Month: December 2024

When shopping for custom Roman shades, everyone has to think whether they should mount them inside or outside the window frame. Inside mounted shades are perfect for those who want a clean and a custom fit look. Outside mounted shades offer more flexibility for shallow windows with unique shapes, and situations where you need extra coverage. This choice affects the look and functionality of your space. That’s why we will guide you in this blog and help you decide whether inside or outside mounting is the best choice for your space.

Outside Mount Roman Shades

Outside roman shades are installed on the wall or the ceiling that is above the window. This allows you to hang curtains with more flexibility.

Inside Mount Roman Shades 

These shades are installed inside the window frame. The top of the shade attaches to the ceiling of the frame. They fit neatly within the window’s recess.

Why Choose Outside Mount Roman Shades?

Below are the reasons you should choose outside mount roman shades along with examples.

Ideal for Shallow Window Frames

Not all windows have deep enough frames to accommodate inside mount shades. For windows with shallow or narrow frames, outside mount shades are an excellent alternative, as they can be mounted directly onto the wall or ceiling.

Extra Coverage and Less Light Inflow

If you need more control over light in a room, outside mounted shades offer additional coverage. When extended slightly beyond the window frame, they block more light, making them a great option for rooms like bedrooms, nurseries, or patios, where you want to minimize outside light.

Maximized Window Exposure

With outside mount shades, you have the option to mount the shade above the window frame, allowing the shade to stack above the window when fully raised. This allows you to enjoy the full height of the window, letting in more natural light and providing a clear view of the outdoors. This makes them ideal for east-facing windows where you can take advantage of the morning sunlight.

Easier to Measure

Inside mount shades require precise measurements for a perfect fit, which can be tricky if you’re not comfortable with measuring tools. Outside mount shades are more forgiving—slightly overshooting or undershooting the measurements is less likely to be noticeable, making the process easier.

Visual Illusion of Larger Windows 

For small windows, outside mount shades can help create the illusion of a larger space. By extending the shades a few inches beyond the window frame, you can make the window appear wider. Similarly, mounting the shades higher above the window creates a sense of increased ceiling height.

Perfect for Imperfect Window Frames 

If your window frames are uneven, cracked, or have other imperfections, inside mounted shades can highlight those flaws. Outside mount shades are a great way to cover up these imperfections, providing a more polished look.

Ideal for Unconventional Window Shapes 

If your windows are unique in shape such as circle, arched, triangular or something like that, choose outside Roman shades. You can mount them above the frame of the window and use them whenever you want.

Spacer Blocks for Added Flexibility

Outside mounted shades offer the option to use spacer blocks or extension brackets to move the shades further away from the wall. This can be helpful if your window has protruding hardware, like cranks, that might interfere with the operation of the shades.

Covering Doors

If you need to cover a door with a shade, such as a glass door, inside mounts might not work well, as they require a deeper frame. Outside mounts provide an easier way to cover doors, especially metal doors, without the need to drill into the door frame.

Layering with Solar Shades

Solar shades are excellent for blocking harmful UV rays but don’t offer much privacy at night. By mounting your roman shades outside the window frame, you can layer them with solar shades inside, offering the best of both worlds—protection from the sun and privacy when needed.

Best For:

• Homes with unattractive window trim you want to hide.
• Small windows that you want to make look bigger.
• Low ceilings that you want to make appear higher.
• Rooms where total light blockage is necessary.

Disadvantages of Outside Mount Roman Shades

Below are some of the pitfalls of installing roman shades outside.

Room Space Limitations

Outside mount shades protrude beyond the window frame, which could be an issue if your room is small or cramped. If space is limited, this extra projection could feel intrusive.

Hiding Decorative Window Trims

If you have intricate or decorative window trims that you want to show off, outside mount shades may obscure these features. In this case, inside mount shades would be a better option since they won’t cover up the trim.

Visile Hardware

Everything is visible from the rod to the dents the wall got when you tried to fix the shades yourself. Even if you hire some professional service to do the work, the hardware of the rod is still visible, which disturbs the appearance of windows if you want  a more minimalist look.

Why Choose Inside Mount Roman Shades?

Below are the reasons you should choose inside mount roman shades along with examples.

Minimalist Look

Inside Roman shades give your window a minimalist design. It’s because they stay within the window frame. They provide a sleek and modern look that complements other minimalistic decoration or furniture.

Highlighting Window Trim

Inside mount shades allow your window trim and moldings to take center stage. Since the shades fit inside the frame, they won’t obscure any intricate or ornate trim work, allowing the window’s architecture to shine.

