If you're thinking about selling your home or just want to make smart upgrades, you've probably wondered whether those new blinds or shutters are actually worth the investment. The good news? Most often, the answer is yes, but of course, there are other factors that impact home value. We're going to break down exactly how different types of window treatments can make a real difference in what buyers are willing to pay, and which ones give you the best bang for your buck.
Window treatments do more than just look pretty. They can affect everything from how much light comes into your home to how much you're spending on heating and cooling bills. And when it comes time to sell, those details matter more than you might think. Let's dig into what real estate pros, appraisers, and actual homeowners have learned about window treatments and home value.
Do Window Treatments Increase Home Value?
We can say with confidence that the more you can make your house stand out (in a good way), the more you have a chance of increasing your home value. But not all window treatments are created equal. Not all window treatments are the same, so not all window treatments will add value to your home. Low-quality, inexpensive, and generic window treatments will not have the same value-adding impact as custom window treatments.
Think of it this way: when potential buyers walk through your home, they're looking for reasons to either fall in love with it or move on to the next property. Custom window treatments tell buyers that you've taken care of the place and invested in quality finishes. There is no set dollar amount or percentage that your home value will increase after upgrading your home's window treatments. However, the impact can be significant in terms of how quickly your home sells and the offers you receive.
The key is choosing window treatments that balance style and function. Window treatments are one of those design gems that give you both style and function. But to make sure you're truly adding value to your home, you need to choose window treatments that work well (and look great) in the home you have. This means considering your home's architectural style, the needs of each space, and what's likely to appeal to the broadest range of buyers.
How Window Treatments Can Increase The Value of a Home
Window treatments boost home value in several concrete ways. The right choices increase the property value because of curb appeal, natural light filtration, and potential cost-saving measures. Let's break down each of these benefits.
Curb Appeal and First Impressions
When you think of curb appeal, your mind automatically goes to landscaping. However, like with the landscaping, updated window treatments can increase a property's curb appeal. When someone drives up to your house, they can see your windows from the street. The way the windows look from the street can cause a potential buyer to want to see more--or not.
Outdated or broken window treatments send the wrong message. The same goes for outdated, dingy, or broken window treatments. On the flip side, clean, modern window treatments visible from outside tell buyers that your home is well-maintained and move-in ready.
Energy Efficiency
This is a big one that a lot of homeowners don't think about. Custom window coverings are best known for increasing energy efficiency. According to energy.gov, "About 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through windows. In cooling seasons, about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat."
Energy-efficient window treatments can provide significant savings on utility bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy-efficient window coverings can reduce heat gain in summer by up to 77% and heat loss in winter by 40%. When buyers see lower utility bills from the previous owner, that's a huge selling point. Plus, eco-conscious buyers are willing to pay more for homes that help them save money and reduce their environmental footprint.
Natural Light Control
All real estate professionals tend to agree that the key to a successful home sale is making sure the home is outfitted with good lighting. In fact, Zillow mentions lighting specifically in its list of "Best low-cost home improvements for resale" stating that "good lighting is crucial to showcasing your home's features," going on to say that one of the best ways homeowners can do this is by investing in custom window treatments.
Being able to control how much natural light comes into your home makes spaces feel bigger, brighter, and more welcoming. Quality window treatments like roller shades give you the flexibility to let light in while maintaining privacy—a feature that buyers really appreciate.
Do Window Treatments Affect Home Appraisals and Property Value
Window treatments can impact a home's appraisal and property value, but the extent depends on factors like quality, functionality, and design. While appraisers primarily assess structural elements, high-quality, custom window treatments can enhance aesthetics, energy efficiency, and privacy—features that indirectly increase home desirability and selling potential.
Here's what matters to appraisers: Home appraisers primarily focus on permanent features that affect a property's marketability. While standard blinds or temporary curtains don't add appraisal value, custom, built-in window treatments like plantation shutters can be considered an asset. The more permanent and high-quality your window treatments are, the more likely they are to factor into your home's appraised value.
A case study by the National Association of Realtors found that homes with high-end window treatments, such as shutters, sold 5% faster than those without. That's real money saved on mortgage payments, utilities, and the stress of having your home sit on the market.
According to 2022 data from The International Association of Home Staging Professionals, 50% of staged homes with updates like window treatments sell for 6-20% more than the listing price. While not every home will see this kind of increase, it shows the potential impact that quality window treatments can have.
What Can Keep Window Treatments From Adding Value
Not all window treatments are going to help you. In fact, some can actually hurt your home's value. Certain window treatments will not add value to your home. For instance, inexpensive plastic window blinds that you purchase at the local hardware store won't really add any value.
Here are the main culprits that can drag down your home's appeal:
Outdated or Damaged Treatments: Over time, the window treatments could become damaged or discolored. These are signs that it is time to replace them. Similarly, custom window treatments may have been the height of interior design style trends when installed. However, a few decades later, they now look woefully outdated. Buyers will immediately notice this and assume the rest of the home is outdated and old.
Poor Installation: Even expensive window treatments can hurt your home's value if they're not installed correctly. Expensive window treatments may not add value if: They are damaged or discolored. They are not sized/cut correctly. They were not installed properly.
