Plantation Shutter Mounting Options: Inside vs. Outside Mount Guide for Retailers

As retailers in the window treatment industry, you've likely encountered customers who are uncertain about which plantation shutter mounting option to choose. This seemingly small detail can significantly impact both the aesthetics and functionality of these popular window coverings.

Let's break down the key differences to help you guide your customers toward making the best choice for their homes.

Modern Dining with Inside Mount Plantation Shutters

Understanding Plantation Shutter Mounting Options: Inside vs. Outside Mounts

Before diving into the specifics, let's clarify what these terms mean:

• Inside Mount: Plantation shutters installed within the window recess or frame.

• Outside Mount: Plantation shutters attached to the wall surrounding the window or on the window frame itself.

When to Recommend Inside Mounts

Inside mounts are often the preferred choice for plantation shutters, and here's why you might suggest them to your customers:

Clean, Built-in Appearance

Inside mounts create that coveted custom, built-in look that many homeowners desire. The shutters sit flush within the window recess, creating clean lines and a seamless integration with the window.

Perfect for Standard Windows

For customers with properly squared windows and adequate depth in the window recess, inside mounts are ideal. They highlight the window's architecture and frame rather than concealing it.

Space-Saving Solution

Inside mounts don't protrude into the room, making them perfect for areas where space is at a premium or where furniture needs to be placed near windows.

Emphasises Window Details

If your customer has decorative window frames or architectural details they want to showcase, inside mounts allow these elements to remain visible.

When Outside Mounts Make More Sense

Outside mounts have their own set of advantages that make them the better choice in certain situations:

Problem-Solving for Challenging Windows

Outside mounts are the go-to solution for windows with insufficient depth, out-of-square frames, or obstructions like cranks or handles that would interfere with inside mounted shutters.

Light Control and Privacy Champions

Because outside mounts typically cover more of the window area and extend beyond the frame, they provide superior light blockage and privacy—a major selling point for bedrooms or street-facing windows.

Visual Correction Tool

Outside mounts can visually correct proportions of unusually sized or positioned windows, creating a more balanced appearance in the room.

Energy Efficiency Boost

The additional coverage of outside mounts creates an extra layer of insulation between the window and the room, improving energy efficiency—an increasingly important consideration for Australian homeowners.

Helping Customers Make the Right Choice

When guiding your customers, consider these practical aspects:

Window Assessment Is Crucial

Always recommend a proper window measurement before making a final decision. Inadequate depth or severely out-of-square windows may eliminate inside mounting as an option altogether.

Consider the Whole Room

Encourage customers to consider consistency throughout a room or their entire home. Mixed mounting styles can look disjointed unless there's a clear reason for the variation.

Functional Requirements

Ask about specific needs like complete darkness for a media room or bedroom, or maximum light for a sun-starved space. These requirements may tip the scales toward one mounting style.

Budget Considerations

Outside mounts typically require more materials, which can affect the price. Be transparent about this when discussing options with budget-conscious customers.

Real-World Retail Scenarios

Here are some common customer situations you might encounter:

• Customer with a heritage home: May prefer inside mounts to maintain the integrity of original window frames and architectural details.

• Customer renovating a modern apartment: Might lean toward outside mounts for maximum privacy from neighboring buildings.

• Customer with problem windows: Will benefit from your expertise in recommending outside mounts as a solution rather than a compromise.

Conclusion

Understanding and clearly communicating the differences between inside and outside mounted plantation shutters positions you as a knowledgeable retailer who can provide real value to your customers. Rather than presenting one option as superior, focus on helping customers determine which mounting style best serves their specific windows, aesthetic preferences, and functional requirements.

Remember that your expertise in this area is a valuable asset. By guiding customers to the right choice, you're not just selling a product—you're providing a customised solution that will enhance their home for years to come.

Make use of our Sample Case to provide your customers with framing options.

What mounting challenges have you helped your customers solve? We'd love to hear your experiences in the comments below!