Inside Mount vs Outside Mount Plantation Shutters: Which Installation Method Is Right for Your Windows?

You’ve chosen the shutters.

The colour is sorted. The material is decided. The louvre size is locked in.

Then the installer asks a question most people never expect:

Inside mount or outside mount?

For many homeowners, this is the first time they have even heard the terms.

Most people spend weeks choosing the shutters themselves and never think about how they actually attach to the window.

The reality is both options work well. Both look good.

But they sit differently, suit different window types, and choosing the wrong one can affect both appearance and functionality.

The inside mount plantation shutters vs outside mount decision matters more than most people realise.

Here’s how to work out which option suits your windows.

What Is an Inside Mount?

Inside mount shutters sit inside the window recess.

The shutter frame fits within the reveal, sitting flush with or slightly behind the wall surface. Everything stays contained within the existing opening.

From the front, you still see:

The wall finish

Architraves or trim

The shutters neatly positioned inside the window

The result is clean and integrated.

It often looks as though the shutters were built into the window from the beginning.

This is generally the more popular option in Australian homes because it keeps the original window detailing visible.

What Is an Outside Mount?

Outside mount shutters sit on the face of the wall surrounding the window.

The frame extends beyond the opening and overlaps the surrounding surface.

Instead of sitting inside the window, the shutters sit in front of it.

From the front, the shutter frame becomes the feature.

It may partially or fully cover existing architraves and create a new border around the opening.

Outside mounting is less common as a first preference, but it solves many situations that inside mounting simply cannot.

And plenty of Australian homes need it.

When Inside Mount Works Best

Inside mount is usually the first choice when the window allows it.

The reveal needs enough depth for the frame and louvres to operate properly without hitting glass, handles or hardware.

Inside mount works well when:

Window recess depth is at least 60–75mm

The reveal is square and even

Existing architraves are in good condition

Nothing inside the recess blocks operation

The finished result feels built-in and refined.

In terms of inside mount plantation shutters vs outside mount appearance, inside mount usually wins for a cleaner look.

It also keeps surrounding wall space clear and accessible.

When Outside Mount Is the Better Choice

Outside mount is not a compromise.

It is simply the correct solution for certain windows.

It works particularly well when:

The reveal is too shallow

The opening is uneven or out of square

Window handles project into the recess

The window sits flush without a reveal

You want the window to appear larger

Different window sizes need a consistent appearance

For shallow windows, the inside mount plantation shutters vs outside mount decision becomes easy.

Outside mount wins.

Trying to force an inside mount into a shallow reveal usually causes problems such as:

Louvres hitting the glass

Hardware interference

Frames projecting beyond the wall line

Which One Looks Better?

Both look good.

They just create different visual effects.

Inside Mount

Inside mount gives a sleeker and more integrated finish.

The original window details remain visible, making it ideal for homes with:

Decorative architraves

Deep reveals

Heritage detailing

For inside mount plantation shutters vs outside mount in heritage homes, inside mount almost always suits better.

Covering decorative mouldings often removes character.

Outside Mount

Outside mount creates a stronger framed effect.

The shutter becomes the visual border.

This works well in:

Modern homes

Flat plaster reveals

Windows with minimal trim

In some cases, outside mounting actually improves the appearance by adding depth the window previously lacked.

Measuring Differences

Measurement methods also change depending on the installation type.

Inside Mount Measuring

Measurements are taken inside the reveal.

Width and height are checked at three locations each.

The smallest measurement is generally used.

Outside Mount Measuring

Measurements are taken from the wall face.

The frame is ordered larger than the opening, typically with 30–50mm overlap on each side.

Incorrect measurements can lead to fitting issues.

This is why professional measure-and-quote visits are worth using.

Installers can quickly assess:

Reveal depth

Squareness

Hardware interference

Best mounting option

Sometimes the correct inside mount plantation shutters vs outside mount decision becomes obvious once the window is inspected.

Can You Mix Both Types?

Absolutely.

Not every window in a house needs the same mounting method.

Many homes use a combination.

Examples:

Bedrooms with deep reveals use inside mount

Bathrooms with shallow aluminium windows use outside mount

The inside mount plantation shutters vs outside mount decision is often made room by room.

As long as colours and shutter styles remain consistent, the mix looks seamless.

Most people notice the shutters themselves, not how they are mounted.

What About Light Gaps?

Light control is another factor.

Inside Mount

Because the frame sits within the reveal, small gaps remain around the edges.

Some light can enter, especially in direct sun.

It is usually minor but noticeable if blackout performance is important.

Outside Mount

Outside mount overlaps the opening and covers the edges.

This reduces light leakage significantly.

For bedrooms, the inside mount plantation shutters vs outside mount choice often shifts toward outside mount for improved darkness.

Another option is an inside-mounted Z-frame, which adds a lip around the edge to reduce light gaps.

Quick Guide: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Inside Mount If:

Reveal depth is at least 60mm

The reveal is square and even

Existing architraves are worth showing

You want a clean, integrated appearance

Wall space around the window needs to stay accessible

Choose Outside Mount If:

The reveal is shallow

The opening is uneven or out of square

Window hardware projects into the recess

You want the window to appear larger

Light blocking is important

Existing trim is damaged or minimal

The Bottom Line

When comparing inside mount plantation shutters vs outside mount, there isn’t a universally better option.

The right choice depends entirely on the window.

Both use the same shutters.

Same louvres. Same materials. Same operation.

The only difference is where they sit.

Choose the correct mount, and the shutters will look like they were always meant to be there.