Most standard US windows slide up/down to open or crank to open the window frame outside of the home (with the screen on the inside). And accordingly, “standard” blinds attach to the top of the window opening, which allows for a polished and clean look with for standard US windows.
However, for tilt and turn windows the window frame opens inside the home. This means that blinds can’t be attached to the top the window opening because the window frame needs to be able to move inward to open into the room. If blinds were attached to the inside top of the window opening they would block the tilt and turn window from moving or opening. Blinds that are suitable for tilt and turn windows need to attach to the window frame so that they move with the window frame, as the window opens into the room or tilts open from the top.
We get asked to remove standard blinds from our clients’ homes after a previous homeowner could not find suitable options and installed something that prohibits the tilt and turn windows from operating. For example, the tilt and turn windows pictured below won’t open due to the placement of the roller shades inside the window frame. These windows pictured will let light in but cannot open for airflow.
Blinds that are suitable for tilt and turn windows need to attach to the window frame itself so that they move with the window frame, as the window opens into the room or tilts open from the top. Ashland Blinds offers blinds specific for European style tilt and turn windows.