Top Down Bottom Up Shades Add Style
You may not think you know what Top Down Bottom Up Shades are, but chances are you have seen them in action and thought they were a convenient window covering. Most of us have at one time or another needed a shade for a window in our home or office. Whether blocking the sun, adding style, or dressing in privacy, we added a shade or covering. We likely saw shades that rolled or folded from bottom to top. When at the bottom, the sun is blocked, we can admire the style, and can move freely through the bedroom in our skivvies or less. When rolled or folded to the top, we can see the world, or at least the back yard.
That is great, but what if there was a shade that could achieve all these functions but could do one or more of them simultaneously? What if we could have the option to choose up, down, or in-between? We might prefer a shade that offers the ability to block the sun, enjoy our favorite color and style, provide privacy, and enjoy the view without having to fully commit to just one position.
Top-down, bottom-up shades do just that. They are Cellular shades, often referred to as honeycomb shades, and they can be raised from the bottom and lowered from the top of the shade effortlessly. Fabric Roman Shades can also function well as top-down, bottom-up shades.
The Convenience of Top Down Bottom Up Shades
Think about it, it is 6:30 a.m. and your window is south facing. The morning sun is bright and annoying, and you want to treat yourself to an 8:00 a.m. alarm. If you had the upper portion of the shade closed, as well as the lower portion, you would likely keep snoozing. When you wake, lower the top portion to enjoy the view and the sunshine but keep the lower portion in place while getting dressed in privacy. Once dressed, you can raise the lower portion of the shade by simply raising the lower portion and even open the window to let in some fresh air. The middle portion of the shade remains stylishly on display while you enjoy the sun and the fresh air while maintaining partial privacy and style as it suits you.
Later in the day, around 3:00 p.m., that southern facing window is barraged by the sun. Time to push up the top portion of the shade to help keep things cool inside, and maybe even close the lower portion a bit or all the way. After the sun rays darken a bit, reopen partly or fully, and enjoy the evening light.
Top-down, bottom-up shades come in a wide variety of colors and have several operational options. They can be cordless or be corded to independently raise and lower the upper and lower portions of the shade. Cordless window shades also provide greater safety in homes with small children or pets.
Another SMART option to consider for your home is a top-down, bottom-up shade that is fully motorized. Motorization enables adjustments throughout the day, simple and effortless, and provides a convenient solution for those high, out-of-reach windows. Privacy may not be a priority for those high windows in the foyer or balcony, but the strong light of the afternoon sun can damage furnishings and make a space uncomfortable during the warmest part of the day.
The top-Down, bottom-up shades have optional matching valances, or can be covered at the top by a stylish fabric valance. Another popular top-cover option is a wood or fabric covered cornice to add drama and enhance style in any room. Drapery panels also offer a stylish and dramatic addition to the top-down, bottom-up shade solution. Valances and drapery panels can improve the light blocking features of the top-down, bottom-up shade by shrouding the edges of the shade, and enhance the style. Decorative options are numerous, limited only by one’s imagination. The best part is that the unique and versatile function of the top-down, bottom-up shade remains amidst all this décor.
Get to Know Us
Made in the Shade of Northern Virginia provides in home appointments that allow you to look at all the available options for your window treatments. Cellular shades and Roman Shades are just two of our popular options that provide a broad array of fabrics and colors to create a custom look for your home or office space. Get inspired by ideas on our Pinterest!
