A good rule of thumb is to hang your blinds as close to the window as possible when hanging them inside of the recess, without getting so close to the window as to risk the blind catching on handles and/or sticking to a condensated window for fabric blinds.
If your window depth is larger than ¾”, your blinds will not be flush but can still be installed inside the window frame. If your shallow window depth is less than this, your blinds will have to be mounted outside the window frame in order to secure the brackets.
Add an overlap of 3” on each side of the window (6” total) to allow for more privacy and light blockage. Please note: Factory Deductions: Inside mounted products have a light gap between 1/8” and 1/4” on either side of the window – this gap is required in order for the product to operate properly.
Measure both the width of the window and the height of the window. Consider adding an extra 3 inches to the width and height for optimum light control and privacy. Extending the blinds outside the window will also provide the space needed for the mounts and help the window appear larger than it actually is.
Blinds should mount on the underside of the molding so it's not obstructing the trim design. It's also the easiest install because you have flat surfaces to work with for mounting them.
That said, again, the closer to the window you can get the blind, the better it will perform in terms of potentially reducing condensation. So again, aim to get the blind within 25-50mm of the glass, particularly if you have a thermally insulating blind.
A gap of approximately 25-50mm (1-2 inches) between the blinds and the glass is recommended. This closeness helps in reducing heat loss during colder months and minimises light seepage.
Blinds.com recommends at least 1.5" of overlap on each side of the window for blinds and shades, and 2" of overlap on each side for solar or roller shades and vertical blinds. The extra width provides more privacy and light blockage. As always, record your measurements down to the nearest 1/8 inch.
Window frame and depth: If the frame isn't at least 2.5 inches deep, you probably don't have a choice. Outside mount blinds is the way to go. Room style and design: Consider the overall look of the room and whether inside or outside mount blinds would fit best.
Gaps around windows and doors should be sized to allow for thermal movement and this will vary depending on the material of the frame. The maximum gap permitted for openings less than 3m should be 10mm. For openings more than 3m, the maximum gap permitted should be 15mm.
Light Control: If you're installing Blackout Roller Blinds in a bedroom or media room, having them touch the sill can help prevent light from seeping through. Privacy: Blinds that touch the sill can improve privacy, especially in spaces like bathrooms or ground-floor rooms.
Measure from the edge of the rubber beading, where it meets the glass and ensure you have at least 2.5cm clearance from any obstruction, such as handles, hinges or vents.
Aid in Better Sleep
This is especially important for light-sensitive sleepers or those living in well-lit areas. Closing your blinds ensures that your bedroom remains a sleep-friendly sanctuary, promoting healthier, more restorative rest.
Fitting blinds inside the recess
It should be noted that this method isn't always available as, generally, a recess depth of 7.5cm is needed to ensure there is enough room for the blind. To measure for a blind inside the recess, you need to measure the width and height within the recessed space which the window fills.
Close your upturned blinds all the way for superior room darkening. More UV protection: The sun's ultraviolet rays fade your furniture, carpet, and wall coverings. Tilting your blinds up during the day reduces the effect of UV damage.
For optimum light control, the blinds should extend 1-1/2 inches beyond the window opening on each side. Measure the height to the nearest 1/8 of an inch between the highest and lowest points where you'll place the blinds.
Measure the exact width (left to right) of the window frame or how wide you would like the blind to be. Be sure to measure wide enough to cover the entire window and provide maximum light coverage. Example: If the window opening is 36” wide, it might be helpful to order 40” if the space allows.
When horizontal blinds become too large we recommend splitting the window into multiple blinds. This can be done with two separate blinds or with 2 blinds on 1 headrail. The exact size which multiple blinds is required varies by product as well as the over size of the blinds.
Our associates can cut your in-store bought blinds to the exact size needed, for free.
In general, it's wise to position the blind as far back as possible, without it being obstructed by anything like trickle vents or window handles. This way you'll minimise light bleed around the edges if you've gone for a roller blind, and maintain as much windowsill space as you can!
Enhanced Room Darkening and Privacy
When the blinds are turned up, that is, the rounded side faces out, there's better light control as there are minimal gaps between the slats.
It should be flush with the wall's surface.
To minimize light leakage we recommend that the blind overlaps the window recess by at least 70mm at the top and 50mm each side. The overlap at the bottom of the blind is a matter of personal choice but please take into account obstacles such as radiators.
We recommend going at least 2" wider than the opening on either side, so 4" total. For the height, go about 3 inches above the window trim (to allow for the mounting brackets) and measure from that point down to the window sill.