Renter-Friendly Trick to Replace Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are basically a design sin. I’ve lived in enough rentals to know the struggle - they’re outdated, break easily, and somehow always manage to make a space feel less cozy. But I finally found a way to ditch them without drilling or breaking any rental rules.
This trick is super easy: no tools, no damage, and you can still open and close your curtains just like normal. If you’re stuck with those dreaded blinds, here’s how I swapped mine out and changed the vibe of my living room:
1. You’ll need a tape measurer (or ruler), curtain panels that fit your window or door, and curtain hooks. I used two 40x84 panels for my sliding glass door.
2. Pop off each vertical blind by gently lifting it up and pulling it down from the tab. Store them safely (I slid mine under the bed)
3. Measure the space between each clip on the track.
4. Insert curtain hooks into the back of your panels, spaced to match the clips. I placed mine about 2” down so the hooks wouldn’t show.
5. Hook each one into the existing clips. Done!
*Note: This works best with sheer or lightweight curtains. Heavier fabrics (like blackout) may strain the track.
That’s all it takes to swap out vertical blinds for something that actually fits your style - no damage and totally reversible. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a big difference in how your room feels!
It's true, vertical blinds can be such an eyesore in rental apartments, right? I totally get it! Beyond just the aesthetics, I've found they often don't offer the best light control or privacy, and cleaning them can be a nightmare. My trick for swapping them out for curtains, as seen in the 'before' and 'after' OCR images, made a huge difference, but I wanted to share a few more tips based on my experience and things I've learned that might help you too! First off, when choosing your curtains, think about what you need most. The article mentions sheer curtains, and they're fantastic for letting in natural light while still offering a touch of privacy, creating that airy feel. But if you're dealing with a really sunny room or need more privacy, especially for a bedroom or a ground-floor apartment, consider blackout or room-darkening curtains. Just remember the note about heavier fabrics potentially straining the track – lighter options are usually safer for this no-drill upgrade. You can always layer a sheer curtain with a blackout panel if you use a double rod system (though that might require more landlord approval). Another thing to keep in mind, especially for sliding glass doors, is the length. Make sure your curtain panels are long enough to reach the floor or just skim it for a polished look. A 'tape measure' is your best friend here, as the original article points out! Double-check your window or door width too – you want enough fabric for a nice gather when the curtains are closed, usually 1.5 to 2 times the width. The OCR images showing the 'curtain hooks' and 'curtain panel' are key to making this work seamlessly. And let's talk about the 'renter-friendly' aspect. Before you make any changes, even reversible ones, it's always a good idea to quickly review your lease agreement. Most standard leases allow for minor decorative changes, but it's best to be informed. Also, don't forget to take 'before' photos of your vertical blinds, just like the OCR shows, and store them safely with the blinds themselves. This way, when you move out, you have proof that you can revert everything back to its original state without any issues. This 'no-drill upgrade' is truly a lifesaver for avoiding deposit deductions! If you're unsure about using the curtain hook method, or if your vertical blind track isn't suitable, there are other renter-friendly options to consider. Tension rods can be great for lighter curtains on smaller windows, or adhesive blinds/shades that stick directly to the window frame. These might not work for sliding doors, but they're excellent for standard windows. For those who can't fully replace the blinds, layering curtains over the existing vertical blinds can also be a good compromise for improved aesthetics and light control, though it might make the space feel a bit more cluttered. Ultimately, the goal is to make your rental feel like home without sacrificing your security deposit. My experience with this curtain hack for vertical blinds has been fantastic, giving my space a much-needed refresh. It's amazing how such a simple 'home hack' can transform the entire vibe of a room!
As someone who rents apartments for a living this is such a good idea to mix up your space! I’ve seen so many people complain about the vertical blinds, or they break very easily. The curtains really make a difference!