What are top-down bottom-up shades?
By Jason Meinzer · Updated · Deals checked Oct 2, 2026
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Top-down bottom-up shades are window shades you can lower from the top as well as raise from the bottom. Lower them from the top and daylight comes in above eye level while the lower part of the window stays covered.
How do they work?
| Position | What you get |
|---|---|
| Closed | Full privacy; light depends on the fabric |
| Raised from the bottom (normal) | Full view, no privacy at eye level |
| Lowered from the top | Sky and daylight above, privacy below |
| Split (both rails moved) | A band of fabric in the middle, open top and bottom |
What are the parts?
- A headrail fixed at the top of the window.
- A middle rail you pull down to open the top.
- A bottom rail you push up to open the bottom.
- Fabric between the rails: most often cellular (honeycomb), also Roman, pleated or woven wood.
What else are they called?
Top down bottom up blinds, TDBU shades, top-down shades, and sometimes "upside down blinds". They are the same product. See top down vs bottom up for the difference between the names.
Who are they for?
- Street-facing bedrooms and living rooms.
- Bathrooms and ground-floor rooms.
- Anyone who wants daylight without closing out the view of the sky.
Shopping already? See the best picks → or browsetop-down bottom-up shades at Blindsgalore.
Questions people ask
- 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.