A few months ago, I decided it was time to update the blinds in my living room. I stood there, facing the dilemma: should I fit them inside the recess for a sleek, modern look or go outside for a more practical, bold option?
After some research and trial and error, I realised that small, thoughtful decisions like this significantly impact over time. Whether aiming for aesthetics or functionality, every choice brings you closer to the perfect home.
Ready to weigh the pros and cons? Let’s dive into the details!
Pros of Fitting Blinds Inside Recess
Looking for a sleek, polished look? Let’s discuss how Fitting blinds inside the recess offers a streamlined design, maximises light control, and enhances the overall aesthetic of your space without compromising on functionality.
1. Sleek and Minimal Look
Inside-recess blinds create a sleek and minimalist appearance that integrates smoothly into the window frame. Positioning the blinds within the recess makes the setup discreet and reduces visual clutter, enhancing the room’s overall aesthetic.
This look is ideal for contemporary and minimalist spaces, emphasising clean lines and allowing other decor elements to stand out. For those seeking a subtle window treatment that blends into the room rather than drawing attention, inside-recess fitting offers a stylish, streamlined effect.
2. Space Saving
Inside-fitted blinds save valuable wall space, making them ideal for small rooms where space is at a premium. Since the blinds sit within the recess, they don’t encroach upon the room’s central area, freeing up walls for artwork, shelves, or other furnishings.
This feature can be especially beneficial in compact rooms, bathrooms, or kitchens, where every inch of space matters. With inside-recess blinds, homeowners can optimise their room layout without sacrificing the functionality or style of their window treatments.
3. Enhanced Light Control
Blinds within the recess generally offer enhanced light control, especially for blackout options. Because the blinds are enclosed within the window frame, there is less space for light to seep through the edges, allowing for better darkness when desired.
This is especially advantageous in bedrooms or media rooms, where a darkened environment is often preferred. While this benefit may vary based on the specific fabric and fit, inside-recess blinds control the room’s light levels more precisely than outside-recess fittings.
4. Keeps Window Sills Clear
With inside-recess fitting, the window sill remains free and available for decor, plants, or practical items, like toiletries in a bathroom or spices in a kitchen. This setup maximises the window sill’s usability, making it a functional or decorative space.
Additionally, keeping the sill clear enhances the room’s appearance by allowing items to be displayed without interference from hanging blinds. Inside-recess fitting is ideal for those who maximise their window area without compromising window treatment functionality.
5. Maintains Clean Wall Lines
Inside-recess blinds maintain uninterrupted wall lines, creating a clean and unobstructed look. Keeping the blinds within the window frame frees walls from additional fixtures, preserving a tidy and cohesive aesthetic.
This can benefit minimalist or modern interiors where simple lines and uncluttered walls contribute to the overall decor. In spaces with accent walls or detailed wall art, inside-recess blinds help maintain focus on these elements without drawing attention away.
Cons of Fitting Blinds Inside Recess
While inside-recess fitting offers a streamlined look, it does come with a few limitations. Understanding these potential drawbacks is essential for deciding if inside-recess fitting aligns with your needs, particularly in rooms where accessibility and full coverage are crucial.
1. Restricted Access to Handles and Frames
Inside-recess blinds can sometimes restrict access to window handles and frames, making it challenging to open and close the windows entirely. This can be inconvenient, especially in rooms where regular ventilation is necessary, like kitchens and bathrooms.
Additionally, restricted access may limit the window’s functionality, making it harder to use for those who frequently adjust windows for fresh air. In these cases, outside-recess fitting may provide a more practical solution.
2. Limited Size Flexibility
Inside-recess fitting requires precise measurements for a snug fit, leaving little room for sizing errors. If the blinds are slightly too large or small, they may not fit properly, potentially affecting aesthetics and functionality.
This limited flexibility can make installation challenging, especially for non-standard or irregularly shaped windows. While professional measurement and installation can help, DIY fitting might be easier with precise measuring tools or experience, leading some to prefer the flexibility of outside-recess fitting.
3. Reduced Coverage for Privacy
Inside-recess blinds may leave small gaps around the edges, which can reduce privacy by allowing views or light to enter. This lack of full coverage can be a drawback in bathrooms, bedrooms, or ground-level rooms where privacy is crucial.
While blackout fabrics can improve privacy, gaps may still be present around the blind edges. If privacy is a top priority, outside-recess fitting may be more effective, as it allows for complete window coverage, minimising visibility from outside.
Pros of Fitting Blinds Outside Recess
Fitting blinds outside the recess offers greater flexibility and can enhance privacy and light control by covering the entire window frame.
Outside-recess fittings can add a decorative dimension to a room, making them ideal for spaces where full coverage, versatility, and style are key priorities.
1. Increased Privacy and Light Coverage
Outside-recess blinds offer full coverage of the window area, minimising light gaps and maximising privacy. This makes them ideal for rooms with essential privacy, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or spaces facing busy streets.
