Inside vs Outside Mount Blinds | Pros & Cons
Oct 10, 2025
The way blinds are mounted can completely change the feel of a room.
Inside the frame, you get a clean, almost built-in look. Outside the frame, the windows suddenly feel larger and the light control is stronger.
Neither option is better across the board – it depends on your windows and your style. Here’s a clear breakdown of inside vs outside mount blinds, with the pros and cons of each.
Key Notes
Inside mounts need 2+ inches of recess depth, while outside mounts work on any window.
Outside mounts block more light and hide imperfections; inside mounts showcase trim.
Inside mounts require precise measurements; outside mounts offer forgiving installation.
Outside mounts make windows appear larger while inside mounts create a sleek, minimal look.
Inside vs Outside Mount Blinds: What’s The Difference?
Feature | Inside Mount Blinds | Outside Mount Blinds |
Look | Sleek, minimal, shows off trim | Bold, makes windows appear larger, hides trim |
Light Control | Good, but light can leak at edges | Superior blackout and privacy |
Installation | Requires precise measurements, more detail-oriented | Easier, more forgiving measurements |
Functionality | Full access to sill, easier to layer with curtains | Can obstruct handles, bulkier look |
Best For | Deep recess, decorative trim, modern minimalist style | Shallow frames, blackout needs, hiding imperfections |
What Are Inside Mount Blinds?
Inside mount blinds are installed within the window recess, so they sit flush with the frame.
Picture a clean, tailored look where the blind feels like part of the window architecture rather than something sitting on top of it. Because the hardware and cords are tucked inside the frame, inside mounts keep everything streamlined.
They’re popular for homeowners who want a minimalist vibe, or when you want to highlight the trim or moulding around the window instead of covering it.
But, you’ll need enough depth in the window recess to make them work – usually at least two inches, depending on the blind type.
What Are Outside Mount Blinds?
Outside mount blinds are mounted directly on the wall, ceiling, or trim surrounding the window. This style lets the blind extend past the actual glass, covering the window frame and sometimes even overlapping onto the wall.
The effect is bold — your window can look larger than it really is, and any imperfections in the trim or frame disappear behind the fabric. Outside mounts are also the go-to when your window recess is too shallow, or there are obstructions like cranks, locks, or sensors inside the frame.
Inside Mount Blinds: Pros & Cons
Advantages
Streamlined look: Flush with the frame for a clean, integrated design.
Space-saving: Great for smaller rooms since they don’t take up wall space.
Showcases trim: Keeps decorative moulding visible.
Easy layering: Works well with curtains or drapes without clutter.
Tailored fit: When measured correctly, they look custom-built for the window.
Drawbacks
Depth requirements: Need a deep enough recess (around 2 inches or more).
Measurement sensitivity: Even a small mis-measurement can cause gaps or poor alignment.
Light seepage: Edges can leak light if the window frame isn’t perfectly square.
Limited compatibility: Not all blind types (like some Romans) work with inside mounts.
Outside Mount Blinds: Pros & Cons
Advantages
Superior light blocking: By covering the window and trim, they leave fewer gaps. Perfect for blackout blinds in bedrooms or nurseries.
Works on any window: Ideal for shallow recesses or obstructions inside the frame.
Covers imperfections: Hide unattractive trim or damage.
Makes windows look bigger: Extending past the frame creates a sense of size and drama.
Installation-friendly: Less exact measuring required.
Drawbacks
Bulkier appearance: They protrude into the room and take up wall space.
Potential obstructions: May block access to handles or locks.
Wall space required: Need enough room above or around the window.
Can look heavier: Not as subtle as an inside mount.
Aesthetics: Which Looks Better?
This one really depends on your style.
Inside mounts blend in. They give that crisp, intentional look that works beautifully in modern and minimalist homes. If you’ve invested in ornate trim or have beautiful window mouldings, inside mounts let you show them off.
Outside mounts, on the other hand, take up more visual space but can make your windows look larger and more prominent. They’re also a lifesaver if your frames aren’t picture-perfect – the blind does the hiding for you.
Think of it as the difference between a fitted shirt (inside mount) and a statement jacket (outside mount). Both stylish, just different vibes.
