Best Window Furnishing Options for Holiday Homes and Rentals
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Have an Airbnb, coastal weekender, farm stay, or inner-city holiday rental? The right window furnishings can dramatically improve guest comfort, energy efficiency, and your listing photos.
Holiday homes need blinds and curtains that look stylish, withstand frequent use, and are easy for guests to operate. This guide explores the best options for rentals and short-stay accommodation, using Burns for Blinds’ premium indoor and outdoor range.
What to Look for in Holiday Home Window Furnishings
Guest comfort and reviews
Guests want a space that is easy to use, easy to sleep in, and relaxing throughout the day. This usually means:
- Dark bedrooms for sleep
- Daytime privacy without losing natural light
- Reduced glare on TVs and devices
- Stable indoor temperatures
The more comfortable, the better the customer reviews! The last thing you want is a review talking about how see-through the blinds were and let too much blaring light in.
Durability and easy care
Holiday homes get more wear and tear than owner-occupied homes, so you want to choose furnishings that are:
- Fade-resistant and dirt-resistant
- Easy to clean between bookings
- Smooth to operate with minimal risk of jamming
- Made from strong componentry
Tracks, fabrics, and components should be suitable for long-term performance and reliability.
Energy efficiency and insulation
- Block harsh summer UV
- Keep heat in during winter
- Reduce air-conditioning use
- Make interiors more comfortable for guests year-round
Sheer & Blockout Curtains: Hotel-Style Comfort for Rentals
Curtains are easy for guests to operate, providing light control and insulation. Why are curtains ideal for Adelaide holiday homes?
- Easy for all guests to use
- Perfect for large windows and sliding doors
- Stylish, soft, and “hotel-grade” in appearance
- Offer both privacy and natural light when layered
- Block light in bedrooms
Modern curtain styles
- S-Fold
- S-Wave
- Double Pleat
- Triple Pleat
Paired with slimline designer tracks in black, white, or anodised silver, or Somfy motorised Glydea tracks for premium rentals and luxury apartments. Here are some styling ideas for different properties:
- Coastal or country retreats: Light sheers for an airy, relaxed feel.
- City apartments: Deeper-toned blockout fabrics (e.g., Amanda, Paros) for improved sleep and a luxe finish.
- Family stays: Combination sheer + blockout layering for day and night flexibility.
All fabrics are fade-resistant, UV-stabilised, and dirt-resistant for high-turnover accommodation.
Interior Blinds: Practical, Durable and Guest-Friendly
If you prefer a clean, minimal look or need durable solutions for busy rentals, blinds are an excellent choice:
- Roller blinds
- Sunscreen blinds
- Whisper/cellular shades
- Timber and aluminium venetians
- Vertical blinds
- Panel glides
Roller blinds and sunscreens
A popular choice for rental properties because they are:
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Space-saving and streamlined
- Ideal for kitchens, living rooms and apartments
- Effective at reducing glare and improving privacy
Use blockout rollers in bedrooms and sunscreen or light-filtering blinds in living areas.
Whisper/cellular shades
Great for improving insulation and energy efficiency. Their honeycomb structure traps air, helping regulate indoor temperatures in both summer and winter.
Venetians and verticals
- Timber or timber-look venetians: Warm, stylish, great for coastal or heritage homes.
- Aluminium venetians: Moisture-resistant and easy to clean — ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Vertical blinds: Perfect for floor-to-ceiling doors in smaller spaces or modern apartments.
Plantation Shutters: Premium Appeal Guests Notice
Plantation shutters are a standout choice for holiday homes with a classic or coastal aesthetic.
What are the benefits of shutters in holiday rentals?
- High-end look that photographs beautifully
- Excellent light, airflow, and privacy control
- Very easy to clean and maintain
- Durable and long-lasting
Shutters suit coastal homes, character homes, luxury stays and South Australian properties exposed to strong sunlight.
Outdoor Blinds & Awnings: Make Alfresco Areas Bookable Year-Round
With the right outdoor blinds or awnings, you can extend your living areas and make them usable throughout the seasons.
- Clear PVC Ziptrak® café blinds
- Shadeview Ziptrak® blinds
- Zipscreen blinds
- Straight drop awnings
- Folding arm awnings
- Alpha awnings
- Roller shutters
Clear PVC and mesh blinds
Use for:
- Alfresco dining areas
- Outdoor kitchens
- Verandas and patios
- Café-style outdoor rooms
They provide wind, rain and UV protection while preserving outdoor views.
Folding arm awnings
Best for open outdoor areas such as:
- Pool zones
- Decks
- Balconies
- Outdoor dining
- Holiday homes near the coast
These awnings offer flexible shade when needed, a large coverage area without support posts, and a modern aesthetic.
Energy and comfort benefits
Outdoor awnings can significantly reduce sun exposure on windows and doors, helping make indoor areas cooler and more comfortable without relying heavily on air-conditioning.
Room-by-Room Guide for Rentals
Bedrooms
- Blockout curtains or roller blinds
- Optional sheer curtains for daytime privacy
- Simple wand or motorised controls for ease
Living & dining rooms
Use:
- Sheers for softness and natural light
- Sunscreen blinds to cut glare
- Outdoor blinds if connected to an alfresco area
Kitchens & bathrooms
Use:
- Aluminium venetians
- Moisture-resistant roller blinds
- Shutters where appropriate
Patios, balconies & outdoor kitchens
Use:
- Ziptrak® café blinds or Zipscreen blinds for weather protection
- Straight drop awnings for sleek vertical shade
- Folding arm awnings for flexible coverage
Styling Tips to Maximise Bookings
- Keep colours neutral for broad appeal
- Layer sheers and blockouts in main areas
- Maintain consistency across your home
- Choose low-maintenance fabrics
- Prioritise blackout solutions in bedrooms
- Keep the operation as simple as possible
Read about: Sheer Curtains: The Different Curtain Types and Their Uses.
Make Your Holiday Home Guest-Ready with Burns for Blinds
Whether you're setting up a new Airbnb, refreshing a coastal getaway, or upgrading a long-term rental, Burns for Blinds can help you choose stylish, durable, and functional window furnishings.
Backed by more than 70 years of experience, we are the go-to supplier for commercial blinds and window furnishings across South Australia. From boutique offices to major developments, we create customised, high-performance solutions that look great and work even better.
- Norwood: 206 Magill Rd, Norwood SA 5057
- Gepps Cross: 18/750 Main N Rd, Gepps Cross SA 5094
- Seacombe Gardens: 203 Sturt Rd, Seacombe Gardens SA 5047
- Mount Barker: 57 Gawler St, Mount Barker SA 5251
Create a holiday home guests love to stay in with beautiful curtains, blinds and awnings designed to perform year-round.
You can easily contact us by calling (08) 8131 3333 to know more about us, interior décor tips, our interest free terms on purchases, commercial curtains and blinds, and more. Visit our showrooms or book a free measure and quote today.
