Top-Down Bottom-Up Window Coverings Are BACK!
But They Aren’t All Created Equal
Learn what the differences are and what to look for when getting quotes.
Top-down bottom-up shades offer privacy where you really need it. The feature has been one of the most popular options for window coverings, but it went away for a while. We are so happy that this function is back on cellular & honeycomb shades in Canada!
Why did Top-Down Bottom-Up Shades Disappear?
When Health Canada made changes to the Corded Window Covering Regulations in 2021, it affected a lot of window treatments. All exposed cords over 8” long were banned, and this not only affected operational cords, but also auxiliary cords such as the ones that hold up the top rail of a top-down bottom-up cellular shades. Those exposed cords were considered a strangulation hazard and manufacturers had to go back to the drawing board to come up with a way to operate the shades from both the top and the bottom, while complying with the new Regulations. During that time there were a few solutions that worked ok, but not great.
Top-Down Bottom-Up Shades are Back!
We are excited to share that there is a solution back on the Canadian market that functions beautifully, is aesthetically pleasing, and doesn’t break the bank! Top-down bottom-up cellular shades are once again available in Canada. But be aware, they aren’t all created equally. Although we do have a few options available, the one we will recommend in most situations is the new option from Norman Window Fashions. Using new ribbon technology to support the upper rail, these cordless cellular shades boast the smoothest operation and are very easy to raise and lower.
Not all Top-Down Bottom-Up Shades are Created Equal!
As mentioned, there were some early solutions to the top-down bottom-up feature that weren’t the greatest. And they are still on the market. So how do you know what to look for? First of all, make sure you can see a working display model and try it out for yourself. Some products require side channels to get around having exposed cords to suspend the top rail. If a product needs side channels, that means they will have to be mounted to your window, so keep in mind that those channels will always be visible. Consider the colour, size and material of the channels and how that will look. Test the display/sample to make sure that the shade slides smoothly up and down, and that the rails don’t get stuck. Also consider that he sample might work nicely in a showroom, but if your windows are not plumb or out of square, or if the shade isn’t installed correctly, it can affect the way the shade operates. Other manufacturers have come out with top-down bottom-shades that use a similar system to the ribbon technology, however the exposed “tape” or “cords” are much bulkier which defeats the purpose of an unobstructed view! We have also found that they do not operate as nicely. In fact, with this system the bottom rail will not stay down when the top rail is adjusted. Which means you have to hold the bottom rail down with one hand and move the top rail with the other hand - which is impossible to do on a larger shade. You will also find that these shades do not stay level, so you are always having to adjust the rails.
What are the Limitations?
Some other things to consider when purchasing top-down bottom-up cellular shades are are whether they come in single or double cell construction, what are the maximum (and minimum) sizes available, what opacities they come in, and what operating systems? To make it easy, we suggest you call the experts at Relish for a free consultation.
There is a lot to consider when investing in window treatments and it’s hard to know how much to invest. That’s why we created this free window treatment pricing guide. It’s a free download with TONNES of info that you can use, and price comparisons of all different types of window treatments.