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Updated
Short answers, grouped by topic. Each topic links to the full guide.
The basics
- What are top-down bottom-up shades?
- Window shades with two moving rails instead of one. Raise the bottom like a normal shade, or lower the top so daylight comes in up high while the lower window stays covered. The shade can also sit anywhere in the middle. More in what they are.
- What else are they called?
- TDBU shades, top-down shades, up-down shades and upside down blinds. Stores also say "blinds" for what are really fabric shades. They all mean a shade you can open from the top. See top down vs bottom up.
- How do they work?
- One headrail holds two rails that move on their own: a middle rail that lowers from the top and a bottom rail that raises from below. Cordless shades move by hand, corded ones have a cord for each rail, and motorized ones use a remote or app.
- Which shade styles come with the top-down option?
- Mostly cellular (honeycomb) shades, where it is offered on most collections. Many stores also offer it on pleated, Roman and woven wood shades, but not on every line, so pick the top-down bottom-up lift when you customize. See cellular and Roman.
- Which rooms are they best for?
- Bathrooms and bedrooms, where you want daylight without being seen, plus ground-floor and street-facing rooms or windows close to the neighbors. See bathroom shades.
- Do they come in blackout fabric?
- Yes, most often as blackout cellular shades. Expect thin light gaps at the edges of an inside mount. See blackout shades.
- Can I get them without cords?
- Yes. Cordless versions are common: you move the top and bottom rails by hand using small handles. They are the safer choice around children and pets. See cordless.
- Can they be motorized?
- Yes, at most online stores, for an extra cost. Check that both rails move on their own: some motorized shades only move one rail.
- Are they custom made?
- From online stores, yes: they are made to your window measurements, for an inside or outside mount, so the rails fit snugly. Home Depot also sells some stock sizes you can take home the same day. See how to measure and install.
- Do top-down bottom-up shades cost more?
- Yes. They usually cost more than the same shade without the top-down option, because of the extra rail and lift parts. Our prices page lists dated starting prices at five stores.
- How do I clean them?
- The same way as a normal shade: dust them with a vacuum brush attachment on low suction or a feather duster, and spot-clean marks with a damp cloth and mild soap. Never soak cellular fabric, and follow the care label from the store.
- Where can I buy them?
- Online specialists such as Blindsgalore, Blinds Express, SelectBlinds and Blinds.com make them to your window size. Home Depot also sells stock sizes you can pick up in store. See where to buy.
What they are
- How do you open a top-down bottom-up shade?
- On a cordless shade, pull the middle rail down to open the top, or push the bottom rail up to open the bottom. Corded shades have one cord for each rail.
- Can you get them motorized?
- Yes, at most online stores. It costs more but is handy for tall windows. Some motorized shades move only one rail, so check the listing.
- Are top-down bottom-up shades the same as blinds?
- Close enough for shopping. Strictly, blinds have slats and shades are fabric. Most top-down bottom-up products are fabric shades, but stores and shoppers use both words.
- Can any shade open from the top?
- No. The top-down option has to be ordered with the shade. It is common on cellular shades and less common on Roman and woven wood shades.
- Do they cost more?
- Usually yes, because of the extra rail. See our dated price checks.
Worth it?
- Do top-down bottom-up shades break more often?
- They have more parts than a standard shade, so there is more that can wear. Check the warranty before you buy; it differs by store.
- Are they worth it for a rental?
- Usually not unless privacy is a daily problem. Cheaper stock sizes from a big-box store can be a reasonable middle ground.
- Can I add the top-down feature later?
- No. It is built into the shade, so decide when you order.
Top down vs bottom up
- Is a "top down shade" the same as a top-down bottom-up shade?
- Usually yes. Stores mostly sell the combined version, and shoppers shorten the name.
- Does a top-down shade let in less light?
- With the top open, light comes in above eye level. Total light depends on how far you lower it and on the fabric.
- Which is more expensive?
- Top-down bottom-up costs more than a standard shade. See dated prices.
- Can I turn my normal shade into a top-down one?
- No. The top-down rail is built in when the shade is made, so you would need a new shade.
Privacy and light
- Can people see through light-filtering shades at night?
- They won't see detail, but shapes can show when a room is lit and it is dark outside. Blackout fabric stops that.
- What lets light in but keeps privacy in a bathroom?
