When you've worked in one industry for years on end, the jargon becomes second nature. Your workplace probably has a bunch of words and phrases that would make us scratch our heads, and vis versa!

In the world of window blinds, you may have heard the term 'top-down bottom-up' being thrown around; if you're a little confused, don't worry – we're here to help. Our team of experts are here to break down exactly what top-down bottom-up shades are, and how they can benefit your home.

Table of Contents

• What are top-down bottom-up shades?
• How do they work?
• Material types and special features
• Customizations
• Is there such a thing as a cordless top-down bottom-up shade?
• When should you use top-down bottom-up shades?
• Top-down bottom-up installation guidelines
• Where to buy the best custom top-down bottom-up shades?

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Understanding Top-Down Bottom-Up Shades

Believe it or not, top-down bottom-up shades (or TDBU shades for short) are exactly what they sound like – shades that can be lowered from the top of the window frame, or raised from the bottom. Gone are the days of having to choose between one or the other; with TDBU shades, you can have the best of both worlds.

The main benefit of TDBU shades is that they give you complete light control in every room. Whether you want a little bit of sunlight peeking through, or you want to block it out completely, TDBU shades can be adjusted to suit your needs.

You can find TDBU shades in a variety of styles, from traditional cellular shades that filter out the light to basic pleated shades to elegant roman shades.

How do they work?

Top-down bottom-up shades work almost identically to other corded window coverings, the key difference being that TDBU shades have different cords that are attached to two different rails.

(Note: A “rail” is the horizontal bar that you attach to the top of your window. It holds the window treatment up.)

One rail is the mounting rail, the same as any other window treatment. Said rail has its own cord; when you pull on that cord, it raises the bottom portion of the shade. This is the “bottom-up” portion of the treatment.

The second rail is the floating rail, which has another cord that controls it. When you pull that cord, the floating rail detaches itself from the mounting rail and lowers the top of the shade. This is the “top-down” portion of the treatment.

Choosing the Right Style

Each style has important considerations:

Material types and special features

As with any window treatment style, you'll need to decide on the type of material you want for your top-down bottom-up shades. Doing so helps you determine the functionality, appearance, and durability of the shade. Let's explore a few of the most popular.

Fabric

Need a lightweight and energy-efficient window treatment for living rooms and dining areas? Look no further than fabric shades. Available in a variety of colours and textures, you can customize the look to match your décor. Natural fabrics such as linen or bamboo are also great options for those looking for an eco-friendly option.

Wood

For a natural appearance, insulation properties, and soundproofing, wood shades are a great choice. They can also be stained or painted to match your existing furniture and décor. Best for bedrooms and study areas, these shades are both stylish and practical.

Faux wood

For a budget-friendly alternative to wood shades, faux wood is the way to go. Made from PVC or polyvinyl chloride, faux wood blinds look almost identical to real wood but without the hefty price tag. They can also be wiped clean with ease and are more resistant to moisture than real wood.

Cellular

If you're looking for excellent insulation and noise reduction properties, cellular shades are a great choice. They're made from two layers of fabric that form small pockets of air when the shade is lowered, acting as an effective barrier against heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

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Woven Wood

Due to its unique, organic appearance and natural textures, woven wood shades are a great choice for creating an earthy atmosphere in any room. As they're made from materials like bamboo or jute, they're also very eco-friendly and work best for sunrooms or outdoor areas.

Customizations

Choose from solids or prints, light-filtering materials or blackout liners for added insulation and privacy. You can also add decorative tape or trims for a tailored finish.

To decide on mounting options, consider whether you would like an inside mount (which attaches directly to the window frame) or an outside mount (which hangs along the wall). Both offer their own benefits in terms of functionality and design.

The customization possibilities of your window shades are also endless for the following:

Colours: Choose from a wide range to match any decor.

Patterns: Add texture and interest with different patterns such as stripes, polka dots, or plaids.

Textures: From smooth fabrics to natural materials like bamboo or jute, there are countless textures available for your window shades.

By taking your time to choose the right customization options, you can create window shades that perfectly suit your style and needs.

Compatible with a Multitude of Controls & Functionality

Did you know that TDBU shades are some of the most versatile and multi-functional window treatments available? They can be controlled with a variety of methods, including:

• A standard cord lock: This is the most common type of control for TDBU shades. The cord locks into place when you raise or lower the shade to your desired position.
• A continuous cord loop lift: This is a cord that runs through a series of rings, allowing you to raise and lower the shade with one continuous motion. It's especially handy if you have large windows or multiple shades in a room.
• A motorized lift: Motorized lifts are becoming increasingly popular because they're so convenient. Just push a button to raise or lower the shade! They're also great for hard-to-reach windows.

Features to Consider and Know

By understanding these features, you can make an informed decision to find the perfect blinds that cater to your specific needs for light control, privacy, insulation, and more!

• Insulation properties - evaluate the insulation properties, as materials like cellular blinds and wood provide better thermal performance, contributing to a comfortable room temperature and potential energy savings. Ensure a snug fit between the blind and window frame to optimize insulation.
• Light filtering shades - As the name suggests, these shades filter light rather than block it out entirely. They're made of a semi-opaque fabric, so they're ideal for bedrooms or living rooms where you want some natural light but not too much.
• Blackout shades- Need total darkness in a room? Blackout shades are the way to go. They're made of a thick, opaque fabric that blocks out all light.
• Bamboo shades - Bamboo shades are made of, you guessed it, bamboo! They add a natural element to any room and can be either light-filtering or blackout.
• Solar shades - Solar shades are designed to reflect sunlight away from the window, which helps keep a room cooler in the summer. They're usually made of a mesh fabric so you can still see out, but they block out most of the UV rays that cause sun damage.

