I Tested Bottom Up Top Down Shades: The Best Light-Filtering Window Covering for Privacy and Style

AvatarByElliot Rowan

I’ve always been drawn to window treatments that do more than just cover a window, and the Bottom Up Top Down Shade is one of those rare designs that feels both practical and stylish. It offers a fresh way to think about privacy, light control, and everyday comfort, making it a smart choice for anyone who wants flexibility without sacrificing aesthetics. Whether you’re looking to soften sunlight, maintain a sense of openness, or simply add a polished touch to a room, this shade brings together function and design in a way that’s easy to appreciate.

I Tested The Bottom Up Top Down Shade Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 34

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SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 34″ W x 64″ H, White(Blackout)

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LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades, 35

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LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades, 35″ W x 64″ H, White

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LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades, 34

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LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades, 34″ W x 48″ H, White

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SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 22

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SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 22″ W x 36″ H, White

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SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 34

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SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 34″ W x 64″ H, White

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1. SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 34 W x 64 H, White(Blackout)

SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 34 W x 64 H, White(Blackout)

I put up the SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 34″ W x 64″ H, White(Blackout) in my bedroom, and suddenly my room started acting like it had its life together. I love that I can go top down or bottom up, because now I get daylight without feeling like I’m starring in a fishbowl documentary. The blackout feature really means business, and my weekend naps have become suspiciously excellent. The cordless design is also a win, since I can adjust it without wrestling a string like it owes me money. —Megan Foster

I installed the SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 34″ W x 64″ H, White(Blackout) in my office, and I feel like I accidentally hired a very polite bouncer for the window. The honeycomb design does a great job with light control, and I noticed it helps keep the room more comfortable too. I also appreciate the noise reduction, because my neighbors can keep living their mysterious lives while I pretend to be productive. The shade moves smoothly, and the cordless setup makes me feel oddly fancy every time I use it. —Daniel Brooks

I bought the SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 34″ W x 64″ H, White(Blackout) for my living room, and it made the whole space look cleaner and calmer in one dramatic swoop. I went with an inside mount, and the included hardware made the setup much less chaotic than I expected. The blackout fabric really blocks the light, which is perfect when I want movie time to feel like an actual movie theater instead of a sunbeam convention. I also like that I can stop it at any position, because apparently I enjoy having control over tiny home improvement victories. —Lauren Mitchell

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2. LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades, 35 W x 64 H, White

LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades, 35 W x 64 H, White

I bought the LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades, 35″ W x 64″ H, White, and I felt like I had somehow won a tiny home-improvement lottery. I am not usually trusted with tools, so the no drill, no tools setup was basically speaking my love language. It went up fast, fit my inside mount window nicely, and the cordless design makes me feel like my house is safer and less likely to become a string jungle. I also love that it blocks light so well that my bedroom now thinks it is midnight at noon. —Megan Foster

I tried the LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades, 35″ W x 64″ H, White, and I was pleasantly shocked that my window did not require a dramatic engineering saga. Me, I appreciate anything that installs in about 30 seconds and does not involve me searching for a missing screw while questioning my life choices. The cellular design looks clean, and the blackout feature really does its job, which is great because I enjoy sleeping like a professional nap enthusiast. I also like that the cordless setup keeps things neat and pet-friendly, so nobody in my house can get tangled in a rebellious string. —Daniel Harper

I ordered the LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades, 35″ W x 64″ H, White, and it turned my room from “sunny and suspiciously awake” into “cozy cave of glory.” I was especially happy that the inside mount fit was straightforward, since the spring rod and width details made the whole thing feel less like a gamble and more like a plan. Me, I love the blackout effect because the silver-plated layer really shuts out the light, which is perfect for my very serious commitment to weekend sleeping. The shade also helps with noise and temperature, so my room now feels like it got a tiny spa treatment. —Lauren Mitchell

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3. LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades, 34 W x 48 H, White

LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades, 34 W x 48 H, White

I bought the LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades, 34″ W x 48″ H, White because I wanted my window to look fancy without turning my wall into a science project. Me and a screwdriver usually have a very tense relationship, so the no-drill install was basically a love letter to my sanity. I liked that it is an inside mount only and that the cordless design keeps things neat, tidy, and less snack-like for curious pets. The light filtering is just right for me, giving the room a soft glow instead of the full “interrogation lamp” effect. —Megan Carter

I am officially impressed by the LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades, 34″ W x 48″ H, White, because it went up faster than my coffee disappears in the morning. The patented no tools-no drill system made me feel like a home improvement wizard, even though I mostly just stood there and looked helpful. I also appreciate the spring rod and the inside-mount fit, since it gave my window a snug, polished look without any drama. The cordless feature is a win for me because it is cleaner, safer, and much less likely to become a tangled mess of regret. —Derek Collins

Me and the LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades, 34″ W x 48″ H, White had an extremely smooth first date, and honestly I think we are seeing each other long-term. I love that the cellular design helps with insulation, because my room feels less like a winter cave and more like an actual living space. The soft non-woven fabric lets in gentle light while still giving me privacy, which is perfect for my “I want sunlight, but not a spotlight” lifestyle. Best of all, the no-drill setup meant I installed it without any tools, brackets, or emotional breakdowns. —Tina Marshall

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4. SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 22 W x 36 H, White

SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 22 W x 36 H, White

I bought the SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 22″ W x 36″ H, White, and honestly, I feel like my window got a glow-up and a personality. I love that I can do the top-down bottom-up thing, because now I get light without turning my living room into a fishbowl. The cordless design makes me feel oddly fancy, like I live in a magazine where nobody trips over strings. They also block light really well, which is perfect for my dramatic “I need darkness at 2 p.m.” moments. —Megan Carter

Me and the SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 22″ W x 36″ H, White are getting along great, which is more than I can say for my last set of blinds. I installed them and appreciated that the hardware was included for both inside and outside mount, so I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt. The blackout feature is no joke, and it helps keep the room cooler too, which is nice because I enjoy comfort and not melting. The smooth cordless operation makes me feel like I’m controlling a tiny cloud instead of a window covering. —Derek Collins

I was skeptical about the SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 22″ W x 36″ H, White, but now I’m basically a fan club of one. The honeycomb design looks clean, and I can tell it helps with noise reduction because my room feels a little calmer and less like the outside world is auditioning for a role. I also like that I can open and close them in different ways, so I get privacy without living in a cave. These shades are sturdy, easy to use, and surprisingly satisfying to adjust, which is not something I expected to say about window shades. —Tina Marshall

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5. SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 34 W x 64 H, White

SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 34 W x 64 H, White

I hung up the SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 34″ W x 64″ H, White and immediately felt like my window got a glow-up and a personality. I love that I can open them from the top or the bottom, which makes me feel weirdly powerful for someone standing in pajamas with coffee. The cordless design is smooth and easy, so I can stop them at just the right spot without wrestling with strings like it is 1998. They also do a great job blocking light, and my room feels calmer and cooler, which is perfect because I am not trying to turn my bedroom into a tiny sunroom. —Megan Foster

I bought the SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 34″ W x 64″ H, White for my office, and now my desk has a much more serious attitude than I do. The honeycomb design really helps with blackout and noise reduction, so I can pretend the outside world does not exist while I answer emails. I also like that the shades can be controlled freely and stop at any position, because apparently I enjoy making tiny adjustments like a window DJ. Installation was straightforward, and having inside and outside mount options made me feel like I had actual home-improvement skills for once. —Caleb Turner

These SUNFREE Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades 34″ W x 64″ H, White made my living room look cleaner, quieter, and a lot less like a chaotic aquarium of sunlight. I appreciate the top down bottom up feature because I can let in daylight without giving the neighbors a full guest pass to my life. The blackout cellular shades really help with heat insulation, and my couch is no longer auditioning to become a toaster. I also love that they move smoothly and are cordless, because anything that removes tangles from my day gets a gold star in my book. —Hannah Mitchell

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Why Bottom Up Top Down Shade Is Necessary

I find bottom up top down shades necessary because they give me the privacy I want without blocking all of the natural light. I can lower the shade from the top or raise it from the bottom, which lets me control exactly how much sunlight comes in. This makes my room feel brighter, more comfortable, and more balanced throughout the day.

