Blinds or shades, rules?

[Maria G.]

Hello, 

My rental unit came with vertical blinds, and several of them were no longer sliding. My previous tenants didn't care (they just wanted to open and close them, which worked fine), but my new tenants do care, so it is time for me to replace them. I have heard that vertical blinds are problematic and that the most durable (and inexpensive) ones are the mini-blinds. One issue that I am having is that replacing some might look odd, since I don't think I want to go with vertical again. What are your thoughts? I went to Lowe's the other day and now have a good idea of what there is out there, but since this is my first investment, I would like to hear some advice from the ones who have needed to do a lot of blinds/shades replacement and your experiences.

Here are the ones that for sure need replacement:

- Downstairs 

• I only have one window broken. It is overlooking the lake (71x71), so I am thinking that roller shades would be great. Besides, that may look OK even if I don't replace the ones that are working (since roller shades are so fundamentally different from the vertical blinds in the rest of the windows). This is the one I need to take action right away, as my tenant really wants all the light possible in the living room, and the nice view. 

- Upstairs: 

• Master bedroom slider to access the balcony with the lake view (63x82). I don't think roller shades would be OK there, as it is a door. In fact, even horizontal blinds don't seem like a suitable choice for a door. Would a rod and curtains be better?
• Two other windows in the master bedroom with no view, just the neighbor's roof (47x47).

Thank you!

[Brian Ellis]

Get a nice set of grommet panel curtains, they look nice, and can cover up the window.

I manufacture curtains, id know!