Should Your Blinds Be Mounted Inside or Outside the Window Frame?

Window treatments can be customized to meet your needs, but did you know the depth of your windows may impact your options?

Choosing the right mounting position of blinds or shades is just as important to consider as your preferences for privacy, opacity and design and is often overlooked too early in the decision-making process.

There are two ways to mount your window coverings:
1. Inside Mount
2. Outside Mount

Both mounting positions block light and reduce energy costs. Read on to compare what makes each style different, so that you can determine the best fit for your home:

Inside Mounts

Inside mounts are the most popular choice. They offer a clean, finished look because the blinds or shades are recessed and contained inside the window casing.

Inside-mounted window treatments are NOT the best choice for you if:

• Your window frame is not deep.
  If your window is not set deeply enough, recessed blinds may extend outside the frame.
• You have an obstruction inside your window frame, such as a crank handle, lock handle or alarm sensor.
  These make it impossible to install and use an inside mount window treatment.

Inside-mount cellular shade. Fabric: Cheslock. Color: Frost.

Outside mounts

Outside-mountedblinds or shades are mounted on the wall outside the window frame, on the window trim or even on the ceiling above the window.

Outside mounted window coverings may be right for your home if:

• You want to block more light.
  Outside mounts cover the entire window.
• You want to hide ugly window casings, molding or glass.
  Blinds are a much cheaper option than replacing window trim.
• Your window casing is too shallow to house an inside mount or has an obstruction (window crank, lock, etc.)
• Your windows are slightly uneven.
  Outside mount applications can help give your windows a uniform look by covering the entire window frame.
• You want window covering for a sliding or French door.
  There is almost never enough space for inside-mount blinds on doors.

Outside-mount roller shade: Hunter Douglas Alustra^® Woven Textures^®Fabric: Cirque. Color: Beach.

Accurately measuring your windows is imperative for either an inside or outside mount, but is even more critical with an inside mount, as there is little room for error. The more precise the measurements, the more light your blinds or shades will block and the more naturally beautiful your window treatments will look in your space. For more information, check out this video.

To ensure your blinds, shades or shutters will be the correct width and length, it’s best to have a professional measure and install your window treatments.Take advantage of a free, professional in-home consultation by your local, Chicagoland JC Licht window treatment specialist to anticipate all of the most important considerations when purchasing Hunter Douglas window treatments for your home.

If you found this information helpful, you’ll LOVE to learn the 10 other decisions you must make before buying window treatments!