Blinds: Inside vs Outside the Window Recess [Infographic]

When the time comes for you to delve into the world of blinds, whether you’re sprucing up an old room or perhaps you’re new homeowners wanting to put your own stamp on things, you may come across the phrases ‘inside recess’ and ‘outside recess’. To anyone who doesn’t know about blinds, these words won’t mean a thing, however when it comes to finding and fitting the ideal blind, understanding what these mean words mean is crucial.

Essentially, they are two different ways of fitting blinds to your window. However, certain methods suit certain blind styles better than others, as well as presenting other advantages and disadvantages that may sway you to chose one over the other.

Let’s take a closer look at fitting blinds inside the recess versus fitting outside the recess so you can clearly see what your options are.

What is a window recess?

They are best described as the depression space between the inside wall and the glass itself. Blinds can be hung within the recess or outside the recess (also called the “actual fit”), and both possess their own list of pros and cons that you will need to consider. It’s important to realise that shallow recesses (of a smaller depth than 7.5 cm) cannot be furnished with blinds, and in these cases, hanging them outside the recess is more appropriate.

Essentially, there are two different ways of fitting blinds to your window. However, certain methods suit certain blind styles better than others, as well as presenting other advantages and disadvantages that may sway you to chose one over the other. So let’s take a closer look at fitting blinds inside the recess versus fitting outside the recess so you can clearly see what your options are.

Inside the recess
Pros

• Creates a neat and tidy finish.
• The blind can be fixed to the actual window frame itself, if it is wooden.

Vertical, Venetian and roller blinds are the ideal blind styles that should be inside the recess.

Cons

• The blind could restrict the amount of light that comes through the window when rolled up or drawn back. If the window is a small size, this could cause more problems.
• If the blind you choose has a shaped bottom, for instance scalloped or wavy, this could still let a certain amount of light in the room. This probably won’t be so much of a problem for kitchens, living rooms or hallways, but for rooms where you would want total darkness, such as bedrooms, this could be an issue.

Outside the recess

Pros

• As the blind is fitted away from the window it allows more light into the room when retracted.
• Likewise, when the blind is drawn or rolled fully down, it can block out more light without any unwanted rays creeping in.
• The blind’s material will retain it’s colour better as it isn’t sitting on the actual window itself.
• You can be more flexible on the size of the blind if fitting outside the recess.
• It is possible for you to still place things on the window sill and not have the problem of them being in the way when you come to close the blinds or if you have inward opening windows.

Roman blinds can easily be fitted either inside or outside of the recess.

Cons

• The blind batten could possibly be fixed into concrete, which would prove harder to fit than if it was wood.
• When the blind is fully closed, any ornaments or objects you might want to remain on display will be hidden, as the blind will fall over and below the sill (depending on the length).

In summary

In summary, for Venetian, roller and vertical blinds, we would recommend they be hung from within the recess. However, Roman blinds would be better suited outside the recess, as they are able to let more light enter into the room.

If you’re looking for a bit of help or guidance with choosing and fitting blinds in your home, then please do not hesitate to contact the team at Angel Blinds and Shutters. We can supply a range of blinds styles including Roman, Venetian and vertical to name just a few. All our blinds come with a free fitting service, ensuring they are fitted to the highest standards. Simply speak to us today for more information.