Choosing Between Inside Mount and Outside Mount for Your Motorized Shades

When choosing motorized shades, it's essential to understand the different mounting types. SmartWave shades offer two main installation options: Inside Mount and Outside Mount.

Inside Mount

Advantages:

• Space-saving: Shades are installed inside the window frame, so they don't take up extra wall space, maintaining a clean and uncluttered look around the window.
• Aesthetic appeal: From the outside, the shades blend seamlessly with the window frame, providing a clean and tidy visual effect.
• Allows sill space for deep windows: In some deep windows, inside-mount shades allow extra space on the windowsill, perfect for placing plants or decorative items.

Limitations:

• Light gaps: The width of the shades is slightly reduced at the factory to allow room for smooth operation. This can create small gaps on either side of the shades, affecting light control. However, using light-blocking strips can effectively solve this issue.
• Obstructed view: When the shades are fully raised, the stacked (compressed) portion may block part of the view.
• Architectural obstacles: Handles, cranks, and other window hardware may interfere with the operation of inside-mounted shades, limiting their usability.

Outside Mount

Advantages:

• Improved privacy and light control: Outside-mounted shades can significantly reduce or completely eliminate light gaps on the sides, providing better light control and enhanced privacy.
• Fewer installation restrictions: Outside mounts are suitable for various window shapes, especially irregularly shaped or architecturally unique windows. Installing the shades above the window frame offers an unobstructed view when the shades are fully raised.
• Bypass architectural obstacles: Outside-mounted shades can bypass window handles, cranks, or other obstacles, ensuring smooth operation.
• Enhance the appearance of small windows: By extending the coverage of the shades above, below, or to the sides of the window, outside-mounted shades can make smaller windows appear larger.
• Hide window frames: Outside-mounted shades can easily conceal unattractive or outdated window frames, creating a more polished and clean look.

Limitations:

• Requires flat surface above the window frame: For outside-mount brackets to be installed securely, at least 3 inches of flat surface above the window frame is needed.

Explore more：

How to Measure Windows for Blinds and Shades

Why is it important to measure window depth?

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