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1/2" Budget Single Cell Blackout Cordless Top-Down/Bottom-Up Shades
Designed for complete light control, these blackout cellular shades create a calm, private retreat any time of day. Top-down/bottom-up flexibility and a sleek cordless design deliver darkness with a clean, tailored finish.
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Product Information
Our 1/2" Budget Single Cell Blackout Cordless Top-Down/Bottom-Up Shades combine two things that rarely come together: genuine blackout fabric and the freedom to open your window from the top. Lower the top rail for daylight across the ceiling while the bottom of the window stays completely covered.
It is the answer for bedrooms and bathrooms that need real darkness at night but shouldn't feel like a cave during the day. The insulating 1/2" honeycomb cells trap air at the glass for year-round energy savings, and cordless operation on both rails keeps the window clean and safe.
Blackout Fabric, Twice the Control
- Top-Down for Private Daylight: Drop the top rail to bring sunlight in over your head while eye-level sightlines stay blocked. Light and privacy at the same time.
- Bottom-Up for Full Blackout: Close it completely and the opaque honeycomb fabric delivers true darkness for sleep.
- Precision 1/2" Cells: A structured, tailored honeycomb that traps air against the window for insulation and noise reduction.
- Free Cordless Operation: Both rails move by hand with no cords, loops, or tangles. Safer around children and pets, and included at no extra cost.
- Energy and Noise Control: Air-filled cells slow heat transfer through the glass and soften outside noise.
- Six Coordinated Colors: White, Daylight, Ivory, Tussah, Dove, and Espresso, each with a neutral white exterior for a consistent look from the curb.
Where Top-Down Blackout Earns Its Keep
This configuration solves problems a standard shade cannot:
- Ground-floor bedrooms: Morning light on the ceiling while the bed stays completely out of view from the sidewalk or yard.
- Bathrooms: Daylight for getting ready, permanent privacy at eye level, and full darkness whenever you want it.
- Nurseries: Softly lit for daytime play, pitch dark for naps, without swapping treatments.
- Street-facing rooms: Natural light without putting your living space on display for passing traffic.
- Guest rooms: Flexible enough to suit whoever is staying, from early risers to late sleepers.
Getting the Darkest Possible Room
When fully lowered, the blackout fabric itself blocks light. As with any inside-mounted shade, a small amount of light will edge in around the perimeter of the frame. For maximum darkness, choose an outside mount with a few inches of overlap on each side and above the window. In a nursery or a shift worker's bedroom, that overlap is the difference between dim and genuinely dark.
Should You Choose Top-Down or Standard?
Both use identical blackout fabric and the same insulating 1/2" cell. The difference is control and selection:
| Feature | Top-Down/Bottom-Up | Standard Cordless |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | Both rails move independently | Bottom rail lifts only |
| Color Choices | 6 colors | 9 colors |
| Extra-Wide Windows | Up to 72" per shade | Connectors span up to 144 1/4" |
| Best For | Privacy-sensitive rooms that still want daylight | Simple blackout, widest windows, lowest price |
If you don't need top-down control, our standard 1/2" Blackout Cordless Shades offer three more colors and connector hardware for very wide windows. For a single shade that switches between filtered daylight and blackout, see our 5/8" Day/Night Cellular Shades, which pair two different fabrics in one shade.
Sizing, Fit & Installation
- Width: 19" minimum to 72" maximum.
- Height: 24" minimum to 84" maximum.
- Headrail: 1 7/8" deep by 1 7/8" high, with hidden brackets for a clean installation.
- Inside Mount Depth: 1 3/8" minimum (2 1/8" for a fully flush fit). Outside mount has no depth requirement.
- Factory Deduction: Inside mounts are reduced by 3/8" total (3/16" per side). Outside mounts are made to your exact size.
Three Decades of Custom Shade Expertise
Since 1993, Factory Direct Blinds has built custom window treatments and shipped them factory-direct, skipping the showroom markup entirely. Every order includes:
- MeasureSafe™ Guarantee: Add MeasureSafe™ at checkout and if you mismeasure, we'll remake your shades free. You only cover shipping.
- Free Shipping: Ships freight-free anywhere in the 48 contiguous United States.
- Fast Turnaround: Custom-made and shipped within approximately 7 business days.
Light when you want it, darkness when you need it. Order free samples to check colors, then configure your custom size above.
Product Specifications
Minimum & Maximum Widths & Lengths
| Dimension | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 19" W | 72" W |
| Length | 24" L | 84" L |
Head Rail Dimensions
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Depth | 1 7/8" deep |
| Height | 1 7/8" high |
Minimum Depth Requirements
| Mounting Structure | Depth |
|---|---|
| Inside Mount | 1 3/8" |
| Inside Flush Mount | 2 1/8" |
Standard Factory Deductions
| Mount Type | Deduction |
|---|---|
| Inside Mount | 3/8" (3/16" per side) |
| Outside Mount | 0" |
How to Measure & Install
Taking accurate measurements is straightforward. Let us walk you through the process!
To ensure a perfect fit, keep these essential pointers in mind:
- Always use a metal measuring tape for the best accuracy; fabric tapes can stretch and lead to errors.
- If your width measurement falls on a 1/16" or 1/32" mark, round down to the nearest 1/8".
- If your height measurement lands on a 1/16" or 1/32" increment, round up to the closest 1/8".
- Always consult the Product Specifications for the product you are measuring for. If you have questions, we will be happy to help!
Instructions for Inside Mounted Cellular Shades
Depth Requirements: For an inside mount, you'll need to make sure the window frame is deep enough to accommodate the cellular shade. Refer to the Product Specifications for minimum depths depending on your chosen valance option.
Measuring the width
- The width measurement is found by measuring the inside of the window frame in three locations: the top, middle, and bottom.
- Choose the smallest of these measurements.
- If you get a 1/16" or 1/32" increment, round down to the nearest 1/8".
- That's your width for your cellular shades.
Measuring the height
- The height measurement is found by measuring the inside of the window frame in three locations: the left, center, and right.
- Choose the largest of these measurements.
- If you get a 1/16" or 1/32" increment, round up to the nearest 1/8".
- That's your height for your cellular shades.
Instructions for Outside Mounted Cellular Shades
An outside mount sits outside of the window and the window frame. Because it is meant to cover the entire space of the window, you'll need to make some additions to the measurements to make sure you order the right size. Please follow the instructions below.
Measuring the width
- Measure the width of the area you want the shade to cover across the top.
- We suggest adding at least 4 inches to the width (2 inches per side) to minimize light gaps.
- That's your width for your cellular shades.
Measuring the height
- Measure the height from where you want the headrail to sit down to the window sill or desired length.
- We suggest adding at least 4 inches to the height (2 inches top, 2 inches bottom).
- That's your height for your cellular shades.
For detailed step-by-step instructions with videos, visit our Measuring Guide Hub.