With a top-down shade, when the shade is open, the fabric stacks at the bottom of the shade rather than at the top. A partially open top-down shade allows light through the upper part of the window. This style is popular in situations where privacy is an issue.

With a top-down/bottom-up shade, the shade cloth can stack (fold up) either at the top as standard shades do, at the bottom as top-down shades do, or at any point in between. This is a very versatile design.

A top-down/bottom-up shade requires two lifting systems:

1. A cord and pulley to raise the shade when the stack is at the bottom
2. A CCO or motor to move the entire stack to the top of the window

We highly recommend a valance to cover the lifting system hardware. However, a valance may not be necessary if the shade is being mounted behind a soffit or other architectural structure.

This type of shade is also known as a “floating” shade.

If you do not find the information you need, call the Castec Sales Department at (800) 828-2500.