An inside-recess blind fits within the window opening, giving a neat, built-in look. An outside-recess blind is fixed to the wall or ceiling above the opening and overlaps it, which usually darkens the room better and can make a window look larger. The right choice depends on the depth of the recess, window handles, sills, radiators, how dark you want the room and the look you prefer.
What “recess” means
The recess is the opening in the wall around the window — the reveal at the sides and the soffit at the top. Some windows have deep recesses, particularly in older homes with thick walls; others sit almost flush with the wall.
Inside-recess fitting
The blind's brackets are fixed into the top or sides of the recess, and the blind hangs within the opening.
Advantages
- A clean, fitted look that follows the architecture of the window.
- Leaves the wall around the window clear, which suits period homes and features such as architraves.
- Works well with curtains in front.
- The blind sits clear of radiators and furniture below the window.
Things to check
- Recess depth — there must be enough depth for the blind's brackets, the rolled or stacked blind and the window handles.
- Handles — handles that stand proud of the frame can catch on the blind.
- Edge gaps — the blind needs a small clearance at each side, so some light will show. See Blackout Blinds Explained.
- Square — recesses are rarely perfectly square; this is measured and allowed for.
- Fixing surface — the top of the recess may be a concrete lintel, timber or plasterboard, each needing different fixings.
Outside-recess (face) fitting
The brackets are fixed to the wall above the window, or to the ceiling, and the blind covers the whole opening with an overlap at each side and below.
Advantages
- Better room darkening, because the blind overlaps the gaps around the opening.
- Can make a window look taller or wider when the blind is fitted higher and broader than the opening.
- Clears window handles and shallow recesses.
- More room for a larger mechanism, such as a heavier roller or a motor.
- When raised, the blind can sit above the glass, leaving the whole window clear.
Things to check
- Radiators and sills — the blind must clear anything projecting below the window.
- Space above — there must be enough wall above the window for fixing.
- Look — some people prefer not to see the blind's headrail on the wall.
- Neighbouring walls or corners — the overlap needs room to the sides.
Inside vs outside at a glance
| Inside recess | Outside recess | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Neat, built-in | Frames the window; can enlarge it |
| Room darkening | Side gaps likely | Better, through overlap |
| Handles | May obstruct | Usually cleared |
| Radiators and sills | Usually clear | Must be allowed for |
| With curtains | Works well | Needs careful planning |
| Shallow recess | May not fit | Suitable |
Which blinds suit which fitting?
- Roller blinds — work both ways. Face-fitted for darker bedrooms; recess-fitted for a neat look.
- Roman blinds — often face-fitted, because the folded fabric stacks at the top and can obscure the glass in a shallow recess.
- Venetian blinds — both, but check the depth for the slats to tilt.
- Vertical blinds — often face- or ceiling-fitted on wide windows and doors.
- Frame-fitted blinds — neither: they fit to the window itself. See Perfect Fit vs Standard Blinds.
Bedrooms
If darkness matters, face fitting with generous overlap is often the better choice for a standard blind. If you prefer the look of a recess-fitted blind, layering with curtains, or choosing a specialist system, can close the gaps.
Why measuring matters
Measuring for a recess is different from measuring for a face-fitted blind, and small errors show. Recesses taper, lintels vary and handles project. Our guide to common blind installation mistakes explains what can go wrong. We measure and recommend the fitting position on a free home survey.
Frequently asked questions
Should blinds go inside or outside the recess?
It depends on the window. Inside gives a neater look; outside gives better room darkening and clears handles.
Which gives better blackout?
Outside-recess fitting, because the blind overlaps the gaps around the opening.
Can I fit a blind inside a shallow recess?
Sometimes, but handles and the blind's depth may prevent it. Face fitting is often the answer.
Can I have a blind in the recess and curtains outside?
Yes. It is a common and effective combination, particularly for bedrooms.