You’ve taken the plunge at a property auction and now it’s time to start bringing in that rental income. But first, there are a few things to take care of. One of those pesky jobs on the new property to-do list is almost invariably to purchase window coverings. It can be tricky to select a window covering that is aesthetically pleasing whilst being durable and practical for tenants, so we’ve listed our top three to help you quickly on your way.
Venetian blinds
Venetian blinds are the most common window covering for good reason. Not only are they affordable, but they allow the user to adjust the level of brightness in a room with a quick twist of a cord.
Plastic venetian blinds are cheap and easy to replace and come in an array of colours, though they are not as durable as their wood or metal counterparts. Whilst it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, think long-term in your investment.
Roller blinds
As one sheet of material, a roller blind offers a clean-cut window covering that lets in a lot of light when fully raised. On the downside, that single piece of material can become unattractively sunbleached in parts, and a very cheap roller blind mechanism can become jammed if not treated with care.
Curtains
Light voiles hang a sheer layer of reassuring privacy during the day, whilst heavy drapes insulate a home interior at night. Curtains can be bought off the shelf rather than made-to-measure, so once you have a curtain pole installed it’s easy to switch them out.
When making the final decision on window coverings, consider the tenant that your property will attract. WIndow blind handles and hanging ropes are safety hazards for children so always ensure safety cords are installed. Curtains pick up pet hair, dust, and household smells, so consider shorter-length curtains in machine-washable fabrics.