Best Blinds for Rental Properties in South Africa
Roller blinds with tension-mount or adhesive brackets are the best blinds for rental properties in South Africa. No drilling required, easy to install and remove, affordable in blockout or light-filtering options. For landlords furnishing multiple units, roller blinds offer the strongest balance of cost, durability, and tenant satisfaction. For tenants and students who cannot drill into walls, the same no-drill system protects your deposit and moves with you.
What are the best blinds for rental properties in South Africa?
- Roller blinds with no-drill tension brackets are the top choice for rentals — no holes, no wall damage, no deposit risk
- Blockout roller blinds suit bedrooms in rental flats, student digs, and Airbnb properties where full darkness is needed
- Light-filtering roller blinds work for kitchens and living areas where privacy and natural light must coexist
- Aluminium venetian blinds offer adjustable privacy and moisture resistance for rental bathrooms and kitchens
- Custom Blinds supplies tension-mount no-drill systems that fit inside window frames without screws, adhesive, or wall damage
- Landlords furnishing multiple units benefit from consistent sizing, bulk pricing, and a single supplier for ongoing replacements
- The same blinds work for student accommodation, corporate lets, Airbnb holiday rentals, and standard residential leases across South Africa
Need advice on rental blinds? Call Duncan on 079 523 5407 or WhatsApp us
TLDR
Roller blinds with no-drill tension brackets are the smartest choice for any South African rental — from student digs to Airbnb holiday lets. They cost less than venetians or shutters, install in under a minute per window with zero wall damage, and come in blockout or light-filtering fabrics. Custom Blinds manufactures and delivers nationwide with a Custom Fit Guarantee on shop orders.
The Reality
You hand over the keys. The tenant moves in. Six months later, the walls have drill holes, the blinds hang crooked, and the deposit argument starts. Every landlord knows this story. Every tenant dreads it.
The Landlord
Wants durable blinds that survive tenant turnover without replacing every twelve months. Wants consistency across units. Wants low cost per window.
The Tenant
Wants privacy and light control without risking the deposit. Wants to take the blinds along when the lease ends. Wants something that looks decent.
The Student
Needs blackout for late study nights and early lectures. Cannot drill into residence walls. Needs something affordable that fits a shared budget.
The Airbnb Host
Needs guest-ready blinds that photograph well, clean easily, and survive strangers using them every week without a manual.
“We have supplied blinds for student residences where the management will not allow a single screw in the wall. Tension-mount rollers solved it completely. The students install them in five minutes, take them when they leave, and the walls stay untouched. It is the simplest rental solution we have.”
Duncan, Custom Blinds — 20+ years installing across the Garden Route
Why Standard Blinds Fail in Rental Properties
Most blinds are designed for owner-occupied homes where the person buying them is the person using them. Rental properties break that assumption in three ways.
First, drilling creates permanent damage. Every bracket needs two to four screws. A standard three-bedroom flat has eight to twelve windows. That means up to 48 holes in walls and window frames — holes that need filling, sanding, and repainting between tenants. Some window frames, particularly modern aluminium and uPVC, are difficult to repair once drilled.
Second, cheap blinds cost more over time. The temptation with rentals is always to fit the cheapest option. But low-cost blinds with plastic components break within months under daily use. Chains snap. Brackets crack. Fabric tears at the roll. You replace the whole unit, pay for a second installation, and the per-window cost doubles what you saved initially.
Third, tenants and landlords disagree about whose blinds they are. If the landlord supplies them, they wear out and complaints follow. If the tenant buys them, they drill into the landlord’s walls. No-drill blinds resolve this entirely. The tenant can own the blinds, install them without permission, remove them at lease end, and the property stays undamaged.
Student Accommodation: Where No-Drill Is Not Optional
University residences, private student housing, and shared digs across South Africa share one strict rule: do not damage the walls. From Stellenbosch to Potchefstroom, Durban to Pretoria, student accommodation managers enforce this because repair costs between academic years are already high enough without 200 students each drilling four holes per room.
Custom Blinds has supplied no-drill roller blinds for student properties where the management specifically required zero wall penetration. The tension-mount system solved it completely — brackets that grip inside the window frame using spring pressure, with no screws, no adhesive residue, and no specialist tools.
For students, the practical benefits go beyond wall protection. A blockout roller blind makes a shared room genuinely sleepable during exam season. A light-filtering blind keeps a north-facing desk comfortable during afternoon study. And because the blinds are portable, a student can take them from first-year digs to off-campus housing to a first flat after graduation.
Residence managers benefit too. Instead of supplying and maintaining blinds across hundreds of rooms, they can recommend that students purchase their own no-drill blinds from a trusted supplier. The rooms stay furnished to standard, the walls stay intact, and the replacement burden shifts away from the property manager.
Best Blind Types for Rental Properties
Not every blind works well in a rental context. The four types below are proven for durability, cost efficiency, and tenant satisfaction — and all are available through Custom Blinds with nationwide delivery. For the full range, see our indoor blinds collection.