Functionality: Light Control, Privacy & Energy Efficiency
Inside Mounts:
Good at light control, but they’re not airtight. A little glow sneaks in around the edges, which can be a dealbreaker if you’re aiming for pitch-black.
They do keep cords tucked away and make window sills accessible.
Outside Mounts:
The blackout winner. By extending beyond the window, they block most of the light gaps and help insulate the window better.
That means fewer drafts and potentially lower energy bills in hot summers. They also add a layer of sound absorption, making rooms a little quieter.
Practical Factors to Consider
Window Frame Depth & Obstructions
Inside mounts need depth (generally 2+ inches).
Protruding handles, cranks, or sensors can make them impossible.
Outside mounts solve those issues by sidestepping the frame.
Installation & Maintenance
Inside: more precise and fiddly. Once installed, harder to adjust.
Outside: forgiving measurements, easier to install, simpler to clean or swap out later.
Budget & Material Use
Inside mounts use less material overall.
Outside mounts often need larger fabric cuts, which can bump the price slightly.
Choosing by Blind Type
Roller blinds: Versatile – look sleek inside or dramatic outside.
Cellular/honeycomb shades: Inside preferred to maximize insulation.
Roman blinds: Outside works better, since they need stacking space.
Venetian blinds: Both options work; inside for a clean fit, outside for flexibility.
Vertical blinds: Almost always outside mount, especially for sliding doors.
Choosing by Room Type
Room | Recommended Mount | Suggested Blinds | Reason |
Bedroom | Outside mount | Blackout roller, Roman, Venetian | Max privacy + light blocking |
Kitchen | Outside mount | PVC roller, vertical, shutters | Easy cleaning, moisture resistance |
Living Room | Inside or outside | Wooden, roller, Roman, vertical | Style flexibility |
Office | Inside mount | Blackout roller, day-night, pleated | Glare control without total darkness |
Special Cases: Oversized, Shallow, or Irregular Windows
Oversized windows: Outside mounts simplify things – fewer awkward gaps, more cohesive look.
Odd shapes (arches, trapezoids): Usually outside mount, unless you go fully custom.
Shallow frames: Inside mount usually isn’t an option. Outside solves it.
Tilt-and-turn windows: Specialized inside “perfect fit” blinds are sometimes possible.
Can You Mix Inside & Outside Mounts in One Home?
Absolutely, and many people do.
You might have inside mounts in your living room to keep things sleek, but outside mounts in bedrooms where blackout coverage is more important.
Mixing styles is a smart way to tailor each room without feeling locked into one choice across the house.
How to Measure for Each Mount Type
Inside Mount
Measure width at top, middle, bottom – record the narrowest.
Measure height at left, middle, right – use the shortest.
Measure depth to confirm hardware will fit.
Outside Mount
Measure the width of the window and add 2–3 inches on each side.
Measure the height from where you’ll mount (above trim or wall) to desired length.
Pro tip: Always use a metal tape measure. Flexible cloth ones bend and skew your numbers.
Still Wondering Which Mount Is Right?
Get clarity with expert, in-home guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from inside to outside mount later on?
Yes, but it usually requires new blinds. Inside mounts are cut to exact recess measurements, while outside mounts need extra fabric and hardware to cover the frame.
Do outside mount blinds work well with bay or corner windows?
They can – outside mounts often make it easier to cover tricky angles or multiple adjacent panes, since they overlap and unify the look.
Are inside mounts better for resale value?
Not necessarily. Both add value if they’re high-quality and properly fitted. Inside mounts tend to look more custom, while outside mounts solve functional issues buyers appreciate.
Do outside mounts damage walls more than inside mounts?
Not really. Both use brackets and screws, but outside mounts attach to walls or trim rather than the frame. If installed professionally, holes are minimal and easily patched.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the choice between inside vs outside mount blinds really comes down to your windows and what you want out of them.
Inside mounts fit neatly in the frame and look clean, but they need the right depth and may let a bit of light slip through. Outside mounts cover more ground – great for blocking light, hiding trim, or making small windows look bigger – but they’ll take up a little extra space.
Both options can look great; it’s just about matching the style and function to your room.
If you’re unsure, booking a free in-home consultation is the easiest way to see both options in action and get advice that fits your space.