Hidden Hardware

Inside mount shades have the advantage of hiding the hardware, creating a clean, unobtrusive look. Outside Roman shades don’t offer the polished look and minimalistic appearance that the inside mount offers.

Layering with Curtains

If you plan to layer your Roman shades with curtains, inside mounts are the best option. This allows the curtains to hang alongside the shades, adding texture and dimension to the room’s décor.

Practical for Kitchens and Bathrooms

Inside mount shades are a practical choice for kitchens and bathrooms. They stay out of the way of water splashes, and in kitchens, they are less likely to catch fire from cooking. You can use them in narrow hallways or smaller rooms where outside mounted shades might be too bulky.

Better Insulation

Because inside mount shades are positioned closer to the window, they provide better insulation. They help keep rooms cooler in summer by blocking heat from the sun, making them ideal for west-facing windows that receive intense afternoon sun.

Best For:

• Homes with beautiful trim you want to showcase.
• Rooms with large windows where blocking some glass isn’t an issue.
• High ceilings where you don’t mind raising the shade a bit.

Disadvantages of Inside Mount Roman Shades

Below are some of the pitfalls of installing roman shades outside.

Small Window Frames

If your window frame is too shallow (less than 3-4 inches deep), inside mount shades may not be possible. In such cases, outside mount shades are a better alternative.

Irregularly Shaped Windows

Inside mount shades work best on windows with straight edges. If you have arched, round, or triangular windows, inside mounts will not fit properly.

Small Windows

Inside mount shades can overwhelm small windows, making them look even smaller. The shades will not have enough space to stack properly, which may result in a clunky appearance.

Obstructions Like Cranks or Handles

Windows with protruding cranks, handles, or hardware may not work well with inside mount shades, as these elements can interfere with the smooth operation of the shades.

Limited Light Control

Since the shades stack inside the frame, they can block some light from entering the room. If you need more natural light, outside mount shades might be a better option.

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Inside and Outside Mount

These are the most common and important things to consider when you choose between inside and outside mount roman curtains.

1. Window Frame Depth: Inside mount Roman Shades require a window frame depth of at least 1 ¼ inches to be properly secured. If your window frame is shallower than that, you’ll need to go with an outside mount, as there are no depth requirements for outside mounting.

2. Control Type: The control type (e.g., cordless or motorized) affects the installation needs. Some control systems may be too large for a window box, so an outside mount might be necessary.

3. Aesthetic Preference: Inside mount Roman Shades show off your window’s trim, which works well if you have detailed trim you want to highlight. Outside mount Roman Shades cover the trim, which can create a cleaner look if your trim isn’t as appealing or if you want to make the window appear larger and the ceiling higher.

Conclusion

The choice between both depends on your room’s design.  Get inside mount shades for smaller rooms or if you want a sleek and minimalistic look. But if you want more light control or for some reason you have a small window frame, get outside mount shades. The bottomline is that your decision between both depends on your room’s architecture, the amount of light you need to block, and the look you’re going for. You can also contact Aura Curtains and we’ll help you pick the best ones for your one by inspecting your home’s design.

Many small window blinds are both stylish and practical without taking up too much room. They create a more compact and stylish look and reduce visual clutter. To choose the best blinds for short windows, think about the type of blind, fabric and color options, window size, and natural light. Avoid heavy or bulky blinds, as they can make the space feel smaller. Your small window blinds should look nice, provide privacy, and let in natural light.

So, if you’re moving into a new home or want to change your décor, try these best blinds for small windows as they are both attractive and functional. Because when space is limited, you don’t want blinds that overwhelm the window or make your room feel smaller. Below is a list from which you can choose the best blinds for small windows. 

1. Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are compact, made from one piece of fabric, space-saving, and available in many colors and styles: cellular blinds, zebra blinds, mini blinds, and solar blinds. Cellulars keep the room warm and let in some light. Zebra blinds have stripes that can be see-through or solid. You can choose how much light comes in. Mini blinds are simple, modern, and cheap. Solar blinds help block bright sunlight and protect from UV rays.

Roller Blinds have a simple look that fits well in small windows. They don’t take up much space when they are up. They leave space for your decorations when you raise them. They roll up and down easily. Each type of blind helps with things like light, privacy, and style. That’s why people like to use them in their homes and offices. You can choose roller blinds in different colors and materials to fit your room.

2. Mini Blinds

Mini blinds are made for small windows. They have thinner and shorter slats than regular Venetian blinds. This design helps to improve visibility and airflow while using less space. For instance, if your window is less than 36 inches wide, use smaller slats that are about 1/2 inch. For wider windows, use slats that are 1 inch. The smaller slats let you see out better and look less bulky.

