How to Hang Roman Shades: Inside Mount Versus Outside Mount?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through trial and error in the world of interior design is this: window treatments make a huge impact. They don’t just complete a room—they can transform how we perceive light, space, and even ceiling height. Yet somehow, they’re also one of the most delayed decisions in any design project.

Case in point: our daughter Willa’s room. We’ve been in our home for over two years now, and her windows have been mostly bare. Ironically, the thing we loved most about her room—the gorgeous natural light—was also the thing that made us procrastinate the longest on window treatments. We didn’t want to lose the light. But we quickly realized she also needed privacy. And comfort. And… well, a more finished look.

That kicked off a surprisingly deep dive into the curtain vs. shade debate and ultimately led to a second big question: inside mount or outside mount? You’d think it would be a matter of preference, but there’s a lot more to consider.

Curtains vs. Shades

Before you even get to mounting, let’s talk form vs. function. If you’re in the early stages and wondering whether Roman shades are the right solution in the first place, here’s a quick breakdown.

Curtains are beautiful and dramatic, especially when used in rooms with space to let them breathe. If you have a wide expanse of wall on either side of the window, curtains can help soften the space and even make a room feel wider. In our dining room, we hung curtains that extend more than a foot past the window frame on both sides—creating the illusion of bigger windows and pulling attention upward toward the ceiling. It completely changed the feel of the room.

But in small rooms, like Willa’s, that kind of drama can overwhelm the space. She has about 14″ of wall space on one side of her window, but almost none on the other. Hanging curtain rods that extend out could easily eat into the view of our backyard—a view that feels like one of her room’s best features.

Now for the Big Debate: Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount

Once you’ve chosen shades, the next step is to decide how to hang them. Roman shades can be installed two ways:

Inside mount: The shade is mounted within the window frame.
Outside mount: The shade is mounted above and/or outside the window frame, often extending past the sides.

It might seem like a small detail, but trust me—it makes a big difference.

Here’s everything you should consider when choosing between inside and outside mounts:

1. Architectural Details & Millwork

If you’re lucky enough to live in a home with beautiful millwork around the windows, your decision might be made for you. Decorative trim, casing, or deep window jambs are often best celebrated—not covered.

Inside mount shades allow you to showcase that original character. The fabric sits inside the frame, leaving the trim visible and clean. If your home has Craftsman-style molding, colonial trim, or decorative cornices, go with an inside mount to highlight those features.

On the other hand, outside mount shades can be great for modern homes with minimalistic window frames or even no trim at all. You can use the shade itself to introduce softness, texture, or color without relying on millwork.

2. Ceiling Height and Window Placement

Another big consideration is the vertical placement of your windows and how much space you have between the top of the window and the ceiling.

In Willa’s room, her windows sit almost two feet below the 9-foot ceiling. That gave us an opportunity: by installing outside mount shades a few inches below the ceiling, we could visually stretch the height of the room. This “lift” effect draws the eye upward and gives the illusion of taller windows (and ceilings).

It’s a small trick, but it works wonders in rooms that feel a little boxed in.

However, if your windows are already placed high on the wall, or if you have little clearance between the top of the window and the ceiling or crown molding, inside mount is often the more practical choice.

3. Window Size and Light Control

This one’s important. When you inside mount a Roman shade, it has to sit within the frame, which means it covers part of the glass even when fully raised. Depending on the type and thickness of the fabric, you might lose a couple of inches of view at the top. For small or narrow windows, that can feel like a lot.

On the flip side, outside mount shades can be hung higher and wider than the window itself. This not only helps preserve your view when the shade is up, but also creates the illusion of a bigger window—a trick especially helpful in small or dark rooms.

If your goal is to brighten a space or maintain a connection to the outdoors, outside mount shades are often the better choice.

4. Privacy and Light Gaps

Let’s talk about functionality.

Inside mount shades look sleek, but they almost always leave small gaps along the sides—especially with Roman styles. That means light can seep in, and depending on the layout of your room, that could mean compromised privacy.

In Willa’s room, privacy was one of our biggest concerns—her windows face the backyard, and while we love the view, we also wanted to give her a sense of security, especially at night.

Outside mount shades offer better light-blocking and privacy coverage because the fabric can extend past the window opening. If blackout is a priority (like in a nursery or bedroom), outside mounts might be the way to go—just make sure the fabric is wide enough to cover the full area.

5. Aesthetic Preferences and Design Goals

At the end of the day, some decisions come down to style.

Inside mount shades look tidy, custom, and architectural. They’re clean and often used in contemporary or traditional interiors.
Outside mount shades feel more layered and dramatic. They can add softness to a hard wall or bring in a bold pattern.

If your design goal is minimalism and symmetry, inside mount might fit the bill. If you’re going for cozy or eclectic, outside mount gives you more room to play.

6. Window Depth and Frame Construction

This might sound obvious, but it’s often overlooked: not all windows are deep enough to support inside mount shades.

Most Roman shades need at least 1.5″ to 2.5″ of depth for proper installation (more if they’re cordless or motorized). If your window frame is too shallow, your installer might advise against an inside mount.

Also, if your windows are tilt-in for cleaning (common in newer homes), inside mount shades may interfere with that functionality. Always check the depth and construction of your window frames before finalizing your plan.

Bonus Tips for Hanging Roman Shades (No Matter the Mount Style)

Whether you go with inside or outside mount, here are a few practical tips to get the best look and function:

✔️ Use a level and measure twice

Shades that are crooked—even by a quarter inch—will drive you nuts. Don’t eyeball it.

✔️ Consider cordless or motorized options

Especially in kids’ rooms. Not only are they safer, but they also offer a sleeker look and easy use.

✔️ Choose the right fabric

Lighter fabrics let in more filtered light; blackout fabrics offer better privacy. Some