Outside-recess blinds block visibility and light by covering the entire window frame, creating a more secure and private environment. This option is particularly beneficial for blackout blinds, which can provide total darkness when fitted outside the recess.
2. Greater Flexibility for Sizing
The outside-recess fitting provides more flexibility in sizing, as the blinds don’t need to fit precisely within the window frame. This flexibility makes installation easier and reduces the risk of measurement errors, offering a practical solution for irregularly sized or shaped windows.
DIY installers, in particular, may find outside fitting easier, as minor sizing adjustments won’t impact the blinds’ functionality or appearance. This approach offers convenience without sacrificing the overall look.
3. Ideal for Blocking Out Light
Outside-recess blackout blinds can prevent light from entering around the window edges, providing optimal darkness. This makes them suitable for bedrooms, media rooms, or any space where complete light control is necessary.
The broader coverage of outside-recess fittings is especially useful in reducing light seepage, creating a darker and more restful environment. Outside-recess fittings are an effective and practical choice for those seeking maximum light blocking.
4. Conceals Window Frame Imperfections
Outside-fitted blinds cover imperfections around the window frame, such as chipped paint or uneven edges. This can enhance the room’s overall appearance, providing a cleaner look without costly repairs or repainting.
This approach is advantageous in older homes where windows may show signs of wear. Extending beyond the frame, outside-recess blinds can refresh a room’s appearance while hiding any flaws around the window.
5. Adds Decorative Dimension
Outside-mounted blinds add a decorative element to the room, especially when bold colours or patterns are used. The additional dimension can create a focal point, enhancing the room’s visual appeal.
For those looking to incorporate window treatments as part of the decor, outside-recess blinds provide the opportunity to make a design statement. This option allows for greater creativity and personalisation, suiting spaces with a traditional, eclectic, or bold style.
6. Suitable for Shallow Windows
Outside fitting provides a practical alternative if a window recess is too shallow to accommodate blinds. This makes outside fitting ideal for windows with limited recess depth, protruding handles, or locks.
By mounting blinds outside the frame, homeowners can enjoy a functional window treatment even with shallow windows. This installation flexibility allows outside-recess fitting to work in situations where inside fitting may not be feasible.
Cons of Fitting Blinds Outside Recess
While outside-recess fitting provides full coverage and flexibility, it has a few drawbacks. Understanding these limitations can help determine if outside-recess fitting aligns with your room’s design.
1. Takes Up Wall Space
Outside-recess blinds require additional wall space around the window, potentially limiting decor options or furniture placement. This can be a drawback in smaller rooms where wall space is at a premium.
For example, artwork, shelving, or other wall-mounted items may need to be relocated or adjusted to accommodate the blinds. This tradeoff may make outside-recess fitting less appealing in rooms where wall space is essential for the layout or decor.
2. Bulkier Appearance
Blinds fitted outside the recess can appear more prominent as they extend beyond the window frame. This bulkier look may not suit minimalist or modern interiors, where sleek, discreet designs are often preferred.
For spaces where a subtle window treatment is desired, outside fitting might feel too dominant, detracting from the room’s clean lines. This style consideration can be important when selecting blinds for rooms with a specific design theme or aesthetic.
3. Potential for Light Leakage at Edges
If outside-recess blinds aren’t correctly sized, they may leave gaps around the edges, allowing light to seep through. This can reduce the effectiveness of blackout blinds, which rely on full coverage for optimal darkness.
Proper measurement is essential to minimise this risk, as slight misalignment can affect light control and privacy. For rooms requiring complete darkness or privacy, precise installation is necessary to avoid potential issues with light leakage.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Inside or Outside Recess Fitting
When deciding between an inside or outside recess fitting for your window treatments, a few key factors can help ensure the best choice for your space:
- Window Type and Depth: Deep windows can accommodate inside fittings, but shallow windows may be better suited for outside mounting.
- Room Function: Bedrooms and media rooms may benefit from outside-fitted blackout blinds, while kitchens or bathrooms could use inside-fitted blinds.
- Aesthetic Preference: Minimalist or modern interiors typically favour the sleek look of inside recess fittings, while traditional or eclectic spaces may benefit from the decorative dimension of outside recess fittings.
- Privacy Needs: If privacy is essential, such as in ground-floor or street-facing rooms, outside fitting may offer better coverage and visibility control.
- Ease of Installation: Outside recess fitting provides more flexibility with sizing, making it easier for DIY installation. Inside recess, fitting requires precise measurements and is less forgiving of measurement errors.
Conclusion
The choice between fitting blinds inside or outside the recess depends on a careful balance of aesthetics, functionality, and installation preferences. Inside recess fittings offer a streamlined, space-saving look, ideal for modern interiors, while outside fittings enhance privacy and provide flexible sizing options.
By weighing the pros and cons and considering your space’s specific needs, you can determine the ideal fit that combines style and practicality.
