Available for most roman shades, and all pleated shade, woven wood, and cellular shade fabrics, the top down / bottom up feature (TD/BU) is one of the most versatile hardware options for window coverings. This feature allows the user to virtually stack the shade fabric in any horizontal position along the length of the window opening. By lowering the bottom rail to rest on the sill, the fabric covers the entire window for complete privacy or room darkening. Lower the mid-rail to any position along the length of the window to allow light to enter into the room from the top of the shade while still providing privacy below from the outside. Continue to lower the mid-rail to allow further light into the space. Except for the thin visible cords down the middle connecting to the mid-rail, you hardly notice that there is anything holding up these shades.
TD/BU shades are ideal for kitchen nooks, dining rooms, bedrooms, French doors, or interior offices. Child safety can still be addressed using clutch lift systems and / or cord retainers.
- Product and pleat sizes vary
- Drapery fabrics can be used in many roman shade systems with this feature.
- Patterns, textures, and colors are limitless
- TD/BU cord operated head rails can be operated on windows in the range 72 wide and 96 long (roman shades and woven woods would be considerably less due to weight of fabrics)
- TD/BU clutch operated systems can be operated on windows in the range of 174 wide x 192 long (once again, roman shades and woven woods would be considerably less due to weight of fabrics)
- Can be split into multiple blinds on one head-rail for individual operation over patio doors
- Products available with safety tassels and cord retainers for child safety
- Energy efficiency varies product to product
- Warranty Limited Lifetime available on some products
- Minimal stacking space is required
- Room darkening performance varies from product to product
