Daily Life
Curtains, Blinds, and Window Screens in China: A Guide for Foreign Renters
Measure, order, install, clean, and document curtains, blinds, and insect screens in a China rental without costly sizing or landlord mistakes.
Rules and procedures can change. Check the linked official sources before acting on time-sensitive information.
Quick answer
What you need to know
Measure every window and fitting point, obtain rental approval, confirm the complete order, and document safe installation and move-out responsibility.
- Measure each window, recess, track, sill, handle, and furniture clearance in millimeters; similar-looking windows can differ.
- Ask the landlord before drilling, replacing tracks, attaching film, or discarding existing curtains and screens.
- Confirm fabric, lining, opening direction, hardware, installation, cleaning, and return terms in writing.
- Keep before-and-after photos and label landlord-owned items for the eventual move-out inspection.
Curtains and screens look like simple furnishings until a track is ceiling-mounted, a window opens inward, an air-conditioner blocks the stack, or the landlord expects the original fittings at move-out. A measured record prevents most mistakes.
Record the whole opening
Photograph each window and give it a unique label. Measure width and height in millimeters at several points, because walls and recesses may not be perfectly square. Record the existing track or rod, hook type, sill, handle, opening direction, radiator or air-conditioner, sockets, desk, bed, and floor clearance.
For curtains, confirm whether the quoted size is fabric width or finished coverage, how fullness is calculated, and whether two panels are included. For blinds and screens, establish inside- or outside-mount dimensions and the exact frame depth. Never lean out of a window to measure.
Agree on rental changes
Send the landlord photos and a short written proposal before drilling, removing tracks, attaching adhesive film, or replacing screens. Ask whether property management restricts façade appearance, exterior access, contractor hours, or debris removal. Clarify who pays, who owns the new items, where originals will be stored, and what restoration is required.
The apartment move-in inspection guide helps preserve existing-condition evidence. For broader repair responsibilities, see the landlord maintenance guide.
Specify the complete order
Confirm material, color, opacity, lining, UV or blackout expectations, hem, opening direction, track or rod, hooks, tiebacks, motor or controls, insect-mesh type, installation, removal of packaging, delivery date, and all extra fees. Ask for a physical sample when color or texture matters; screen settings vary.
Save the listing, measurements, diagrams, seller confirmation, and receipt. China’s Consumer Rights Protection Law addresses truthful product information and purchase records, but custom-made goods may have different return conditions. Confirm the seller’s terms before production.
Install and hand over safely
Use an appropriate installer for high, heavy, motorized, or drilled fittings. Keep children and pets away from tools and work areas. Secure blind cords according to the manufacturer’s child-safety instructions and keep furniture away from climbable windows.
Test window movement, locks, screens, curtain travel, blind stops, and any motor controls. Photograph mounting points and store care directions. Keep landlord-owned curtains, hooks, and screens labeled in a dry place.
Window furnishing checklist
- Every opening and fitting point is measured and photographed.
- Window movement, handles, furniture, AC, and floor clearance are checked.
- Landlord and building approvals are written.
- Complete product, hardware, installation, and cleaning scope is confirmed.
- Child, pet, height, and cord hazards are addressed.
- Original items and move-out restoration terms are recorded.
For humidity, drying, and fabric care, use the laundry guide. Add custom furnishings to your household inventory if they will move with you.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Can I use the listing's standard curtain size?
Only after comparing its exact finished dimensions with your measured window, track, hanging style, desired fullness, and floor clearance. Size names are not enough.
Do I need permission to drill for a blind or track?
Ask the landlord and property manager first. The lease, wall or window material, building rules, and move-out restoration agreement may affect the answer.
Are child-safe blind cords important?
Yes. Loose loops can present a serious strangulation risk. Choose safer designs, follow installation instructions, and keep cords secured and inaccessible to children.
Who owns custom curtains at move-out?
Ownership depends on what the landlord supplied and what the parties agreed. Record the answer before ordering and keep original items unless the landlord approves disposal.
