Thanks Paul - so the shades I have right now are the rght width, I just need to hang them higher? It is OK that they are still the same width as the inside of the window casing/trim (as opposed to covering the window casing/trim?

@Amanda W We are going to have to wait for professionals to enter the chat. I'm just trying to stir things up a little for you. The room does look a little spartan for my tastes.

" our interior designer selected these roman shades for me and advised on inside mount. " You hired the designer who was in your room and now you are asking complete strangers to second guess the professional?

Just because someone claims to be a "professional" doesn't mean they are any good. That room is definitely not singing.

a couple things: we are just in the process of ordering things for the room so still to come are chandelier, artwork artwork, other table decor etc. So yes it does look sparse because its not finished.

And yes I am questioning our designer and am posting here just to get some input and gut check my concern. Our designer is someone trying to build her portfolio so she is early in her career and doing this for basically nothing

@Amanda W OK, well if the mormon vibe is going away that's a good thing. Definitely keep asking for input while there is still time to make adjustments.

With your beautiful window trim, inside mount is the correct move. Do you have smooth walls to hang wallpaper? if not, some saturated wall color would be nice. Perhaps a dark blue to further highlight the pretty windows then a great chandelier over the table?? The one in the photo is way too small for your table. A linear style would be great. Probably at least 36" long. Pick up black metal perhaps from your furniture for the lighting. Another option, is to get some colorful prints and add deep color matting to add more interest and color.

A few choices.

Agree with @Flo Mangan that inside mount is the correct move. They look good. Are your ceilings 9'?

Just some thoughts for future consideration. When I'm doing my own Roman shades in a room with 8' ceilings I like to mount the above the casing but also as wide as the side casing. The other thing to consider for inside or outside mount is how the window functions. I have casement windows with inside screens. An inside mounted shade makes it basically impossible to get the screens out. This isn't your concerns right now but how the inside mount shade impacts any style window functioning is a consideration for the future.

I like inside mount if you have nice moldings. However, what was your goal in selecting this type of window covering? Privacy? Light control? Decorative? First and foremost is the function and goal of the window treatments. These look to be fully functional to provide privacy and light control, so if that was your goal then it has been achieved.

The issue with inside mount is that it covers more of the glass than outside mount. But if you don't like the look, you really can't just re-position them, because outside mount usually is wider to cover part of the moldings to cut down on the light coming in.

If you wanted these to be purely decorative, you could have made them shorter and not operable so they would cover less of the window.

Maybe the fabric is not right for this room. You're saying the interior designer chose it, but did you agree that you liked it as well.

I’m not a pro but it feels like we are evaluating a tie when we haven’t seen the suit, shirt and shoes. Your new window treatments are nice, but they are in an unfinished room.

Start with a new chandeleir, as Flo suggested. Consider cushions for your chairs that complement the window treatments. Maybe a table runner or at least a center piece. A rug will also add more warmth. And last, but most important, the walls need something - a color, wallpaper, and/or artwork - to make everything feel part of the same room. I think your table sets the tone - this is a casual family eating place. So I would go with more items that complement your great table.

Thanks all - to be clear im very open to ordering new shades if outside mount is better (with a wider width). My question is more about “does the room need outside mount shades” vs “should I outside mount these specific shades.”

i think the interior designer was trying to use shades more as a decorarive feature to provide texture. We have 2 very small children so seating with fabric / longer table runner not really an option right now

My question is more about “does the room need outside mount shades” vs “should I outside mount these specific shades.”

Show the entire room - Thanks!

The room does not need outside mount shades. It does need color and life, so give it some time to develop.

They look good. Keep them as is. Spend the money elsewhere in the room.

Just curious about the fabric--can you share the manufacturer and fabric name?

The inside mount for roman shades always looks the nicest IMO.

Outside mount usually has some sort of valance

And when you have them down, they cover all the trim of the window.

I would not replace them.

I am not a fan of white walls, so my first thought is to get some color in there. It will change everything. It can be very light still - you said it was a casual dining space so darker colors will be a little more moody. Get some poster board or butcher paper and paint some sample colors on them and hang in the room . One color per sheet so you can focus on just one and not compare to others.

Have fun with it and Good luck!!

I prefer the inside mount. It looks cleaner and you have nice window trim, so no need to hide it. When you have all the pieces in place I'm sure it will look great.

Agree outside mount..get them up as high as you can..they cover way too much window.

I vote for outside mount.

Your room does not need outside mount and would be a swing and a miss IMO. The inside mount is perfect with your windows.

The worst is that outside mount on a rod. That would only work for a non-operating valance that looks like a Roman shade.

I agree not to change them--they are very pretty and I'm sure were not inexpensive.

They look perfect for those windows/window trim, very nice. And you can raise them higher, if you’d like?

At least wait until other elements are added — I think you might be pleased with them. If not, you’ll better be able to figure out what you’d like best with the added decor.

As mentioned, with the room bare and a night shot, it looks stark. It’ll come together. :)

I have this saved and it reminds me yours … just a very fresh and pretty look:

But again, I’d wait to see how the room turns out as a whole.

They look like they are lined so no light is coming thru..jilly I love that image but the fabric in that room is so light and soft and light filtering..so pretty taller windows too…but you can achieve the look by just hanging them a bit higher.

Yes, I was just showing inside mount with windows trimmed in a similar way … I should have clarified that.

Amanda are these shades ever closed all the way..do you need complete privacy?

I like inside mount and have them in my own house. I don't think outside mount makes the ceiling look any higher, and I've never seen them the same width as an inside mount (instead they are as wide as the window casing). The only time I'd use an outside mount roman shade is if the trim were ugly. Definitely never one shade for two windows. In this room, that would mean most of the walls consist of shades.

If you’re just asking about inside vs outside mount, I like your inside mount. You have nice moulding which makes an inside mount prettier.

I would vote to keep them IM. Once your room is finished I think it’ll be perfect. You can always raise the shades up a tad more to get more light in the windows, but they look fine just as they are.