When we think of Roman shades, we typically envision them mounted inside of the window frame (inside mount). It’s true that most Roman shade installations are inside mount. But every home is unique, every window is unique and offers a view of its own, and every room has unique functions! There are a few aspects to consider before before deciding whether to inside mount vs outside mount Roman shades. In fact, there are some situations in which it may be best to go with an outside mount for your Roman shades, rather than assuming the popular inside mount will be best for your space.
This blog post will help you decide when to inside mount vs outside mount Roman shades.
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Do Your Window Frames Have Trim?
As a general rule of thumb, if your window frames have trim around them, it may be best to inside mount vs outside mount Roman shades. Mounting your Roman shades inside the window frame will ensure the trim work is not hidden by the shade! This is a classic, tailored look, and a great jumping off point when deciding whether to inside mount vs outside mount Roman shades. However, even if you have trim around your window frames, there are additional things to consider.
In our living and dining rooms, I opted for inside mount vs outside mount Roman shades since the windows have trim. I used these affordable, full privacy and light-filtering Roman shades. Tons of natural light filters in through them, even when closed! Because these rooms face the street, I also appreciate the full privacy aspect of these Roman shades. And I love the classic, polished look they give to the space!
Check out this video to see what a difference the Roman shades made in our dining room!
Outside Mount: Your Window Frames are Uneven or Historic
If you live in a historic home with original windows, odds are that your window frames are not symmetrical. As you begin measuring your window frames for Roman shades, you may find that an inside mount may be a challenge or nearly impossible because the width and height of the frames is not consistent all the way around. If you were to inside mount Roman shades in this scenario, you’d likely be left with large, inconsistent gaps of light streaming in around the shade! The symmetry and age of your windows are important factors in whether to inside mount vs outside mount Roman shades.
Outside Mount: Your Space is Already Dark
With no window coverings at all, do you find the room is already somewhat dark most of the day? Even in the sunniest of climates, your home will have a brighter side and a darker side based on its orientation. And even on the “sunny side” of your home, each room will vary in overall brightness. That is simply due to the orientation, size, and quantity of the windows in each space. If you are finding that the space in question is generally dark, even before any window coverings, you may want to outside mount your Roman shades! With an outside mount, you can install the Roman shade 5-6″ above the window frame. That way, with the shade open, the full size of the window is revealed, letting in the most natural light. The natural light a room gets is one consideration when deciding whether to inside mount vs outside mount Roman shades. Just make sure to account for the extra 5-6″ height when taking measurements for your Roman shades!
Outside Mount: You Want Your Windows to Appear Taller
If you feel the space has windows that are too small, or too low, outside mount is your best bet! By mounting the Roman shade 5-6″ above the window frame, the valance will act as trim when the shade is fully open. This creates the illusion that the window itself is 5-6″ higher than it actually is! I did exactly this in our guest room, where the windows appeared too small and low for the space. I used these affordable blackout Roman shades from Amazon. What a huge improvement! Factor in the size and height of your windows when considering whether to inside mount vs outside mount Roman shades.
I recently shared this video of how outside mount Roman shades made our guest room windows look larger!
My Favorite Affordable Cordless Roman Shades
Click on the images below to shop my favorite affordable cordless Roman shades. I opted for the first light-filtering and full privacy style in the “Daily White” color in my living room and dining rooms with an inside mount. The second blackout style I used in the “Del Mar Moon Shell” color in our guest bedroom with an outside mount and my husband’s home office with an inside mount.
