Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount Shutters: How Do You Choose?
When choosing plantation shutters, style is only half the decision. How the shutters are mounted, inside mount or outside mount, affects light control, appearance, and how well the shutters function in your home. Below is a straightforward breakdown to help you understand the difference and choose the right shutter option for your space.
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Inside Mount Plantation Shutters
Inside mount shutters are installed within the window opening, fitting flush inside the frame. This is the most traditional and commonly requested option.
They offer a clean, built-in look that feels intentional and architectural. Because the shutters sit inside the window, they don’t interfere with the surrounding trim or wall space. Inside mounts work best when your windows are square, deep enough, and structurally sound.
This mounting style provides excellent light control and privacy while maintaining the original lines of the window.
Outside Mount Plantation Shutters
Outside mount shutters are installed on the wall or trim surrounding the window, rather than inside the opening.
This option is typically used when windows lack sufficient depth, aren’t perfectly square, or when homeowners want to visually enlarge the window. Outside mounts can also help block more light around the edges, making them useful for bedrooms or media rooms.
While they sit more prominently on the wall, a well-designed outside mount still looks polished and purposeful when done correctly.
Which Is Better: Inside Mount or Outside Mount Plantation Shutters?
Feature
Inside Mount
Outside Mount
Installation Location
Inside the window frame
On the wall or window trim
Overall Look
Clean, built-in, classic
More dramatic, visually bold
Best For
Deep, square windows
Shallow, uneven, or small windows
Light Control
Excellent, precise control
Maximum coverage, blocks edge light
Privacy
Strong privacy without bulk
Strong privacy, especially at night
Trim Visibility
Keeps trim fully visible
Strong privacy, especially at night
How to Choose the Right Mount for Your Home
Start with your windows—not your preferences. Older homes, custom trim, and deeper window frames are often ideal for inside mounts. They preserve the home’s original character and deliver a tailored look that never goes out of style.
If your windows are shallow, uneven, or lack proper depth, an outside mount may be the smarter choice. It solves structural issues while still delivering the function plantation shutters are known for.
Also consider the room’s purpose. Bedrooms may benefit from the added coverage of an outside mount, while living areas often look best with the clean lines of an inside mount.
Let Louver Shop Help You Choose the Perfect Shutters
Choosing between inside mount and outside mount plantation shutters isn’t something you have to figure out on your own. At Louver Shop, our expert design consultants take the time to evaluate your windows, your home’s architecture, and how you actually use each space.
We’ll help you select the right shutter style, mount type, louver size, and color so everything looks intentional and functions the way it should. Schedule your free design consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do inside mount shutters let in more light around the edges?
When properly measured and installed, light gaps are minimal with inside-mounted shutters. Precise measurements and installation are key.
Are outside mount shutters less traditional?
Not at all. Outside mount shutters have been used for generations to solve structural challenges, and some homeowners simply prefer their more substantial, statement-making look.
Can every window be inside-mounted?
No. Depth, squareness, and window condition determine what shutter mount type is possible.