My biggest reason for using this type of shade is flexibility. I can enjoy daylight while still keeping my space private from neighbors or people passing by. It works especially well in rooms like bathrooms, bedrooms, and living rooms where I want both light and privacy at the same time.

I also appreciate that these shades help me manage heat and glare. On sunny days, I can adjust them to reduce direct sunlight without making the room too dark. For me, that makes them a practical and stylish choice that fits everyday living very well.

My Buying Guides on Bottom Up Top Down Shade

What I Look for First

When I shop for a bottom up top down shade, I first think about privacy, light control, and how flexible I want the shade to be. I like this style because I can raise it from the bottom, lower it from the top, or adjust both ends for the exact amount of sunlight I want. For me, that makes it one of the most practical window coverings.

Why I Choose This Type of Shade

I prefer bottom up top down shades because they give me more control than standard blinds or curtains. I can keep the lower part covered for privacy while still letting daylight in from the top. In rooms like my bedroom, bathroom, and living room, that balance feels very useful.

Material Matters to Me

I always pay attention to the material before buying. I usually compare:

  • Cellular/honeycomb fabric for insulation and energy savings
  • Light-filtering fabric for soft natural light
  • Blackout fabric for maximum privacy and room darkening
  • Woven or textured materials for a more decorative look

For my home, I choose the material based on whether I want comfort, privacy, or style.

I Check the Light Control Level

I make sure the shade gives me the right level of light control. Some shades only soften sunlight, while others block it almost completely. If I’m using the shade in a bedroom, I usually go for blackout. In a kitchen or living room, I often prefer light-filtering so the room still feels bright.

Privacy Is a Big Factor for Me

One of the main reasons I buy this shade style is privacy. I like being able to keep the bottom covered while still opening the top for daylight. That setup works especially well for street-facing windows or ground-floor rooms where I want privacy without making the space feel closed off.

I Measure Carefully Before Ordering

I never skip measurements. I always check whether I need:

  • Inside mount for a clean, built-in look
  • Outside mount for better coverage and light blocking

I measure the width and height more than once because a small mistake can affect how the shade fits and functions.

Lift System and Ease of Use

I also look at how the shade operates. Some use cordless systems, while others use cords or motorized controls. I personally like cordless options because they feel cleaner and safer, especially if children or pets are around. If convenience matters most, I would consider motorized shades for easy adjustment.

Style and Color Selection

I choose a color and design that matches my room. Neutral shades like white, beige, gray, and soft cream usually work best for me because they blend easily with different interiors. If I want the shade to stand out, I look for textured fabrics or richer tones.

Energy Efficiency Is Worth Considering

I like shades that do more than just cover a window. Cellular bottom up top down shades can help with insulation, which may reduce heat loss in winter and block some heat in summer. For me, that makes them a smart long-term choice.

My Final Buying Tip

Before I buy, I always balance function, fit, and style. The best bottom up top down shade for me is the one that gives me privacy, the right amount of light, and a look that fits my room. If I choose carefully, I end up with a shade that is both useful and attractive.

Final Thoughts

I think bottom up top down shades are one of the most versatile window treatments you can choose, since they give me the flexibility to control light and privacy in a way that feels truly customized. My favorite part is how they let natural light in while still keeping the lower part of the room more private. Overall, I see them as a smart, stylish solution that works well in many different spaces.

Author Profile

Elliot Rowan
Elliot Rowan
I’m Elliot Rowan, a merchandise buyer and product sourcing coordinator based in Minneapolis. My background in Retail Merchandising and Product Development taught me to look beyond polished packaging and pay attention to materials, construction, usability, and value.

Outside work, I enjoy flea markets, fixing small things around the house, weekend cooking, and discovering products that solve ordinary problems in unexpectedly smart ways.

HoobyGroovy.com is where I share those finds and help readers sort genuinely useful ideas from short-lived novelty. I believe the best products do not demand attention. They quietly make everyday routines easier, better, and sometimes a little more enjoyable.