Blinds, Shades and Shutters - Where to mount blinds on Anderson windows

I just moved into a home that has Anderson windows. I would like to install 2" blinds. The windows are close to being flush with the molding, so an inside mount will not work.

What is a typical installation for blinds that are not an inside mount? Are the blinds attached to the molding (if so, where on the molding -- the center?)? Any insight is appreciated.

Markdiy

You'll want to install them on the wall, not the molding, high enough up to clear the mechanisms and about 1" and not more than 2" wider than the window (and side molding).

markdiy
Be glad you didn't try to mount inside the windows somehow.
Depending on which type of windows they are, the mechanism (balances) to hold the sashes up are inside there. A screw or 2 into those can ruin yer whole day.

Thanks everyone. When you say "about 1" and not more than 2" wider than the window", do you mean on each side of the molding?

Yes, on each side of the molding. It's for looks, more than anything. Unless you're going to have panels on the sides, I think blinds and shades when up, and also valances, look like a top hat floating in air, when they're too wide, so always look better when hugging the window.

It is very common to install wood shades on the outside molding from edge to edge.. I feel this looks good as long as you make some specifications like increasing your length of the valance returns so they meet the wall..

The biggest problem I see with on the molding installations is you might sacrifice some privacy when peering through the side.. This happens because when you close your blinds they dont go flush against your window like you would hope.. Instead they stay centered and will leave a 1 inch gap.. ordering them wider for an drywall installation will help alleviate this problem..

Also, Make sure you use 3" + screws through your molding so you hit a stud behind the drywall.. if not, your expecting the 4 finish nails that are prolly just in to drywall to hold up your shade..

a wall installation will call for spacers that you MUST specify for.. These spacers will bring the shade to the same level as the molding/window it will be covering.. If you don't use spacers your blind will be distorted as it steps over your molding and your top slats may also get caught on your molding as the rest will surely rub against the window causing stress when you operate them.. your spacers will also force you to ask for your returns to be an extra inch..




if you go with an on the molding..

Order your blind the same measurements as your molding to molding sized.. Do this as an "outside mount" with a 1" extension on your returns.. (assuming your molding is 1" thick)... Install your brackets by predrilling the molding and the use a 3 inch screw..

If you go with a drywall

Order your blind as on outside mount, 3 inches wider and 3 inches longer than your molding to molding sizes.. you will then have to ask for your valance returns to be extended to accommodate your spacer blocks behind your brackets.. YOU should be able to catch the studs that are hugging your molding when you install this but more often you will need the help of a toggle bolt or molly to install these properly..

Well, maybe it's a preference thing because I think they look much better the same size as the window rather than being too wide.

Thanks for the input. I mounted them on the outside of the molding on each side. They look great, although I do prefer an inside mount.