Window Treatments That Increase Resale Value Before Selling Your Home

TLDR;

Window treatments like plantation shutters, cellular shades, and motorized blinds can significantly increase your home's resale value by enhancing aesthetics, improving energy efficiency, and appealing to modern buyers. Staging your windows with quality, timeless, and functional treatments makes a strong first impression and may lead to higher appraisal outcomes.

Why Window Treatments Impact Resale Value

The right window treatments don’t just dress up a room—they help sell the house. Window treatments and home value are more connected than most homeowners realize, as buyers, appraisers, and agents take note of their condition, style, and permanence.

Here’s why they matter:

• Appraisal Value Boost: Treatments like plantation shutters are often considered fixed features, meaning they can be included in the home’s appraised value.
  
  
• First Impressions Count: Windows are focal points. A clean, modern window treatment immediately tells buyers a home is cared for.
  
  
• Staging Matters: Homes that are properly staged—including with quality window treatments—sell faster and often for more.
  
  
• Outdated vs. Updated Look: Old blinds or heavy drapes can make your home look neglected. Modern treatments project a move-in-ready image.
  
  
• Energy Efficiency Sells: Buyers increasingly care about utility costs. Energy-efficient treatments (like cellular shades) can lower bills and make the home more appealing.

Best Window Treatments to Increase Resale Value (With ROI Comparison)

Not all window treatments are equal when it comes to ROI. Below is a comparison of the top options, their pros and cons, and how they fare in boosting resale value.

Plantation Shutters

• ROI Estimate: Up to 75-80%
  
  
• Pros:
  
  
• Permanent fixture, boosts appraisal value
  
• Classic and timeless appeal
  
• Excellent light and privacy control
  
  
• Cons:
  
  
• Higher upfront cost
  
• Less flexible design-wise
  
  
• Verdict: High-ROI investment, especially in upscale markets
  
  

Cellular Shades

• ROI Estimate: Around 60-70%
  
  
• Pros:
  
  
• Superior insulation—helps reduce energy bills
  
• Clean, modern aesthetic
  
• Light filtering and blackout options
  
  
• Cons:
  
  
• Can be less durable than shutters
  
  
• Verdict: Great for energy-conscious buyers and contemporary homes
  
  

Smart Blinds / Motorized Shades

• ROI Estimate: 60-75% (especially in tech-savvy markets)
  
  
• Pros:
  
  
• Appeals to smart home enthusiasts
  
• Integrates with apps, voice control
  
• Luxurious, hands-free convenience
  
  
• Cons:
  
  
• Higher cost and complexity
  
• Technology can become outdated
  
  
• Verdict: A great way to future-proof your home for modern buyers
  
  

Roman Shades & Draperies

• ROI Estimate: 50-60%
  
  
• Pros:
  
  
• Softens a room, adds elegance
  
• Variety of fabrics, patterns, and styles
  
  
• Cons:
  
  
• Not all buyers may share your taste
  
• Fabric treatments require maintenance
  
  
• Verdict: Adds warmth and aesthetic appeal, but ROI varies with design
  
  

Exterior Shutters

• ROI Estimate: Region-dependent (as high as 80% in hurricane-prone areas)
  
  
• Pros:
  
  
• Boosts curb appeal
  
• Offers storm protection and security
  
  
• Cons:
  
  
• More valuable in specific climates
  
  
• Verdict: Excellent in southern and coastal regions

Room-by-Room Window Treatment Guide for Higher Resale

Different rooms demand different window solutions. Here’s what works best:

Living Room: Layered, Stylish, and Functional

• Go for:
  
  
• Plantation shutters for a clean look
  
• Layered drapes over shades for depth
  
• Motorized options to showcase smart features
  
  
• Focus on:
  
  
• Neutral colors
  
• Easy light adjustment for staging photos
  
  

Kitchen: Energy-Saving and Easy to Clean

• Go for:
  
  
• Faux wood blinds (humidity-resistant)
  
• Roller shades with UV-blocking materials
  
  
• Focus on:
  
  
• Durability and ease of cleaning
  
• Maximizing natural light
  
  

