window coverings

Karen, consider the following: you want furnishings which will perform for the longest period with minimal maintenance and suiting the premises.

In most residential situations you would consider venetians (slimline metal) or roller blinds. Vertical blinds may be an option but will only last a few years. Curtains will require regular laundering (you could consider sheer curtains for the kitchen or sunroom) otherwise try to avoid them (kids will pull on them, cords are a choking/strangulation hazard). You could also consider plantation shutters if it is warranted (high value rental/main bedroom/noisy street). If you have a busy road/rail line etc the use of blockout/thermal shutters may be considered with a sheer blind on the inside.

The type of blinds that you choose are closely linked to the type of property – don't go overboard as the quality of blind willnot generally be reflected in the rent that you get.

I have always gone with slim line venetians, the roller blinds tend to not last as long, as the sun can damage the material and they get rips etc in them plus the roll up mechanism seems to break after a while particularly when children are involved.