Inside vs. Outside Mount: Which Is Better for Your Windows?

Inside mount gives a clean, built-in look on windows with enough depth, while outside mount provides maximum darkness and privacy, makes a window look larger, and works on shallow windows or to hide a frame. The best choice depends on the window and your goals.

Choose an outside mount for bedrooms and nurseries that need full darkness, for windows too shallow for an inside mount, when you want a window to appear larger, or to hide an unattractive or non-standard frame. The overlap also seals edge light.

Inside mounts need a minimum frame depth to house the headrail, often about one to three inches depending on the product. Shallow windows may not have enough depth, making an outside mount the practical choice. A measure confirms what each window allows.