Top-down/Bottom-up Cellular Shades are versatile shades that allow for the ultimate control of light and privacy in your space. With these shades, you can lower the top to let in natural light while maintaining privacy below, raise the bottom to allow for a full view outside, or anything in between.
While installing these shades yourself might seem like a daunting task, it’s actually much easier than you’d think. In fact, to make installation easy, all of our shades install pretty much the same way: for an inside mount, metal brackets are installed to the inside-top of the window frame, and then the shade snaps into the brackets. For an outside mount, the same is true, except the metal brackets are installed to the window’s trim or the wall above the window. You can find our official instructions here.
We’ve broken these simple steps down further below. But remember, each shade comes with its own custom guide to installation that details specifics further.
Installing Top-down/Bottom-up Shades
Step 1: Attach the Metal Brackets
For an inside mount of your top-down/bottom-up cellular shades, hold the shade up to the window where it will be installed and use a pencil to mark where the mounting brackets will go, ensuring that they are level. Then, use a drill bit to pre-drill holes at the marked spots and screw the mounting brackets into the pre-drilled holes using a screwdriver.
For an outside mount, the process is similar, but involves holding the shade against the wall where it will be installed. Again, mark the bracket locations, ensuring that they are level, pre-drill the holes, and then screw the mounting brackets into the wall or window molding.
Step 2: Snap the Headrail onto the Brackets
Whether you’ve chosen an inside or outside mount, the next step is universal. Simply snap the headrail of the shade into the brackets you’ve just installed. Make sure it’s secure and sits flush with the brackets.
Installing Add-ons for your Top-down/Bottom-up Shades
Side Tracks
Enhance the efficiency of your Top-down/Bottom-up Shades with side tracks– a mechanism that adds insulation and light-blocking to any style of shade. The best part? Installation of side tracks is a breeze with their “peel and stick” design. Each side track comes with its own installed magnets, and all you have to do is attach adhesive magnet strips to the sides of your window frame. Once the adhesive strips are in place, simply align the side tracks and they’ll stick to the magnets on the frame.
Standard Pull Cord
If you prefer a traditional approach to shades, our standard pull cord Top-down/Bottom-up Shades are both reliable and easy to use. Installation is straightforward: simply line up the bracket locations where you plan to mount the shades, screw them in securely, and then snap the headrail into place.
But since safety is also a priority, especially in homes with young children or pets, we recommend installing cord cleats. These small devices can be easily screwed into the wall beside your window, providing a secure place to wrap and store the pull cord when it’s not in use. This ensures both functionality and safety in your living space.
Cordless Top-Down/Bottom-Up Shades
If you’re seeking a sleek, child-safe option for your shades, cordless top-down/bottom-up shades are an excellent choice. The installation process is just as straightforward as our other models: simply line up the bracket locations where you’d like to mount your shades, screw them in securely, and then snap the headrail into place.
But that’s not all— cordless shades come with specialized handles designed for easy operation. All you need to do is snap the cordless handles onto the appropriate rail(s), and you’re all set!
For additional questions about the installation of Top-Down/Bottom-Up Shades, refer to your shades’ specific manual. Or, check out our series of videos that might provide more insight with visuals.