Inside Mounted Blinds vs. Outside Mounted Blinds

One of the first, if not the first, question a homeowner should ask themselves when getting new blinds or shades for their homes should be if the blinds will be mounted inside or outside. Although it may seem like a small detail, it will greatly effect the function and aesthetic of the blind. Each mount also has a differing light control. 

What are Inside Mounted Blinds

As their name states, inside mounted blinds are mounted inside the window frame. Often, these blinds are installed with fascia to give a finished and clean look. Inside mounted blinds are also much more common than outside mounted blinds because of their many benefits. 

Pros of Inside Mounted Blinds

• They make your blind flush or in line with the window frame. Aesthetically, this gives a cleaner look since the blind is within the frame and not sticking out further than the frame itself. 
• Inside mounts can be installed as deep or shallow within the frame which allows for the perfect fit and look
• If you have decorative framing for the window, an inside mount will not cover it up and will highlight the feature instead.
• For windows with no wall space for an outdoor mount, an inside mount 

However, inside mounted blinds also comes with some cons. 

Cons of Inside Mounted Blinds

• For example, since the blind sits flush with the frame, light is able to pass through on both sides. The light that passes through is called a "light leak" or "light gap". These gaps or leaks, allows too much unneeded  light into a room.
• Inside mounts also can feature cranks or handles that sit near the frame which can cause difficulties when it comes to installation and function. 
• Correctly measuring the width for this mounting style is crucial since there is less room for error for inside mounted blinds. 

As seen in the photo below, the blinds fit within the window frame itself.

What are Outside Mounted Blinds

Outside mounted blinds are typically installed on the window trim itself. Outside mounts come with their fair share of benefits as well.

Pros of Outside Mounted Blinds

• Since the blind does not sit flush within the window trim, the blind is able to block more incoming light from coming into the room. 
• With inside mounted blinds, light is able to pass in the gap between the blind and the frame on both the left of right side. If light blocking is the primary goal of a blind, then it is best to have the blind mounted outside. 
• Outside mounted blinds allow for more margin of error since there is more room to mount them on either side of the window frame. 

Outside mounts have the ability to hide any features or imperfections as well. 

• They can cover up any dirty or ugly glass, casings, or molding. This type of mount also works well if the window(s) are uneven or if they are unusually shaped.
• With an inside mount, one might be able to tell if both the blind and window are crooked. However, an outside mount can be installed square and correctly to cover up this issue. 
• If the window frame is not deep or if an object or other type of obstruction is inside the frame, an outside mounted blind would be much more favorable than an inside mounted.

This type of mount also has its drawbacks.

Cons of Outside Mounted Blinds

• Outside mounted blinds can make a window look bulkier and or clunky. 
• Since the blind is completely away from the frame, the blind is at risk to being damaged easier.
• Although an outside mount will prevent more incoming light than an inside mount, some light will still come through.

In the photo above, the outside mounted blinds fit over the window frame. 

When deciding what type of mount is best for you, it is important to think about the what type of look you want and whether one mount would functionally work better than the other one. 

Both blinds can even work in conjunction with one another! If you are still unsure what mount is right for you or if you are having questions on how to take the correct measurements, do not be afraid to contact a professional for help!

For questions or more information, email info@blindshadeparts.com