Inside mount or outside mount blinds?

Question

I'm trying to decide between inside mount vs outside mount blinds for my STR. Any suggestions?  Also, where can I buy low cost blinds that are decent quality?

Mike H. · Answer

I've been doing rentals for close to 20 years and I just learned a new trick that some people probably already know about but it wasn't something I'd seen before.  My brother in law showed it to me when he put in a bunch of blinds in my rental cabin. I bought the cheap lowes light blocking blinds.  But instead of using the brackets, he just put the screws straight through the blind bar itself.  Thing isn't going anywhere. I wish I had knows that years ago.  Cant' tell you how many times renters had yanked the blinds down out of those flimsy brackets......  Just thought I'd add a little trick to consider.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Inside mounts look cleaner and you can still add decorative window dressings.

Michael Baum · Answer

Like the others, inside mount if you can fit them.

Look cleaner but they are also harder to damage. They aren't as likely to get pulled down accidentally.

Lauren Kormylo · Answer

Inside mount.  Also get cordless blinds, because cords can be a choking hazard for kids, and they look messy.  I like metal blinds better, they block more light than vinyl. I buy Levolor brand blinds from Lowes, which cuts them to order while you wait. https://www.lowes.com/pd/LEVOLOR-Trim-Go-1-in-Cordless-White...

Collin Hays · Answer

Inside mounts, and we've had good look with the cordless, roman style shades.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Inside mount every time (unless your windows do not allow for it). Looks cleaner and you can add a nice valance.

Grant Woodward · Answer

Inside mount looks cleaner if your window frames allow for it, but not all do. If you have the depth for an inside mount, I'd go that route with curtains, as mentioned previously.

This article might help:

Blind Mounting

John Underwood · Answer

I like inside mount blinds.

I've ordered blinds online and I've also bought them at Lowes and Home Depot.

Sarah Kensinger · Answer

As an interior designer, inside mounts all the way!

Andrew Steffens · Answer

+1 for inside mount.  The faux wood home depot ones hold up better than the cheap plastic ones.

Inside mount or outside mount blinds?

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