Bedroom: Privacy and Comfort

• Go for:
  
  
• Blackout cellular shades
  
• Cordless Roman shades
  
  
• Focus on:
  
  
• Noise reduction
  
• Child-safe cordless designs
  
  

Bathroom: Moisture-Resistant and Stylish

• Go for:
  
  
• Faux wood blinds or shutters
  
• Vinyl roller shades
  
  
• Focus on:
  
  
• Humidity resistance
  
• Clean and minimalist appearance
  
  

Kid’s Room: Safety and Function

• Go for:
  
  
• Cordless cellular or roller shades
  
• Durable materials
  
  
• Focus on:
  
  
• Safety (no cords)
  
• Easy operation

Best Window Coverings for Different Climates

Climate plays a big role in which treatments make sense and add the most value.

Hot Climates (e.g., Southwest)

• Recommended:
  
  
• UV-blocking roller shades
  
• Cellular shades with reflective backing
  
• Solar screens
  
  
• Benefits:
  
  
• Reduces cooling bills
  
• Protects flooring and furniture
  
  

Cold Climates (e.g., Northeast)

• Recommended:
  
  
• Thermal-backed curtains
  
• Honeycomb (cellular) shades
  
• Insulated Roman shades
  
  
• Benefits:
  
  
• Keeps rooms warmer in winter
  
• Lower heating costs
  
  

Coastal & Storm-Prone Areas

• Recommended:
  
  
• Hurricane-rated exterior shutters
  
• Vinyl blinds or composite materials
  
  
• Benefits:
  
  
• Storm protection
  
• Adds to curb appeal and buyer confidence

Smart Home Integration: A Modern Value Booster

Today’s buyers expect more than just good looks—they want convenience.

Why Smart Blinds Add Value

• Sync with Google Home, Alexa, or Apple HomeKit
  
• Timers and light sensors for energy optimization
  
• Remote access during showings and staging
  
  

Features to Highlight:

• Voice control
  
• Smartphone apps
  
• Automated schedules
  
• Energy-saving settings
  
  

Smart treatments don’t just look futuristic—they tell the buyer your home is modern, well-maintained, and thoughtfully upgraded.

Styling & Installation Tips to Maximize ROI

Even the best treatments lose value if they’re poorly presented.

Staging Tricks:

• Stick to neutral colors: Whites, greys, and beige appeal to most buyers
  
• Keep symmetry in mind: Treatments should match across similar windows
  
• Clean and crisp: Make sure treatments are dust-free and open properly
  
• Match the home’s style: Don’t put industrial roller shades in a farmhouse kitchen
  
  

DIY vs. Professional Install

• DIY:
  
  
• Budget-friendly
  
• Great for simple roller or vinyl blinds
  
  
• Professional:
  
  
• Essential for plantation shutters or motorized blinds
  
• Clean finish and precise fitting
  
• Reduces risk of damage

What’s the Cost? What’s the Payoff?

Below is a basic cost vs. value breakdown by treatment type:

Quick Fixes vs. High-End Investments

Whether you're flipping a house or prepping a forever home for sale, choose upgrades that fit your goals and budget.

Budget-Friendly Window Treatments for Selling a House

• Cordless vinyl blinds
  
• Adhesive window films for privacy
  
• No-drill roller shades
  
• Faux wood blinds
  
  

High-End Options That Boost Value

• Custom plantation shutters
  
• Smart blinds with app integration
  
• Layered drapes with custom rods
  
• Motorized cellular shades
  
  

Choose what fits your audience: starter home vs. luxury buyers.

Common Questions About Window Treatments and Resale Value

Do window treatments increase appraisal value?

Yes—permanent fixtures like plantation shutters and custom blinds can be included in appraisal calculations.

Which blinds offer the best return on investment?

Plantation shutters and cellular shades typically offer the highest ROI due to their durability, appeal, and energy efficiency.

Should I replace blinds before selling?

If they’re outdated, broken, or misaligned—yes. Fresh, modern treatments improve visual appeal and buyer perception.

Are smart window treatments worth it?

Yes, especially in competitive markets. They offer a modern edge and impress tech-savvy buyers.