Window blinds serve a bigger purpose than simple decoration. They come in different styles and can be customized depending on what you need. If you're new to using blinds, you're probably wondering whether blinds should cover the window frame. So, we've researched the answer for you!
Whether you cover the window frame or not depends on your heat, lighting, and design preferences. If you want to give your window a clean look, you can expose the window frame by doing an inside mount. But if you want to hide the frame and make the window appear bigger, you can do an outside mount.
We will get into further details regarding this topic. We will also discuss the differences between the inside mount and outside mount, and how to properly install the blinds. Read this post until the end to learn more. Let's get right into it!
Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount -- Which Is Better?
Window blinds are great additions to your interior since they come in several designs and styles. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, the main purpose of blinds is to prevent direct sunlight from coming inside the room.
Some blinds are thermally efficient. They help preserve or maintain the temperature within the room by not allowing heat to pass through the window.
If you're wondering if you should show off your window frames or hide them behind your blinds, you might want to take a look at the differences between inside-mounted blinds and outside-mounted blinds so you can decide better.
Inside Mounting
When it comes to installing blinds, one of the things you need to consider is how you will mount the headrail onto the wall.
Inside mounting is one of the two ways you can install the blinds. It offers several benefits you might want to take a look at, especially if you want the blinds to be an additional window accent, not the one that will ruin the view.
Technically speaking, inside mounting simply means fitting the blinds within the dimension of the window frame. The railing is installed at the top inside part, and the blinds do not cover any outer portion of the window.
Advantages of Inside Mounting
There are several benefits of installing blinds inside the window frame. If you've been contemplating whether to have your blinds installed via inside mounting, you can take a look at these advantages to help you decide.
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Offers A Clean Look
If you want a clean appearance of your window especially when you are layering the blinds with curtains, then inside mounting is perfect for you. It allows you to add more accent to the windows without the blinds overpowering the aesthetic effect of the curtains.
Shows Off The Window Frame
Since inside mounting does not cover up the window frame, if you have a pretty decent or decorative frame, you might want to show it off while adding an accent using blinds.
Window Sill Can Have A Space For Decors
If you have a deep window and you want to make use of the space within the frame, you can choose to do an inside mounting. The blinds will not block the window sill. You can add a few items such as indoor plants.
Disadvantages Of Inside Mounting
Although inside mounting is a more common way of installing blinds, it has a few disadvantages too. Obstacles within the window frame such as sensors and window handles can prevent the blinds from fitting perfectly in the window.
Furthermore, you have to measure the window frame's dimension in a precise manner if you will choose to do an inside mount.
Lastly, if you have a shallow window, installing the blinds via inside mounting might not work since the headrail needs to be mounted on the top part of the window frame.
Outside Mounting
Another way to install your blinds is by an outside mount. Unlike inside mounting, blinds intended to be hung via outside mount are not supposed to fit the inside dimension of the window frame.
People who are more after elegant and aesthetic-looking windows choose to have outside-mounted window blinds. The right and strategically placed blinds can give your home a luxurious vibe.
Advantages of Outside Mounting
Just like inside mounting, outside mounting has several benefits, too. You can take a look at the advantages of doing an outside mount and compare it to the benefits of an inside mount so you can decide which suits your preference better.
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Outside Mount Makes The Windows Appear Bigger
Homeowners can choose to have wider blinds than the actual window when doing an outside mount. By doing so, you can make an illusion that the window is larger or taller.
Blinds Cover Window Obstacles Via Outside Mount
If your window frame has any imperfections and obstacles that ruin the overall view of the window frame, you might want to hide it using blinds.
Since you do not have to follow the inside dimension of your window frame, you can choose to extend the size of your blinds a little wider so they can cover the areas you want to hide.
Outside Mount Allows You To Have A Full Window View
Since outside-mounted blinds are installed outside the frame, their parts will not block you from having a full window view. You can choose to install the headrails a few inches higher so you can have the full window exposed if you want to.
Outside Mounting Can Balance The Window Positions
If you have windows that are not of the same size or are not aesthetically placed, you can do outside blinds to make an illusion that the windows have the same dimensions.
Outside mounting also allows you to balance out the imperfect window positions in the room to achieve a better interior design. Just don't forget to choose the design and type of blinds that will suit the interior of your room.
Better Privacy And Less Sunlight
When you choose outside-mounted blinds, you are giving the room more privacy since the blinds are mounted outside the window frame. The blinds can cover the edges, thus, no sunlight can pass through any gaps.
Disadvantages of Outside Mounting
Because outside-mounted blinds are installed outside the window frame, it dominates more space than inside-mounted blinds do. Although outside-mount can make the ceiling look higher, it will hinder you from hanging more decoration on the wall due to the space it takes up.
In addition, since outside mounting requires the blinds to be larger than the window, outside-mounted blinds are a bit more expensive than inside mounted.
Also, outside-mounted blinds cover the window sill, so if you plan to turn your window sill into a space for decorative items, the blinds will just cover them up.
Lastly, if you have an elegant trim on your window frame, you cannot show it off when the blinds are down.
How To Install Horizontal Window Blinds?
Blinds are becoming more and more essential due to their aesthetically pleasing appearance and numerous benefits. Horizontal blinds are often installed on tall and narrow windows, while vertical blinds are commonly mounted on wider windows.
If you are planning to install horizontal blinds on your windows, all you have to do is follow this simple guide:
- Choose whether you will do an inside or outside mount.
- Pick the design and style of the blinds you will install; from the material to the type.
- Measure the window frame depending on your chosen mounting type. For an inside mount, measure the inside dimension of the window frame. If you're going for an outside mount, get the outside measurements of the frame and add a few inches if you want to.
- Purchase the blinds according to your window's measurement.
- Drill the holes for the brackets.
- Install the brackets. Inside-mounted blinds require the brackets to be drilled at the top inner part of the frame, while the brackets for outside-mounted blinds can be installed on the wall above the frame.
- Attach the headrail onto the brackets and hold it in place.
- Install the valance.
In Closing
Whether you should hide the window frame or not using blinds, the decision will depend on your needs and personal preference.
Blinds have several benefits that you can enjoy, so if you want to make the most out of your blinds, remember to list down the things you want blinds to provide to your home. Once you're fully aware, then you can decide how you would hang your blinds.
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