Most window coverings give you one choice: open or closed. A top-down bottom-up (TDBU) cellular shade gives you something far more powerful — full independent control over both the top and the bottom of your window, simultaneously. In this project, we installed a fully motorized TDBU cellular shade that redefines how homeowners interact with natural light and privacy. How Top-Down Bottom-Up Actually Works Unlike a standard shade that only raises from the bottom, a TDBU shade has two rails — a top rail and a bottom rail — each independently moveable: - Lower the top rail to let soft, natural light pour in from the ceiling down, while the bottom portion of the window remains fully covered for privacy. - Raise the bottom rail to reveal the lower portion of the view or allow airflow while keeping the upper section of the window shaded from direct sun. - Meet in the middle to create a wide, open band of light across the center of the window while maintaining privacy at both the top and bottom edges. This level of control is especially valuable in street-facing rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, and any space where you want light without sacrificing privacy from passers-by or neighbouring properties. Motorized for Effortless Precision Manually adjusting two independent rails on a large window can be fiddly — which is why motorization transforms the TDBU experience entirely. With a quiet, precision-engineered motor installed in both rails, you can position each section exactly where you want it using a remote control, a wall switch, or a smartphone app. Set morning and evening schedules so your shades automatically adjust as the light changes throughout the day. Integrate with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or other smart home platforms for voice control and automation. Wake up to shades that have already opened to the perfect morning-light position — without getting out of bed. Cellular Construction: Privacy Meets Performance The shade fabric in this installation is a true cellular (honeycomb) construction — a multi-layered woven structure with air-filled pockets that act as a thermal insulator between your living space and the glass. This isn't just a privacy feature; it's a year-round energy management system: - Summer: Blocks solar heat gain through the glass, reducing air conditioning demand - Winter: Traps warm interior air near the glass, reducing heat loss and lowering heating costs - All year: Reduces cold or hot drafts caused by temperature differentials at the window surface For homeowners and builders focused on energy performance ratings, net-zero goals, or simply lower utility bills, cellular shades are one of the most impactful window treatment upgrades available. One Fabric, Infinite Positions Unlike day & night shades that use two distinct fabric panels with different opacity levels, a TDBU shade uses a single uniform fabric across the entire window height. This means the light and privacy quality is consistent no matter how you position the two rails — and the look from inside and outside remains clean and cohesive. Available in light-filtering or room-darkening fabrics, in single, double, or triple cell configurations, and in a wide range of textures and colours to complement any interior design. Custom Window Treatments Custom Window Treatment Specialists Serving All of Atlantic Canada Blinds Concept is a custom window treatment specialists and installer, and an authorized custom window treatment specialist proudly serving Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and beyond. Our team handles every detail from measure to install — ensuring your motorized TDBU shades operate flawlessly from day one. If you want the ultimate combination of light control, privacy flexibility, and smart home convenience in a single window covering, a motorized top-down bottom-up cellular shade is the answer. Book your free in-home consultation today.