The Windows Are the Eyes to the Room
The windows are the eyes of a room is a cliché but, like all clichés, it is based in truth. The windows are the portals that let the people inside the house see out and, when the blinds are open, let the people outside the house see in. It’s natural to want to do something special with them. I am a landlord and have been for several years now. My husband and I just had a conversation with one of our renters about their blinds and it inspired this post.
What you do with your windows and their treatments is completely up to you. You can be as creative with your windows as you want. If you are renting, though, it gets a little bit trickier. Your landlord probably has blinds already installed. There are probably strict rules that you have to follow if you want to change the blinds or put up curtains. Still, there are creative ways to dress up your windows without breaking your lease.
Switch Out Your Blinds
Even if you have to follow a set color scheme, choosing your own blinds can be really fun. For instance, you can choose wood instead of plastic; you can switch horizontal blinds for vertical blinds; you can go for fatter or skinnier slats. There are ways to be creative, even if you’ve got boundaries that must be respected.
Consider a Window Film
Window films are a great way to dress up a window without having to make any permanent changes. The film in thin enough to let light through, but solid enough that people probably won’t be able to see through it. It’s a great way to give yourself some privacy in areas where your windows look directly into someone else’s windows (urban apartments are famous for this uncomfortable reality). The films come in lots of different colors and patterns and, best of all, are easy to remove when you are ready to move out.
Should You Have Curtains?
Your landlord probably provided blinds and might even require you to have blinds in your windows. If you aren’t careful, adding curtains over the top of that can look cluttered and messy. The trick is to add sheer curtains that complement your apartment’s color scheme as well as the color and texture of your blinds. This way you don’t have to worry about installing what will undoubtedly look like a giant patch over your windows while still adding some personality to your space. Plus, you can always simply keep the blinds pulled all the way up and use the curtains instead.
There are lots of different ways to personalize and dress up your windows—even when you are a renter who has to adhere to strict rules (or risk losing a security deposit). These are just a few of the options that are available to you. With some creativity and designer zeal, you can undoubtedly come up with plenty of others.
