Outside Mounted 2” Wood Blinds — 2” Painted Bamboo, Off-White
When choosing blinds for your home, it’s important to decide if you need inside or outside mounted blinds and shades. The difference between outside mounted blinds and inside mount blinds is not only visual, but there are also differences in setup and functionality. There are pros and cons to both inside and outside mounted blinds, and this post will help you decide which one is the right fit for your home.
Outside Mounted Blinds & Shades
As the name implies, outside mounted blinds, outside mount roller shades and outside mount cellular shades are installed outside of the window frame, usually on the trim or above the window. Since outside mounted blinds and shades do not have to fit within any parameters, they provide more flexibility when choosing window treatments for your home.
Benefits of Outside Mounted Blinds & Shades
Outside Mounted Flat Roman Shades — Martyn Lawrence Bullard Sahara Stripe, Onyx
There are several benefits that come with outside mounted blinds and shades. Here are some of the main reasons why outside mounted blinds and shades are a great choice for your home.
Outside Mounted Blinds & Shades Make Windows Look Larger and Ceilings Higher
Since outside mounted window treatments hang outside the window, you have the freedom to place them as high or low as you want. This can create the illusion that the window is larger. Blinds and shades that hang above the window closer to the ceiling can also make the ceiling look taller and the room look bigger.
Outside Mounted Blinds & Shades Block Out More Light and Provide Full Coverage
Since outside mounted blinds and shades cover more of the window and frame than inside mount blinds, they provide more light coverage. If your primary goal is sun protection, then outside mounted window treatments may be the right choice for you.
Outside Mounted Blinds & Shades Require Less Precise Window Measurements
Since outside mounted blinds and shades don’t have to fit into a frame, they offer more flexibility when taking measurements. While it’s still important to take accurate measurements, you can still hang your window treatments without any issues if your measurements are slightly off.
When to Choose Outside Mounted Blinds & Shades
Outside Mounted Roller Shades — Mesa Verde, Sand
In addition to these benefits, there are also some scenarios where outside mounted blinds and shades just work better. Here are some specific use cases for outside mounted window treatments.
If You’re Covering a Door
If you need to cover a door with window treatments, then you should use outside mounted blinds or shades. Doors do not have the frame depth needed for inside mount blinds, so outside mounted window treatments are the best option.
If You Have Shallow Windows
Outside mounted blinds and shades are a great choice for shallow windows that have a small frame depth, as they don’t have to fit within the frame.
If You Want to Cover Your Window Trim
Outside mounted blinds and shades can even help you save some money on redecorating or refinishing. If you have an old or damaged window trim, outside mounted blinds will cover the frame and window trim completely.
How to Measure for Outside Mount Blinds & Shades
Whether you’re looking to measure for outside mount blinds and shades or inside mount window treatments, we recommend requesting a complimentary appointment with one of our friendly professionals. If you want to know how to install outside mount blinds or inside mount window treatments, we also offer full professional installation services.
The types of outside mount window treatments you can purchase at The Shade Store are Roller Shades, Solar Shades, Roman Shades, Woven Wood Shades, Cellular Shades, Pleated Shades, Wood Blinds, Metal Blinds and Vertical Blinds.
Inside Mount Blinds & Shades
Inside Mounted 2” Wood Blind — 2” Basic, Ebony
Inside mount blinds and shades are installed inside the window frame. This mounting style is more traditional and is generally the primary installation method for blinds.
The Benefits of Inside Mount Blinds & Shades
Inside mount window treatments come with their own benefits, which makes them a popular choice for homeowners. Here are some of the primary reasons to choose inside mount blinds and shades.
Inside Mount Blinds & Shades Provide a Clean, Minimalist Look
Since inside mount blinds and shades sit inside the window frame, they provide a styled, finished look. The ends of the window treatments are tucked neatly inside the frame, offering a minimalist aesthetic that many homeowners desire.
Inside Mount Blinds & Shades Take Up Less Space
Inside mount window treatments take up less space in the room and make it easier for you to use the window sill for shelving or design accents. If you’re looking for window treatments for a smaller room, inside window mounts may help provide some needed additional space.
When to Choose Inside Mount Blinds & Shades
Inside Mounted Relaxed Roman Shades — Holland & Sherry Emerson, Shea
There are some instances where inside mount blinds and shades are the favorable choice, here are some reasons you may want to use inside mount blinds.
If You’re Layering Window Treatments
Have your heart set on a luxurious set of puddled drapery? Inside mount window treatments are a great choice when layering window treatments, such as blinds and drapes, since the blind brackets won’t get in the way of the drapery rods. You can install multiple window treatments without worrying about a messy look or limited functionality.
If You Want to Show Off Your Home’s Woodwork
Unlike outside mounted blinds and shades, which are great for covering trim and window frames, inside mount blinds and shades are a fantastic option to show off the window frame and trim in your home. Inside mount window treatments help you display the beauty of your home.
The types of inside mount window treatments you can purchase at The Shade Store are Roller Shades, Solar Shades, Roman Shades, Woven Wood Shades, Cellular Shades, Pleated Shades, Wood Blinds, Metal Blinds and Vertical Blinds.
Have questions about custom window treatments? We’re here to help.
If you have questions about inside or outside mounted blinds and shades — or if you need assistance achieving your dream windows, we’re here to help. The Shade Store offers expert services every step of the way — from inspiration to installation. Our team of Design Consultants is available to assist you with material selection, color coordination, measurement & installation scheduling and more, however you choose to shop. To get started, stop by your local showroom, visit us online or give us a call at 800.754.1455.
About The Shade Store
The Shade Store is a premium custom window treatment company with a rich heritage in luxury textiles and interior design. Its exclusive collection of more than 1,300 in-stock fabrics and materials provides customers with an unparalleled amount of style and customization options. Every window treatment is proudly handcrafted in the USA, hung and tested for quality assurance and ships free in 10 days or less. With showrooms nationwide, The Shade Store offers a complete range of in-person and virtual design services for consumers and design-trade clientele, including samples, complimentary professional window measurements and photo rendering. Additionally, the company is an advocate for environmental sustainability: For every purchase made, the company provides the ‘Gift of Shade’ by planting a tree in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. For more information about The Shade Store, please visit theshadestore.com.
