Choosing between reveal fit vs face fit blinds is one of the most important decisions to make before ordering made-to-measure blinds. Your choice affects how the finished blind looks, how much of the window it covers, where the brackets sit and, most importantly, which measurements you need to submit.

You may also see these options described as inside mount vs outside mount blinds. Neither is automatically better. Recess fitting can create a streamlined finish when the window opening has enough depth, while face fitting can provide greater coverage when the recess is shallow, obstructed or unsuitable.

If you are unsure, don't guess. Check the window, product requirements and measurements first, and use Veneta Blinds' free video or photo consultation if you need another set of eyes before ordering.

What Are Recess Fit Blinds?

Recess fit, inside mount or recessed blinds sit within the window opening rather than over it. The brackets are installed inside the recess, allowing the blind to sit neatly within the window frame.

This fitting style suits homeowners who want the blind to sit neatly within the window rather than cover the surrounding architrave. Because the blind sits within the opening, the surrounding architrave remains visible, and the blind generally projects less into the room.

The main limitation is depth. The recess must provide enough unobstructed space for the blind, brackets and operating mechanism. Handles, locks, winders, tiles and other obstructions can affect suitability, so measuring the width and drop alone is not enough.

A recess fit can also leave small gaps around the sides because the entire blind needs to fit within the opening. That may be perfectly acceptable if appearance is your priority, but it is worth considering if reducing light gaps is particularly important.

Products such as our venetian blinds range can suit recess installation when the window provides sufficient depth for the selected product and its brackets.

What Are Face Fit Blinds?

Face fit blinds, also called outside mount blinds, are installed outside the recess, usually onto the architrave or wall surrounding the window. Instead of fitting within the opening, the blind extends beyond it. This can provide greater coverage around the window and reduce visible gaps at the sides when measured correctly. It can also make the window appear larger because the blind covers a wider area.

Face fitting is often the more practical choice when the recess is too shallow, has obstructions or cannot accommodate the required brackets. However, you still need sufficient flat mounting space around the window.

The trade-off is appearance and projection. A face-fit blind covers some or all of the architrave and sits further into the room. Nearby cupboards, doors, furniture or other fixtures therefore need to be considered before deciding how far the blind should extend.

Some products can work either way. For example, our roller blinds collection can suit recess or face fitting depending on the individual window and the coverage you want. Products such as our plantation shutters may require a face fit when the recess does not provide sufficient frame depth.

Recess Fit vs Face Fit Blinds: Which Gives Better Coverage?

When comparing recess fit vs face fit blinds, coverage is one of the clearest differences. A recess-fit blind must remain within the window opening, so small gaps may be visible around the edges. Face fitting allows the blind to extend beyond the opening, which can provide more coverage around the glass and help reduce visible side light.

That does not mean face fitting guarantees complete darkness. The result still depends on the blind type, fabric, window and installation. If blockout performance is important, think about the whole window covering rather than assuming the mounting method alone will eliminate every light gap.

Appearance is another consideration. Recess fitting gives a more contained look and keeps the architrave visible. Face fitting creates a broader visual presence and may make a small window look larger.

Your available space can make the decision for you. A deep, clear recess gives you more freedom to consider an inside mount. A shallow or obstructed recess may make an outside mount the more practical option.

In simple terms, choose based on depth, coverage and appearance, rather than assuming one fitting method is universally better.

How Do You Measure Blinds for Recess Fit and Face Fit?

The fitting method should be chosen before you submit your measurements because recess and face fit blinds require different dimensions. If you are wondering how to measure blinds for recess fit, begin by checking that the recess is deep enough for your chosen blind. Then measure the internal width at several points because window openings are not always perfectly square. You should also check the drop and look carefully for handles, locks, winders, tiles or other objects that could interfere with the blind.

Face fitting requires a different approach because the blind needs to cover the window opening rather than fit inside it. You will need to consider the appropriate overlap as well as the flat mounting area available around the window.

This is why you should follow Veneta's instructions for measuring your windows correctly rather than using the same measurements for either fitting style.Also consider how the blind will operate once installed. A technically correct measurement is not enough if the finished blind collides with a handle, cupboard or nearby door.

What Measuring and Installation Mistakes Should You Avoid?

One of the most common mistakes is measuring the window before deciding how the blind will be mounted. The same window can require different order dimensions depending on whether you choose recess or face fit.

Another mistake is assuming the window is perfectly square. Measure at several points and follow the product-specific instructions rather than relying on a single width or drop.

Depth is equally important. A blind may physically fit between the sides of the recess but still lack enough depth for its brackets or operating mechanism. Check protruding handles, locks, winders and tiles at the same time.

For face fitting, don't focus only on the window opening. You also need to assess the surrounding architrave or wall and make sure there is enough suitable mounting space.

Once the blind arrives, follow our blind installation guide rather than assuming bracket placement is the same for every product and fitting method. If your window is unusually shaped, noticeably uneven or has an obstruction you are unsure about, Veneta's free video or photo consultation is a better option than guessing. You can send through photos of the window and get guidance on the fitting method and measurements before placing your order.

Which Fit Should You Choose for Your Windows?

A recess fit is likely to suit your window when the recess is sufficiently deep and unobstructed, you want the blind contained within the window opening and keeping the architrave visible is important to the finished look.

A face fit may be the better choice when the recess is shallow or obstructed, greater coverage around the window is a priority or you have enough flat mounting space around the opening.

Your blind type matters too. Different products have different bracket, frame and depth requirements, so a window that works well for one type of recessed blind may not suit another.

For DIY installation, the best option is not necessarily the one that appears easiest at first glance. It is the fitting method that suits both the physical window and the manufacturer's measuring and installation requirements.

If both options are technically possible, consider what matters most to you: a streamlined appearance and visible architraves, or greater coverage around the window.

Recess Fit or Face Fit: Make the Decision Before You Measure

The key difference between inside mount vs outside mount blinds is where the blind sits in relation to the window opening. Recess fit sits within it; face fit covers it from outside.

For many windows, the decision comes down to three practical questions: Is the recess deep enough? How much coverage do you want? Which look do you prefer?

Make that decision before submitting dimensions and always follow the measuring instructions for the exact product you are ordering. If your recess is uneven, shallow or obstructed, or you simply aren't confident that you have chosen the right fit, use Veneta Blinds' free video or photo consultation before ordering rather than taking a guess.

FAQs

Can I mix recess fit and face fit blinds in the same room?

Yes, although using different mounting styles in the same room may look inconsistent, especially when the same blind style is installed across windows on the same wall. For a more uniform appearance, it is generally best to use the same mounting method throughout the room. If one or more windows do not have enough depth for a reveal fit, consider face fitting all the blinds. However, the final choice comes down to your window requirements and personal preference. 

What if my window recess is uneven or not square?

Measure the opening at multiple points according to the product's measuring instructions. If the variation is significant, a face fit may be easier to accommodate. Ask Veneta Blinds for advice if you are unsure.

Do face fit blinds block more light?

Face fitting can reduce visible side gaps because the blind can overlap the window opening. However, complete darkness cannot be guaranteed, as light control also depends on the blind, fabric, window and installation.

Is recess fit or face fit cheaper?

For the same blind, there may not be a major difference purely because of the mounting method, although a larger face-fit blind may require more material. Check the price for your exact dimensions and selected product.

How do I know if my window is deep enough for recessed blinds?

Check the minimum recess-depth requirement for the exact blind you plan to order and make sure handles, locks or other obstructions do not reduce the usable space. If the recess cannot accommodate the product and brackets, consider a face fit instead.