Types of Top Down Bottom Up Window Shade Solutions

Hunter Douglas shades are proof that a cleverly designed product can make everyday life easier.

Looking for flexible light and privacy? The Top-Down/Bottom-Up control system lowers the window covering from the top and bottom—so light can pour in overhead while the bottom stays covered for privacy at street level. It also works in reverse, rising from the bottom to block a view from below while the top stays open—just close both when full coverage is needed.

At Rebarts Blinds and Shades with locations in Burlingame, Los Alton, San Carlos, and Menlo Park, our expert design team points homeowners to this style when they want privacy, light control, and a very cool window treatment operating system. 

How Top-Down/Bottom-Up Window Shades Work

We customize different types of window shades with various opacities and operating systems from corded and cordless lifts to motorized options, but most still move in a single direction. Top-Down/Bottom-Up shades stand apart because each end moves independently.

Each rail hides a small tensioned spring, like the one that pulls a tape measure back into its case. Pull the shade down, and that spring tightens. Let go, and the spring pushes back with just enough force to match the fabric's weight, so the shade stays exactly where you leave it instead of drifting up or sinking down.

This flexibility makes Top-Down/Bottom-Up window shades a strong fit for bathrooms, bedrooms, and second-floor windows, where privacy from the street or neighboring yards matter most, but blocking daylight entirely isn't always the goal. A bathroom window can stay covered at eye level while sunlight still fills the room from above. In a bedroom facing a busy street, Top-Down/Bottom-Up window shades can protect your privacy after dark without your home losing the morning light.

Types of Window Shades Compatible With Top-Down/Bottom-Up

Hunter Douglas offers this feature in many styles, including:

• Duette® Cellular Shades: a pleated cell structure traps air for insulation while softening light as it enters the room.
• Vignette® Roman Shades: fabric folds create a tailored, layered look and understated elegance.
• Hunter Douglas Woven Shades: Provenance® Woven Wood Shades feature natural materials like bamboo, fibers, and reeds. Alustra® Woven Textures® Roller Shades feature designer natural woven fabrics for a refined finish.

If you think that a Top-Down/Bottom-Up system suits your needs, we can help you select a style, material, and opacity for your space.

These custom-order window treatments can be enhanced with additional features and can accommodate specialty-shaped windows.

Want to See Top-Down/Bottom-Up Window Shades in Action?

The best way to learn about the benefits of Top-Down/Bottom-Up shades is to see them work in person. Visit our showrooms in Burlingame, Los Altos, Menlo Park, and San Carlos or contact us for a consultation.

We serve the Bay Area, including Burlingame, Los Altos, Menlo Park, San Carlos, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Los Gatos, Redwood City, Foster City, San Mateo, Saratoga, Belmont, Woodside, Redwood Shores, Millbrae, Aptos, Atherton, and Stanford, CA.