Mini blinds come in lots of colors like White, Gold, Ivory, Bone, and more. You can choose classic mini blinds with a matching valance in colors like Almond or Mocha for style and affordability. Their sizes are versatile and can fit in any small window. They look nice and keep the room bright, especially in colors. These best blinds for small windows don’t have big parts, so your windows look tidy. They are also strong and won’t bend or scratch easily.

3. Pleated Blinds

These small blinds have two or three folds, providing a more opaque appearance and making them ideal for small spaces. They feature soft, accordion-style pleats that easily raise and lower. You can choose between single-cell and multi-cell options. Their inside or outside mounts work well especially for limited space on the window sill.

You can choose light-diffusing fabrics like linen, lace, or polyester to filter light beautifully. If you want to darken the room, go for blackout fabrics. A streamlined fascia keeps the hardware out of sight. When they are closed, they block some light but let in a soft glow. If you want to make a room really dark, use blackout pleated blinds to keep out the sun and help keep the air in your home.

4. Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are a good choice for tall, skinny and small windows. They look modern and create the appearance of more height. Their widths of 2 1⁄2 to 3 1⁄2 inches fit most windows. For curved windows, use special tracks and bent vanes. You can also attach them to the wall or ceiling for flush windows. 

They can be closed completely to control light and reduce glare. They have long strips that you can move to let in more or less light. Using vertical blinds can help make a small room feel bigger. They have long pieces of fabric that hang down from a bar. You can slide them open and closed from the sides without needing extra space.

5. Cellular Blinds

Light filtering cellular blinds are great for small windows. They are also great for keeping warm homes insulated and reducing glare. They make the room look less messy. When decorating a small room, use cordless cellular blinds. 

They come in different sizes and colors. You can use them to make any room in your house, condo, or apartment look nice.  Choose light colors like white or ivory to make the space feel bigger. Single cell shades help you maintain privacy while letting in natural light. They provide the right amount of sunlight for your room.

6. Faux Wood Blinds

These blinds look great on small windows. In a small living room window, real wood blinds also look nice. Choose small blinds with slats about one inch wide for tight spaces. Raised slats help bring in more light. You can also use matching fabric or metal parts for a nice look. Wooden blinds are light in color and make the room feel bright. Wooden blinds look nice on bedroom windows.  For your kitchen, use fake wood blinds because they can handle water. 

Most faux wood blinds have vinyl slats that look like real wood and come in colors like oak, cherry, or whitewashed driftwood. You can tilt the slats to let in more or less light. They come with different tapes that can match or contrast for a cool look. Light colors can make a small room feel bigger. This way, wood window blinds bring warmth and style to small windows at a low cost. 

7. Roman Blinds

Roman Blinds are good for small windows. Nowadays some Roman Blinds now come with electric options. Instead of using traditional pull cords, you can use an app to easily raise and lower the fabric. This feature makes it simple to access small windows that are hard to reach. 

They are made of nice fabric and come in many colors and patterns. You can use them in your living room, dining room, or bedroom. These include flat, soft, plain, pleated, hobbled, and European folds. These new fabrics and styles make them look nice and work well on any window.

8. Venetian Blinds

Venetian Blinds are a stylish choice for your home and work well on small windows. These small blinds are good for tiny kitchen windows too. They are easy to clean if you spill something.  They have slats that you can move up or down to let in more or less light. They help make your kitchen or any small room look bigger and add nice style.

Venetian Blinds have horizontal metal slats that adjust how much light you want in the room. Venetian blinds are a good choice for small rooms because they let you control how much light comes in. They come in many colors and materials, so you can find one that looks nice with your walls.

9. Skylight Blinds

Skylight windows let light into your home but you can use blinds to block some of that light. For these small windows, pick blinds that fit well and don’t have cords. This stops wires from hanging down. There are different kinds of blinds that fit skylight windows. Roller blinds look nice and are easy to use. You can find them in different colors and styles to match any room.

You can find blinds for skylight windows in different shapes and sizes as well. There are many colors and fabrics to choose from, so you can match them with your room. If you want to make a room completely dark, you can find blackout blinds, too.

Conclusion

Picking the right blinds for short windows can make your room look bigger and brighter. Choose blinds that are slim and light, so they are easy to use. You can pick roller blinds, Roman shades, or mini blinds, depending on what you like. There’s a type of blind for everyone. If you want the best blinds for small windows, visit Aura Curtains. They have lots of premium and affordable choices.