You’ve picked the perfect fabric for your Roman shades. The color matches your sofa perfectly, and the texture is divine. You install them, excitedly pull the cord to raise them for the first time to let the sunshine in, and… wait.
Why is a quarter of your window still covered by bunching fabric?
Welcome to the world of Stack Back Height. It’s the single most overlooked measurement in window design, and failing to account for it can mean sacrificing sunlight, obstructing your view, and cluttering your aesthetic.
Here is your complete guide to understanding what stack back is and how different window treatments—from elegant Roman shades to minimalist rollers—handle the "stack."
What Exactly is Stack Back Height?
Simply put, stack back height (sometimes just called "stacking") is the vertical amount of space your window treatment occupies when it is fully raised or opened to its maximum extent.
Imagine folding a blanket. No matter how neatly you fold it, it still has thickness. Window shades work the same way. When you pull them up, that material has to go somewhere. The more material there is, and the thicker it is, the taller that final pile at the top of your window will be.
Why Does it Matter?
It might seem like a minor detail, but the stack back can drastically change the function and look of a room.
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Maximizing Natural Light: If you have smaller windows, a tall stack back can permanently block the top 20% of your natural light, making a room feel dimmer even on a sunny day.
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Preserving the View: If you have a stunning view outside, you want to see it. A bulky stack sits right at eye level for taller folks, obscuring the vista you paid for.
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Architectural Details: Do you have beautiful crown molding or decorative trim around your windows? An inside-mounted shade with a large stack will hide that beautiful woodwork entirely.
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Functionality: For doors (like French doors or sliding patios), a low-hanging stack can physically block the door from opening or get snagged as people walk through.
The Comparison: How Different Shades "Stack Up"
Not all window treatments are created equal when it comes to stacking. Some are practically invisible when raised, while others make their presence known.
1. Roman Shades: The Luxurious "Space Hog"
Roman shades are beloved for their soft, drapery-like appearance. They add softness and elegance to a room.
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The Mechanism: As they raise, the fabric folds over itself in layers.
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The Stack: Because you are stacking multiple layers of potentially thick fabric (plus lining and blackout layers), Roman shades have one of the largest stack heights.
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The Reality: On a tall window, a Roman shade stack can easily take up 6 to 18 inches of vertical space at the top of your window.
2. Roller Shades: The Minimalist Hero
If your goal is a clean, modern look with maximum view, the roller shade is your best friend.
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The Mechanism: The fabric wraps neatly around a tube at the top of the window.
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The Stack: Because the fabric is usually thin and rolls tight, the "stack" is essentially just the diameter of the roller tube—usually between 2 to 4 inches.
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The Reality: Roller shades offer the smallest stack back height, virtually disappearing when raised.
3. Blinds (Wood, Faux Wood, and Aluminum)
Venetian-style blinds with horizontal slats are a classic choice, but their stack height varies wildly based on the material.
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The Mechanism: The slats gather together at the top, resting one on top of the other.
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The Stack:
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2-inch Wood or Faux Wood: These are thick. For every foot of window height, you add significant stacking bulk. A standard window can easily have an 6-10 inch stack.
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Aluminum Mini-Blinds: The slats are paper-thin. While they still stack, the final pile is much shorter than wood blinds.
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The Reality: The taller the window, the heavier and bulkier the blind stack becomes.
4. Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades: The Compact Surprise
Cellular shades are famous for their energy efficiency, but they are also unsung heroes of low-profile design.
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The Mechanism: The honeycomb structure compresses like an accordion.
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The Stack: Even very tall cellular shades compress down into an incredibly tight, thin stack, often rivalling roller shades for minimalism.
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The Reality: An excellent choice if you need insulation but don't want to sacrifice your view.
How to Fix the "Stack Problem"
If you love the look of Roman shades but hate the idea of losing light, don't worry. Designers have tricks to mitigate the stack effect.
The Golden Rule: The Outside Mount
The easiest way to handle stack back is to change how you mount the shade.
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Inside Mount (The Problem): The shade is hung inside the window frame. When raised, the stack sits in front of the glass.
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Outside Mount (The Solution): Mount the shade on the wall above the window frame. You install it high enough so that when the shade is fully raised, the entire stack rests on the wall space above the window, leaving the glass completely clear. This also makes your windows look taller and grander!
Final Thoughts
When shopping for window treatments, don't just look at the fabric swatches. Ask yourself: How much view am I willing to sacrifice?
If you want the soft luxury of a Roman shade, plan for an outside mount or accept some light blockage. If the view is paramount, lean toward roller or cellular shades. By considering the "stack back" before you buy, you ensure your new window treatments look just as good up as they do down.
