Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount Blinds: The Ultimate Guide When it comes to choosing new blinds or shades for your home, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll face early on is whether to go with an inside mount or an outside mount. This seemingly small choice has a big impact on the overall look, functionality, and even energy efficiency of your window treatments. At Blinds Concept, we believe in empowering our Canadian customers with all the information they need to make the best choice for their space.
Let's dive deep into the world of blind mounting options , exploring the pros and cons of inside mount blinds and outside mount blinds, when to use each, and what to consider for a picture-perfect fit. What is an Inside Mount? An inside mount blind is installed within the window frame, flush with the window casing. The blind or shade sits neatly inside the recess of the window, creating a clean, integrated look. It’s a popular choice for its minimalist aesthetic and ability to showcase architectural details of the window frame.
Pros of Inside Mount Blinds Clean and Integrated Look: This is arguably the biggest advantage. Inside mount blinds offer a sleek, custom-built appearance that doesn't protrude into the room. They enhance the window’s existing architecture rather than covering it. Showcases Window Trim: If you have beautiful decorative trim around your windows, an inside mount allows it to remain fully visible, adding to the room's character. Space-Saving: Because they don't extend beyond the window frame, inside mount blinds are ideal for smaller rooms or areas where you want to maximize floor or wall space.
Layering Potential: Inside mount blinds pair exceptionally well with curtains or drapes installed on an outside mount. This allows for excellent light control and thermal insulation, creating a luxurious layered look. Reduced Light Leakage (Slightly): While not perfect, the close fit within the frame can slightly reduce light leakage around the edges compared to an outside mount, especially with blackout fabrics. Cons of Inside Mount Blinds Requires Sufficient Window Depth: This is the most significant limitation.
For a truly flush inside mount, your window frame needs adequate depth to house the blind's headrail and operating mechanisms. Without enough depth, the blind may protrude slightly, defeating the purpose of a clean look. May Block Part of the View: The headrail and stack of the blind (when fully raised) will occupy a portion of the window opening, potentially slightly obstructing the top of your view. Less Effective for Complete Blackout: Due to small gaps where the blind meets the window frame, inside mount blinds rarely achieve 100% blackout, even with blackout materials.
Some light will inevitably seep in around the edges. Measurement Precision is Crucial: Inside mount blinds demand extremely precise measurements. Even a slight error can result in an ill-fitting blind that rubs against the frame or leaves unsightly gaps. Can Obscure Window Operation: If your window opens inwards or has cranks, an inside mount blind might interfere with its operation. When to Choose Inside Mount Blinds You have beautiful window trim you want to show off. Your window frame has sufficient depth (typically 2-3 inches for most blinds, but check specific product requirements).
You prefer a clean, minimalist aesthetic. You plan to layer with drapes or curtains. Your windows open outwards or are fixed. What is an Outside Mount? Outside mount blinds are installed on the wall or window trim surrounding the window opening, extending beyond the frame. They cover the entire window and often overlap the trim or wall space, creating a softer, more substantial look.
Pros of Outside Mount Blinds Excellent Light Blockage: By extending beyond the window opening, outside mount blinds significantly reduce light gaps around the edges, making them ideal for bedrooms, media rooms, or any space where maximum light control is desired. They are superior for achieving near-total blackout. Creates the Illusion of a Larger Window: Mounting blinds higher and wider than the actual window can make the window appear larger than it is, adding a sense of grandeur to your space.
Conceals Unsightly Trim or Window Imperfections: If your window trim is damaged, dated, or simply non-existent, an outside mount can artfully cover these imperfections, providing a seamless and polished finish. No Depth Requirements: Unlike inside mounts, outside mounts don't depend on the depth of your window frame, making them a versatile choice for any window, even shallow ones. Interference-Free Operation: Since they are mounted outside the window opening, outside mount blinds won't obstruct window handles, cranks, or the operation of tilt-and-turn windows.
Better Insulation: The overlap on all sides helps to trap air, offering a slight improvement in thermal insulation by reducing drafts and heat transfer. Covers the Entire Opening: When raised, the stack of fabric or slats sits above the window opening, ensuring a completely unobstructed view. Cons of Outside Mount Blinds Less Integrated Look: They protrude into the room more than inside mount blinds, which some might find less sleek or custom. Covers Window Trim: If you have beautiful architectural trim, an outside mount will obscure it.
Requires Wall/Trim Space: You’ll need sufficient flat wall or trim space around your window for mounting brackets and for the blind to clear the opening. Can Feel Bulkier: Depending on the product, an outside mount can sometimes feel a bit bulkier or less streamlined than an inside mount. When to Choose Outside Mount Blinds You need maximum light blockage and privacy (e.g., bedrooms, home theatres). Your window frame has insufficient depth for an inside mount. You want to make a window appear larger. You want to hide unattractive window trim or a lack of trim.
Your windows have obstructions like cranks or handles that an inside mount would interfere with. You prefer an unobstructed view when the blinds are raised. Depth Requirements for Inside Mount Understanding depth requirements is crucial for a successful inside mount. Here's a general guide: Minimum Depth (Flush Mount Not Guaranteed): For the blind to simply fit within the window casing without interfering with window operation, you might only need 3/4" to 1.5" of depth, depending on the product's headrail size. However, the blind will likely protrude.
Recommended Depth (Flush Mount): To have the blind sit mostly or entirely flush with the window casing, you'll generally need 2 to 3 inches of unobstructed depth. This allows the headrail, operating mechanism, and the blind material itself to recess fully. Specific Product Variations: Always check the individual product specifications. Roman shades, for instance, often require more depth than roller or cellular shades due to their folding nature. Horizontal blinds or shutters might also have unique depth requirements.
How to Measure Depth: Use a measuring tape to measure from the outermost edge of your window casing (where the blind would ideally sit flush) back into the window opening. Take this measurement in several spots. Visual Examples & Considerations Imagine a living room with elegant, wide white trim around the windows. An inside mount sheer roller shade would be a perfect choice, maintaining the clean lines and allowing the trim to be the star. The light filtering through would be gentle, and the shade would disappear almost entirely when raised.
Now, picture a master bedroom where morning light needs to be completely blocked. Here, an outside mount blackout cellular shade would be ideal. Mounted slightly above and extending beyond the window frame, it would prevent light leakage, ensuring a dark, peaceful sleep, and perhaps even making the window appear grander. Consider a kitchen window directly above a sink. An inside mount might be too prone to splashes or interfere with the tap. An outside mount would keep the blind clear of the work area, offering both privacy and light control without obstruction.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home The decision between inside mount and outside mount isn't merely aesthetic; it's also about functionality and the unique characteristics of your windows and living spaces. There's no single "better" option – only the best option for your specific needs. Assess your windows: Do they have deep sills? Beautiful trim? Are there any obstructions? Consider your lifestyle: Do you need complete darkness for sleeping? Do you prioritize an unobstructed view? Think about the room's style: Do you want a minimalist, integrated look or a grander, more substantial feel?
Combine for the best of both worlds: Remember, you don't have to choose just one style for your entire home. Different rooms have different needs! At Blinds Concept, our experts are here to guide you through every step of this process. We offer professional advice, precise measurements, and a wide selection of premium window treatments to ensure you get the perfect fit and style for your Canadian home. Ready to explore your options or need a professional opinion? Book a free consultation with Blinds Concept today!
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