Blockout Roller Blinds
The default choice for rental bedrooms. Blockout roller blinds eliminate light completely, which matters for shift workers, students, and Airbnb guests who expect hotel-grade darkness. The fabric is dense enough to resist tearing, the mechanism is simple to operate, and cleaning requires nothing more than a damp cloth. Available with no-drill tension brackets for rentals where wall damage is not permitted. Shop blockout rollers online or shop no-drill rollers.
Light-Filtering Roller Blinds
Light-filtering roller blinds soften incoming light while maintaining privacy during the day. They suit living rooms, kitchens, and home offices in rental flats where tenants want natural light without exposure. The sunscreen fabric reduces heat gain noticeably in north- and west-facing rooms — a real benefit in South African summers where rental air conditioning is rare. Shop sheer rollers online.
Aluminium Venetian Blinds
Aluminium venetians offer adjustable light control that roller blinds cannot match. Tilt the slats for partial light and airflow, close them fully for privacy, or raise them completely. They are moisture-resistant, making them the practical choice for rental bathrooms and kitchens where fabric blinds absorb humidity. The slats wipe clean with a cloth. Venetians currently require standard screw-mount installation, though Custom Blinds is launching a no-drill venetian option in late February 2026 — contact Duncan for availability.
Honeycomb (Duette) Blinds
Honeycomb blinds trap air in a cellular structure that insulates the window. This reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer — a feature that appeals to landlords marketing energy-efficient rental properties and Airbnb hosts managing utility costs. They sit flush inside the window frame, look clean and modern in listing photographs, and suit premium rental properties where presentation justifies the higher price point. Note that honeycomb blinds require standard screw-mount installation.
No-Drill Blinds: How They Work
The phrase “no-drill” covers three distinct mounting technologies. Understanding which one suits your windows prevents returns and ensures a secure fit.
Tension-Mount Brackets
The system Custom Blinds uses. A spring-loaded bracket fits inside the window frame recess. You position it, twist the dial to expand it, and mechanical pressure grips the frame from the inside. No adhesive, no screws, no tools. The bracket holds firm against daily raising and lowering. Requires a minimum frame depth of 40mm and works best with frames that are square and consistent in width. This is the most reliable no-drill method for South African conditions because it does not rely on adhesive that fails in heat.
Adhesive-Mount Systems
Industrial adhesive strips bond the blind bracket directly to the window frame or surrounding wall. These work on smooth, clean surfaces and are popular for lightweight blinds in bedrooms. The limitation in South Africa is temperature. Adhesive strength drops significantly above 35°C, and direct sun on a north-facing frame can push surface temperatures well past that. Custom Blinds recommends tension-mount over adhesive for this reason.
Spring-Loaded Rollers
Some blinds use a spring mechanism inside the roller tube itself, tensioned between the left and right sides of the window frame. They work for narrow windows but are less secure on wider spans. Not suitable for windows above 1200mm wide.
Custom Blinds tension-mount brackets use mechanical pressure, not adhesive. They are designed for South African heat and work reliably from the Highveld to the coast.
Landlord Guide: Furnishing Multiple Rental Units
If you own or manage more than one rental property, the economics of blinds change. Buying per-window from a retail chain means inconsistent sizing, different fabrics across units, and no relationship with the supplier when something breaks in year two.
A single-supplier approach gives you consistent colour and fabric across every unit, standardised sizing that simplifies reorders, one point of contact for warranty and replacements, and the ability to negotiate on volume. Custom Blinds manufactures in-house, which means direct pricing without a middleman markup.
For rental portfolios, the recommended approach is to start with blockout rollers in white or off-white for all bedrooms, light-filtering rollers in a neutral stone or grey for living areas, and aluminium venetians for bathrooms and kitchens. This three-product system covers every room type and keeps ordering simple. Check our blinds pricing guide for current cost ranges.
When a tenant damages a blind, you reorder the same specification. When you add a new property to your portfolio, you specify the same products. When a property manager asks for the supplier details, you hand them one name and one phone number. Get in touch to discuss your rental portfolio needs.
Airbnb and Holiday Rental Blinds
Short-term rental properties have different demands from long-term lets. Guests arrive expecting hotel-level darkness in bedrooms, functioning blinds they can operate without instructions, and an interior that looks polished enough to match the listing photographs.
Blockout roller blinds in neutral tones photograph well for listings and provide the darkness guests expect. They operate with a simple pull-and-release mechanism that needs no explanation card. Light-filtering blinds in living areas create the warm, diffused-light atmosphere that earns five-star reviews and repeat bookings.
Cleaning between guests is critical. Roller blinds wipe down with a damp cloth in seconds — far faster than washing curtains or dusting venetian slats. For coastal Airbnb properties along the Garden Route, roller blinds also resist the salt air and humidity that deteriorate fabric curtains within a season or two.
The no-drill option is relevant here too. Holiday rental properties in complexes or sectional title developments often have body corporate rules against external modifications. Tension-mount blinds install inside the window frame without altering the building envelope.
