Introduction
Cell shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are one of the most popular window treatments for energy efficiency and style. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what cell shades are, the benefits they offer, and how to choose the right style for your home. If you’re ready to shop, visit our Honeycomb Shades collection.
Materials
Honeycomb Shades are manufactured using one of two types of fabric; spun lace or point bond. Our standard cell shades are made using point bond, while shades in either the Express or Premier lines are made with spun lace. Spun lace is a softer fabric than point bond, while still being a heavy duty material. It is also 40% more effective in insulating against heat and cold.
Features
- A core part of the design is that they are excellent insulators, and can actually help save money in both winter and summer.
- Honeycomb Cellular Shades are not just for traditionally sized windows. We can custom make your shades to fit any window size.
- With a wide color range available, these shades with seamlessly fit the decor of any room.
Options & Upgrades
- Top Down-Bottom Up / Duofold - With this upgrade, the shades can either be lifted or closed in a regular manner, or they can be lowered from the top down. This unique feature allows users to let light into a room from the top of the window while still maintaining privacy.
- Cordless Lift - Bypassing the use of a traditional pull-cord to maneuver the shades, cordless lift makes it so that the shades can be lifted and lowered by simply using the bottom rail.
- Rollease / Continuous Cord - This is your traditional cord for raising and lowering the shades, except the cord “loops” back into the headrail for a continuous cord.
Learn more about the features and options available with honeycomb cellular shades.
Things to Think About
When choosing a the right window shade, please consider the following:
- Shape of Cells - Honeycomb shades come in two different cell shapes- H shaped and D shaped. The D shaped cells are designed to hold the accordion shape of the shades better.
- Type of Material - Between lace spun and point bond, it’s a matter of personal taste. However, lace spun is a softer material and better insulator. Both the Express and Premier lines of shades are made with lace spun for no additional charge.
- Number of Cells - A larger amount of cells equates to superior insulation, and at times, noise reduction.
- Light Filtration - When choosing which honeycomb shade to purchase it is important to decide what level of light dampening is needed for the room they are placed in. Different products provide various levels of light control, from light filtering to blackout.
- Pleat Size - A smaller size of pleats will entails more pleats throughout the shade as a whole. For example, a ⅜ inch cell shade will have more pleats than a ¾ inch cell shade.
If your main concern is making sure the shades come in your desired color then consider the Bali Diamondcell Blackout Shades which have the most color options with 71 different colors.
Learn the difference between a single cell and double cell as well as the pros and cons of celullar shades.
Benefits of BlindsChalet
Along with free upgrades like cordless option, all our shades come standard with a 3 year warranty that protects against defects. Upgrade to Guaranteed to Fit for 30-day coverage against measuring mistakes or Guaranteed to Love for measuring coverage, returns and 5 year unlimited warranty for any type of defects and/or damages.
Other select styles of our shades come with a manufacture time of two days!
BlindsChalet also offers a free cordless upgrade on all of our shades. Learn more about the benefits of honeycomb cellular shades
Popular Cellular Shade Features
Modern cellular shades offer a variety of features that improve convenience, safety, and light control. One of the most popular upgrades is the cordless lift system, which eliminates dangling cords and provides a clean, modern appearance. Cordless cellular shades are also considered safer for homes with children and pets.
Another highly requested feature is the top down bottom up option. This design allows the shade to be lowered from the top or raised from the bottom, giving homeowners flexible privacy and light control. Many people use this option in street-facing rooms where they want privacy at eye level but still want natural light entering from above.
Motorized cellular shades are also becoming increasingly popular. With motorization, shades can be operated using a remote control, wall switch, or smart home system. Motorized shades are especially useful for tall windows, hard-to-reach areas, or homeowners who want to integrate their window treatments with smart home automation.
Other available upgrades may include double cell construction for enhanced insulation, room darkening fabrics for improved light control, and decorative headrails for a more finished appearance.
How to Measure for Cellular Shades
Accurate measurements are important when ordering custom cellular shades. Because most honeycomb shades are made to fit your exact window size, taking careful measurements will ensure a proper fit and smooth operation.
For an inside mount installation, measure the width of the window opening at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest of these measurements when placing your order. Next, measure the height of the window opening on the left, center, and right side and use the longest measurement. Inside mount shades fit within the window frame and provide a clean, built-in appearance.
For an outside mount installation, measure the width and height of the area you want the shade to cover, including additional space beyond the window frame. Outside mount shades are often used when the window frame is too shallow for an inside mount or when homeowners want increased light blocking around the edges of the window.
Taking a few careful measurements before ordering will help ensure your cellular shades fit properly and provide the best light control and insulation for your windows.
How Much Do Cellular Shades Cost?
