Outside Mount Roman Shades: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Roman Shades are a classic and elegant window covering choice that can add style and sophistication to any room. Custom Roman Shades combine the beauty and softness of drapery with the operation of a custom shade. They’re perfect for any style of décor, from classic to modern and are available with a variety of lift styles, fold types colors, patterns, and prints. A fashionable way to establish your empire at home.

As stunning as Roman Shades are, they’re powerless until they’re hanging over your window. When you’re doing your initial measurements, be sure to note whether you’d like to hang them on the inside our outside of your window shade. Also known as an inside mount or an outside mount. Those are your two options when it comes to mounting Roman Shades (or almost any other type of window treatment). Which is right for your home? Let’s find out.

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What are Roman Shades?

Roman Shades are fabric window coverings, usually created with high-quality material, that raise into even pleats. Keep in mind that there are multiple fold types that you can customize your shade with, which will slightly change the folded appearance. Behind the scenes, these shades use a cord mechanism to raise and lower the fabric, giving you control how much light enters your space. However, much like Drapery, Roman shades are available in a variety of fabric options, including everything from solid colors to vibrant patterns. A designer look, for sure.

Must be difficult to install, right? Wrong! The shades are attached to a simple headrail the simply clicks into the brackets mounted on the outside (or inside) of your window frame. No more difficult than any other window treatment. We know you can do it. Over 99% of our customers measure and install their own window treatments. So, now, it’s time to decide –will it be an inside or outside mount? There are benefits to both.


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Inside vs Outside Mount Roman Shades

Unless you run into an issue with depth or spacing, this decision depends primarily on personal preference.

Inside Mount Roman Shades

Inside mounted shades fit inside of your window frame, creating a sleek and minimalistic appearance that is framed by your window. This option works best if you have decorative molding to act as a border for the shade. The shade is attached to the top of the frame with a couple of brackets, allowing you to easily snap your headrail into place. Inside mounts also allow you to easily pair your window treatments with drapery, as curtains can easily hang over the opening. Please verify that your frame meets the depth requirements listed in the details of your Roman Shade while measuring.

Outside Mount Roman Shades

Outside mount Roman Shades are mounted above the whole window frame to cover the entire area, giving a more dramatic effect. It may even make your windows appear larger than they are. This is a perfect idea for large patterns/prints you’d like to display or when there is limited space inside the frame. In this case, the mounting brackets will be positioned above your window. Outside mounts allow for better light coverage, as the shade material will extend past the window opening. Make them as wide as you want them to be!

What Are the Benefits of Outside Mount Roman Shades?

Versatility

Outside mount Roman Shades can be installed over any window opening, regardless of size or shape. The whole idea here is it will be completely covered. This makes outside mount Roman Shades a versatile solution for any room in your home.

Light Blocking

Since outside mount shades cover the entire surface of the window, they provide better light blocking capabilities compared to inside mounts. If you live in an area with bright street lights or want to create a dark environment for sleeping, an outside mount may be the better choice.

Enhanced Privacy

Similar to the benefits to light control, outside mount shades offer enhanced privacy as they completely cover the window opening. This is especially beneficial for windows facing busy streets or neighboring homes. The solid material of a roman shade will keep you covered and you can even include an optional liner for added privacy.

Customizable Design Options

Outside mount roman shades come in a variety of styles, fabrics, and colors to suit any décor. You can choose from classic solids to bold patterns. Don’t forget about textures, either. We recommend ordering up to 15 free fabric samples, so you can experience each option in your own home before making a decision.

Easy to install

Installing outside mount Roman Shades is a simple process that can be done by anyone with basic DIY skills. All you’ll need is a pencil, measuring tape, drill, screwdriver, and step ladder. All of the necessary hardware and instructions will be included. If you have any questions, contact our team of experts for installation tips to make it a quick, hassle-free task.




How to Hang Roman Shades: Outside Mount

Hanging outside mount Roman shades is a fairly straightforward DIY project if you have basic tools and skills. All you’ll need is a pencil, measuring tape, drill, screwdriver, and step ladder. And you, of course. You’re the most important part. We have a few tips below, but a more thorough guide for your specific product can be found on our install page.

1. Note the desired mounting height for your shade. Add extra height if you want the shade to hang higher above the window when open. This will depend on the initial measurements you provided.

2. Hold the brackets up into position, making sure they’re level, and mark the screw holes using a pencil. If possible, we recommended attaching the brackets to studs for added stability.

3. Pre-drill small holes through the areas you marked for the brackets. Next, attach the brackets to the wall using the screws included with your Roman Shade.

4. Clip the headrail of the shade into your newly mounted brackets. If needed, adjust the shade length by moving the rings that attach it to the headrail. That’s it!

Pro Tip: For a designer look, add 3-4 inches above the window frame for the mount height. This will create an illusion that will raise the perceived window height.

What Are The Best Locations for Custom Roman Shades?

While Roman shades can fit nearly any window, there are certain locations in your home where they work especially well.

Outside Mount Roman Shades for the Kitchen

Outside mount Roman Shades are an excellent choice for kitchens because they will completely cover the window. When raised, you’ll have access to the maximum amount of light and full airflow, which is always helpful in a busy kitchen. Raising your shades above the window frame may also be helpful to avoid any possible splashes or spills.

Outside Mount Roman Shades for the Living Room

For an elegant living room look, a bold pattern or print that complements your interior is sure to be a showstopper. Outside mounts work well to make a larger design statement and will hide any imperfect window frames. They can also make your windows appear larger, for a grander impact.

Outside Mount Roman Shades for the Bedroom

Bedrooms are a great place to use outside mount Roman Shades to maximize privacy and light blockage for better sleep. Consider adding a blackout liner to your shade to block up to 99% of incoming light, so you can sleep until you’re ready to rise. Speaking of rising, why not add a motorized lift so you can control your shades from the comfort of your bed.

Outside Mount Roman Shades for Bathrooms

Outside mount romans in moisture-resistant fabrics are perfect for bathrooms, providing necessary privacy while allowing natural light in. It will also help your bathroom feel cozy, as these rooms can sometimes become overly stark. The oversized look will also make small windows appear more substantial. Be sure to also include a blackout liner for maximum privacy.

Create Your Custom Roman Shades with Blindsgalore

These graceful shades continue to set trends in window fashion. Many homeowners love the classic yet clean look of Roman Shades—not just for the bedroom and bathroom but throughout their home. With our wide range of materials, colors, patterns, and styles, you can easily create custom Roman shades to complement any room in your house. Learn more about the different types of Roman Shades.

Customize your new shades down to every detail. From the type of fold (flat, waterfall, relaxed, plain, soft) to the fabric choice (cotton, linen, silk) and even the lining options (light filtering or blackout), the choice is yours to make. It’s all about what looks best in your space. With the right customizations and the right mount, your new Roman Shades are sure to enhance the overall aesthetic of your space.