Inside Mount vs Outside Mount Blinds: Pros, Cons, Light Gap, and Best Uses

Inside mount blinds are mounted within the frame of the window. Outside mount blinds are mounted on top or on the frame. The correct option would be based on what you want to control the light, the privacy, the style, and the shape of the windows.

Select the inside mount to get a neat, built-in appearance. Choose an outside mount in order to have a wider coverage and reduce light gaps. The given simple rule applies to the majority of rooms and enables the homeowners to make a decision more quickly.

Having style is on the agenda of many people. That makes sense. The room design comprises blinds. But form is also as important. The type of mount varies the amount of light that enters the room, the level of privacy that one has with the window and the size of the window.

This guide provides the advantages, disadvantages, and the optimal application of each one. Another way it demonstrates the disparity between the two mount styles is when one is evidently superior to the other.

What is the difference between inside mount and outside mount blinds?

Here is the disparity where the blind are seated. The interior mount blinds are installed in the frame of the window. Outside mount blinds are fastened on the wall, trim or the space over the window.

This alters the appearance of the window. The interior mount produces a clean and customized look. The outside mount provides greater coverage as well as conceals a larger part of the opening of the window.

It is also impacting on installation. Inside mount requires sufficient depth to the inside of the frame and increased accuracy of measurement. Outside mount can be more flexible since it is not as much dependent on the frame depth.

Which option looks better?

Interior mount tends to appear more personalized and up to date. It provides the window with a neat appearance and makes the blinds as close to the glass as possible.

It is a good style when you would like to display some nice trim or some simple design. It is not protruded and makes it look as part of the room. This is why it is mostly used by the home owners in their living rooms, dining rooms and offices.

Exterior mount can yet be beautiful, but is serving a different purpose. It appears to be softer and fuller as it goes outside the frame. Some of the cases may even end up making the window appear larger and more balanced on the wall.

Which option gives better light control?

Outside is more light controlled. Since it stretches past the opening of the window, it prevents a greater amount of light at the sides.

With inside mount, the blind and the frame have a thin gap. The gap on that side is termed to be a light gap. It is natural, and it is significant in the rooms where the dark is considered.

Outside mount can be the more appropriate choice in the cases when you want to sleep better, see less or have greater privacy. This is more so in bedrooms, nurseries as well as media rooms.

You can learn more about room darkness in our guide on blackout vs room darkening.

Do inside mount blinds always have a light gap?

Yes, there is a light gap with most inside mount blinds. The eyes are blind hardware and require space to work thus the edges are not closely fitted on the frame.

It does not necessarily have to be a problem. A small side light might not be very important in a kitchen, family room or a workplace. Actually, it is adapted by most homeowners since they like the appearance of recessed blind that are more clean.

However, the light gap may be more evident in bedrooms. There is a lot of light penetrating through the sides even with the blind being completely closed in the morning. Outside mount normally works better in case maximum darkness is required.

What are the pros of inside mount blinds?

Best on the inside is the mount blinds that are more sleek and built in. They are used effectively where the frame of the window is sufficiently deep, and the object is to obtain a smooth finish.

They are trendy in contemporary and transitional houses since they make the room lines plain. They also go well with drapes in case you intend on having an overlay appearance.

Benefits of inside mount blinds

• Hygienic and customized look
• Superior to contemporary interiors
• Shows off decorative trim
• Takes up less visual space
• Works well with curtains or panels

It is a robust mounting style when the design is of more importance than complete blackout.

What are the downsides of inside mount blinds?

The largest disadvantage is less coverage. Since the blind is in the frame, additional lights will be able to get in through the sides.

Another issue is fit. Careful measuring is needed on the inside mount. The frame should also be deep enough and the opening should be fairly balanced. The end result of the appearance might not be perfect in the event that the window is shallow or a bit out of square.

Common drawbacks of inside mount blinds

• More side light
• Less effective for blackout
• Needs accurate measurements
• Requires enough frame depth
• May reveal uneven window openings

To avoid ordering the wrong product, it is best to find out how to measure blinds beforehand to ensure the product fits into the space.

What are the pros of outside mount blinds?

Outside mount blinds are most preferable in terms of coverage, privacy and flexibility. They stretch out of the frame hence occupy a greater part of the window aperture.