The cost of cellular shades can vary depending on several factors including the size of the window, the type of fabric, the number of honeycomb cells, and the lift system selected. Because cellular shades are custom made to fit your windows, pricing typically reflects the exact measurements and options chosen for each shade.
Basic single cell light filtering cellular shades are often the most affordable option and work well for smaller windows or rooms where insulation is not the primary concern. Double cell shades generally cost slightly more because they provide enhanced insulation and energy efficiency. Additional upgrades such as blackout fabrics, cordless lift systems, top down bottom up operation, or motorization may also affect the final price.
Many homeowners find that cellular shades provide excellent value because their honeycomb design helps improve insulation and reduce heat transfer through windows. This energy efficiency can help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year.
Best Cellular Shades for Each Room
One of the advantages of cellular shades is their versatility. Because honeycomb shades are available in multiple fabrics, cell sizes, and lift options, they can be customized for nearly any room in the home. When choosing cellular shades, consider the level of privacy, light control, and insulation each space requires.
For bedrooms, blackout cellular shades are a popular choice because they block outside light and help create a darker sleeping environment. Living rooms and dining rooms often benefit from light filtering cellular shades, which soften incoming sunlight while still allowing natural light into the space. Kitchens and offices typically use light filtering or top down bottom up cellular shades to maintain privacy while still allowing daylight to enter through the top of the window. Larger windows or sliding doors may benefit from larger cell sizes that create a more proportional appearance.
By selecting the right fabric and operating system for each room, homeowners can enjoy the energy efficiency and clean appearance of cellular shades throughout the entire home.
Overview
Honeycomb Cellular Shades are easily customized to fit your needs at nearly every level.
- With their insulating properties, cellular shades help keep houses cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Due to this they aid in cutting money on electric bills.
- The process of choosing the right shades it dependent upon your needs. Honeycomb Shades have room for your consideration at the most minute level.
- Are often not the best choice for homes with small children, as their long vanes can easily be pulled off.
See our guide on how to choose the right honeycomb shade and read more in our ultimate guide to cellular shades
FAQs about Choosing Cellular Shades
What should I consider when choosing cellular shades?
When choosing cellular shades, consider factors such as the level of light control you want, the cell size of the shade, the type of lift system, and whether you prefer single or double cell construction. You should also think about the room where the shade will be installed and whether insulation, privacy, or blackout capability is most important.
What are the best cellular shades for bedrooms?
Blackout cellular shades are often the best option for bedrooms because they reduce incoming light and create a darker sleeping environment. Many homeowners also choose double cell fabrics for bedrooms because they provide additional insulation and help maintain comfortable room temperatures.
Are cellular shades good for energy efficiency?
Yes, cellular shades are known for their excellent insulation. The honeycomb-shaped cells trap air inside the shade, creating a barrier between the window and the room. This helps reduce heat loss in winter and limits heat gain in summer, improving overall energy efficiency.
What is the difference between single cell and double cell cellular shades?
Single cell cellular shades have one layer of honeycomb pockets, while double cell shades have two layers stacked together. Double cell shades generally provide better insulation and sound absorption, while single cell shades often have a slimmer profile and are suitable for smaller windows.
Which cellular shade cell size should I choose?
Cellular shades are available in several cell sizes such as 3/8 inch, 7/16 inch, 1/2 inch, 9/16 inch, and 3/4 inch. Smaller cells work well for smaller windows or shallow mounting depths, while larger cells are often used for larger windows and provide a more noticeable honeycomb appearance.
Are cordless cellular shades a good option?
Cordless cellular shades are one of the most popular options because they provide a clean appearance and eliminate hanging cords. Cordless lift systems are also considered safer for homes with children and pets while still allowing easy operation of the shade.
What are top down bottom up cellular shades?
Top down bottom up cellular shades can be lowered from the top of the window or raised from the bottom. This flexible design allows homeowners to maintain privacy while still allowing natural light to enter from the top portion of the window.
Are cellular shades good for large windows?
Yes, cellular shades work well for large windows because the lightweight fabric makes them easy to operate even at wider sizes. Larger cell sizes are often recommended for large windows to maintain balanced proportions and enhance insulation performance.
Can cellular shades be motorized?
Many cellular shades are available with motorized lift systems. Motorization allows the shades to be operated with a remote control or integrated into smart home systems, making them ideal for hard-to-reach windows or homeowners who want automated control of their window treatments.
Do cellular shades provide privacy?
Yes, cellular shades provide good privacy depending on the fabric type selected. Light filtering fabrics allow natural light to pass through while still maintaining daytime privacy, while blackout fabrics block most light and provide increased privacy for bedrooms or media rooms.
Are cellular shades worth it?
Cellular shades are often considered one of the best window treatments for insulation, energy efficiency, and light control. Their honeycomb structure helps regulate indoor temperatures, and they are available in many styles, fabrics, and lift systems to suit different rooms and design preferences.
