Inside Mount vs Outside Mount Shades: Which Should You Choose?

One of the most frequent technical questions homeowners face when ordering blinds or shades is whether to choose an "inside mount" or an "outside mount." Making the wrong choice can result in light gaps, obstructed window cranks, or a look that clashes with your home's trim. How do you know which mounting style is right for your windows?

The choice between inside and outside mount depends entirely on the depth of your window frames, the style of your molding, and your light control needs.

	Inside Mount	Outside Mount
Appearance	Clean, minimalist; showcases trim	Makes window appear larger
Best For	Deep window frames; modern aesthetics	Shallow frames; maximum light blockage
Light Gap	Small gap on sides is natural	Fabric overlaps frame; eliminates light gaps
Ceiling Height	No impact	Can be mounted high to create illusion of height
Frame Depth Required	Minimum 2–3 inches	No minimum depth required

Designer Insight

At Avabelle Interiors, we typically prefer an inside mount for a sleek, modern aesthetic, provided the window depth allows for it," our designers share. "However, if a client wants to completely black out a bedroom, or if we are trying to create the illusion of taller windows in a room with low ceilings, an outside mount is our go-to strategy. During our consultations, we measure the exact depth and assess the trim to recommend the flawless mounting solution.

Schedule a Consultation

Not sure how to mount your new shades? Avabelle Interiors offers professional measurement and personalized design consultations for homeowners in the Atlanta area.

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