When you start shopping for new window treatments, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to use an inside- vs. outside-mount blinds or shades. These two mount styles are the basic installation options, and the one you choose affects how your window looks, how your treatment functions, and whether the fit feels intentional or a little off.

Getting this right before you place an order makes a real difference, especially with custom window treatments. Our experienced team at Georgia Blinds & Interiors is here to help you understand the difference between the two so you can make the right decision for your home.

What Are the Differences Between an Inside Mount vs. an Outside Mount?

With an inside mount, your blinds or shades install within the window frame itself. The treatment sits tucked inside the opening, which tends to highlight the window trim and give the whole setup a built-in feel.

In contrast, an outside mount attaches the hardware to the wall or above the window casing, so the blinds or shades hang over the frame rather than inside it. Both options look intentional when they're the right fit for the window.

Both approaches work well. The question is which one makes sense for your specific windows and the look you're going for in a room.

When to Use an Inside Mount?

Inside mount is a popular choice when you want a tailored, streamlined appearance. It works especially well on windows with deep frames and clean, attractive trim worth showing off.

If you have traditional double-hung windows with at least a few inches of depth, an inside mount gives window treatments a polished, furniture-like quality that feels integrated into the room's architecture.

Hunter Douglas Designer Roller Shades for Inside Mount

For inside-mount installations, roller shades are among the most versatile and reliable options. Hunter Douglas Designer Roller Shades and Designer Solar Shades, for instance, deliver a sleek profile that fits neatly within the window frame without adding visual bulk.

They’re available in a wide range of fabrics and opacities, from light-filtering to room-darkening, and include high-performance materials that reduce glare and UV exposure while maintaining an uncluttered, modern look.

When to Use an Outside Mount?

An outside mount is often the more practical choice. Shallow frames, uneven trim, or window casings that stick out too far can all make an inside mount tricky. Mounting above and beyond the frame sidesteps those issues entirely.

Additionally, you get the added benefit of extending the blind or shade a few inches past the window on each side, which blocks more light along the edges and can be helpful, especially in bedrooms.

Hunter Douglas Vignette® Roman Shades for Outside Mount

If you're leaning toward outside-mount Roman shades, for example, Hunter Douglas Vignette® Roman Shades are worth considering. These shades offer a clean, contemporary take on a classic style. Vignette® Roman Shades have no exposed cords on the back, just smooth, stacking fabric folds that look polished from every angle.

They come in rolling and stacking styles, available in flat or full folds, and pair beautifully with a coordinating valance to conceal the mounting hardware for a fully finished look.

Discover Which Mount is Right for Your Windows Near Atlanta, GA

Whether you're outfitting a single room or working through your whole house, our team at Georgia Blinds & Interiors is here to help you figure out the right mount type for every window.

Contact us online or call (404) 252-6991 to schedule your appointment with us today.

Since 1999, Georgia Blinds & Interiors has served the entire Atlanta metro area, including Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Midtown Atlanta, Dunwoody, Marietta, Decatur, Alpharetta, Roswell, Kennesaw, Johns Creek, Avondale Estates, Norcross, Chamblee, Smyrna, Peachtree Corners, Doraville, Cumming, Duluth, Gainesville, as well as Fulton, DeKalb, and Cobb counties.