Blinds might seem like a small detail, but in rental properties they can make a big difference. They impact privacy, energy efficiency, appearance, and how tenants feel about the space. For landlords, the right choice can reduce maintenance issues and add value to a property without major expense.

If you’re a landlord looking to update window coverings—or a tenant who wants to understand what’s suitable—this guide walks you through the best options, what to avoid, and how to balance cost, durability and style.

Why Blinds Matter in Rental Homes

Landlords often juggle two priorities: affordability and resilience. Tenants, on the other hand, want practicality, privacy and a home that feels comfortable.

Blinds tick several boxes:

• They’re cheaper than curtains in most cases
• They don’t gather dust and odours as easily
• They’re easier to wipe clean or repair
• They suit both modern and traditional interiors
• They improve privacy—especially in flats and terraced housing

Finding the right style means fewer replacements, fewer complaints, and properties that present well during viewings.

Landlord Considerations When Choosing Blinds

Before picking a style, landlords should think about the following:

1. Durability

Some blinds are more resistant to wear and tear than others. Roller, aluminium Venetian, and faux-wood blinds tend to outlast fabric or delicate materials.

2. Easy Maintenance

Tenants don’t always clean regularly, so blinds should be wipeable rather than high-maintenance. Avoid styles that trap dust or need specialist washing.

3. Cost vs Lifespan

Cheap blinds might seem appealing, but if they break easily you’ll end up replacing them more often. Mid-range options often offer the best value.

4. Neutral Appeal

For rentals, neutral colours work best. White, cream, light grey or light wood tones go with virtually any décor and appeal to a wider audience.

5. Compliance with Safety Regulations

UK law requires blinds with cords to be child-safe. Cordless options, breakaway cords or tensioned systems are essential—especially in family lets.

6. Property Type

Flats, HMOs, student lets and family homes all have different demands. Choosing the right material and style depends on both the occupants and the building.

Top Tenant-Friendly Blind Options

Here are some trusted choices that work well in UK rental homes:

Roller Blinds

A simple and affordable favourite. They’re easy to use, available in blackout or wipe-clean fabrics and can be replaced cheaply if needed. Great for bedrooms and lounges.

Faux Wood Venetian Blinds

These look more stylish than aluminium but are still practical. Moisture-resistant, durable and easy to clean, they’re ideal for living areas, bathrooms and kitchens.

Aluminium Venetian Blinds

Lightweight and budget-friendly. Best suited to kitchens or student rentals where practicality matters more than luxury.

Vertical Blinds

A popular choice for patio doors and large windows. They’re especially common in newer apartments and conservatories.

Day and Night (Zebra) Blinds

More modern and slightly pricier, these offer privacy and light control. Better for higher-end rentals or furnished homes.

Blackout Blinds

Perfect for bedrooms in city flats or homes on busy roads. They give tenants privacy and better sleep—an easy selling point.

Blinds for Different Rooms in Rentals

Different rooms benefit from different blind types. Here’s a practical breakdown:

Living Room

Faux-wood Venetians or roller blinds in neutral colours give a clean, modern look. Vertical blinds also work well for patio or balcony doors.

Bedrooms

Blackout roller blinds provide privacy and light control. Tenants appreciate good sleep, and it’s a simple upgrade that makes the room feel more finished.

Kitchens

Moisture and grease can ruin some materials. Faux-wood Venetians or wipeable roller blinds work best here.

Bathrooms

Blinds should be water-resistant and mould-resistant. PVC roller blinds or faux-wood slats cope well with humidity.

Conservatories or Patio Doors

Perfect Fit blinds, pleated blinds or vertical blinds allow flexibility and reduce glare without getting in the way.

Should Landlords Install Blinds Themselves?

It depends on how hands-on you are. Many blinds sold online come with easy-to-fit brackets. However:

• Professionally fitted blinds look neater
• Measuring mistakes can be costly
• Tenants are less likely to damage blinds that fit properly

If you’re kitting out multiple windows, it’s often more cost-effective to order made-to-measure blinds from a supplier and either self-fit or use a fitter once.

Blinds vs Curtains in Rentals

Some landlords wonder whether blinds are better than curtains in a rental setting. Here’s how they compare:

Feature	Blinds	Curtains
Cost	Often cheaper	Can be pricier
Maintenance	Wipe-clean	Needs washing
Durability	Moderate to high	Varies
Style	Modern and minimal	Soft and traditional
Privacy	Good	Depends on fabric
Safety	Built-in child-safe options	Often no ties

Many landlords choose blinds for most rooms and only use curtains if properties are furnished.

Tenant Damage and Wear: Who Pays?

Blinds in rental properties fall under “fixtures and fittings”. Tenants are expected to clean and use them correctly, but landlords must allow for reasonable wear and tear.

If blinds are:

• Broken from misuse
• Cut, stained or removed
• Damaged when moving out

Then the cost of repair or replacement can usually be deducted from the deposit.

To reduce issues:

• Choose robust materials
• Avoid long cords
• Provide simple operating mechanisms
• Use tensioned systems where possible

Blinds Tenants Can Easily Replace or Remove

Some landlords don’t provide blinds at all, expecting tenants to fit their own. The problem? You risk damage to window frames.

If you’re happy to let tenants add their own blinds, suggest these no-drill options:

• Perfect Fit blinds for UPVC frames
• Tension-fit roller blinds
• Clip-on Venetian blinds
• Temporary blackout blinds (ideal for short lets)

These reduce the chance of holes in walls or badly fitted brackets.

Should Blinds Be Included in an Unfurnished Rental?

In most UK rental listings, blinds or curtains are expected as a minimum. Bare windows can put tenants off and make rooms feel incomplete.

Providing blinds:

• Increases appeal during viewings
• Helps you justify rent levels
• Reduces tenant alterations
• Creates a consistent, clean appearance

Even in unfurnished lets, blinds are considered part of the fixtures, much like flooring or light fittings.

Budgeting: How Much Do Landlords Spend?

Most rental properties don’t need high-end blinds. Here’s a rough cost range:

• Basic roller blinds: £15–£40 each
• Aluminium Venetians: £20–£50 each
• Faux wood blinds: £40–£90 each
• Vertical blinds: £40–£120 per set
• Perfect Fit blinds: £60–£120 per window

Bulk discounts are common if you order whole-house packs.

Tips for Keeping Costs Down

Landlords can save money without compromising on quality by:

• Keeping colours neutral across the whole property
• Choosing the same blind style for multiple rooms
• Measuring accurately to avoid replacements
• Prioritising hard-wearing fabrics in student or short-term lets
• Buying moisture-resistant blinds for kitchens and bathrooms

For HMO or student lets, it’s better to choose blinds with plastic or metal components instead of fabric.

Final Thoughts: What Works Best?

For most UK rentals, the best blinds are:

• Roller blinds in bedrooms and lounges
• Faux-wood or aluminium Venetians in bathrooms and kitchens
• Vertical blinds for large doors and windows

They’re affordable, durable, easy to clean and neutral enough to suit any décor. For higher-end rentals or furnished homes, Perfect Fit or Day and Night blinds can elevate the look without going over budget.

Whether you’re a landlord updating multiple properties or a tenant trying to make a space feel like home, choosing the right blinds can make a bigger impact than you’d think — both in practicality and presentation.