Curtains Used with Outside Mount Blinds

Outside mount blinds paired with curtains is a popular window treatment combination, offering the versatility to control light and privacy while creating an elegant, finished look. With an outside mount, the blinds are installed completely outside the window frame, providing added flexibility compared to inside mounts. When combined with the softness and fullness of curtains, outside mount blinds and curtains complement each other beautifully.

Using mounts outside the window frame allows the blinds to cover the entire window area, preventing harsh light seepage from the sides, corners or top. This achieves better light filtration and gives a more seamless, built-in appearance. The external installation also accommodates protruding window cranks or obstructive trim. Extension brackets and spacer blocks enable proper clearance.

Benefits of Outside Mount Blinds with Curtains

There are many advantages to pairing outside mount blinds with coordinated curtains:

• Allows control over natural light filtering while maintaining outside views
• Provides privacy while allowing light in
• Softens hard window lines and frames
• Layers colors, textures and patterns
• Blinds offer adjustable light control
• Curtains add fullness, elegance and style

Together, blinds and curtains create a versatile window treatment solution. Blinds give adjustable control over sunlight and visibility, while curtains frame the window with beautiful fabric fullness. This combination balances form and function.

Outside mount blinds installed behind curtains also hide unattractive blind components like ladders or operational cords. A fabric valance can further disguise the blind hardware for a cleaner look. For windows lacking depth, the extended installation space of an outside mount helps avoid any crammed appearance.

Light Control and Privacy

The ability to control light and visibility makes outside mount blinds with curtains a functional pairing. Blinds block or filter sunlight and create privacy through adjustable slats or vanes. Curtains provide further light modulation and visibility control with sheer, light-filtering and blackout fabrics.

Homeowners can vary the privacy and lighting impacts throughout the day. Lower the blinds while retaining curtain sheer transparency on a bright morning. Angle the slats to cut glare yet maintain some view. Draw both curtains and blinds fully closed for nighttime blackout conditions and total seclusion.

Softening Window Architecture

The uniform planes and hard edges of windows can feel imposing, especially larger or continuous expanses. Pairing outside mount blinds with soft, draping curtains helps break up the window surface for a less overbearing appearance.

Curtain fabric cascading from a rod adds texture and interest while concealing the window frame itself. Blinds layered behind provide depth and further diminish the looming window proportions. Complementary colors, alternating patterns and mixed textiles make the pairing even more effective at diminishing window dominance.

Design Versatility

Outside mount blinds and curtains offer almost unlimited design possibilities. Choose woven woods, sleek aluminum or patterned vinyl blind materials. Select luxurious drapery fabrics from embroidered silks to casual cottons. Mix solids, prints, metals, linens and more. Vary texture combinations like slubbed silk curtains over permeable bamboo blinds. Contrast billowy curtains with crisp pleated shades. Design options are endless.

The varied spectrum of colors also facilitates complementary or matching schemes. Pair contrasting hues like lemon curtains and navy blinds for dramatic pops. Or use analogous neutrals like off-white sheers and taupe wood blinds for blended calmness.

Optimizing Window Proportions

Strategically pairing outside mount blinds and curtains can help reduce the perceived height or width of windows. Floor length curtains on tall, narrow windows draw the eye downward for better proportions. Blinds mounted closely below the rod also maintain the curtain line for visual cohesion.

For wide windows, breaking up the span with two separate outside mount blinds makes the width less imposing. Place one rod for blinds and another higher rod for curtains to unify the look. The layered dimensional treatments temper expansive horizontal windows.

Selecting Outside Mount Blinds to Pair with Curtains

When choosing outside mount blinds to coordinate with curtains, consider the blind style, materials and operating mechanism:

• Wood or faux wood blinds - Offer natural, elegant look and adjustable slats
• Aluminum or vinyl blinds - Budget-friendly options with sleek, neutral colors
• Roller shades - Simple with clean lines to pair with drapery
• Roman shades - Provide insulation and soft gathered look
• Vertical blinds - Give modern, architectural style

Measure the window area carefully to ensure proper fit with the outside mount. Account for any obstructions from window cranks, handles or molding. Allow sufficient mounting space for the fully extended blind to clear all edges.

Installation brackets, extensions and spacers can overcome depth restrictions. Choose coordinated textures and finishes to seamlessly integrate the blind with the curtains. Cordless blind options provide added safety and a sleeker look.

Operating Mechanisms

Consider compatibility of the operating mechanisms when combining outside mount blinds and curtains:

• Corded blinds - ensure inner cords do not tangle with curtains
• Wand control - easily accessible between blind and curtain
• Cordless - optimal for layering with curtains
• Motorized - convenient operation for hard-to-reach blinds

Cordless blinds prevent child safety hazards and give a streamlined appearance without dangling pulls. Motorized options enable remote control of blinds mounted in tricky locations behind curtains or high on windows.

Material Considerations

The slat materials used for outside mount blinds impact durability, light filtering, insulation, appearance and cost:

• Faux wood PVC - mimics wood for less cost
• Vinyl - inexpensive, moisture/mildew resistant
• Aluminum - sleek and contemporary looking
• Bamboo - Eco-friendly, permeable natural slats
• Wood - Beautiful, long-lasting natural material

Consider lifestyle factors when selecting materials. Humid environments suit aluminum or vinyl over wood blinds. Green home influences may favor renewable bamboo slats. Clean-lined modern decors look best with metal blinds rather than ornate wooden options.

Size Considerations

Evaluate the window dimensions to determine appropriate blind sizes and styles. For wide windows, separated blinds draw the eye outward less compared to a single wide blind. Tall windows usually suit two outside mount blinds stacked vertically rather than one overly long blind.

The height-to-width ratio also impacts options. Choose horizontal blinds for wider, shorter windows. Favor vertical blinds on narrow, floor-to-ceiling windows. Check that the manufacturer's blinds come in sizes suitable for your windows.

Choosing the right curtains to pair with outside mount blinds requires matching style, length, and color:

• Pick appropriate curtain rod to mount above blinds
• Determine needed curtain length - sill, floor or puddled
• Select coordinating fabrics and colors
• Add pretty sheers behind curtains
• Use a valence to boost the finished look

Measure from the top of the fully lowered blinds to find the ideal rod placement. This creates a layered look without obstructing blind operation.

Consider the overall window proportions when selecting curtain length. Blinds mounted closer to the top of a window frame suit shorter sill length curtains, while lower blind mounting looks better balanced with longer curtains.