Should roller blinds be fitted inside or outside the window frame?
Inside the frame, also called recess fit, the blind sits within the window reveal for a neat, built in look, with a gap of light down each side. Outside the frame, also called face fit, the blind sits on the wall or architrave and overlaps the opening, which covers more of the light.
Inside the frame (recess fit)
The brackets fix to the top or sides of the reveal and the blind hangs inside the opening. It looks tidy, leaves the architrave showing and keeps the blind out of the way of a curtain in front. It needs enough depth in the reveal for the roll and the brackets, and nothing in the way, such as handles or winders. Because the fabric is narrower than the brackets, light shows down both sides. On a blockout blind that strip is noticeable.
Outside the frame (face fit)
The brackets fix to the wall or the architrave, and the blind is made wider and longer than the opening so it overlaps. The overlap covers most of the side light, hides a window that is out of square and works where the reveal is too shallow. The blind stands off the wall and the roll is on show.
How to choose
- For the darkest room, face fit with a generous overlap usually lets less light past.
- For the neatest look, recess fit, if the reveal is deep and square enough.
- Check for handles, tiles, sills and security screens that the fabric has to clear.
- A window that is not square shows more in a recess, where the blind hangs straight beside a frame that does not.
Why the measure matters
The two fits are measured differently, and makers differ on whether they want the size of the opening or the finished size of the blind. Mixing them up gives a blind that does not fit, so the order has to say which it is. Your retailer takes that measure.
A blind retailer will check the depth and squareness of your windows, recommend a fit and take the measure. Speedy Blinds makes roller blinds for retailers and does not measure or install.
Other ways people ask this
Recess fit or face fit?
The same choice: recess fit is inside the frame and face fit is outside it.
Inside mount or outside mount blinds?
Other words for the same two options.
Do inside fit blockout blinds let light in?
Yes, down each side, because the fabric is narrower than the opening.
How much should a face fit blind overlap the window?
Enough to cover the side gaps. Your retailer sets the figure for your window.
This answer is general information. For your own windows, your retailer's advice and your order with them come first.
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