Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount Blinds: The Ultimate Guide for Atlantic Canadian Homes When you are investing in custom window treatments, the most critical decision you’ll make—before even picking a fabric or colour—is how they will be installed. In the world of window coverings, this comes down to a choice between inside mount and outside mount blinds . This choice affects the aesthetic, the light control, and even the energy efficiency of your home. At Blinds Concept, we understand the unique architectural challenges of Atlantic Canada.
Whether you are outfitting a historic Victorian in Halifax's South End or a modern coastal build in Charlottetown, the way your blinds sit in the window matters. As a custom window treatment specialist and trusted local installer, we’ve seen how proper mounting can transform a room from "just okay" to designer-quality. In this guide, we will break down the differences, pros, and cons of each mounting style to help you make the best choice for your space. Check out our full range of custom blinds to see these styles in action. What is an Inside Mount?
An inside mount means the window treatment is installed inside the window frame (the casing). The blinds or shades are attached to the top "ceiling" of the window opening. This is the most common choice for modern homes because it provides a clean, built-in look. What is an Outside Mount? An outside mount means the blind is installed on the wall above the window or directly onto the window trim. The treatment covers the entire window opening and often a few inches on either side to ensure full coverage.
Inside Mount: The Choice for Minimalists and Modern Homes Inside-mount blinds are the gold standard for clean, crisp interior design. By tucking the blinds inside the frame, you allow the window's architectural moulding and trim to remain visible. In many Halifax heritage homes, where the woodwork is a work of art in itself, an inside mount is almost always the preferred option. Benefits of Inside Mount Blinds: A Clean Look: Because the blinds are contained within the frame, they don’t protrude into the room. This makes the space feel larger and more organized.
Highlighting Trim: If you have beautiful deep-set windows or decorative crown moulding around your casing, an inside mount showcases these details. Layering Opportunities: Inside-mount blinds pair perfectly with outside-mount drapery. You can have a functional roller shade inside the frame for light control and decorative curtains on the outside for style. The "Light Gap" Reality: One thing consumers should know when choosing inside mount outside mount blinds is that inside mounts will always have a small "light gap" on the sides.
Because the fabric needs room to move up and down without rubbing against the frame, there is usually a 1/8 to 1/2 inch gap. In bedrooms where total darkness is required, this is a factor to consider. Requirements for Inside Mount: To pull this off, your windows must have enough "depth." Not all windows are built deep enough to house the headrail of a blind. If your windows are shallow—common in some newer modular builds in PEI—you may be forced to look at outside mount options.
Outside Mount: Solving Architectural Flaws and Achieving Total Blackout While inside mounts are popular, there are many scenarios where an outside mount is the superior choice. This is where we often see DIY brands like Select Blinds or Bali fall short; they don’t always provide the heavy-duty hardware required for a stable outside mount on drywall.
When to Choose Outside Mount Blinds: Disguising Unattractive Windows: If your window frames are dated, damaged, or made of plain vinyl that you’d rather hide, an outside mount covers the entire opening, making the window appear larger and more "finished." Shallow Window Depth: If there isn't enough space inside the frame for the blind's mechanism to clear the glass or the window handle, an outside mount is your only viable option. Maximum Light Blockage: For shift workers in Atlantic Canada or parents of young children in Halifax, outside mounts are the best for "blackout" needs.
By overlapping the window by 2-3 inches on each side, you eliminate the side light gaps entirely. Creating Uniformity: If you have two windows of slightly different sizes on the same wall, mounting blinds outside the frame allows you to install them at the same height and width, creating a symmetrical look. Outside Mount Considerations: Because the blind sits on top of the trim, it will protrude into the room. If you are in a tight galley kitchen or a narrow hallway, this might be a hindrance.
It also requires careful measurement to ensure the blind is centered perfectly over the window opening. Learn more about our professional installation process to see how we handle tricky outside-mount scenarios. Comparing Blinds Concept to the Competition When shopping for window treatments, you’ll encounter big-box names like Levolor or Bali, and online-only retailers like Blinds.com. While these are "budget-friendly" options, there is a significant difference in the finished product.
The Blinds Concept Advantage: Unlike Budget Blinds or Gotcha Covered, which are often franchises with varying levels of expertise, Blinds Concept is a specialized local powerhouse. We are a custom window treatment specialist , meaning our team is trained to the highest technical standards in North America. We don't just sell you a product; we ensure the inside mount outside mount blinds decision is made based on your home's specific humidity levels, sun exposure, and structural integrity. As a trusted local installer , we have passed rigorous background checks and quality audits.
This gives our clients in Halifax and Charlottetown peace of mind that a national brand trusts us with their members. While Select Blinds might send you a box of parts and a manual, we provide a full-service experience—from our showrooms in Halifax and Charlottetown to your final installation. Service Comparison at a Glance: Retailers (Bali/Levolor): Limited sizes, DIY measurement risks, standard hardware. Online Only (Blinds.com/Select Blinds): No professional on-site consultation; you are responsible if the measurements are off by 1/8th of an inch.
Franchises (Budget Blinds/Gotcha Covered): Can be expensive with inconsistent installation quality. Blinds Concept: Factory-direct wholesale pricing, certified professional installation, and localized Atlantic Canadian expertise. Inside vs. Outside Mount: Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can I switch from inside mount to outside mount later? Generally, no. Custom blinds are cut to specific widths. An inside-mount blind will be too narrow to cover the outside of the window frame, and an outside-mount blind will be too wide to fit inside the frame. 2.
Which is better for insulation in Atlantic Canada? Outside mounts typically provide a slightly better thermal barrier because they cover the entire window opening, including the gaps around the casement where drafts often enter. For maximum efficiency, consider our honeycomb shades . 3. Will an outside mount damage my walls? If installed correctly by a professional, no. We use specialized anchors to ensure the weight of the blind is supported without damaging your drywall or trim. 4. Does an inside mount cost more? The price of the blind itself is usually the same.
However, inside mounts require more precise measurements. At Blinds Concept, we take care of the "laser-accurate" measuring for you. 5. I have a sliding glass door; should I use inside or outside mount? Sliding doors almost always require an outside mount, typically with a vertical treatment or a large-scale roller shade, as there is rarely enough depth in a door frame for an inside mount. Trust the Experts at Blinds Concept Choosing between an inside and outside mount is more than a preference; it’s a technical decision that impacts the longevity of your window treatments.
Whether you are looking for the sleek lines of an inside mount or the full-coverage drama of an outside mount, we have the expertise to get it right the first time. Visit our showrooms in Halifax or Charlottetown to see the differences in person. Our design consultants will walk you through our various lines, including Graber, Norman, and our high-quality private-label wholesale options. Don't settle for "off-the-shelf" solutions that don't quite fit. Get the premium look your home deserves with Atlantic Canada’s most trusted window treatment team. Ready to transform your home?
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