Low-Quality Materials: Plastic blinds or low-quality curtains won't appeal to buyers looking for high-end features. These materials lack durability and aesthetic appeal, making them unlikely to increase your home's value.
Which Window Treatments Add The Most Value
To add the most value to your home, you should focus on wood blinds, shades, or functional plantation shutters. Let's look at the top performers:
Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters consistently rank as the top value-adding window treatment. Here's why shutters add significant value to your home: Permanent fixture status – considered part of the home like built-in cabinets · Timeless appeal – shutters never go out of style and make every home look more attractive · Durability – quality shutters can last 20+ years with proper care · Energy efficiency – excellent insulation properties that help your home save energy · Broad buyer appeal – loved by traditional and contemporary design preferences · Perceived value – shutters are often associated with higher-end homes.
Plantation shutters do add value to the sale. They are a selection in the MLS listing, and we point out plantation shutters in the advertising copy for the home. Real estate agents actively highlight plantation shutters because they know buyers respond to them.
Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades
Among these, plantation shutters and energy-efficient cellular shades are the best investments for boosting property value. Cellular shades are particularly smart because they combine modern looks with serious energy efficiency. Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades – Trap air in pockets to insulate windows. This makes them perfect for bedrooms and living spaces where temperature control matters.
Wood Blinds
Wood blinds, however, can make your home feel more modern. They're a step up from cheap plastic blinds and give your home a polished, finished look. A big seller is two-inch wood blinds. They come in real wood or faux wood. Faux wood is especially good for bathrooms or kitchens where humidity can be an issue.
Roller Shades
Roller shades are minimalistic, simple, and streamlined, making them a top choice for modern homes and spaces where simplicity goes further than extravagance. Roller shades are also one of the window treatments that tend to go effortlessly with tons of interior design styles. They're affordable, clean-looking, and easy to maintain—all things buyers appreciate. If you're looking for the best way to cover skylights, roller shades offer practical solutions for hard-to-reach windows.
Smart Home Integration and Motorized Options
Motorized treatments also add value because they significantly increase functionality through smart home integration. The motorization feature can be added to a variety of window treatment styles. Today's buyers expect modern conveniences, and being able to control your window treatments from your phone or with voice commands is a big selling point.
Motorized blinds are especially valuable for hard-to-reach windows, large expanses of glass, or for buyers who have mobility concerns. The tech-savvy buyer market is growing, and smart home features are becoming standard expectations rather than luxury additions.
Making The Right Choice For Your Home
There are a couple of details to keep in mind when you choose window treatments intentionally to increase your home value. You still want to enjoy them. Don't choose a random window treatment just because you think it will do well in the market. You should still have the chance to enjoy your home (and your window treatments) while you're there, so make sure you're taking into account your desires, and not just your potential buyer's desires.
Look for versatility. When it comes to window treatments, you should heavily consider any window treatment that has a great deal of versatility. The more versatile in function and style, the more likely a buyer has of noticing and liking what they see.
Home value is a subjective calculation influenced by a long list of factors. Some factors that greatly influence home value include the curb appeal, floor plan, square footage, amount of natural light, quality of build materials, and number of custom features. As homes age, the number of upgrades and updates also impact home value. Window treatments are just one piece of the puzzle, but they're a relatively affordable piece that can make a significant impact.
When you're ready to upgrade your window treatments, think about quality over quantity. It's better to invest in really good treatments for your main living areas and bedrooms than to go cheap throughout the entire house. Focus on the rooms that buyers will spend the most time looking at during showings.
Remember, "Buyers are super picky right now and want everything done for them," says Sherry. "And we know they love having nice window treatments already in place." With custom window treatments already in place, your home will stick out from the competition, making your home a buyer's first choice over other comparable homes in the neighborhood – leading to fewer days on market!
FAQs
Do plantation shutters really add value to my home?
Yes, plantation shutters are one of the few window treatments that appraisers and real estate agents recognize as adding actual dollar value to your home. They're considered permanent fixtures and are often highlighted in MLS listings.
How much value do window treatments add to a home?
There's no fixed percentage, but homes with quality window treatments can sell 5% faster, and staged homes with updated treatments can sell for 6-20% more than listing price according to industry data. The exact value depends on your market, the quality of treatments, and overall home condition.
Are expensive drapes worth it for resale value?
Not really. While drapes serve a purpose, they're highly personalized to individual taste and are often removed by new owners. Blinds, shades, or shutters offer better return on investment because they have broader appeal and are considered more permanent.
What's the best window treatment for energy efficiency and home value?
Cellular (honeycomb) shades and plantation shutters both offer excellent energy efficiency and add value. Cellular shades can reduce heat gain by up to 77% in summer and heat loss by 40% in winter, which translates to lower utility bills—a major selling point for buyers.
Should I upgrade window treatments before selling my home?
If your current window treatments are outdated, damaged, or cheap-looking, absolutely. Fresh, modern window treatments create a move-in-ready impression that helps your home sell faster and potentially for more money. Focus on high-traffic areas and rooms with the most windows for the best impact.
