Roman Blinds: Choosing Inside or Outside the Recess with Confidence

Selecting whether your Roman blind should sit inside the recess or outside on the wall is the most important decision you will make before ordering, and it has a direct impact on appearance, light control, and daily use. We want to make your experience comfortable and enjoyable, so this guide focuses on how to choose the right position for your window, while our team is happy to take care of all measurements for you as part of our free service.

Inside recess or outside recess, how to decide

We believe both options can look exceptional when chosen for the right setting, and we will always help you pick the approach that best suits your room and window shape.

Inside recess: This creates a neat, tailored look that sits within the reveal. It works beautifully when the recess is deep enough, reasonably square, and free from significant obstructions. You retain more wall space around the window, and the finish feels calm and integrated.
Outside recess: This is ideal when you want stronger blackout, need to disguise uneven plaster lines, or have hardware such as handles and trickle vents that might interfere with a fabric fold. It is also a practical choice for shallow recesses and French doors where you want the blind to clear the frame.

If you are uncertain, consider what matters most: appearance, blackout, insulation, and ease of use. Where space is tight or the recess is not true, an outside fit usually performs better and looks cleaner once installed.

Aesthetic considerations that shape the choice

We pride ourselves on helping you visualise the final effect before you commit. Roman blinds are sculptural when raised and elegant when lowered, and placement subtly changes the look.

Minimal, built‑in elegance: Inside recess mounting reads as bespoke and architectural, especially in modern rooms with clean lines. The blind becomes part of the window rather than a feature on the wall.
Framing and impact: Outside mounting can make the window feel larger by extending fabric beyond the opening. This approach allows you to introduce colour and texture that frames the view and softens the surrounding wall.
Symmetry and balance: If your recess is markedly uneven, outside placement restores visual balance by covering imperfections and creating a consistent outline.

Light, privacy, and comfort

Your priorities for light management often determine the best position. Our commitment to delivering exceptional value includes advising on the solution that supports comfort throughout the day.

Better blackout: Outside recess generally reduces light seep around the edges, which is especially helpful in bedrooms and media rooms. When combined with an appropriate lining, it creates a restful environment.
Soft daylight and privacy: Inside recess gives a refined finish and provides privacy while preserving a clean reveal. In living spaces where gentle light matters, this option often feels just right.
Thermal performance: A well‑placed Roman blind helps with insulation. An outside fit can add a buffering layer over the frame, while an inside fit can look discreet when paired with thermal lining for draughty windows.

Practical factors you should weigh up

We offer a personal approach because every home is different, and thoughtful placement improves day‑to‑day use and longevity.

Depth and hardware clearance: Roman headrails and fabric stacks need room. If the recess is shallow or includes large handles, an outside fit avoids snagging and keeps the folds crisp.
Radiators and sills: Where a radiator sits below the window, many customers prefer an outside fit that finishes comfortably above the heat source while still covering the opening. In kitchens and bathrooms with tiled reveals, inside can work if the space is even and clear.
French doors and high‑traffic areas: For doors, an outside fit positioned above the frame lets the blind lift fully clear of the glass. This maintains ease of access and protects the fabric during frequent use.
Maintenance and cleaning: An inside fit can feel more protected from accidental contact, while an outside fit is easy to operate and dust due to its open placement on the wall.

Room‑by‑room guidance

Our team takes pride in tailoring advice to your lifestyle. These scenarios can help you narrow the choice before we visit.

Bedrooms: If sleep quality and darker mornings are priorities, we generally recommend outside placement with blackout lining for stronger edge coverage. For a minimal look in contemporary bedrooms, a true recess with inside placement remains a refined choice.
Living rooms: Inside placement offers a calm, fitted appearance that complements layered interiors. If the window feels small or asymmetrical, outside placement adds presence and visual balance.
Kitchens and bathrooms: Consider ventilation, tiles, and splash zones. Inside can look very smart in tiled reveals when depth allows, while outside avoids contact with fixtures and provides a more forgiving clearance.
Home offices and media rooms: Outside placement supports better glare control for screens. Inside placement suits study spaces where a sleek, unobtrusive finish is preferred.

Fabric, lining, and control options that support your decision

We supply high‑quality fabrics and a wide choice of linings to refine how the blind performs, whichever placement you choose.

High‑quality fabrics: From textured weaves to smooth cotton blends, our ranges drape beautifully in Roman folds and offer excellent colourfastness.
Blackout and thermal linings: Blackout enhances darkness for sleep and screen use, while thermal linings support comfort and energy efficiency in cooler rooms.
Chain control and safety: We use reliable headrails and compliant safety devices for smooth operation. Placement will be discussed to ensure safe, convenient access.

Common window challenges and how placement helps

We want to make your experience comfortable and enjoyable, so we proactively address tricky details during our visit and guide you to the most suitable position.

Uneven or out‑of‑square recesses: Outside placement conceals irregularities and helps the blind travel smoothly. Inside may still be possible if the recess is mostly true and your priority is a built‑in aesthetic.
Shallow recesses: Outside mounting prevents the fabric stack from protruding awkwardly and keeps the window functional when the blind is raised.
Tall windows and bay windows: Outside placement can unify multiple sections visually, whereas inside placement in each section can emphasise the architectural rhythm. We will help you weigh the effect you prefer.

What our free measuring service includes

We believe professional support should feel straightforward and reassuring. Our free home visit includes:

Expert advice on choosing inside or outside recess placement for each window.
A curated selection of high‑quality fabrics brought to your home for convenient comparison in your lighting.
Guidance on blackout and thermal linings to meet your comfort goals.
Confirmation of fixing points, clearance around handles and radiators, and practical considerations for daily use.
A clear, competitive pricing proposal that reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional value, with measuring and professional fitting included as standard and a 3‑year guarantee on materials and workmanship.

Why customers choose us for made‑to‑measure Roman blinds

We offer a personal approach from first visit to final fit, and we take pride in service that feels attentive and reliable. Our quality made‑to‑measure blinds are tailored to your home and lifestyle, and our competitive pricing reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional value without compromising on finish. Whether you prefer an understated inside recess look or a statement outside frame, we ensure the result is graceful, practical, and built to last.

Quick decision checklist (no measuring required)

Prioritise what matters most: blackout, aesthetics, insulation, or clearance.
Check for potential obstacles such as handles, vents, tiles, or radiators.
Consider how often the window or door is used and whether full clearance is needed.
Think about the room’s style: integrated and minimal often points to inside; bold framing and stronger blackout often points to outside.
Choose lining to suit the room: blackout for bedrooms and screen areas; thermal for draughty spaces.

How we can help next

If you would like friendly, expert guidance on choosing inside or outside recess placement for Roman blinds, we are here to help. We can bring samples to your home, discuss how each option will look and perform, and handle the precise measurements and professional installation for you. If you are nearby, explore our made‑to‑measure service for Roman blinds Glasgow with a personal, local approach. You can also compare styles for other rooms, including vertical blinds Glasgow and our wider selection of Glasgow window blinds, and plan your whole home with confidence.