This One Decor Item Instantly Makes Any Rental Look More Expensive

There’s a reason why the phrase “landlord special” tends to conjure up a specific image of a rental apartment. The floors are often gray, the walls are usually off-white, and there’s unfortunately a “boob light” or two overhead. Oh, and if the place happens to come with window treatments, then they’re likely disappointing — quite unlike the plans you have to make this place feel like a home. 

As more renters embrace their addresses with permanence, the “landlord special” is frequently replaced with details that strive for personalized comfort over mass appeal. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is one solution for covering white walls, while plug-in sconces provide another for unsightly light fixtures. But as you make these upgrades, don’t forget about window treatments. Those cheap, plastic shades from 1985 will be even more of an eyesore if you don’t swap them out for something stylishly modern, too. 

Windows naturally draw the eye, and accompanying accents can either create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere or drag down the rest of your design. Nevertheless, window treatments are rarely considered in a rental — likely because they’re often an afterthought or deemed too expensive. So, I went on a hunt to find budget-friendly options that round-out a mood board once a security deposit has cleared, and found plenty of options at blinds.com. 

For starters, this showroom is entirely online and shoppers can get 10 free samples delivered to their doors, which makes it easy to match up worthwhile contenders in their exact surroundings. If you’re having trouble narrowing things down, expert help is a click away. And my favorite part? Blinds.com has a trusted network of professional installers backed by The Home Depot that can measure your windows to ensure the best fit. Given how seamless this process can be, adding window treatments could be the easiest rental upgrade on your to-do list. Shop four timeless options below.