What Are Cellular Shades? Honeycomb Shades Explained

Lexi Westingate | Blinds Chalet Design Team

Updated: Jun 2 2026

What Are Cellular Shades? A Complete Guide to Honeycomb Window Shades image

Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are a type of window treatment designed to provide insulation, light control, and privacy. Made from pleated fabric that forms distinct air pockets, cellular shades help regulate indoor temperatures while offering a clean, modern look.

These shades are one of the most energy-efficient window coverings available, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking to improve comfort and reduce energy costs.

Browse our full selection of custom cellular shades to explore available styles and options. Discover durable and stylish premium shades for windows in a wide range of materials.

What Are Cellular Shades?

Cellular shades are constructed from fabric that is folded into a honeycomb-shaped structure. When expanded, these cells trap air inside their pockets, creating a layer of insulation between the window and your room. This design helps keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Because of their unique structure, cellular shades are often referred to as honeycomb shades and are widely known for their energy-saving properties.

How Do Cellular Shades Work?

Cellular shades work by trapping air within their honeycomb-shaped cells. This trapped air acts as a barrier that reduces heat transfer through your windows, helping maintain a more consistent indoor temperature.

In addition to insulation, cellular shades can be raised or lowered to control light and privacy. Many options also include top-down bottom-up functionality, allowing you to adjust the shade from both the top and bottom for greater flexibility.

Types of Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are available in several styles, each designed to meet different light control and insulation needs:

Light Filtering Cellular Shades: Allow natural light to enter while maintaining privacy
Room Darkening Cellular Shades: Reduce most incoming light for added comfort
Blackout Cellular Shades: Block nearly all light for bedrooms and media rooms
Single Cell Shades: Offer a sleek, lightweight design
Double Cell Shades: Provide enhanced insulation and energy efficiency

Benefits of Cellular Shades

Cellular shades offer several advantages that make them a popular window treatment option:

Energy Efficiency: Honeycomb cells help reduce heat loss and heat gain
Light Control: Available in multiple opacity levels to suit any room
Privacy: Fabric construction provides consistent coverage
Noise Reduction: Cellular structure helps absorb sound
Modern Design: Clean and minimal appearance fits many styles

Need more information? Read more about honeycomb cellular shade benefits and learn about the pros and cons of honeycomb shades.

Where Are Cellular Shades Used?

Cellular shades are versatile and can be used in many areas of the home depending on your needs:

Living Rooms: Light filtering fabrics help maintain brightness while reducing glare
Bedrooms: Blackout options improve sleep by blocking light
Home Offices: Reduce glare while maintaining a comfortable workspace
Bathrooms: Provide privacy with moisture-resistant materials
Nurseries: Help create a darker, quieter environment

Cellular Shades vs Other Window Treatments

Cellular shades are often compared to other window treatments based on insulation and light control. While roller shades offer a sleek design and zebra shades provide layered light control, cellular shades stand out for their energy efficiency and temperature regulation.

Are Cellular Shades Worth It?

Cellular shades are a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking to improve energy efficiency, comfort, and light control. Their insulating design can help reduce heating and cooling costs while enhancing the overall look of your space. Not sure? Find out if honeycomb cellular shades are worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cellular Shades

What are cellular shades made of?

Cellular shades are made from pleated fabric that forms honeycomb-shaped cells designed to trap air and provide insulation.

Why are cellular shades called honeycomb shades?

They are called honeycomb shades because the fabric forms a series of air pockets that resemble the shape of a honeycomb when viewed from the side.

Do cellular shades help with insulation?

Yes, cellular shades are designed to trap air within their cells, helping reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency.

Are cellular shades good for bedrooms?

Yes, blackout cellular shades are a great option for bedrooms because they help block light and improve sleep conditions.

Shop our collection of cellular shades and honeycomb shades to discover energy-efficient window treatments designed for comfort and style.

You can also explore more topics in our cellular shades expert advice center, including buying guides, comparisons, and design tips.

