Fitting Blinds Without Drilling: Ideal for Flats and Rented Homes

October 29, 2025

Living in a rental or flat often comes with limits on what you can change — especially when it comes to drilling into walls or window frames. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with bare windows, dated curtains or zero privacy. No-drill blinds have become a game-changer for tenants, homeowners in leasehold flats and anyone looking for a fuss-free window upgrade.

In this guide, you’ll discover the best types of blinds that can be fitted without drilling, how they work, who they’re suitable for and why they’ve become such a popular choice across the UK. Whether you rent a furnished flat, live in a new-build or simply hate DIY, there are plenty of stylish, secure and removable solutions out there.

Why No-Drill Blinds Make Sense for Renters and Flat Owners

1. No Damage to Property

Most landlords aren’t keen on screw holes, wall plugs or damaged frames. No-drill blinds attach without altering the structure, meaning you can remove them later without leaving marks behind.

2. Perfect for Leasehold and New Builds

Some modern flats have UPVC or aluminium window frames that you’re not allowed to drill into. No-drill options provide a neat alternative that still feels made to measure.

3. Quick and Hassle-Free

No need for power tools, dust sheets or handyman skills. Many blinds can be installed in minutes with brackets that clip into place or frames that fit flush to the window.

4. Easy to Take With You

When you move out, you can take the blinds with you and leave the windows exactly as you found them.

5. Totally Landlord-Friendly

Removable fittings mean no awkward deposit disputes or extra repair charges at the end of your tenancy.

Popular Types of No-Drill Blinds

There isn’t just one type of blind that works without drilling — several modern systems are designed for easy, damage-free installation. Here are the most popular options in the UK.

1. Perfect Fit Blinds

Perfect Fit blinds are one of the most popular choices for UPVC windows and doors.

They work by clipping into the rubber beading around the glass, using a slim frame that sits flush inside the recess. No screws, no brackets, no mess.

Best for:

• French doors
• Patio doors
• Tilt-and-turn windows
• Conservatories
• Modern flats with UPVC frames

Styles available:

• Venetian (aluminium or faux wood)
• Pleated
• Roller
• Day and night blinds

Benefits:

• Child-safe and cordless
• Look like part of the window
• Great insulation and privacy
• Tailored appearance

2. Tension-Fit Roller and Pleated Blinds

Some roller and pleated blinds now come with tensioned side rails that hold them in place without screws. The blind is held under pressure inside the frame, and can be raised or lowered smoothly without cords.

Best for:

• UPVC windows
• Narrow recesses
• Rented homes with standard window sizes

Key advantages:

• Sleek finish
• No visible brackets
• Easy removal

3. Clip-On Venetian Blinds

These blinds hang directly from the top of the window frame using metal or plastic clips. They’re lightweight but sturdy and can be taken down in seconds.

Works well in:

• Bedrooms
• Kitchens
• Offices and studies

Popular materials:

• Aluminium
• Faux wood (lightweight versions)

4. Adhesive Blinds (Stick-On Options)

Self-adhesive blinds are ideal for short-term tenants or rooms that need quick privacy, like bathrooms or temporary lets.

Two main types:

• Stick-on roller blinds
• Pleated paper or fabric blinds

They’re not intended to last forever, but many look surprisingly good and remove without ruining paintwork or frames.

5. Magnetic or Suction-Fit Blinds

Though less common, blinds using strong magnets or suction pads can work well for certain window types, especially in lofts, caravans and rentals with metal frames.

Advantages:

• No marks at all
• Great for temporary or secondary glazing
• Movable from room to room

How No-Drill Blinds Are Installed

Although the exact fitting method depends on the product, most no-drill blinds fall into one of these installation styles:

Clip-In Fittings

Metal brackets slide between the glass and rubber seal on UPVC frames. Perfect Fit blinds use this method, creating a snug, integrated look.

Tension-Fit

The blind is held by pressure between the sides of the window frame, rather like a spring-loaded shower rail.

Hook or Clip-Over Mounts

Useful for older windows or frames with a rebate. The blind hooks over the top, often with adjustable arms.

Adhesive Fixings

For temporary blinds, sticky pads attach to the top rail or side channels. Good for when you want zero trace left behind.

Friction-Fit Rails

Some blinds use expanding bars to hold top and bottom rails in place within the window recess.

No professional tools are needed for any of these methods — a tape measure and a steady hand is usually enough.

