Pros & Cons of Fitting Blinds Inside or Outside Recess

When it comes to dressing your windows, one of the key decisions you'll face is whether to fit your blinds inside or outside the window recess. This choice can have a big impact on both the look and functionality of your blinds, influencing factors like light control, space, and ease of installation. While each option comes with its own set of benefits and challenges, understanding the pros and cons of both will help you make the best decision for your home. So, which should you choose—inside or outside the recess?

Pros of Fitting Blinds Inside Recess

When we talk about fitting blinds inside the window recess, we're referring to installing the blind within the frame of the window, snugly fitting into the space between the walls surrounding the glass. This style of installation creates a streamlined look and is often preferred in modern homes due to its minimalist aesthetic. However, as with any interior design choice, there are both pros and cons to consider. Understanding these will help you decide whether fitting blinds inside the recess is the right choice for your space.

Sleek and Clean Appearance

One of the main reasons homeowners opt for inside recess blinds is the clean, sleek aesthetic they offer. By fitting the blinds within the window frame, you achieve a minimalist look that complements modern décor styles, making the window appear more polished and tidy. The blind becomes an almost seamless part of the window, without any protruding elements that can disrupt the overall look of the room. This understated elegance is perfect for those who prefer a clutter-free, streamlined appearance. Whether you have large picture windows or small bathroom panes, fitting blinds inside the recess ensures the focus remains on the window itself, adding a refined touch to any space.

Enhanced Light Control

Fitting blinds inside the recess also gives you superior control over light levels. Since the blinds are installed close to the glass, they provide a snug fit that minimises light leakage. This makes them ideal for rooms where you want to optimise light control, such as bedrooms or media rooms where reducing sunlight and glare is a priority. During the day, you can adjust the blinds to let in just the right amount of natural light, and at night, enjoy complete privacy. Inside recess blinds are particularly effective for blackout blinds, as the tighter fit allows less light to seep around the edges, creating a more effective barrier against external light sources. This precision allows you to customise the ambiance of your room effortlessly.

Space-Saving Solution

For smaller rooms or spaces where every inch counts, fitting blinds inside the window recess is a practical space-saving solution. By keeping the blind contained within the window frame, you free up wall space around the window, making the room feel less cluttered and more open. This is particularly beneficial in compact kitchens, bathrooms, or narrow hallways, where outward-protruding blinds could disrupt the flow of the space. With the blinds neatly fitted inside the recess, there’s no need to worry about furniture placement or decorative elements being obstructed by the blinds. It’s a clever way to maximise your room's layout while maintaining functionality.

Easier Maintenance

Blinds fitted inside the recess are often easier to maintain and clean compared to those installed outside. Since the blind is tucked neatly within the window frame, it is less exposed to dust and dirt from the rest of the room. Additionally, the recess itself can serve as a natural barrier that limits the amount of grime that settles on the blinds. This makes them particularly suitable for high-traffic areas like kitchens or children's rooms, where frequent cleaning might be required. When it’s time for a quick dust or wipe-down, the blinds are easily accessible without the need to move furniture or other obstructions. Their positioning makes routine maintenance a breeze.

Cons of Fitting Blinds Inside Recess

Limited Space for Installation

While inside recess fitting creates a sleek look, it does have its limitations—particularly when it comes to space. Some window recesses may not have enough depth to accommodate certain types of blinds, especially thicker designs like Roman or wooden blinds. If the window frame is shallow, fitting the blind inside could cause it to protrude, negating the desired streamlined appearance. In some cases, the blind may not sit flush with the window, resulting in a less polished look. It's important to measure the depth of your recess carefully before committing to this installation method to ensure that your chosen blinds will fit properly.

Reduced Light Entry

Another potential downside of fitting blinds inside the recess is the reduction in natural light that enters the room. Because the blinds sit within the window frame, they may block some of the glass even when fully open, especially if the blind has a thicker design. This can be an issue in smaller rooms or spaces that rely heavily on natural light to feel open and airy. If maximising light is a priority for you, it’s worth considering whether an inside recess fit will meet your needs, or whether an outside fit that allows the blind to be drawn completely away from the window might be a better option.

Installation Challenges

While inside recess blinds can offer a sleek, clean look, they can also present more installation challenges compared to outside recess options. The process requires precise measurements and alignment to ensure the blind fits perfectly within the space. Even slight miscalculations can result in a poor fit, causing gaps or difficulties in operating the blind smoothly. For recessed windows with irregular shapes or older homes with non-standard dimensions, the installation process may require professional assistance, adding to the overall cost and time investment. If you're not confident in your DIY skills, you might need to call in an expert to ensure a perfect fit.

Limited Blind Options

Fitting blinds inside the recess can limit your choice of blind styles. Some larger or more elaborate blind designs may not be suitable for recess fitting due to the space restrictions, especially if the recess is shallow. For instance, heavy Roman blinds or certain types of wooden blinds may be too bulky to fit neatly within the frame. This might narrow your options if you have your heart set on a particular style or material. Additionally, the restricted space may make it difficult to add supplementary features like pelmets or valances that could enhance the aesthetic appeal of your blinds.

