When you order a made-to-measure blind, one of the first questions is where it will hang. Some people call the options recess and exact fit. Others say inside the frame or outside the frame. Either way, it is two different ways of placing the same blind, and each has its place.
What the two terms mean
A recess fit puts the blind inside the window opening, between the sides of the reveal. You measure the gap and the blind is made to fit it, with a small allowance so it can move freely. Some retailers call this exact fit, because the blind is sized to the opening.
An outside fit puts the blind on the wall or frame, wider and taller than the glass. Here the blind overlaps the window opening, and you choose how far. It is sometimes called a face fit or overlap fit.
Words vary between suppliers, so if the label is unclear, describe where you want the blind to sit and we'll make sure it is measured the right way.
Why choose inside the recess
- It looks tidy. The blind sits within the window shape, which suits a clean, built-in look.
- It leaves wall space free. Handy if there is a shelf, furniture or a curtain pole nearby.
- The blind is protected from knocks, because it is set back.
The things to weigh up are light and depth. A blind in a recess always has a small gap at each side, so light can slip round the edges. In a bedroom that can be noticeable. You also need enough depth in the recess to hold the headrail. Window handles or trickle vents can foul the blind if they stick out. Our note on bedroom light control explains more on gaps.
Why choose outside the frame
- Better light cover. Because the blind overlaps the opening, side gaps are smaller, and the blind can block more of the light around the edge.
- It works with shallow windows. If there is no real recess, or something sticks out, a face fit gets around the problem.
- It can make a window look larger. Fitting higher and wider than the glass gives the impression of a taller window.
- It can tidy an uneven opening. Uneven plaster or a rough edge can disappear behind the blind.
The things to weigh up here are mostly practical. The blind needs a solid surface to fix to, and a chain or cord hangs on the wall side. It also takes up more room, so check for sockets, switches and furniture. Radiators below can matter too, because the blind will hang in front of the warm air.
How to choose
Ask what matters most. If a clean, flush look matters, think recess. If light blocking or a cover-up job matters, think outside the frame.
Look at the depth. Roller blinds usually need less depth than blinds with slats or folds. As a rough guide, bulkier headrails need more room, and the depth required depends on the range. Ask us when you are choosing.
Check what sticks out. Handles, window stays, security locks and cill vents all affect a recess fit.
Think about the room. A bedroom often suits an outside fit. A kitchen window above a sink often suits a recess so the blind stays clear of the tap and spray.
Consider the frame material. On some uPVC windows we can use special fittings that avoid drilling. See Perfect Fit blinds and our compatibility guide for the details, because they sit within the frame and have their own measuring rules.
How the measuring differs
For a recess fit, you measure the opening itself, and accuracy is critical. A blind that is a few millimetres too wide will not go in. You need the narrowest width and the shortest height, because the opening is rarely perfectly square.
For an outside fit, you decide the overlap. Customers commonly add a few centimetres either side and above, but the right amount depends on the window, so there is no single number to rely on. There is more room for error, and the main thing to watch is an overlap that clashes with something nearby.
Our guide to how to measure for blinds goes through the detail for both, and measuring awkward windows covers unusual cases.
Can you mix both
You can, and it often works well. A house might have recess fits in the kitchen and bathroom, and outside fits in the bedrooms. It does not need to match throughout, though blinds in a row of windows facing the street look best when they are consistent.
If you're unsure
Standing in front of the window makes the answer much clearer. We'll look at the depth, handles and room, then suggest a fit. Book a free measure and we'll talk it through before anything is ordered.
