Width for outside-mount shades over window frame

comelyhomely

3 years ago

Hi all - need advice on whether this looks appropriate or if I need to reconsider.

This is the current window treatment:

This is the replacement I bought (IKEA TRETUR):

The depth of the frame does not allow for an inside-mount. Most pictures I've seen with this style of blind are in/over very minimal deep-set windows so I'm unsure whether it looks strange here or not.

The window itself is 27" wide, each side casing piece is 4.5" wide, for a total frame width of 36".

The shade roller is 30" and shade fabric is 28.75".

Should I buy a wider shade that extends to the edges of the window frame, or even beyond? IKEA does offer wider sizes, going up in 2" increments to 38".

Featured Answer

kandrewspa

3 years ago

For me the bigger problem is that based on the woodwork you have an older home and you are putting a very modern shade on the window. The header on that blind is not very attractive. What you had before wasn't either, but the new one is very bulky. Maybe you have budget constraints, but did you look at other options? Do you need blackout in that room? I think I would have gone with curtains instead. You could have installed a rod over the trim so you could stop drilling holes in the trim.

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Comments (12)

littlebug Zone 5 Missouri
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I would buy a wider shade, probably the 36”.
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Lyn Nielson
3 years ago
If you are going to cover the trim, cover the trim and completely cover it when closed, and mount the top ABOVE the trim.
comelyhomely
Original Author
3 years ago
@kandrewspa I agree the roller enclosure is bulkier in person than I realized and I'm not loving the look.

That photo is in my office but the primary reason we bought these shades was to have blackouts in the TV room. We currently do have curtains there (on a rod mounted to the wall above/beyond the frame), but I'd prefer they remain open as decor and have shades do the actual light-blocking.

If anyone has suggestions for a more suitable blackout shade style I'm all ears! My personal taste leans more minimal/scandinavian so IKEA's a go-to, but as you can see it doesn't always work with the traditional bones of my '40s home.
comelyhomely
Original Author
3 years ago
@Lyn Nielson You mean something mounted to the wall like this? I would need to find one that accommodates the crown piece jutting out about 1.5" Is that common?
comelyhomely
Original Author
3 years ago
The actual problem area, for reference. Glad I tested one out in the office before tackling the triple window!
Lyn Nielson
3 years ago
Yes, @comelyhomely it's referred to as a valance.

I don't have a source at hand, but look at a blind sidte and see the options for over mount with valance... I'll try to see if I can find a source.
comelyhomely thanked Lyn Nielson
Lyn Nielson
3 years ago
is that what you want, the mini blind style in that cream color???

I'm searching...
comelyhomely
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
@Lyn Nielson Thank you for reminding me of the word "valance" - I did a quick search and am looking into options with one now.

And no the cream mini blinds are what I'm trying to replace!! Pics in my original post are in the office and the other pic is in the living room.
Lyn Nielson
3 years ago
what style are you looking for?

Do you want One blind to cover all the windows, or individually?

What is the measurement width & height?
comelyhomely
Original Author
3 years ago
We'd like something simple that doesn't call attention to itself, just a smooth shade that blocks the light. For the three living room windows we'd like separate shades for each one.

The centre window is 27" wide, the two flanking it are 19" wide. The overall width & height of the frame, from the top of sill to the top of the crown, is is 88" x 57"
comelyhomely
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I think mounting on the wall above the frame could work in the office, but there's only 4.5" between the crown and the ceiling so I'd have to check how tall the valance/hardware is.

Because of the curtain rod in the living room I think we'd have to mount directly to the frame header.

First option shows a fabric cassette valance, second is a flat valance. Any first-hand experience with the two?