Pros of Fitting Blinds Outside Recess

When blinds are fitted outside a window recess, they are installed on the wall above or around the window frame rather than inside the recessed area. This option often makes a bold statement, covering the window and part of the surrounding wall when the blinds are down. It's an ideal solution for homeowners looking for more light control, easier installation, or a room-specific aesthetic. However, just like fitting blinds inside the recess, there are both benefits and potential drawbacks to consider.

Increased Light

One of the greatest advantages of fitting blinds outside the recess is the ability to maximise natural light when the blinds are fully raised. Since the blinds are installed on the outer frame or wall, they don’t block any portion of the windowpane, allowing the entire window to be exposed. This is a huge plus for anyone who wants to flood their room with as much daylight as possible. Whether you're working from home or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, this setup ensures you can make the most of the available light. For spaces like living rooms or kitchens that thrive on natural light, outside recess fitting is often the better choice for a brighter, more open-feeling room.

Enhanced Privacy

Fitting blinds outside the recess can also offer enhanced privacy, especially for windows in overlooked areas or those facing busy streets. Because the blinds extend beyond the window frame, they can provide full coverage, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces for people to peek through. This gives you greater control over your privacy, allowing you to keep prying eyes at bay while still enjoying the light-blocking benefits of your blinds. Outside recess blinds are particularly effective for larger windows, as they completely envelop the glass, giving you more peace of mind when it comes to keeping your home private and secure.

More Flexibility with Blind Styles

Choosing to fit blinds outside the recess also gives you far more flexibility in terms of the type and style of blinds you can install. With no concerns about limited recess depth, you can choose from a wider range of blind options, from bulkier Roman and wooden blinds to elaborate designs that include pelmets and valances. This freedom allows you to personalise your blinds to suit the overall aesthetic of your room without worrying about space constraints. Whether you want to make a bold statement with dramatic blinds or prefer something soft and subtle, fitting outside the recess gives you the room to experiment with different styles.

Easier Installation

Fitting blinds outside the recess is often simpler and more straightforward than installing them inside. The process usually involves mounting the brackets onto the wall above the window, which requires fewer precise measurements and less worry about fitting into tight or uneven spaces. For DIY enthusiasts or those looking to save on installation costs, this makes outside fitting a more appealing option. Even if you hire a professional, the job tends to be quicker and easier, reducing labour time and costs. Additionally, it’s a more forgiving option if your window frames or recesses are non-standard in shape or size, as the blinds don’t need to fit snugly within the frame.

Cons of Fitting Blinds Outside Recess

Less Sleek Appearance

While outside recess blinds offer practical advantages, they do lack the sleek, minimalist look of inside-fitted blinds. Since the blinds sit on the outside of the window frame, they can create a more bulky appearance, especially if the blind design is large or elaborate. This can detract from the clean lines and subtle aesthetic that inside recess blinds provide, making your windows—and, by extension, the room—look a bit busier. If you’re aiming for a modern, streamlined décor, this could be a drawback, as the blinds might stand out more than you'd like. It's a more traditional or bold look, which may not align with all design preferences.

Reduced Space Around the Window

Fitting blinds outside the recess can take up additional wall space around the window, which can sometimes pose a challenge, particularly in smaller rooms. If you have furniture positioned close to the window or decorative items like picture frames hanging nearby, the extended blind may encroach on that space. This could lead to an awkward layout, where you have to rearrange furniture or adjust your design plans to accommodate the larger blind. In rooms where space is already at a premium, this additional encroachment on wall space could make the room feel a bit more cramped or cluttered than you’d like.

Increased Dust and Dirt Exposure

When blinds are fitted outside the recess, they are more exposed to the dust and dirt that naturally accumulates in a room. Unlike inside recess blinds, which benefit from the window recess acting as a partial shield, outside-mounted blinds are more vulnerable to airborne particles and debris. This means they may require more frequent cleaning to keep them looking fresh and functioning smoothly. For homes in areas with high dust levels or households with pets, this could become a nuisance, as the blinds will need to be cleaned more often to maintain their appearance.

Potential for Interference with Other Fixtures

Another consideration when fitting blinds outside the recess is the potential for them to interfere with other elements in the room. If you have window handles, radiators, or even light switches positioned near the window, an outside-fitted blind could obstruct access to these fixtures. This could make everyday tasks, such as opening a window or adjusting a thermostat, more cumbersome. Additionally, if the blind extends far beyond the window, it could interfere with the movement of curtains or other window treatments, causing operational issues or creating a less cohesive look. It’s important to factor in these potential obstacles when deciding whether outside recess fitting is right for your space.

Ready to Fit Your Blinds?

Now that you've explored the pros and cons of fitting blinds inside or outside the window recess, you’re ready to make an informed decision that suits both your space and style. Whether you prefer the sleek, modern look of inside-fitted blinds or the practical flexibility of outside-fitting, DotcomBlinds has a vast range of blinds to match your needs. From elegant Roman blinds to space-saving roller blinds, our collection offers something for every room and every décor.

Still unsure? At DotcomBlinds, we understand how important it is to choose the perfect blinds for your home, which is why we offer free samples to help you find the right style, colour, and fabric before making your purchase. Head over to our website to explore our full range and order your free samples today. With the perfect blinds in hand, you'll be well on your way to transforming your windows with style and ease!