While there is so much that’s great about living in an apartment community, it can be difficult to personalize a small space, especially if you’re a renter. Sure, you can always roll out a fun area rug or hang some artwork, but nothing enhances a living space quite like eye-catching window treatments.

Unfortunately, hanging curtains in an apartment can come with some unique challenges. When you’re renting an apartment, you might not be able to drill holes to support heavy curtain rods or add custom blind brackets to the walls — at least not without putting your security deposit at risk. So what’s a stylish renter to do?

Luckily, there are plenty of options for renter-friendly blinds, curtains and window treatments these days. Whether you want to hang curtains to separate spaces in a studio apartment, create some privacy on your patio or balcony or keep your bedroom cool, read on to learn how you can get some privacy and style from various window treatments. 

Seven Apartment Window Treatments to Consider

1. Command Hooks

Command Hooks are truly a renter’s best friend — not only can you use them to hang coats and accessories, but they’re also an excellent way to hang lightweight curtains. Plus, they’re practical and easy to remove. 

Pros:

  • Command makes a variety of different hooks in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, so you can choose the option that looks best for your apartment. 
  • Command hooks are an affordable window treatment solution, and you can purchase them at many readily accessible stores. 
  • These hooks are very easy to hang up and take down. 

Cons:

  • The adhesive on the back of a Command hook could potentially damage the paint on your walls if you remove the hook too forcefully. Thankfully, painting touch-ups are easy and shouldn’t affect your security deposit much, if at all. 
  • You’ll need to use a new adhesive sticker every time you want to move a Command hook. 
  • If your walls or ceilings are textured, your Command hooks won’t stick. 

Pricing: There are many types of Command Hooks available at a variety of price points. The hooks designed specifically for curtains cost about $10 for a two-pack. 

2. Tension Rods

Spring tension rods are inexpensive and removable, and they adjust to fit a variety of window sizes. Rubber stoppers on the ends are designed to leave your paint unmarred. Just slide your favorite curtain or sheer onto the rod, pop it into place, and you’ve got great apartment window treatments.

Pros:

  • Tension rods are easy to reuse, as they work with windows of many different sizes. 
  • They come in a variety of colors and finishes and can look very sophisticated. 
  • Tension rods are very easy to install without any tools. 

Cons: 

  • Because it isn’t attached directly to the wall, a tension rod is slightly less stable than other types of window treatments. 

Pricing: Tension rods can range widely in price. Most options range from $5 to $30 per rod, but some high-end options cost more. 

3. Twist and Fit Curtain Rods

Similar to tension rods, these twist mount inside the window frame. They combine the style of a traditional curtain rod with the functionality of a tension rod for damage-free installation of apartment window treatments.

Pros: 

  • Twist & fit curtain rods look exactly like traditional curtain rods, but are much easier to install. 
  • These renter-friendly curtain rods have adjustable lengths and come in many different styles. Many have finials to add a bit of visual interest to your window. 

Cons: 

  • These rods aren’t as stable as curtain rods that are mounted directly on the wall and may not be able to handle heavy curtains. 

Pricing: Twist & fit curtain rods tend to be pricier than traditional tension rods. Most options are between $20 and $40, but high-end versions can be as much as $60. 

4. Magnetic Curtain Rods

This temporary window treatment is ideal for hanging lightweight curtains on any steel doors or steel-framed windows. The magnets stick directly to the door or window frame for easy installation. They won’t, however, work with wood window frames or plastic sliding glass door frames. 

Pros:

  • Magnetic curtain rods are easy to set up, as they attach directly to the frame of your door. 
  • Since the rod is magnetic, it won’t damage your walls or paint when it’s time to take it down. 

Cons:

  • Magnetic rods will only work with steel window frames or doors, so they won’t work in every space. 
  • Magnetic curtain rods aren’t the strongest treatment option available. They are best suited for lightweight curtains. 

Pricing: These renter-friendly curtain rods are between $20 and $30 in price. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, including both extendable and non-extendable versions. 

5. No-Drill Curtain Rod Brackets

As seen on Shark Tank, Kwik-Hang curtain rod brackets feature a no-drill design that allows you to install curtains and draperies in seconds. They are perfect for renters. Simply tap the bracket pins into the top of the window trim. No screws, no nails and no damage! Brackets come in a variety of finishes and can support up to 20 pounds. Both center and corner brackets are available.  

Pros:

  • These brackets are very easy to install with just a hammer and sit seamlessly on top of your windows. 
  • They are very sturdy and can support heavier curtains as well as typical wall-mounted curtain rods. 
  • The rods are extendable and fit a variety of window sizes. 

Cons:

  • Rods and brackets are sold separately, so you’ll need to buy both products. 
  • You’ll can only mount these brackets on windows with a traditional frame — if the window is flush with the wall, these brackets won’t work. 

Pricing: Kwik-Hang brackets range anywhere from $7-$17 per bracket. Rods range from $15 to $40 per rod. 

6. Adhesive Hooks (on the Ceiling!)

Command hooks might not stick to textured walls, but you can hang curtains from your ceiling using adhesive broom or mop hooks. These can be found at most hardware or home improvement stores. Just stick the flat base on the ceiling, run a curtain rod through the hook or loop and voila! Heat the adhesive at the base with a blow dryer to make removal a breeze.

Pros:

  • These adhesive hooks will work for many different shapes and sizes of windows for which a more traditional curtain rod may not work. 
  • These hooks are very affordable when compared to traditional curtain rods. 

Cons: 

  • Since they aren’t designed for specifically for curtains, it may take some trial and error to find an appropriately-shaped rod to fit the hooks you select 
  • These hooks have a utilitarian design that won’t necessarily match well with all decor styles. 

Pricing: These hooks come in packs of 2 or 4, ranging from $10 to $15 per pack. 

7. Temporary Shades

Redi Shade makes a spectrum of temporary window treatments for renters who prefer shades to curtains — everything from peel-and-stick paper shades to custom Simple Fit shades. Simple Fit renter-friendly shades use a tension rod system to lock the shade in place and are completely customizable. Renters can choose the color, style and fabric, as well as select the amount of light and privacy. Both products can be installed in seconds without drills, brackets, hardware or tools and can be removed quickly.

Pros:

  • These products are very easy to install, as many shades stick directly to your window frame. 
  • Because they come in a variety of styles, you can choose a color, shape and fabric that compliments your existing decor. 

Cons:

  • The adhesives for temporary renter-friendly shades will need to be replaced periodically as the stickiness wears off over time. 
  • These temporary treatments need to be cut to fit the specific size of your windows, which can be a tricky process. 

Pricing: Redi Shade window treatments range in price depending on the size, fabric and color. Most products cost between $30 and $50. 

Dress Your Windows to Impress at Southern Management

Hanging curtains in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to kiss your security deposit goodbye. There are plenty of options for renter-friendly blinds and curtains that are easy to install. At Southern Management, we want your apartment to feel like home.

While most of our over 25,000 apartments across Maryland and Virginia come with window treatments, we know you’ll want to decorate and put a personal stamp on your new apartment home. Hopefully, these ideas for temporary window coverings will give you all the privacy, style and light you’re looking for.

We’d love to answer any questions you have about specific apartment communities, including pricing, security deposits, decorating or amenities. Contact our team or explore our available communities.