Details	Standard	Guaranteed to Last	Guaranteed to Love
Pricing	FREE	$	$$
Warranty Duration
3 year limited warranty	✓	✓	✓
5 year limited warranty		✓	✓
Warranty Coverage
Defects	✓	✓	✓
Parts	✓	✓	✓
30 Day Returns(in-store credit)			✓

Details

Standard

Guaranteed to Last

Guaranteed to Love

Pricing

FREE

Warranty Duration

3 year limited warranty

✓

5 year limited warranty

✓

Warranty Coverage

Defects

✓

Parts

✓

30 Day Returns(in-store credit)

✓

Guarantee
What Is Covered Our window coverings are covered against manufacturing defects in materials or craftsmanship when used as intended, provided that: The product has been correctly measured, installed, and operated. All Blinds Chalet guidelines regarding product limitations, maintenance, and care have been followed. Who Is Eligible This warranty applies solely to the original purchaser of the product and is non-transferable. Blinds Chalet’s Responsibility If a covered defect is confirmed, Blinds Chalet will, at its discretion, repair the product, replace affected parts, or provide a comparable replacement. Costs not included: The customer is responsible for expenses related to shipping as well as any measuring, installation, removal, or reinstallation services. Labor charges, service visits, and similar costs are not covered by this warranty. What Is Not Covered Damage resulting from accidents, alterations, misuse, abuse, or neglect. Improper measurement, installation, cleaning, or maintenance. Normal wear and tear, including fading, discoloration, or deterioration from sunlight or moisture. Frayed cords, cord breakage, or reduced cord performance due to age or heavy use. Fading and normal aging of materials are expected characteristics and are not considered defects. Warranty Limitations This warranty is exclusive and replaces any other expressed or implied warranties. No Blinds Chalet employee or representative is authorized to modify or extend these terms. Blinds Chalet will not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from product use or failure. How to Request Service Blinds Chalet Customer Care [email protected] (480) 470-1127 Please include: Original proof of purchase, which can be your order number or purchase confirmation email A brief description of the issue The location of the window covering and clear photos or video of the issue Resolution on Warranties and Guarantees BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective. Limit 1 remake per covered product. If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired. In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade. Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer. If a product or component has been discontinued, Blinds Chalet will repair or replace the affected part with the closest available match in design and color.

Guarantee

What Is Covered

Our window coverings are covered against manufacturing defects in materials or craftsmanship when used as intended, provided that:

The product has been correctly measured, installed, and operated.
All Blinds Chalet guidelines regarding product limitations, maintenance, and care have been followed.

Who Is Eligible

This warranty applies solely to the original purchaser of the product and is non-transferable.

Blinds Chalet’s Responsibility

If a covered defect is confirmed, Blinds Chalet will, at its discretion, repair the product, replace affected parts, or provide a comparable replacement.

Costs not included: The customer is responsible for expenses related to shipping as well as any measuring, installation, removal, or reinstallation services. Labor charges, service visits, and similar costs are not covered by this warranty.

What Is Not Covered

Damage resulting from accidents, alterations, misuse, abuse, or neglect.
Improper measurement, installation, cleaning, or maintenance.
Normal wear and tear, including fading, discoloration, or deterioration from sunlight or moisture.
Frayed cords, cord breakage, or reduced cord performance due to age or heavy use.

Fading and normal aging of materials are expected characteristics and are not considered defects.

Warranty Limitations

This warranty is exclusive and replaces any other expressed or implied warranties. No Blinds Chalet employee or representative is authorized to modify or extend these terms.

Blinds Chalet will not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from product use or failure.

How to Request Service

Blinds Chalet Customer Care
[email protected]
(480) 470-1127

Please include:

Original proof of purchase, which can be your order number or purchase confirmation email
A brief description of the issue
The location of the window covering and clear photos or video of the issue

Resolution on Warranties and Guarantees

BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective. Limit 1 remake per covered product.
If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired.
In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade.
Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer.
If a product or component has been discontinued, Blinds Chalet will repair or replace the affected part with the closest available match in design and color.

5 Year Guaranteed to Last
Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.

5 Year Guaranteed to Last

Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.

5 Year Guaranteed to Love
Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years. 30 Day Returns If for any reason you are not satisfied with the window coverings and wish to return them for store credit, please notify us within 30 days of receiving the order. Our customer care department will provide a Return Goods Authorization number (RGA) and shipping address for the return. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and shipping labels are not provided. Returns are for store credit only and store credit will be available immediately after the items are received (Guaranteed to Love fee is not credited).

5 Year Guaranteed to Love

Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.
30 Day Returns
If for any reason you are not satisfied with the window coverings and wish to return them for store credit, please notify us within 30 days of receiving the order. Our customer care department will provide a Return Goods Authorization number (RGA) and shipping address for the return. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and shipping labels are not provided. Returns are for store credit only and store credit will be available immediately after the items are received (Guaranteed to Love fee is not credited).

What Are Cellular Shades? A Complete Guide to Honeycomb Window Shades