Why Choose Inside Mount Shades?

The most common way to hang window treatments is with an inside mount, meaning installing your window treatments within the window casing. This clean, finished look is perfect if you want to highlight the decorative trim around your windows or you have a deep sill that you can use as a shelf. Inside mount also makes sense if you don’t want your window treatments to catch on your drapes.

You Can’t Use an Inside Mount If …

If there’s not enough depth between the glass and the end of the window casing, you wouldn't want to use an inside mount because the valance could extend outside the window or the window treatment may not lie flush with the window frame. Also, if there are any obstructions like locks, handles or cranks, the window treatments won't hang properly.

Other Considerations

There are a couple of things to be aware of if you mount your window treatments inside the window frame. There will be a small light gap on each side of your shades to allow for a smooth operation. But you can find plenty of room-darkening and blackout solutions to better control the amount of light entering the room. The LightLock™ system, available on Duette^® Honeycomb Shades, features innovative light-blocking channels for achieving near darkness.

Another thing to consider about inside-mounted window treatments is that when fully raised, the stack that’s gathered at the top of the window can obscure your full view.

Why Choose Outside Mount Shades?

For the ultimate flexibility, mount your window treatments on the outside of the window frame. Your window treatments will extend above, below or beyond the sides of the window. This is a great choice if you want to create the illusion of a larger window, creatively dress an odd-shaped window or hide unattractive trim. Just make sure there are no doors, cupboards or other obstacles in the way that could block the window treatment from operating properly.

There are some advantages to using an outside mount—when you raise your window treatment, you can take in the entire view. When you close your window treatment it will cover the entire window, so it blocks more light than window treatments mounted on the inside of the window casing. When paired with blackout fabrics, outside-mounted window treatments work great in areas you want less light, like bedrooms, nurseries and home theaters.

If there are any handles or cranks on the inside window casing, mounting your shades on the outside will help clear those obstacles. Your window frame helps protect your window treatments, so mounting on the outside of the frame is discouraged in high-traffic areas. 

Can You Mount Window Treatments on the Window Trim?

Absolutely! As long as the trim is flat and meets the minimum requirements, you can mount your window treatments on the trim. Mounting this way is also convenient because the only measurements you need are the dimensions of the trim. Your window treatments will blend in seamlessly with the natural design of the window.

Inside or Outside Mount for Shutters?

While you can mount shutters either inside or outside the window frame, it’s best to mount them inside if you have decorative trim surrounding your windows that you want to show off. If you don’t, or if you’re covering a door that has a very shallow frame, mounting them on the outside of the frame is the way to go.

For rooms that have a lot of sun coming in, Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Shutters are the most durable option. They have the look of finely painted shutters, but are guaranteed never to warp, crack, fade, chip, peel or discolor, regardless of extreme heat or moisture.

Outside Mount Installation Requirements

As long as there are at least two inches of level surface above the window trim, you can attach the outside mounting brackets right on the wall. Or you can mount the brackets on the window frame itself. Say you have a heavy molding—then projection brackets or shims may be your best option.

One Last Note

There are so many options when it comes to window treatments—Roman shades or roller shades? Hardwood or vinyl? Light-filtering or room-darkening? But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how you want to mount them—because that will affect your decision and the overall appearance of your space.

Take a look at each room separately and weigh the pros and cons of each mounting option—some rooms may look better with the window treatments mounted on the inside of the frame where others look better mounted on the outside.

Regardless of the mounting option you choose, both options diffuse sunlight and reduce energy costs. And chances are, the design of and around your windows may dictate your decision. But in the end, it really all comes down to personal preference.