That extra coverage helps in several ways. It reduces light leakage, improves privacy, and can hide uneven trim or shallow frames. It also helps smaller windows look wider or taller.

Benefits of outside mount blinds

• Better light control
• Less visible light gap
• More privacy
• Works on shallow windows
• Hides frame flaws
• Makes windows look larger

This renders outside mount an intelligent option to use on function-first rooms.

What are the downsides of outside mount blinds?

Exterior mount blinds are not as inbuilt or recessed. Other house owners believe that they lack a complete or customized look.

They should also have a sufficient wall or trim space around the window. Installation might be more difficult when the cabinets, molding, or other doors nearby restrict the space where the mounting is to be done.

Common drawbacks of outside mount blinds

• Not as flush as a recessed fit
• Needs wall space around the window
• Is able to cover decorative molding
• May project farther into the room

Despite these restrictions, an outside mount is in many cases the safer option in cases where the performance is important.

When should you choose inside mount blinds?

Select inside mount; when the frame is deep enough and you desire a clean cut finish. This would be the most appropriate choice when the light gap is not of priority.

It is a good fit for:

• living rooms
• dining rooms
• home offices
• spaces with attractive trim
• clean and modern rooms

It is also useful in inside mount in case you intend to add panels in the form of draperies. The window is provided with a recessed blind that makes it look more layered and friendly to designers.

When should you choose outside mount blinds?

Select outside mount where you desire that the light be blocked, you need increased privacy or you need a solution to a challenging window. It is commonly more suitable to real-life demands.

It works especially well for:

• bedrooms
• nurseries
• bathrooms
• media rooms
• shallow window frames
• uneven or imperfect openings

Strong afternoon sun can also be dealt with with outside mount. In the event that glare is an issue, you can also have a comparison on materials in our roller shades vs solar shades guide.

Is one better for blackout and privacy?

Yes. Blackout and privacy is normally more appropriate in an outside mount. It takes a larger portion of the opening and minimizes the side gaps which allow light to enter.

This does not imply that the inside mount is not very good. Even now, it provides privacy and light control in numerous areas. However, an outside mount is better in case your room requires greater darkness or coverage.

This is the reason a lot of homeowners resort to outside mount in bedrooms and inside mount in the main living areas. The most suitable option is usually different in each room.

Can you mix both styles in one home?

Yes, and that is usually the most intelligent. There is no need to have one mount style throughout the rooms.

A combined plan will offer greater flexibility. You get the option of an inside mount where style is the most important and an outside mount where performance is the most important. That will give improved outcomes throughout the house.

For example, you may want:

• in-house fitting within the dining room
• in the office, mounted internally
• external installation in the bedroom
• in the nursery out of doors

This room by room approach tends to provide a more adequate result than imposing a decision on a global basis.

Which blinds work best with each mount style?

A lot of blinds and shades are compatible with either of the two styles, though there are products that are more effective in particular rooms and with particular objectives.

In rooms that are prone to moisture, faux wood can be a good solution. Solar shades can be a more suitable solar shade. Blackout shades or layered treatments will be effective in order to achieve better darkness.

You can also make comparisons of materials prior to making a decision. We have a guide on faux wood vs wood blinds, and that will help you decide which type of blinds to use and what level of performance to choose.

When you are buying bigger openings, patio doors or wide glass panels, visit window treatments of sliding glass doors.

How do you decide quickly?

Use this simple rule: pick inside mount for appearance and outside mount for coverage. That gives you a strong starting point.

Then ask three questions:

Quick decision checklist

• Would you like to have an inbuilt appearance?
• Do you require fewer side lights?
• Does your window have enough depth?
• Is the frame even and clean?
• Is there a need to increase privacy in the room?

Inside mount would be correct most of the time in case style is the highest consideration. In case of the preeminence of function, outside mount tends to prevail.

Final answer

Best in a clean, custom look are inside mount blinds. The application of outside mount blinds is most suitable in light control, privacy and coverage. The correct decision is determined by the room, the window frame and the feeling that you desire the space to portray.

Inside mount is a good choice in case of the need to make your frame look nice and you have a deep frame. When you want to minimize light gap, better blackout or to operate around a shallow frame then outside mount would be the correct choice.

The most successful one is that the style of the mount should be adapted to the room rather than impose a similar choice everywhere.