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It’s Time to settle an age-old debate: Do blinds fit inside or outside the recess?
At Village Blinds and Shutters, our design consultants and customer service team get asked this on a daily basis. Therefore, we have decided to create this informative article to provide you with the essential information to help you decide, whether you should fit your new individually crafted blinds inside or outside the recess. If you have recently given up your dated curtains for a more modern and cleaner blinds look, then this post is for you!
Can you fit blinds outside the recess?
Understanding Window Recess
You may be thinking: ‘What is a window recess?’ In basic terms, when a window does not sit flush on a wall, a recess is created. You’ve probably seen one before; many homeowners tend to set plants in them because of their significant exposure to sunlight. But other than housing cacti and the like, window recesses generally aren’t used for much.
Benefits of Outside Recess Installation
A benefit to fitting blinds outside of a recess is the increase in light that it produces. With inside-recess blinds, light can be restricted by the bracket located at the top of the window. Conversely, when a blind bracket is fitted outside of a recess, it will be situated far above the top of the window itself, enabling the maximum amount of light exposure possible. This is key considering the main reason for switching from curtains to blinds is to increase the amount of natural light within living spaces.
Top 3 Blinds for Fitting Outside the Recess
Roman Blinds: Our handmade Roman Blinds are a popular choice for fitting outside the recess, this gives them a more traditional look and feel and can help soften hard edges of the window area to help create a warmer look.
Aura Blinds: Sometimes Called Day and Night Blinds, Our Aura Blinds are a popular choice for fitting outside the recess, or in the case of large glass walls where there is no recess at all. Their sleek fascia comes in a number of colours to tie in with your room’s aesthetics.
Roller Blinds: Fitting our Roller Blinds outside the recess is a popular option, especially when using a blackout fabric in a bedroom without curtains, to help create a room-darkening look.
Can you fit blinds inside the recess?
Benefits of Inside Recess Installation
Surely you can’t fit blinds inside the recess as well? In fact, this is actually the most popular blind fitting method! Although the top of the window will be covered by the blind bracket, fitting blinds inside recesses can actually achieve a more precise and angled look — something that the minimalists will love!
Remember we talked about how homeowners tend to use window recesses for plants, picture frames, and so on? Well, with inside recess blinds, you can have the best of both worlds. This is because of the way in which the blinds can be lowered completely without covering the sill and the ornaments that are placed there.
Considerations for Inside-Recess Installation
It’s important to take into consideration whether the depth of your recess can accommodate the type of blind you want, to prevent it from snagging or handles or other window furniture, and that in the case of Tilt and Turn windows, it’s vital that the opening pane of the window is completely unobstructed by the blind.
Northern Ireland’s Trusted Experts for Fitted Blinds
With over 3 decades of experience, Village Blinds has become Northern Ireland’s trusted experts for fitted blinds and shutters. Here are some of our recent customer reviews.
Top 3 Blinds for Fitting Inside the Recess
Wooden/Venetian Blinds: More often than not, our customers opt to install their new Venetian or Wooden Blinds inside the recess. This creates a less cluttered look and prevents accidentally knocking into the blinds when you are in the area.
Vertical Blinds: The Classic Vertical Blind, (which is making a bit of a comeback), is another blind type that is fitted inside the recess in most domestic situations. As the louvres of the blind are 89mm, installing them outside the recess, means they can protrude into the room too much for many customers.
Cellular Blinds: Our sleek and minimalist Cellular blinds are generally installed into the recess. As they stack up quite tightly they don’t block out light when fully open.
A perfectly fitted blind starts with the perfect measurements.
Whether you decide to opt for fitting your new blinds inside or outside the recess, you will need accurate measurements. the next step is getting accurate measurements. That’s where our design consultants come in. During your free home appointment, they will offer friendly and knowledgeable advice on inside versus outside recess and measure your windows carefully to ensure a perfect fitting blind.
Understanding Blinds Inside and Outside Recess
When it comes to window dressing, deciding whether to fit blinds inside or outside the recess can significantly impact both the look and functionality of your space. At Village Blinds and Shutters, we offer various styles that work for both installation methods, ensuring your home gets the perfect solution.
Fitting Blinds Inside the Recess
Fitting blinds inside the recess provides a sleek and tidy finish, which is often preferred for a more minimalist aesthetic. This method works particularly well for roller blinds inside recess or Venetian blinds, as they fit snugly within the window frame. When installed inside the recess, these blinds won’t interfere with furniture placement or obstruct walkways, making them ideal for compact spaces.
Fitting Blinds Outside the Recess
For those looking to make a bold statement or maximise light control, fitting blinds outside the recess is an excellent option. Blinds like Roman blinds outside recess or roller blinds on outside of window can create the illusion of larger windows and offer more flexibility in terms of light management. With outside recess roller blinds, for example, you can pull the blind down fully to block out light without gaps around the edges, which is perfect for bedrooms or media rooms where light control is essential.
Choosing the Right Fit for Your Recess Windows
Whether you opt for blinds inside or outside the recess, our design consultants will ensure that your blinds fit perfectly and function as expected. For recess window blinds, it’s important to measure the depth of the recess accurately to ensure a smooth installation, particularly with styles like cellular blinds or vertical blinds, which can sometimes require more clearance.
Key Benefits of Each Installation Method
- Blinds inside the recess provide a cleaner, more streamlined look, allowing you to use window sills for decorations like plants or photos.
- Blinds outside the recess can enhance the visual impact of your windows and offer more control over light and privacy, making them ideal for larger windows or spaces where style is key.
Get Expert Guidance with Village Blinds and Shutters in Northern Ireland
We hope this post has given you some valuable info on whether inside or outside the recess is right for your home. But if you are still unsure, why not give our team a call on 0800 059 0747 we’ll be happy to help, and perhaps book a free home appointment with a design consultant.
Based in Ballymena, we cover all areas of Northern Ireland, from Armagh to Ballycastle, Cookstown to Donaghadee, and everywhere in between.
Do Blinds Fit Inside or Outside the Recess? FAQ
Can you fit blinds outside the recess?
Yes, fitting blinds outside the recess is possible. This method increases light exposure compared to inside-recess installation. Consider options like Roman Blinds, Aura Blinds, or Roller Blinds for this setup.
Can you fit blinds inside the recess?
Absolutely, blinds can be installed inside the recess, providing a precise and angled look. Wooden/Venetian Blinds, Vertical Blinds, and Cellular Blinds are popular choices for inside-recess installation.
How can I ensure a perfectly fitted blind?
To ensure a perfectly fitted blind, accurate measurements are crucial. Careful measurement of your windows is the first step towards a well-fitted blind. Our Design Consultants can measure your windows during a free home appointment.
I have tilt and turn windows, what kind of blinds can I have?
Tilt and turn windows require blinds that don’t obstruct the window’s opening pane. Consider specific blinds suitable for this, and ensure they allow unobstructed functionality. Ask our Design Consultants for more information.
Where can I get more advice?
For expert guidance and personalised assistance, contact Village Blinds and Shutters at 0800 059 0747. You can also schedule a free home appointment with a design consultant to help you make the right decision
What areas of Northern Ireland do you cover?
Our design consultants cover all areas of Northern Ireland. From Armagh to Ballycastle, Crawfordsburn, to Draperstown and beyond.