- A top-down bottom-up shade in a moisture-tolerant fabric. See bathroom shades.
- Is window film better?
- Film is cheap and always private, but you can never open it for the view or fresh air.
Best picks
- What is the best brand of top-down bottom-up shades?
- There isn't one best brand. Stores sell their own lines plus brands like Levolor and Bali. Pick the store that fits your size, budget and timing, then compare fabrics with free samples.
- Did you test these shades?
- No. We compare specs, prices, policies and published reviews. See how we pick.
- Is Home Depot cheaper?
- Sometimes for stock sizes. For custom sizes, compare the dated prices on our cost page.
- Why do you link to stores that don't pay you?
- Because they fit some buyers best. Some of our links earn a commission and some don't; the order is set by fit, not pay.
Prices
- How much does a top-down bottom-up shade cost for a 36 x 60 window?
- It depends on store, fabric and current sales. Enter the size on the store page for an exact price; our table shows dated starting prices to compare.
- Why do prices change so often?
- These stores run sales most weeks. That is why every price here shows the date we checked it.
- Is the cheapest store the best?
- Not always. Check returns, warranty and samples. See best picks.
Where to buy
- Does Amazon sell top-down bottom-up shades?
- Yes, mostly stock sizes from third-party sellers. Custom sizes and clear returns are easier at the stores above.
- Does Lowe's sell them?
- Yes, including stock sizes. We don't list Lowe's yet; we may add it later.
- Which store has free samples?
- Blindsgalore, SelectBlinds and Blinds.com all offer free samples.
Home Depot
- Does Home Depot sell Blinds.com shades?
- Yes. Our check found Blinds.com-brand cellular shades in Home Depot's top-down bottom-up category.
- Is Blinds.com part of Home Depot?
- Yes. Blinds.com is owned by The Home Depot.
- Can I return custom shades to Home Depot?
- Return rules for custom products differ from stock items. Check the product page before ordering.
Cellular
- Are cellular shades good insulation?
- The air pockets add insulation compared with a flat fabric. Double-cell adds more.
- Single or double cell for top-down bottom-up?
- Single cell costs less and is fine for most rooms. Double cell blocks more light and adds insulation.
- Are honeycomb and cellular shades the same?
- Yes. They are two names for the same shade.
Roman
- Can Roman shades be top-down bottom-up?
- Some can. It depends on the store and the fabric line, so check the options on the product page.
- Are top-down bottom-up Roman shades blackout?
- Some lines offer a room-darkening or blackout lining. Light can still leak at the sides.
- Woven wood instead?
- Woven wood (bamboo) gives a similar natural look and some lines come top-down bottom-up.
Cordless
- How do you open a cordless top-down shade?
- Pull the middle rail down to open the top; push the bottom rail up to open the bottom. They stay where you leave them.
- Are cordless shades safe for a nursery?
- They remove hanging cords, the main hazard. Keep cribs away from windows anyway.
- Do cordless shades cost more?
- Sometimes a little. Many cellular shades are now sold cordless as the standard lift; check the options on the product page.
Blackout
- Are blackout cellular shades really blackout?
- The fabric is. The shade as installed lets a little light in at the edges.
- Blackout or room-darkening?
- Stores use both terms. Blackout usually blocks more light through the fabric; check the store's description.
- Can I use top-down mode at night?
- Only if you don't mind light at the top. For sleep, close both rails.
Bathroom
- Are cellular shades OK in a bathroom?
- In a ventilated bathroom, usually yes. Check the store's guidance for humid rooms and keep them away from direct water.
- What is the most private bathroom window covering?
- A top-down bottom-up shade with the top open gives privacy at eye level plus daylight.
- Should I choose blackout for a bathroom?
- Rarely. Light-filtering keeps the room bright and still private.
Measure & install
- Can I install top-down bottom-up shades myself?
- Yes. Most shades sold online are made for DIY install. Blindsgalore says 99% of its customers measure and install their own window coverings.
- Is a top-down bottom-up shade harder to install than a normal one?
- No. It uses the same brackets and headrail. The extra rail is built into the shade.
- Do I have to drill?
- Usually, for a few small screw holes. No-drill tension-fit shades exist for inside mounts if you can't or don't want to drill.
- What if I measure wrong?
- Call the store as soon as you notice, before the shade is made if you can. Policies differ, so read the store's measuring-mistake or remake policy before you order.
