Inside-mount blinds: recess depth and handle clearance

Matching window width is not enough for an inside mount. Separate the depth needed for the bracket from the depth needed to recess the whole headrail.

Window-recess section comparing usable depth with headrail and moving-handle clearance
Left: window width and height in front view. Right: usable recess depth, headrail depth and handle swing in section. Original concept diagram, not a product drawing or measured test.

Measure usable recess depth

Measure available depth including the handle or lock’s movement. Check interference when opening the window too.

Minimum bracket versus flush depth

Hunter Douglas identifies shallow recesses and handle/crank obstruction as barriers to inside mounting. Required depth is product-specific.

hunterdouglas.com

Record before ordering

Record width at top, middle and bottom, then follow ordering instructions. Keep height, usable depth and hardware obstruction as separate fields.

CheckRecord
WidthTop, middle, bottom and order convention
HeightProduct-required measurement positions
Usable depthExclude glass and moving hardware
Product depthBracket minimum and flush requirement
MovementHandle and window-opening interference

Confirm what order width means

Confirm whether the seller deducts clearance from order width; do not deduct twice. For accompanying curtains, calculate track and pleat width separately in the linked guide.

A worked example

Hypothetical candidate: usable depth 50 mm, bracket minimum 40 mm, flush depth 65 mm. Bracket fit and full recess give different results. Confirm the expected projection with the supplier.

Official sources checked

Official sources checked on 12 October 2026. Apply the cited model and market conditions. Examples are hypothetical records, not hands-on tests.