Top-down bottom-up blackout shades: how dark do they get?
By Jason Meinzer · Updated · Deals checked Oct 2, 2026
We earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. Your price is the same. How we pick →
Very dark, but not pitch black: the fabric blocks light, but some leaks in at the sides and where the two rails meet. Side channels, an outside mount or a double-cell fabric reduce the gaps.
Quick picks
Blindsgalore
- 30 products on its top-down bottom-up page: cellular, Roman, woven wood, pleated
- Free samples and free shipping
- Cordless and motorized options
Watch out: 30-day exchange, not a refund
From $49.10 · smallest size, sale price · checked Sep 30, 2026
See price at Blindsgalore →SelectBlinds
- 23 top-down bottom-up styles, 18 of them cellular
- Many cordless options
- Free samples, free shipping, 3-year limited warranty
Watch out: Trustpilot 3.4; reviewers complain about support
Check price at the store
See price at SelectBlinds →Blinds.com
- Large range: cellular, pleated, Roman, woven wood
- Free samples and free shipping
- SureFit guarantee and 100% satisfaction guarantee
Watch out: Owned by The Home Depot
Check price at the store
See price at Blinds.com →Where light gets in, and the fix
| Gap | Why | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Sides | Inside-mounted shades leave a small gap | Outside mount, or side channels where offered |
| Middle rail | The two rails meet in the middle | Close both rails fully at night |
| Top | Small gap under the headrail | Outside mount above the frame |
| Through the fabric | Light-filtering fabric | Choose blackout, ideally double-cell |
Prices we checked
| Store | Product | From | Price basis | Checked | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blindsgalore | Classic cordless blackout cellular shade Listed on the store's top-down bottom-up page | $49.10 (was $98.19) | smallest size, sale price | See price → | |
| Home Depot | Blinds.com Luxury blackout cellular shade | $73.49 (was $97.98) | starting price, sale | See price → | |
| SelectBlinds | Top-down bottom-up shades Price not readable on our check; see store | Check price | — | Check price → | |
| Blinds.com | Top-down bottom-up shades Price not readable on our check; see store | Check price | — | Check price → |
Compare the stores
| Store | Best for | Top-down styles | Cordless / motorized | Samples | Guarantee / returns | Reviews | Owner | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blindsgalore | Custom sizes, best overall value | 30 (cellular, Roman, woven wood, pleated) | Yes / Yes | Free (up to 10) | 30-day exchange on custom items | Trustpilot 4.5 (473 reviews) | Independent | See price → |
| SelectBlinds | Many cordless styles | 23 (mostly cellular; 2 Roman) | Yes / Yes | Free (up to 15) | Measuring protection guarantee, 3-year limited warranty | Trustpilot 3.4 (4,749 reviews) | Independent (Hunter Douglas reportedly holds a stake) | See price → |
| Blinds.com | Widest range, fit guarantee | Large (cellular, pleated, Roman, woven wood) | Yes / Yes | Free | SureFit guarantee, 100% satisfaction guarantee | Trustpilot 4.3 (3,425 reviews) | The Home Depot | See price → |
Blinds.com is owned by The Home Depot.
From the Blindsgalore product feed
Photos and prices from the store's product feed, checked Oct 2, 2026.
BlindsgaloreCordless Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades$85.71 in the store's feed, Oct 2, 2026; sale prices may be lowerCheck price at Blindsgalore →
BlindsgaloreBlindsgalore Cordless Top Down Bottom Up Woven Shades$318.54 in the store's feed, Oct 2, 2026; sale prices may be lowerCheck price at Blindsgalore →
BlindsgaloreLevolor Light Filtering Cellular Shades$150.10 in the store's feed, Oct 2, 2026; sale prices may be lowerCheck price at Blindsgalore →
BlindsgaloreBlindsgalore Harmony Motorized Cellular Shades$357.64 in the store's feed, Oct 2, 2026; sale prices may be lowerCheck price at Blindsgalore →Order free samples first
Fabric looks different at home. Three of the four stores send free samples.
Questions people ask
- 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.