When it comes to kitting out student accommodation, every design decision counts. 

Whether you’re a landlord, student housing manager, or simply looking to spruce up a rented room, blinds might not be the first thing that comes to mind – but trust us, they should be. 

The right blinds not only boost the overall look and feel of a student room, but they also help create a space that feels more comfortable, private, and productive. And when you’re living away from home – sometimes for the first time – that makes a real difference.

So, which blinds work best in student accommodation? Let’s pull the cord on the most popular choices, colours, and why they work so well.

Practical Meets Stylish: Top Blind Styles for Student Rooms

In student digs, the best blinds strike the perfect balance between low-maintenance practicality and simple, timeless style. The top contenders? Roller blinds, vertical blinds, and Venetian blinds. Here’s why they win out.

Roller Blinds: Roller blinds are a student accommodation staple. They’re compact, easy to use, and come in a huge variety of colours and patterns. From plain greys to bold prints, roller blinds can instantly lift a dull room with minimal fuss. 

They’re also one of the most affordable options, which is a big win for landlords managing multiple rooms.

Even better, blackout roller blinds are a top choice for student bedrooms. With long study hours (and let’s be real – plenty of late nights), students love being able to block out light when they need a proper lie-in. For communal kitchens or lounges, a lighter fabric still offers privacy while letting natural light in.

Vertical Blinds: Especially useful for larger windows and patio-style doors (which you often find in modern university halls or apartments), vertical blinds offer great light control and are easy to maintain. They’re durable, wipeable, and less likely to gather dust compared to traditional curtains. 

What’s more, their ability to tilt means students can fine-tune how much light or glare comes in – perfect for Netflix marathons or essay-writing marathons.

Venetian Blinds: Sleek and slightly more polished, aluminium or faux-wood Venetian blinds bring a touch of modern style to any space. They’re popular in private student lets where landlords want to create a slightly more premium feel. 

These blinds are also super adjustable, giving students full control over light levels and privacy. Plus, they’re great for kitchens or en-suites, where moisture-resistant materials are essential.

Colour Matters: What Shades Work Best in Student Spaces?

When it comes to colour, neutral tones dominate the student accommodation scene – and for good reason. Think whites, greys, beige, and soft taupes. These shades are timeless, gender-neutral, and match just about any interior, whether it’s bright bedding, posters, or houseplants.

Grey in particular has become the go-to for modern student spaces. It’s clean, cool, and doesn’t show dirt or dust easily – a very handy trait in shared homes. 

For those looking to add a bit of personality without going too bold, muted pastels (like sage green or dusty blue) are becoming more popular, especially in private student studios where a bit of style goes a long way.

While bright colours or bold patterns might seem fun, they can date quickly and may clash with changing décor. Neutral blinds act as a calming backdrop in an otherwise energetic environment – and that’s exactly what you want in a study space.

Why the Right Blinds Make All the Difference

You’d be surprised how much of an impact good blinds can have on a student’s experience. Let’s break it down.

Privacy: Living in close quarters or overlooked buildings is common in student housing. Blinds – especially ones with adjustable slats like Venetians or verticals – let students control their privacy without shutting out all the natural light. That balance is key when you’re trying to make a small room feel spacious and secure.

Light Control: From blocking out early morning sunlight during exam season to reducing glare on laptop screens, proper blinds improve comfort and concentration. Blackout options are particularly popular for bedrooms, while light-filtering options, such as vision blinds, suit communal spaces.

Energy Efficiency: Thicker blinds, like duette blinds, can help with insulation, which is a bonus for energy-conscious tenants and cost-conscious landlords. Keeping heat in during winter and blocking it out in summer means more comfortable rooms year-round – and potentially lower heating bills.

Easy Maintenance: Let’s face it – student rooms can take a beating. Blinds that are easy to clean and hard to damage are a must. Roller and vertical blinds win here again, as a quick wipe is usually all that’s needed to keep them looking fresh.

Choosing the Right Fit for Your Property

If you’re a landlord or property manager, choosing the right blinds is about more than just aesthetics. You’re investing in something that needs to be durable, cost-effective, and appealing to a wide range of tenants. 

Roller blinds with blackout lining offer great value, especially when installed across multiple rooms. For larger windows or high-traffic areas, vertical or Venetian blinds are worth the extra spend.

And don’t forget the fittings – cord safety is essential in any setting, but particularly in student accommodation. Make sure any installation meets current safety regulations with cord tidies or tensioned options.

Final Thoughts: A Small Change That Makes a Big Impact

Blinds might not be the most glamorous part of decorating student accommodation, but they’re one of the most important finishing touches. With the right style, material, and colour, you can enhance comfort, improve privacy, and give student spaces a cleaner, more polished look – without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re refreshing a single room or updating an entire block of flats, remember: a well-chosen blind isn’t just a window covering. It’s an upgrade in how the space feels. And when students feel more at home, they’re more likely to take pride in their space – and that benefits everyone.

Should you have any questions or would like more information on the vast ranges of blinds that we do, then please feel free to contact the Fraser James Blinds team. We are always ready and on hand to help. Alternatively, you can also arrange a home visit at a time that works better for you.