Las Vegas Window Coverings Center · Mounting Guide
Inside Mount vs Outside Mount Blinds: Which Is Better for Las Vegas Homes?
Inside mount or outside mount is one of the first choices when ordering blinds, and it changes the look, the light gaps, and the fit. This guide explains both mounts, the Las Vegas window details that often decide it, and the best mount for each room.
Is inside mount or outside mount better for blinds in Las Vegas homes?
Inside mount is better when the window has enough depth and a reasonably square opening, with nothing in the way. It looks cleaner and shows off the trim. Outside mount is better when the opening is shallow, out of square, or blocked by handles, cranks, or alarm sensors, and when you want the most light blocking and privacy. Outside mount covers the gaps at the edges where harsh Las Vegas sun sneaks in. Many homes use both: inside mount in living areas and outside mount in bedrooms.
This post is about the mount, not the product. For blind types, see the custom blinds guide. For all products and the free in-home measure, see window coverings in Las Vegas.
What Inside Mount and Outside Mount Mean
Inside mount means the blind's headrail is fastened inside the window opening, so the blind sits within the frame. Outside mount means the headrail is fastened on the wall or trim above the window, and the blind overlaps the opening on the sides and bottom. The same blind can usually be ordered either way; the difference is in the size, the brackets, and the look.
Inside Mount vs Outside Mount: Side by Side
| Factor | Inside mount | Outside mount |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Clean, built-in; trim stays visible | Covers trim; can make windows look larger |
| Light gaps | Small gaps at the sides | Overlap blocks more edge light |
| Privacy | Good, with slight edge gaps | Better, thanks to the overlap |
| Depth needed | Enough depth for the headrail (varies by product) | Very little |
| Out-of-square openings | Shows uneven gaps | Hides them |
| Handles, cranks, sensors | Can block the blind | Blind clears them |
| Window sill use | Sill stays usable only if blind is raised | Blind can hang past the sill |
| Relative cost | Usually similar; slightly smaller blind | Usually similar; slightly larger blind |
Costs depend on sizes and products, not just the mount. For a quote on your exact windows, call (702) 237-4401.
When Inside Mount Wins
- The opening is deep enough for the product's headrail and slats to sit flat without hitting the glass or handles.
- The window is reasonably square, so the side gaps are even.
- You like your window trim or decorative casing and want it visible.
- Living rooms and dining rooms where a tidy, built-in look matters more than full darkness.
- Layered treatments, where drapery or an outside-mount layer goes over the blind.
When Outside Mount Wins
- The window is too shallow for an inside mount, which is common with some window frames.
- Handles, cranks, alarm sensors, or tilt latches would get in the way.
- The opening is noticeably out of square.
- Bedrooms and media rooms where you want the most darkness and the fewest light gaps.
- You want a small window to look larger, by mounting the blind higher and wider than the opening.
- Sliding doors, where the blind needs to clear the door's handle and track.
Las Vegas Window Details That Decide the Mount
A few features common in Las Vegas homes often decide the mount for you:
- Rounded drywall corners (bullnose returns). Many homes have windows with drywall wrapped into the opening and rounded corners instead of wood trim. Inside mounts can still work, but the rounded edges affect how deep the bracket can sit and can leave larger side gaps. Outside mounts may need spacers or brackets to clear the rounded corner.
- Harsh, low sun. Edge gaps let in thin, bright strips of light, especially on east and west windows. Outside mounts, or inside mounts with light-blocking options, reduce them. For west windows, see the west-facing windows guide.
- Sliders and patio doors. Usually outside mount, so the covering clears the handle and track.
- Exterior solar screens. Screens mount outside the glass and do not affect the interior mount, but they reduce the heat that edge gaps let in. See solar screens.
Room-by-Room Picks
| Room | Usual pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Living and dining rooms | Inside mount | Clean look, trim visible |
| Bedrooms and nurseries | Outside mount | Fewer light gaps for sleep |
| Media rooms | Outside mount | Darker room |
| Kitchens | Inside mount, unless a faucet or handle blocks it | Keeps the counter area tidy |
| Bathrooms | Either; outside if privacy gaps matter | Privacy |
| Sliding doors | Outside mount | Clears the handle and track |
Not Sure Which Mount Fits?
Book a free in-home measure and we will check depth, corners, and obstructions for every window. Call (702) 237-4401, visit 3871 S Valley View Blvd #6, or find the showroom on Google Maps.
How the Mount Changes by Product
- Faux wood and wood blinds need the most depth for a full inside mount because of slat width. See custom blinds.
- Cellular shades have compact headrails and often fit shallow openings inside. Blackout cellular shades can add side channels to reduce edge light. See cellular shades.