Are No-Drill Blinds Secure and Long-Lasting?

A common concern is whether blinds will stay in place if they’re not drilled in. The good news is that modern systems are surprisingly sturdy.

Durability Depends on:

• Quality of the blind
• Correct sizing
• Type of frame
• Frequency of use

Perfect Fit blinds, for example, are known to stay in place for years with proper use. Tension-fit and clip-on blinds also hold up well if fitted to the right type of window.

Adhesive blinds may need occasional refreshing, but they’re designed for shorter-term use.

Rooms Where No-Drill Blinds Work Best

You can fit them almost anywhere, but some rooms particularly benefit:

Bedrooms

Blackout Perfect Fit or pleated blinds give privacy and light control without curtain rails.

Living Rooms

Clip-in venetians and tension-fit rollers look tidy and suit modern décor.

Kitchens

Moisture-resistant no-drill blinds are easy to wipe down and safe near tiles and UPVC frames.

Bathrooms

Adhesive and water-resistant blinds work well where drilling into tiles is a risk.

Home Offices

Light-filtering and glare-reducing blinds can be added without damaging rented spaces.

Do No-Drill Blinds Actually Look Good?

Absolutely — the best systems look like they were designed with the window. Here’s why they’re more stylish than many expect:

• Frameless or integrated design keeps things sleek
• No visible brackets or hanging cords
• Custom sizing makes them look made to measure
• Modern fabrics and colours suit any décor

Plus, because they’re close-fitting, they’re often more energy-efficient than standard blinds with gaps.

Cost: Are They More Expensive?

The price depends on the type of system you choose.

Budget Options

• Stick-on and suction blinds
• Clip-on venetians

Mid-Range

• Tension-fit pleated blinds
• No-drill rollers

Premium

• Perfect Fit systems
• Motorised smart no-drill blinds

While Perfect Fit blinds cost more upfront, tenants often see the value in something they can reuse in the next property.

Landlord and Letting Agent Perspectives

Many landlords now prefer tenants to use no-drill blinds instead of trying curtain poles or drilling brackets into walls.

Reasons landlords love them:

• No damage to plaster, tiles or window frames
• Removable at the end of tenancy
• Good for furnished lets and HMOs
• Provides privacy for tenants without altering décor
• Complies with child safety regulations when cordless

Some even install Perfect Fit blinds themselves to enhance rental appeal and add value.

What to Consider Before Choosing No-Drill Blinds

Here are a few practical things to check before ordering:

Frame Type

UPVC, aluminium and some timber windows work best with no-drill systems. Check the thickness of the beading if choosing Perfect Fit.

Window Shape

Tilt-and-turn, patio doors and sash windows may need different solutions. Always measure carefully.

Light Control Needs

Is blackout required? Or just privacy? Some blind types are better suited to light filtering than full darkening.

Room Purpose

High-moisture or high-traffic rooms need durable materials.

Removal and Reuse

If you plan to take them with you, choose a style that re-installs easily elsewhere.

Tips for a Smooth, Damage-Free Installation

1. Always measure accurately — don’t guess, even if the window looks standard.
2. Check the frame for compatibility — some clips won’t work on very shallow or oddly shaped beading.
3. Buy quality fixings — flimsy adhesive or weak clips can fail over time.
4. Follow the removal instructions — this helps you avoid scuffs or snapped parts.
5. Save original packaging — useful if you’re moving in future.

Are No-Drill Blinds Worth It?

For most people in rented homes or flats, the answer is a solid yes — and here’s why:

Pros

• No drilling or screw holes
• Landlord and agent friendly
• Quick installation
• Removable and reusable
• Modern and stylish
• Cordless options available
• Great for UPVC and metal frames

Considerations

• Not all styles suit every window
• Cheapest adhesive blinds don’t last as long
• Certain frames may need made-to-measure options

If you’re planning to stay long-term or want a premium look, Perfect Fit blinds are often the best investment. For temporary setups or a budget fix, stick-on or clip-on styles work well.

Final Word

No-drill blinds are no longer a compromise or quick fix — they’re a smart, modern alternative to drilling, ideal for UK renters, flat owners and anyone who values convenience and flexibility. With so many styles available, whether you’re looking for blackout blinds in the bedroom, moisture-resistant ones in the bathroom or sleek rollers for the lounge, there’s a solution that keeps your walls and deposit intact.