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Inside mount vs outside mount: how to choose
Every blind, shade and screen starts with this fork: mount it inside the recess or outside on the wall. Pick wrong and you get light leaks or a blind that won't fit. Here's the rule.
Inside mount — the built-in look
Sits flush inside the window frame. Cleaner, shows off the trim, doesn't stick into the room. Needs: enough recess depth to hold the headrail, and a reasonably square opening. Trade: a small light gap down each side is normal.
Outside mount — coverage and forgiveness
Mounts on the wall or trim above the opening. Choose it when: the recess is too shallow, the window is out of square, you want maximum darkness (overlap kills side light), or there's a crank/handle in the way. Trade: it projects into the room and covers the trim.
Quick decision
- Recess too shallow for the headrail → outside.
- Window noticeably out of square → outside (hides it).
- Want blackout / no side light → outside with generous overlap.
- Deep, square recess and you love the trim → inside.
FAQ
How much depth does an inside mount need?
It depends on the product, but a rough rule: a recess shallower than the headrail can't take a flush inside mount — you'll need an outside mount or a low-profile headrail. Measure the depth before you commit.
Which blocks more light?
Outside mount, by a lot — the overlap covers the gaps an inside mount leaves at the sides. For a bedroom, outside mount with overlap is the darker choice.
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