Mounting Window Blinds: Inside Versus Outside

When it comes to buying window blinds, there are many decisions that must be made. Things like type, cost, brand, material and color all must be considered before the time of purchase. But the decisions don't stop there: you must also decide where you want to mount your window blinds, inside or outside of the window frame.

More often than not, people choose to mount their window blinds inside the frame. This is a universal choice for many regardless of the choice of blind. Solar shades, cellular blinds and a variety of other types are often placed inside the frame because an inside mount provides a much neater, organized and often tidier appearance. With an inside mount, there are no blinds hanging down to the ground or appearing wild and out of control.

There are several reasons for an inside mount. To begin, mounting your blinds inside the frame typically provides more convenience if you are combining blinds and drapes or other types of curtains. Mounting cellular blinds inside, for instance, helps keep the drapes and blinds from interfering with each other.

An inside mount can also help reduce energy costs further than an outside mount. The reason for this is because inside mounted blinds lay closer to the window than outside mounted blinds. This can result in the better trapping of air (whether this is warm or cool air).

No matter what type of blinds you are mounting inside, be it solar shades, or some other type, an inside mount does require a set of blinds that are perfectly measured.

An outside mount is beneficial for those who are unable to mount blinds inside the frame. Some reasons for this inability may be an alarm sensor or crank handle situated on the inside of a window frame or windows that are not deep enough to hold blinds. Another reason why you may choose to mount your window blinds outside the frame is a unique window shape. If you have a rectangular, octagonal, circular, trapeze, or other irregularly shaped windows, you may choose an outside mount so that your window blinds do not have to fit into an oddly shaped frame.

No matter where you mount your blinds, and whether you purchase solar shades or cellular blinds, window blinds are a great way to give you insulation, privacy, provide shade from strong sunlight and help you save money on your energy costs.

Susan Slobac is a consultant in the window treatment industry. Susan writes about trends in cellular blinds & solar shades.