AI-generated room illustration, not a measured product installation.
A Roman shade still occupies space at the top of the window when it is fully raised. Its folded fabric forms a stack, and that stack can cover part of the glass. How much remains covered depends on the selected shade and where it is mounted—not simply whether the order is labeled inside mount or outside mount.
If you are choosing Roman shades for a short window, a breakfast nook or a room where daylight matters, review the raised position before ordering. The closed view tells only part of the story.
What Does Roman Shade Stack Height Mean?
Stack height describes the vertical space occupied by the raised shade assembly. Suppliers may use different reference points, so ask what the stated dimension includes: the headrail, valance, folded fabric and bottom rail may not all be counted in the same way.
For your layout, the useful question is specific: Where will the lowest part of the fully raised shade sit relative to the top of my glass? Ask for a dimension that lets you locate that edge from a clearly identified point on the headrail.
Keep these measurements separate:
- Order height: the height used to make the shade for its intended coverage.
- Raised stack height: the vertical band remaining when the shade is fully up.
- Mounting depth: the usable front-to-back surface needed for the selected headrail and brackets.
A deep recess does not make the raised fabric disappear. Likewise, a compact-looking headrail does not establish the total height of the folded assembly.
How Much Glass Will Stay Covered?
Compare the confirmed raised dimension with the proposed mounting position. Use the same starting point for both measurements. Do not compare a fabric-only stack figure with a measurement taken from the top of the entire headrail.
A Simple Planning Example
Suppose the top of a proposed headrail is 6 inches above the top of the glass. Suppose the supplier confirms that the lowest raised edge will sit 9 inches below that same headrail reference. The raised shade would extend 3 inches over the glass: 9 minus 6 equals 3.
Those are hypothetical numbers, not a LuxDrape specification or an installation recommendation. The example explains the relationship. Your result depends on the actual shade, its confirmed measurement definition and a suitable mounting position.
If the supplier cannot confirm the reference points, pause the calculation and ask for clarification. A precise-looking answer based on two different definitions is not a reliable fit check.
Inside Mount and Outside Mount Have Different Tradeoffs
Inside Mount
An inside-mounted shade keeps the treatment within the opening and can leave more trim visible. The raised fabric remains within or in front of the upper opening, depending on the selected construction. On a short window, that upper band may be especially noticeable.
Check the mounting depth separately. The current Florence Linen Roman Shade listing specifies more than 3 inches of clear, flat depth for its inside-mount configuration. It also lists an approximate raised stack of 7–10 inches, varying with style and size. Treat that as an initial planning range for that product, then confirm the selected configuration and what the figure includes.
Outside Mount
An outside mount can place some of the raised assembly above the glass if the wall or trim provides a suitable mounting area. It does not automatically mean all the glass will be exposed. Check the available space above the opening, bracket positions, trim and ceiling conditions together.
Raising the proposed headrail also changes the required coverage height. Measure again from the final position to the intended bottom endpoint. Follow the shade measurement support guide rather than adding a generic stack allowance to an old order height. A standard coverage allowance is not a promise that the raised stack will clear the glass.
Confirm the Shade You Actually Plan to Order
Ask about the chosen style, finished height, material, lining and lift system together. These are the details the supplier needs to identify the relevant construction. A dimension from another fabric family, a different fold style or an unrelated manufacturer's chart may not describe your order.
Also separate the closed position from the raised position. A photograph of a lowered shade does not show its final stack. A fully raised photo without dimensions can help you judge appearance, but it cannot establish the remaining glass on your window.
For several windows, label each opening. Similar-looking windows may have different heights or different space above the trim. Use the Roman shade measuring guide for the basic measurement sequence, then add the raised-position check to your notes.
Preview the Raised View Before Committing
Once the relevant dimension is confirmed, use a removable paper strip on the room-side wall or trim to picture the lowest raised edge. Keep it clear of operating window parts and do not treat the paper as a bracket template. This is a visual exercise, not a test of mounting strength or installation clearance.
Look from the chair, sofa or work surface you use most. Consider whether the upper fabric band interrupts an important view and whether the proposed treatment still feels balanced. A rough full-window photo with the planned edge marked can make a design conversation much clearer.
Then consider daily operation. With a manual cordless shade, the lower rail must remain reachable where you intend to use it. The cordless versus motorized Roman shade guide covers that separate decision. Motorization does not, by itself, guarantee a smaller stack or a different mounting requirement.
Send These Details Before Ordering
- Identify the product: include the style, fabric, lining and control option you are considering.
- Show the full opening: include the glass, trim, wall above and nearby ceiling.
- Record the proposed position: mark the headrail reference and the top of the glass separately.
- Request the raised dimension: ask what it includes and where the lowest raised edge will sit.
- Review the order height: confirm coverage from the final mounting position to the intended bottom endpoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an outside-mounted Roman shade expose the entire window?
Only if the confirmed raised assembly and suitable mounting position allow it. Available wall space, hardware and the selected construction all need checking.
Can I use a stack-height chart from another brand?
Use it to understand the concept, not to size a LuxDrape order. Confirm the dimensions and measurement references for the actual product.
Should I order a shorter shade to reduce the stack?
Do not shorten the coverage height on that assumption. The shade still needs to cover the intended area when lowered. Ask the supplier about the selected construction before changing the order dimensions.