Understanding Top Down, Bottom Up Blinds And Shades
Installing window coverings that can be lowered from the top or raised from the bottom can open a whole new world of privacy and light control.
The Top Down, Bottom Up Difference Conventionally installed blinds and shades typically cover the top part of a window, while allowing the bottom part to be lifted and uncovered. Since windows usually open from the bottom, ventilation and light enter at the same place. Most of the time this works, but what if you want light in the room while also having privacy? A top down, bottom up installation (TDBU) is the perfect solution. The top down, bottom up method allows you to have the blind or shade covers just the middle part of your window, so you have the benefit of air from the bottom and light from the top. This type of installation has a very contemporary look about it regardless of the type of shade or blind you use.
TDBU installation also works in a bathroom where you have the top of a double hung window open to let steam and moisture escape while ensuring privacy in the lower half. In air-conditioned rooms where you keep the windows shut all the time, you have the option of installing a translucent or sheer product that can be raised or lowered to let natural light in.
Selecting And Measuring For TDBU Products This flexible window covering is available in many styles including honeycomb shades, pleated shades, Roman shades, woven wood shades, and even horizontal blinds. Among manufacturers who sell them, the products are available in either the corded or cordless type to make them safe for children and pets. Not every window product is available in TDBU styling, which may be a costly upgrade on most styles. How do you measure for top down, bottom up products? Like many other shades, you can purchase them for inside or outside mount. For inside mount, enter the exact window dimensions with no deductions. The factory will make any adjustments. For outside mount, you simply indicate the size that you want. You just measure the window and add 3 inches to the width and height for horizontal blinds.
How Do You Install TDBU Shades? Like any blind or shade, a TDBU style has a head rail that attaches to brackets. To install, you simply install brackets either inside or outside the window, depending on the method you have chosen, to hold the top in place. On corded shades, there are two separate cords on opposite sides of the shade; the lift cord is on one side and the topdown cord on the other. For a safer blind, you can select a cordless style or even a motorized model.
Top down, bottom up shades offer a great alternative to traditional blinds and shades in a room where you want to manage light and privacy as well as to have an attractive window treatment. Jill Smith is a writer with a vast array of subject matter expertise. Along with publishing articles for large and small businesses, she researches, writes and publishes reports on various public policy issues.
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