I typically don't use a valance or cassette. They simply mount under the window header since there is room within the 6'' depth of the wall framing. Sometimes we mount them on the face of the window header and let them run past 3 or 4 inches which also works fairly well. They roll down with the shade being closest to the glass.

Thanks for the prompt reply. I don't have 6" - My sliding doors have a frame around them that is 3" deep - so I can do an inside mount there. Some of the other windows and sliding doors don't have that 3" depth in the frame - so I have to do an outside mount above the casing or on the casing itself.

For the sake of uniformity in the space I have to go with outside mounts and I'm not going to have valances - so I'm planning on installing the shades so that when they roll down they roll farther from the glass but hide the roll up there. I might also install them close to the top of my 8' ceiling. I might have some leakage of light on the sides due to the gap created by the way the shades are hung away from the glass but its ok I think. What do you think of installing them high up closer to the ceiling? Thanks for your time.

They don't necessarily have to fit the opening exactly. Overlap on the right, left and even above is fine if it accomplishes the task. That's why I like roller shades because they have a little flexibility and it's further insurance for you in case a neighbor decides to have a bright light installed.

Thank you very much.

Who is photographing your work? I would love to photograph your projects! Tim Krueger