Did you know that TDBU shades are some of the most versatile and multi-functional window treatments available? They can be controlled with a variety of methods, including:

• Cordless or motorized operation: Motorized lifts are becoming increasingly popular because they're so convenient. Just push a button to raise or lower the shade! They're also great for hard-to-reach windows.
• A standard cord lock: This is the most common type of control for TDBU shades. The cord locks into place when you raise or lower the shade to your desired position.
• A continuous cord loop lift: This is a cord that runs through a series of rings, allowing you to raise and lower the shade with one continuous motion. It's especially handy if you have large windows or multiple shades in a room.

Is there such a thing as a cordless top-down bottom-up shade?

Our window treatment experts are asked this question a lot. The answer is yes... and no.

There are cordless TDBU shades available, but they're not technically "cordless." Here's why: The shade still has a cord, it's just hidden inside the fabric. So while you can't see it, it's still there.

The usual dangling cords will typically be replaced with tabs that release the top-down portion of the shade. You'll be able to raise and lower the sections by hand, as you normally would a cordless blind or shade.

When should you use top-down bottom-up shades?

What we love most about TDBU shades is their incredible versatility. They can be used in a variety of situations, and aren't limited to any one type of window or space. Here are a few of the most popular instances in which our customers choose TDBU shades:

First-floor rooms and ground-level apartments

Struggling to find a balance between privacy from passersby and letting light into your home? Top-down bottom-up blinds let you keep the bottom half closed, where pedestrians could peer in, and open the top half, letting unfiltered light pour in.

We like:

Features

• Cordless and motorized options available
• Room light filtering fabrics
• A variety of colors, patterns, and textures
• Free light filtering liner included

Uses

• Great for bedrooms, living rooms, and nurseries on the first-floor
• Keeps rooms private, yet bright and cheerful

Rooms that get full morning or afternoon sun

Direct sunlight can be harsh, and too much of it can make a room feel hot and stuffy. But you don't want to block out all the light, either – that would make the space feel small, dark, and depressing.

The solution? TDBU window shades, which let you control exactly how much sunlight enters the room. Open them up halfway to enjoy a soft, filtered light, or keep them closed to block out the sun completely.

We like:

Features

• Solid enough for privacy and light limitation but with a natural, organic look
• Cordless for ease of raising and lowering
• Still lets airflow into the room

Uses

• Perfect for living rooms, sunrooms, and home offices that get a lot of sunlight
• Also great for kitchens to help control temperature and prevent fading of countertops and cabinets

Bathroom windows

Bathrooms are another space where privacy is key. No one wants to be on full display while they're in the shower or getting ready for the day.

Top-down bottom-up shades give you the privacy you need, while still letting in natural light and ventilation. And since they're available in moisture-resistant fabrics, you don't have to worry about them warping or mildewing over time.

We like:

Features

• Single cell makes the shade easy to pull down and push up
• Light filtering fabric still lets in a soft, natural light
• Single cell zebra shades make it easy to control light and privacy

Uses

• Bathrooms, of course!
• Also great for laundry rooms and mudrooms

Regardless of where you decide to use them, top-down bottom-up shades are a versatile and stylish solution for any window.

Top-Down Bottom-Up Installation Guidelines

Are you ready to install your new top-down bottom-up shades? Follow these simple guidelines and you'll be enjoying your new window treatments in no time!

1. Before you begin, gather all of the tools and materials you'll need: a measuring tape, a level, a drill, screws, brackets, and your shades.
2. Determine whether you want to install inside-mount or outside-mount shades. The main difference here is aesthetics; outside-mount shades will extend past the window frame, while inside-mount shades will be flush with the frame for a more custom look. Outside mounting allows for better light and privacy control.
3. Next, measure your windows. For inside mount shades, be sure to measure your window frame depth to make sure the shades will fit the brackets. Check that the window is square by measuring diagonally from corner to corner; if it isn't square, you're best to use outside mount shades.
4. Once you've ordered the shades in the right size and they have arrived ready to install, you should have no issues putting them up! Note that TDBU shades have pleats hanging from the headrail (called a 'bumper' where the headrail meets the floating rail. Ensure this doesn't get trapped by the bracket.
5. Cleats are small plastic pieces that come with the hardware. Use these to tie up the cords when not in use – this will help keep small children and pets safe from strangulation hazards.

Top-down bottom-up shades are a versatile window treatment option, perfect for homes with young children or pets. By following these simple guidelines, you can install your new shades with ease!

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Where to Buy the Best Custom Top-Down Bottom-Up Shades?

It's easy to customize and improve the look and feel of your home by decorating it with the best top-down bottom-up shades. But where do you find the best quality custom blinds or shades?

The answer is easy: online! At Factory Direct Blinds, you can find a large selection of blinds for windows and shades that fit any style. With our easy-to-use website, you can find the perfect top-down bottom-up shades for your home in no time.

Plus, we offer free shipping on all orders over $99 here at Factory Direct Blinds – so it's easy to get the best custom TDBU shades without breaking the bank.

Contact us today to get the perfect window treatments for your home.

FAQs

Are top-down bottom-up shades worth it?

Yes, top-down bottom-up shades are worth it as they provide both privacy and light control. The same goes for all types of blinds, shades, and shutters available at Factory Direct Blinds.

What are top-down bottom-up options?

Top-down bottom-up options include faux wood, cellular, and woven wood shades that can be customized with color, pattern, and texture.

How do you measure for top-down bottom-up blinds?

Be sure to measure both the width and height of your window, then add an extra 1-2 inches for an inside mount or 3-4 inches for an outside mount.

Can Venetian blinds be top-down bottom-up?

Similar to bedroom blinds, blackout shades, and faux wood blinds, Venetian blinds can also be made with a pull cord for top-down bottom-up operation.