Which window furnishings are best for your rental property?

Whether you are building a new build, have purchased an investment or a run-down property that needs some TLC… installing window furnishings can help maximise your weekly rental income and attract potential tenants.

Window treatments not only create privacy, but they also generate a sense of ambience and softness within a room, they help make a room appear bigger and most importantly… increase the capital value of your property, which allows you to charge more rent per week – so it’s vital, if you choose to install window treatments, that you install the right furnishings from the get-go!

Cost effective option

Curtains can be both the cheapest and most expensive window treatments on the market. They can adapt easily to suit windows of all shapes and sizes, as well as creating the desired style you wish to achieve e.g. floor to ceiling curtains, or curtains installed just above the window frame.

With a wide selection of fabrics and colours to choose from, we recommend choosing a neutral colour tone for your curtains to help appeal to a larger audience.

Image credit: ABC Blinds

Low to mid range option

Blinds are a highly attractive furnishing – they provide partial shade or block out the afternoon sun, they are easy to use and can be made from a variety of materials such as soft cotton fabrics, natural fibres e.g. timber or plastic-coated fabric that helps block out light.

Vertical and venetian blinds are often favoured, however, these types of blinds might be the cheaper option in the beginning but in the long run they could become the costliest option due to tenants mistreating them, incurring damage and needing to be repaired or replaced.

Don’t get us wrong, vertical and venetian blinds are a great blind to install, but if you are after a window furnishing that is going to last in a rental and does not need fixing or replacing very often, we recommend installing roller blinds due to their durability, inviting price tag, are easy to maintain and have a modern look and feel.

Image credit: Scorpio Screens & Blinds

High range option

Plantation Shutters are the costliest option out of the three to install, however, they also help increase your rental return. These types of shutters can be customised to suit windows and doors of all shapes and sizes, which is why they continue to be very popular with investors. These shutters are available in a range of colours, but neutral tones are favourable due to their classic timeless look. Angling the louvres allows the user to have control over their privacy e.g. stopping people looking into the home without sacrificing the natural light. Despite the price tag, these shutters are worth the investment, they are long lasting due to being built with durable materials and are easier to clean when comparing these shutters to venetian blinds – which will highly appeal to the rental market.

Image credit: Bush’s blinds

When renting your property, you want to make sure that your home appeals to as many people as possible… especially if you are wanting to maximise your rental return or sell in the future. If you are unsure which treatment is best suited for your property, we encourage you to discuss your window furnishing needs with one of our experts.

Your Fashionline team.