Best Window Treatments for Rental Properties
Choosing the right window treatments for a rental property can make a huge difference in comfort, energy efficiency, tenant satisfaction, and overall property appeal. Unlike owner-occupied homes, where style and customisation are the priority, rentals need window furnishings that are durable, easy to maintain, and cost-effective. The right choice also increases your property’s value and helps attract quality tenants who appreciate a well-presented home.
In Australia, especially in areas like Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne, temperature fluctuations and high UV exposure make window coverings even more essential. Landlords need solutions that can withstand everyday wear and tear while still offering a modern look that suits a wide range of interior styles.
Why the Right Window Furnishings Matter in Rentals
Window treatments are one of the few interior elements that can instantly make a rental feel well-maintained and move-in ready. They also influence:
- Energy efficiency: Good blinds and curtains help keep properties cool in summer and warm in winter, reducing tenants’ energy costs.
- Privacy and light control: Window coverings let tenants manage sunlight and visibility, protecting both comfort and interiors.
- Durability: Quality treatments like PVC or plantation shutters withstand daily use and tenant turnover, reducing replacements.
- Aesthetic appeal: Neutral, modern designs make rentals look polished and inviting, attracting more tenants.
- Tenant satisfaction: Functional and stylish furnishings improve comfort, encouraging longer stays and lease renewals.
Simple, modern, and neutral furnishings ensure your property appeals to the widest market.
Top Window Treatment Options for Rental Properties
1. Roller Blinds
Roller blinds are the most popular choice for rental properties across Australia, and for good reason. They are affordable, low-maintenance, and come in a variety of fabrics including sunscreen, light-filtering, and blockout materials.
They are easy to clean and maintain and bring a clean, modern look to any interior. Blockout roller blinds, in particular, are ideal for bedrooms where privacy and light control are essential.
2. Vertical Blinds
3. Venetian Blinds
Venetian blinds (timber-look or aluminium) add a timeless, modern look to any rental property. Their adjustable slats allow precise light control, making them suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. PVC and aluminium Venetians are both moisture-resistant and durable, ensuring they stand up well to daily use. Timber-look Venetians are especially popular because they mimic the warmth of natural timber while being easier to maintain and far more affordable.
4. Curtains
Curtains can elevate a rental property instantly, making it feel more homely and comfortable. While they require more upkeep than blinds, they’re perfect for living areas and bedrooms where a softer aesthetic is desired. They offer excellent insulation benefits that help regulate indoor temperatures and improve energy efficiency. Curtains also come in a wide range of fabrics, colours, and styles to suit different interior preferences. While they require slightly more maintenance than blinds, their aesthetic appeal can significantly increase a property’s attractiveness to tenants. Pairing curtains with roller blinds is a great way to boost both style and insulation.
5. Honeycomb (Cellular) Blinds
If you want to increase energy efficiency, and attract quality tenants willing to pay higher rent, honeycomb blinds are a top-tier choice.
Their unique cellular structure traps air, providing superior insulation compared to many other window coverings. This makes them particularly suitable for properties in colder climates or areas with large temperature fluctuations, such as Canberra. Honeycomb blinds are lightweight, sleek, and modern, giving rental homes a high-quality finish that can appeal to more discerning tenants. Their thermal performance makes them perfect for Canberra’s extreme seasons.
6. Plantation Shutters
If you’re looking to add value and longevity, plantation shutters are the ultimate upgrade. Although they come with a higher upfront cost, they offer unmatched durability, timeless style, and excellent ease of maintenance. PVC plantation shutters, in particular, are moisture-resistant and well-suited to bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas. Their premium appearance can elevate the entire property, helping increase rental value and attract long-term quality tenants. PVC shutters are ideal for rental properties due to their moisture resistance and strength.
| Window Treatment | Durability | Cost | Best Rooms | Key Benefits | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roller Blinds | High | Low–Medium | Bedrooms, living areas | Simple, modern, blockout options | Very easy |
| Vertical Blinds | Medium–High | Low | Sliding doors, apartments | Affordable, flexible light control | Easy |
| Venetian Blinds | High | Medium | Kitchens, bathrooms | Moisture-resistant, stylish | Easy |
| Curtains | Medium | Low–High | Living areas, bedrooms | Thermal insulation, elegant look | Medium |
| Honeycomb Blinds | High | Medium–High | All rooms | Superior insulation, modern finish | Easy |
| Plantation Shutters | Very High | High | Living areas, bedrooms | Long-lasting, premium appeal | Very easy |
Tips for Choosing Window Furnishings for Rentals
- Choose neutral colours: White, cream, light grey, or beige appeal to more tenants.
- Think maintenance: Select fabrics that wipe clean easily and resist mould or fading.
- Prioritise insulation: Especially important for extreme Canberra weather.
- Avoid heavy or high-maintenance materials: Tenants prefer low-effort solutions.
- Use consistent styles throughout the property: Creates cohesion and improves aesthetics.
Upgrade Your Rental Property with Aurora Window Furnishings
If you’re looking to install durable, stylish, and cost-effective window furnishings for your rental property, Aurora Window Furnishings offers custom solutions designed for Australian homes.
From roller blinds and shutters to curtains and honeycomb blinds, our team delivers expert recommendations, premium installation, and long-lasting products.