- Plantation shutters use their own frames. They can mount inside the opening or on the wall around it, and the louver size must clear the glass and handles. See plantation shutters and the plantation shutters buying guide.
- Motorized shades may need a deeper headrail or cassette for the motor and battery. Check depth early. See the motorized shades guide.
Measuring for Each Mount
Inside and outside mounts are measured differently, and the most common ordering mistake is mixing them up.
- Inside mount: measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening and the height at the left, center, and right. The narrowest width and the depth decide the order.
- Outside mount: decide how far past the opening the blind should overlap on each side and above, then measure the area to cover, including where brackets will sit.
- Check obstructions: handles, cranks, sensors, and sill depth.
The free in-home measure covers all of this. Call (702) 237-4401 or get directions to the showroom.
Inside vs Outside Mount Mistakes to Avoid
- Ordering inside mount for a shallow window, so the blind sticks out or hits the handle.
- Expecting an inside mount to make a bedroom fully dark.
- Ignoring rounded drywall corners when planning brackets.
- Measuring only one width on an out-of-square opening.
- Choosing corded lifts in children's rooms; the CPSC recommends cordless window coverings where young children live.
Sources and Further Reading
- CPSC: Go Cordless and Window Covering Safety Council
- Efficient Window Coverings
- DOE Building America Solution Center: Window Attachments
Compare mounts on showroom samples: Las Vegas Window Coverings Center on Google Maps.
Las Vegas Window Coverings Center: Measured and Installed Right
Las Vegas Blinds, Solar Screens & Shutters Window Coverings Center is a window treatment store at 3871 S Valley View Blvd #6, Las Vegas, NV 89103, offering custom measuring and professional installation of blinds, cellular and solar shades, plantation shutters, exterior solar screens, and motorized window coverings. The team serves Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Enterprise, Southern Highlands, Mountain’s Edge, Green Valley, Anthem, Paradise, Centennial Hills, Skye Canyon, Inspirada, Lake Las Vegas, and other Las Vegas Valley communities. Call (702) 237-4401 or see the business on Google Maps.
Why homeowners contact Las Vegas Window Coverings Center
- Free in-home measuring for inside and outside mounts.
- Depth, corners, and obstructions checked at every window.
- Professional installation of blinds, shades, and shutters.
- Showroom samples to compare in person (read Google reviews).
- Listed on Google as veteran-owned, women-owned, and LGBTQ+-owned.
Inside vs Outside Mount FAQ
Is inside or outside mount better?
Neither is always better. Inside mount looks cleaner when the window is deep and square. Outside mount blocks more light, hides uneven openings, and clears handles.
How deep does a window need to be for inside mount?
It depends on the product. Each blind or shade has a manufacturer minimum depth for a full or partial inside mount, so measure depth and compare it to the product spec, or have it professionally measured.
Which mount blocks more light?
Outside mount, because the blind overlaps the opening. Inside mounts leave small gaps at the sides; side channels can reduce them on some shades.
Do rounded drywall corners affect the mount?
Yes. Rounded (bullnose) corners, common in Las Vegas homes, change where brackets can sit and can widen side gaps. A measure visit checks this.
What mount is best for bedrooms?
Usually outside mount, or inside mount blackout shades with side channels, to reduce light leaks.
What mount is best for sliding doors?
Usually outside mount, so the covering clears the handle and track. Vertical blinds, panel tracks, or shutters on sliding tracks are common.
Can plantation shutters be inside or outside mount?
Yes. Shutters can fit inside the opening or use a frame mounted on the wall. See the plantation shutters buying guide.
Do motorized shades need more depth?
Some do, because of the motor and battery. Check the depth early. See the motorized shades guide.
Does outside mount make windows look bigger?
It can, by mounting the blind higher and wider than the opening so more glass shows when the blind is raised.
Can you measure my windows for me?
Yes. Call (702) 237-4401 for a free in-home measure, or get directions to the showroom.
Las Vegas Window Coverings Center on Google Maps
The showroom is at 3871 S Valley View Blvd #6, Las Vegas, NV 89103, just west of the Strip. Open the listing on Google Maps for directions, hours, photos, and reviews, or call (702) 237-4401 before you visit.
Ready to Order the Right Mount?
Get a free in-home measure and a mount plan for every window. Call (702) 237-4401 or open directions in Google Maps.
Las Vegas Blinds, Solar Screens & Shutters Window Coverings Center · 3871 S Valley View Blvd #6, Las Vegas, NV 89103 · (702) 237-4401 · lasvegaswindowcoveringscenter.com