Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount Window Blinds and Shades: Which is Best for Your Home?

When it comes to choosing the right window treatments for your Canadian home, one of the primary choices you'll face is deciding between inside-mount and outside-mount blinds or shades. Now, at first glance, this might seem like something you only need to think about if it were aesthetics, right? However, this decision impacts not only the appearance of your windows but also their overall functionality.

Maybe you’ve never heard of these terms before? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Most people don’t think about where they’ll mount their window coverings until they start shopping or when it’s time to install their new treatments. Let's explore the distinctions to help you choose the perfect option for your home. Both inside and outside mounts are popular choices, each offering unique benefits. However, it's important to measure correctly for your chosen type to ensure a proper fit.

In simple terms, inside-mount window coverings are installed within the window frame, while outside-mount treatments are attached outside the inner frame, often extending over the window trim or molding. Understanding these two options is key to making the right choice for your home's window treatments, so let’s dive into what you need to know to make the right decision.

What are Inside Mount Blinds and Shades?

Inside mount blinds and shades are installed within the window frame, creating a clean and streamlined look. This style is perfect for highlighting your window’s architecture and offers a polished, built-in appearance.

Advantages of Inside Mount Blinds and Shades

Sleek Appearance: Inside mount blinds fit snugly within the window frame, providing a minimalist and modern look.

Space-Saving: Since they don’t extend beyond the window frame, inside-mount blinds are ideal for small rooms.

Enhanced View: This style allows more of the window to remain visible, maximizing natural light and views.

Disadvantages of Inside Mount Blinds and Shades

Precise Measurements Required: Accurate measurements are essential for a perfect fit, which can be tricky in older homes with uneven window frames.

Limited Light Control: Inside mount blinds might have small gaps on the sides, allowing some light to seep in.

Potential Obstructions: Window handles or cranks might interfere with the operation of inside mount blinds.

What are Outside Mount Blinds and Shades?

Outside mount blinds and shades are installed on the wall or molding around the window rather than inside the frame. This option offers flexibility and can make windows appear larger.

Advantages of Outside Mount Blinds and Shades

Versatile Installation: Outside mount blinds can be installed on almost any window, making them a versatile choice for various window types and sizes.

Better Light Control: They provide better coverage, block more light, and offer enhanced privacy.

Hides Imperfections: Outside mount, blinds can conceal window frame imperfections and cover unattractive window elements.

Disadvantages of Outside Mount Blinds and Shades

Bulkier Look: They protrude from the wall, which might not suit all decor styles.

Reduced View: When fully open, outside mount blinds might obstruct part of the window, reducing the visible area.

Space Requirements: They need more wall space for installation, which might not be feasible in smaller rooms.

How to Measure for Inside Mount Window Blinds

You want your home to be as comfortable as possible, and the right window treatments can do the trick. But there are some treatments you’re going to want to avoid if you’re going to mount from the inside, such as wood blinds due to needing a 5/8 depth and an additional 2 1/8” to be mounted flush with your window frames.

This one is just an example, but overall, you just need to be aware that window treatments and mounting aren’t one-size-fits-all. Now let’s move on to accurate measurements; this is crucial for ensuring proper fit. So here’s what you need to know when measuring for inside mount window blinds.

Measure Width: Measure the inside width of the window frame at the top, middle, and bottom. Record the narrowest measurement.

Measure Height: Measure the height inside the frame from the top to the sill in three places (left, center, and right). Record the longest measurement.

Depth Check: You’ll need to ensure the window frame has enough depth to accommodate the mounting brackets. You should also consider the window handles and cranks, as these may obstruct the blinds.

How to Measure for Outside Mount Window Shades

Just as there are window treatments that are not ideal for mounting inside, there are even different types of window treatments that we strongly discourage from being mounted outside of your window or food frame, such as panel tracks, drapery, and vertical blinds.

But even if you pick the right treatments suited for outside mounting, it’s still best to know how to properly measure for this. Measuring for outside mount shades is straightforward and forgiving. So, let's go over these steps:

Measure Width: Measure the width you want the shade to cover. We recommend adding 2-3 inches on each side for optimal light control and privacy.

Measure Height: Measure from the top of where the shade will be mounted to the bottom of the window or sill. Failing to extend the shade sufficiently above and below the window can affect aesthetics and functionality. So be sure that the brackets are at a level that’s for proper operation and appearance.

Consider Extra Coverage: For better light control and aesthetics, you may choose to extend the shade further above the window and below the sill (but we warned of potential light gaps).

Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount: Which is Better?

Is there a better option for Canadian homeowners when it comes to inside mount versus outside mount? Well, it’s all going to depend on your preferences and the type of windows you have.

Consider Inside Mount Blinds If:

• You prefer a sleek, built-in look.

• Your windows have deep frames that can accommodate the blinds.

• You want to save space and maximize your view.

Consider Outside Mount Blinds If:

• You need better light control and privacy.

• Your window frames are uneven or have obstructions.

• You want to hide window frame imperfections or make windows appear larger.

Bringing It All Together

Choosing between inside mount and outside mount window blinds and shades ultimately depends on your home’s specific needs and your personal preferences. Whichever you choose, proper measurement and installation are key to achieving the best results.

At Blinds To Go, we offer a wide range of custom window treatments to suit every style and need. Whether you prefer the clean lines of inside mount blinds or the comprehensive coverage of outside mount shades, our experts are here to help you find the perfect solution.

Are you ready to transform your windows? Explore our extensive collection of blinds and shades!