Rental Blind Comparison: Which Type Suits Your Property?
| Feature | Blockout Roller | Light-Filtering Roller | Aluminium Venetian | Honeycomb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-drill option | ✓ Tension mount | ✓ Tension mount | ✗ Screw mount | ✗ Screw mount |
| Best rooms | Bedrooms, media rooms | Living, kitchen, office | Bathroom, kitchen | Bedroom, living room |
| Light control | Full blockout | Filtered daylight | Adjustable slats | Filtered to blockout |
| Durability | ✓ High | ✓ High | ✓ Very high | Moderate |
| Easy to clean | ✓ Damp cloth | ✓ Damp cloth | ✓ Wipe slats | Dust or vacuum |
| Moisture resistance | Good | Good | ✓ Excellent | Fair |
| Tenant-proof rating | ✓✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ |
| Cost per window | R350–R850 | R350–R850 | R400–R900 | R600–R1,400 |
| Rental recommendation | ✓ Top pick | ✓ Top pick | ✓ Wet rooms | Premium lets |
Prices are indicative for standard window sizes. See the full pricing guide or get an instant quote online.
Why Custom Blinds for Rental Properties
Built for Real Rental Conditions
Installations Since 2010
Residential, rental, and commercial properties across South Africa. We know what lasts and what does not.
Install Per Window
No-drill tension brackets click into the window frame. No tools, no handyman, no waiting for an appointment.
Nationwide Delivery
Custom manufactured and shipped to any address in South Africa. Landlords in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban — same service, same quality.
What Do Rental Blinds Cost in South Africa?
Rental-grade blinds do not need to be the cheapest option. They need to be the lowest total cost over five years — purchase price plus replacement frequency plus maintenance effort.
A roller blind from Custom Blinds for a standard 900mm x 1200mm window typically falls between R350 and R850 depending on fabric type and mounting system. The no-drill tension bracket adds a modest premium over standard screw-mount brackets, but you save on installation labour and wall repair costs between tenants.
For a three-bedroom rental flat with eight windows, expect to budget between R3,000 and R7,000 for a full set of roller blinds. That is a single cost that should last three to five years of tenant turnover, compared to replacing cheap blinds every twelve to eighteen months at half the per-unit price but double the total spend.
Our full blinds pricing guide breaks down costs by product type, window size, and mounting system. For bulk orders across multiple rental units, contact Duncan directly for volume pricing.
The Smart Rental Choice
What You Get with Custom Blinds
No-Drill System
Tension brackets grip inside the frame. Zero wall damage. Moves with the tenant.
Custom Fit Guarantee
Too big? Free trim. Too small? 5% off replacement. On all shop orders.
One Supplier
Manufacturing, delivery, and support under one roof. No middleman for replacements.
Nationwide Delivery
Manufactured and shipped to any South African address. Same quality, same service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install blinds in a rental property without drilling holes?
Yes. No-drill tension-mount brackets fit inside the window frame using spring pressure. No screws, no adhesive, no wall damage. They are designed specifically for rental properties, student accommodation, and any space where drilling is not permitted.
What are the best blinds for student accommodation in South Africa?
Blockout roller blinds with tension-mount brackets. They provide full darkness for sleeping and studying, install in under a minute without tools, and move with the student between residences. Custom Blinds has supplied these for student properties where wall penetration is strictly prohibited.
Are roller blinds or venetian blinds better for rental properties?
Roller blinds are the better all-round rental choice because they are simpler to operate, easier to clean, less prone to damage, and available with no-drill mounting. Aluminium venetians are better for wet rooms like bathrooms and kitchens where moisture resistance is the priority.
How much do blinds for a rental flat cost in South Africa?
A standard roller blind for a typical window costs between R350 and R850 depending on fabric and size. A three-bedroom rental flat with eight windows typically costs between R3,000 and R7,000 for a full set. See the full pricing guide for detailed breakdowns.
Do no-drill blinds actually hold properly?
The tension-mount system Custom Blinds uses grips with mechanical spring pressure, not adhesive. It holds securely through daily raising and lowering. The bracket requires a minimum frame depth of 40mm and works on standard aluminium, uPVC, and timber window frames found in South African homes.
Can I take no-drill blinds with me when I move out?
Yes. No-drill blinds are fully portable. Release the tension brackets, remove the blind, and reinstall in your next home. The previous property is left with no holes, no marks, and no deposit deductions. This makes them a genuine asset that moves with you.
What blinds work best for Airbnb holiday rentals on the Garden Route?
Blockout rollers in bedrooms and light-filtering rollers in living areas. Neutral tones photograph well for listings, the simple pull mechanism needs no guest instructions, and the fabric wipes clean between bookings. For coastal properties, roller blinds resist salt air better than fabric curtains.
Where can I buy rental blinds online in South Africa?
Custom Blinds offers online ordering with nationwide delivery. Select your fabric, enter your measurements, choose the no-drill tension-mount option if needed, and the blinds are manufactured and shipped to your address. The online shop provides instant pricing.
Ready to Sort Your Rental Blinds?
Whether you need one window or fifty, we manufacture and deliver across South Africa.
Information in this article is for general guidance. Prices are indicative and may vary based on window size, fabric selection, and order quantity. For specific quotes on rental property blinds, contact Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings directly. Custom Fit Guarantee applies to shop orders only.
