Upgrading to new windows is an exciting project that can drastically improve the look, energy efficiency, and overall comfort of your home. But once the new windows are installed, it’s time to think about the finishing touch—window treatments. Whether you're looking for privacy, light control, or simply a way to enhance your home’s décor, choosing the right window treatments is an essential step. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which style, material, and mounting type is best for your space.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting the perfect window treatments, touching on the differences between inside mount and outside mount options, and highlighting considerations specific to two popular window brands: Pella and Andersen.
1. Understand Your Mounting Options: Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount
Before you start selecting fabrics, colors, and styles, it’s important to understand the two primary ways window treatments can be mounted: inside mount and outside mount.
Inside Mount
An inside mount means that the window treatment (such as blinds, shades, or shutters) is installed inside the window frame, so it fits neatly within the frame’s dimensions. This option is ideal if you want a clean, streamlined look and minimal intrusion into the room.
Pros of Inside Mount:
Clean, sleek look: Since the treatment fits snugly within the frame, it often looks more integrated and less bulky.
Maximizes window space: The treatment doesn’t extend beyond the window, so it won’t block any part of the view or wall space.
More suited for modern, minimal aesthetics: Ideal for contemporary homes or spaces where you want the focus to remain on the window itself.
Cons of Inside Mount:
Limited room for certain treatments: Some blinds or shades may not fit if the window frame is not deep enough. This is particularly important when considering products like faux wood blinds or thick drapery.
Not great for irregular windows: If your windows aren’t perfectly square or the frame has uneven edges, it might be challenging to get a clean, tight fit.
Outside Mount
An outside mount involves installing the window treatment on the wall surrounding the window frame, rather than inside it. This can be an excellent solution for various reasons, and it’s a common choice if you want to create a more dramatic effect or if your window frames are not ideal for an inside mount.
Pros of Outside Mount:
Flexible coverage: This mount type allows you to cover a larger area, including the top, sides, and sometimes the bottom of the window, which is especially useful if the window frame is irregular or unattractive.
Better light control: With treatments that extend beyond the frame, you can reduce the amount of light that seeps around the edges of the blinds or shades.
Great for larger windows: For large windows or sliding glass doors, an outside mount may be more practical and offer more flexibility with style options like drapery panels.
Cons of Outside Mount:
Can make the window appear smaller: Depending on how far the treatment extends out from the window, it might visually shrink the size of the window, which could be a downside for smaller rooms.
More intrusive to wall space: Outside mounts often require more space and could block parts of the wall or other features in the room, such as light switches or artwork.
2. Choosing the Right Window Treatment Style
Once you've decided on the mount type, it’s time to think about which style of window treatment best suits your needs. The right style will depend on several factors, including the room’s function, your aesthetic preferences, and how much control you need over light and privacy.
Blinds and Shades:
Vertical Blinds work great for sliding glass doors or larger windows and can be mounted both inside or outside the frame.
Wood or Faux Wood Blinds are durable and offer a classic, elegant look. These can be installed as an inside or outside mount, depending on the window size and the look you're going for.
Roman Shades or Roller Shades are a soft alternative that can provide a more sophisticated look. Both types can also be mounted inside or outside, though inside mounts are ideal for a tighter, cleaner look.
Shutters:
Plantation Shutters provide a timeless, elegant look and offer excellent light control and privacy. They’re ideal for both inside and outside mounting, though inside mounting is typically preferred for a seamless appearance.
Curtains and Drapes:
Drapery is another great way to soften the look of a room and can be paired with blinds or shades for additional functionality. These are almost always mounted outside the window frame and can be as minimal or dramatic as you like.
3. Pella Windows and Window Treatments
Pella is known for its stylish, energy-efficient windows. Whether you have their vinyl, wood, or fiberglass windows, you’ll want a treatment that complements the high-quality craftsmanship of Pella windows.
Inside Mount: If you opt for an inside mount with Pella’s vinyl or wood windows, the clean lines of their frames will showcase your window treatments beautifully. With Pella’s precise measurements and smooth finishes, inside-mount treatments will fit perfectly.
Outside Mount: For larger windows or if you prefer an extra layer of style, an outside mount can create a bolder statement and can also help mask any imperfections in the window frame.
With Pella’s wide selection of window styles, including patio doors and large picture windows, an outside mount can be especially effective for controlling light and privacy, as well as adding drama to large openings.
4. Andersen Windows and Window Treatments
Andersen windows are renowned for their innovation and energy efficiency, offering wood, composite, and vinyl windows that fit well with a variety of home styles. With Andersen’s windows, both inside and outside mount options can work, depending on the type of treatment you select.
Inside Mount: If you have Andersen’s wood or composite windows, you may want to choose inside-mount treatments to highlight the natural beauty of the frames. These windows tend to have a thicker profile, which makes them ideal for mounting blinds, shades, or shutters inside.
Outside Mount: For more traditional or modern home designs, Andersen’s large picture windows and sliding doors can benefit from outside-mount treatments, such as drapery or custom shades. Outside mounting allows you to create a more dramatic look and provides flexibility for covering larger windows.
5. Other Considerations
Energy Efficiency: If your main priority is energy savings, consider treatments that help insulate your windows, such as cellular shades or heavy drapery. Both Pella and Andersen offer windows with energy-efficient glass options, but combining them with insulating window treatments can further reduce energy loss.
Style and Functionality: Whether you’re seeking a sleek, modern look or a more traditional aesthetic, be sure to choose treatments that match the overall vibe of your space. From minimalist roller shades to luxurious drapery, the possibilities are endless.
Budget: Keep in mind that custom treatments can be more expensive, but they offer a perfect fit and design. If you’re on a tighter budget, ready-made blinds or shades can still provide great results without the custom price tag.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing window treatments for your newly installed Pella or Andersen windows, both inside and outside mounting options have their advantages. Consider your home’s aesthetic, your functional needs (light control, privacy, insulation), and the style of windows you’ve chosen. The right window treatments will not only enhance your home’s beauty but also increase comfort and energy efficiency.
Ultimately, whether you’re opting for a sleek inside mount or a dramatic outside mount, your new windows deserve a treatment that complements both their functionality and your personal style.
For more information contact Radiant Window Fashion at 412 200-5868, or info@radiantwindowfashion.com.
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