Deciding if inside or outside mounted roman shades is best for a window is a common question we get asked at Sew Lovely By Kelly. Here is a little guide to determine if inside mount roman shades or outside mount roman shades is best.

Inside Mounted Roman Shades

Inside mounted shades offer a clean, built-in look that highlights window trim, so they are great if you have nice window trim that you’d like exposed. Inside mount shades might require a little more accuracy while measuring to ensure they fit nicely inside your window. The inside mounted shades are nice for a clean look and also provide nice blackout coverage, so they are nice for regular lined roman shades or blackout roman shades. When measuring, you should deduct about 1/4” off the exact width of the inside of the window frame (most narrow part) and measure the exact length. Nothing needs to be deducted for the length. You can measure from inside the frame, down to the sill, and provide that number to us. Inside mount shades can be corded, cordless or continuous cord style. They can also be mounted on a tension rod for a no-drill roman shade option. They can be classic shades, faux shades, relaxed shades and more.

Outside Mounted Roman Shades

Outside mounted shades make smaller windows look larger, since the fabric will be larger than the window opening. They are nice if you do not have as nice trim around the window, or older window trim, that can be hidden more with the shade fabric. Outside mount shades are also good for blackout, as the shade covers more of the glass area. Outside mounted shades can be a little more forgiving when it comes to measuring, as you don’t have to be quite as accurate for the width or length. They are nice if you have a tricky frame/casing situation and are unsure where to measure. The size of the outside mount shade is largely up to you because it can really be any size you’d like, with just a few exceptions. The outside mounted shades need to be at least 4” above the window trim if you plan to mount the shade on the wall. You’d measure from the point on the wall, down to the window sill. The width can be any width you’d like, really. It should be more than the glass area, so any place on the trim itself or wall. You can measure middle of trim or end of the trim.

There is a lot of wiggle room, normally while measuring for outside mounted shades. The most important thing would be if you plan to mount on the wall, above the trim (this often makes windows appear longer) you need to measure at least 4” above the trim to be sure the hardware clears the trim. Outside mounted shades can be cordless or continuous cord, however, they will project more than corded outside mounted shades. The wood for cordless and continuous cord is always 1 3/4” depth. So for this reason, we usually suggest corded roman shades if you want to do outside mount. If you must do continuous cord or cordless for outside mount, you may require some more brackets or a handyman, as it’s slightly tricker to install. Outside mounted shades can be classic style shades, faux shade, relaxed shades and more.

Inside mounted Corded, cordless and continuous cord roman shades all amount by just using screws that drill directly up into the board and TOP Mount into your frame. No brackets are usually required. This makes for a clean look and easier install.

Outside mounted Corded shades also use just screws and no brackets are normally required. This makes for a nice clean look and easy install.

Outside mounted cordless and continuous cord chain styles project slightly more and may require additional hardware or a handyman.