The No-Drill Solution For Installing Renter-Friendly Window Treatments

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If your rental has bare windows and you need a rental-friendly DIY that won't jeopardize your deposit ASAP, you'll love this no-drill solution for installing window treatments: peel-and-stick blinds. These temporary window treatments use adhesive to secure the blinds to the window frame so you can add privacy to your rental home without worrying about leaving behind any damage. A few different styles are available, from pleated options like Redi Shades No-Tools Light Filtering Pleated Paper Shade to pull-down blackout shades perfect for bedrooms, such as LazBlinds 100% Blackout Roller Shades.

Peel-and-stick blinds are beloved by renters and homeowners alike because they're easy to install (look, Ma, no tools!), cause little to no damage, and are a great way to change up window treatments for each season, style, or preference. But are they really that good? Yes and no. They may not be suitable for humid or poorly ventilated bathrooms or hot climates because the humidity can affect the glue. They generally don't have the same durability as permanent blinds because they aren't screwed to the frame. One reviewer also noticed it can be difficult to get some peel-and-stick blinds to stay. If this happens to you, don't worry. There's a simple trick to make peel-and-stick blinds last longer: wash the area with diluted isopropyl alcohol before installation. Need more staying power? Another review mentioned using heavy-duty double-sided tape to boost adhesion.

Ready to install your blinds? Clean and dry the area thoroughly so the glue has something to grab onto. Most peel-and-stick blind installations come down to three simple steps: measure, cut, and press. Measure the blinds against your window to get the perfect fit, then cut them to size. Remove the backing on the adhesive, position it in the window, then press and hold. Check the installation instructions on your blinds for how long to hold, but it's recommended to keep pressure on the entire strip of blinds for at least 30 seconds.

Peel-and-stick blinds aren't the only renter-friendly window treatments that don't require a drill. There are a few no-drill-required mounts to pick from. Tension-bracket window treatments, like the Boolegon No-Drill No-Tools Cellular Shades, are a great, no-damage choice because they use springs to brace the blind in place. Others use magnets to hold window treatments in place. However, if the magnets use adhesive to attach to the window, they may leave a little residue behind. If they do, you can make a substitute for Goo Gone by mixing 2 parts baking soda with 1 part vegetable oil, or pick up your favorite adhesive remover from the store.