Outside Mount Shades – Extend Your View, Eliminate Gaps

Outside mounting is the solution when inside mounting isn't possible—or when you want to make a deliberate design statement. By installing the shade on the wall or ceiling above the window, rather than inside the recess, you gain several advantages: zero light leaks around the edges, the ability to cover windows with shallow or obstructed recesses, and the optical illusion of a larger, more substantial window. Our Outside Mount Shades collection spans every product category: roller shades, roman shades, cellular shades, zebra shades, and sheer shades. We offer extended brackets that project the shade forward to clear handles and cranks, and extra‑wide fabric coverage that overlaps the window opening by 2‑4 inches on each side. Decorative valances, cassettes, and cornices are available to conceal the headrail and complete the built‑in look. Custom‑sized to your exact window dimensions. When inside mount won't work, outside mount elevates.

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Zero Edge Light Leak

The most common issue with inside‑mount shades is light leakage around the edges—especially when the window recess is shallow, uneven, or out of square. Outside mounting eliminates this entirely. The shade fabric extends 2–4 inches beyond the window opening on all sides, and the brackets mount directly to the wall. When lowered, the shade forms a complete seal against the wall surface. No gaps, no glow.

Window Enlargement Effect

By extending the shade beyond the trim, you visually enlarge the window. This is especially effective for small or awkwardly placed windows, or when you want to create a more dramatic focal point. Choosing a valance that matches the wall color further blurs the boundaries. Designers often use outside mounting to make narrow windows appear wider and short windows appear taller.

Ideal for Shallow or Obstructed Recesses

Some windows have recesses too shallow for standard inside‑mount hardware. Others contain cranks, handles, alarms, or security bars that interfere with installation. Outside mounting bypasses all these obstacles. The shade mounts to the wall or ceiling above the opening, clearing any obstructions. This is also the preferred method for French doors, casement windows, and sliding glass doors.

Available Across All Shade Styles

  • Outside Mount Roller Shades — All fabrics and opacities; sleek and minimalist

  • Outside Mount Roman Shades — Flat, hobbled, and relaxed styles; soft, elegant folds

  • Outside Mount Cellular Shades — Single‑cell and double‑cell; insulating and quiet

  • Outside Mount Zebra Shades — All band widths and fabrics; adjustable light control

  • Outside Mount Sheer Shades — 2" and 2.5" vanes; contemporary and clean

All styles can be ordered with extended brackets and custom projection depths.

Decorative Valance Options

Because the headrail is visible in an outside‑mount installation, we offer several decorative valances to conceal it:

  • Fabric‑Wrapped Valance — Upholstered in your exact shade fabric for seamless integration

  • Aluminum Cassette — Sleek, powder‑coated metal housing

  • Cornice Box — Upholstered wood frame for architectural presence

  • Return Panels — Matching side panels that enclose the shade on three sides for a built‑in look

Valances hide the operating mechanism and create a polished, finished appearance.

Custom Projection Depths

Walls aren’t always flat—baseboards, trim, tile, and molding can require the shade to stand off the wall. Our outside‑mount brackets are available in projection depths from 1 to 6 inches. You specify the clearance, and we fabricate the brackets accordingly. No need for improvised spacers.

Professional Installation Recommended

Outside‑mount installations are more complex than inside‑mount. We offer professional installation services in select metropolitan areas. Certified installers ensure perfect fit, level alignment, and smooth operation. Contact our customer service team for availability and pricing.