• Safe
• A timeless look

Value for money

Our first instinct it to buy the cheapest when it comes to blinds for rental properties. Just something off the shelf at Bunnings or Spotlight. Doesn’t matter if it doesn’t fit perfectly, “it’s only a rental!”

But buying off the shelf window treatments have a lot of components and brackets which can break in a short amount of time. Most blinds get used every single day, and these “quick fixes” often don’t sell replacement components, so once the blind is broken and cannot be used every day, the blind then needs to be replaced.

Remember if you buy quality in the first instance, you’ll get longevity and save money down the track!

Low maintenance

The lowest maintenance blinds for rental properties are:

Roller Blinds

• Easy to clean
• Easy to use
• Wide range of colours that fit all interior looks
• Components available for easy fix
• Good insulation
• Can span wide width
• Affordable

Vertical blinds with a wand control

• Using a wand control vertical blind eliminates the need for child safety cords and locks
• Wide range of colours that fit all interior looks
• Components available for easy fix
• Blades can be replaced or updated if track is still working
• Can span wide width
• Affordable

Slimline venetians

• Slim modern looking aluminium venetians
• Can have wand controls to eliminate cords
• Can span wide width
• Modern colours
• Affordable
• Safe

For safety, remember that the biggest risk that blinds cause is a choking hazard to children and animals so;

– Make sure roller blind cords have safety locks installed so they cannot hook around a child’s neck

– Remove all chains from the bottom of vertical blinds. Choose sewn in or slip in bottom weights for vertical blinds instead

– Choose blinds that can be operated by wands, or motorised for a more luxurious property (motorisation might achieve a higher rent for you too!).

Maintaining a timeless look

Most blinds are refreshed every 8 years, and often when a new coat of paint is applied. Apart from the walls in the house, the window treatments span the next biggest space and make the biggest impact to the look of the property, both inside and out, so;

– Choose colours that are neutral and timeless – greys, creams, off-whites

– Choose low maintenance fabrics/material that can easily be wiped down or cleaned to maintain their fresh look

– Choose correctly fitted blinds for the window with no gaps or overhanging

– Choose the right design of blind for a high traffic window. For example, a sliding door

– Choose block-out blinds for sleeping areas

We should probably note what tenants prefer! No surprises here, roman or roller blinds are the most preferred window coverings for tenants.

What do tenants want when it comes to window coverings?

What are the main considerations for tenants?

• Function – does it provide privacy in sleeping, dressing and bathing areas, block the sun, retain the warmth/cool within the house or all of the above?
• Style – consider the style of the home. Would heavy curtains suit a modern house? Remember that tenants are home-proud too!

Your Fashionline team 🙂