Cellular Blinds Buying Guide: Energy Efficiency Meets Style

With promising innovations of honeycomb structures in the fields of automotive, architecture, marine, aerospace, and more, cellular blinds have become a popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike.

Offering impressive energy efficiency and style while letting you control natural light, these window treatments can enhance the look of any space. But how do you know which type is right for your needs?

This cellular blinds buying guide covers the benefits of cellular blinds, as well as the different styles and options available, to help you make an informed decision.

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What Are Cellular Blinds?

One might ask, "Are cellular blinds worth it?" when opting for this type of window treatment. What makes them worth the investment? Cellular blinds feature a unique honeycomb design structure that helps to insulate and block out light.

This helps create an energy-efficient environment in your home or business, as the insulated cells trap air and help regulate temperature levels. To have better insulation, it's important to consider the size of the cells when making a selection.

Benefits of Cellular Blinds

The best thing about cellular blinds is how they reduce cooling and heating costs while still allowing natural light to come in. The material is also very durable, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.

Apart from having many light-control options, cellular blinds also offer noise-reduction benefits and an added layer of privacy.

Cellular Blinds Styles

Similar to vertical blinds, blackout shades, and any other window treatment, cellular blinds come in a variety of styles, which include:

Single vs. Double vs. Triple Cell Blinds

To determine the best option for you, consider your desired level of insulation and light control through the following: 

• Single cell: With simpler designs and insulation properties that are lower than those of double and triple cells, single cell blinds are a great choice if you're looking for potential cost savings.
• Double cell: Double cell blinds offer enhanced insulation and increased energy efficiency, though they come with a higher price point compared to single cells.
• Triple cell: With the highest level of insulation, triple cell blinds provide greater noise reduction while offering added privacy benefits. However, they are the most expensive ones.

Just make sure to take into account the size of the cells as well as choose between single, double and triple cell blinds.

Pleat Sizes

With many sizes (3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 inches), pleats are an important factor to consider when selecting blinds. Smaller pleats offer more insulation and darkness, while larger pleats provide a more open look with less insulation.

Before purchasing any type of blinds for windows, it's important that you consider pleat size and insulation properties to ensure that you purchase blinds that will best suit your needs.

Material Options

Cellular blinds also come with different material options that can affect the look, feel and insulation of your windows. Some materials are better at blocking out light or providing more privacy while others may be more durable or easier to clean.

Check out the following material options:

• Polyester: The notable advantages of polyester are affordability and its ability to provide good insulation and light blockage. However, it can be less durable than other materials, such as aluminum.
• Woven fabrics: These are an excellent option for those looking for elegance, as well as more insulation and light blockage compared to polyester. Note that this material is more expensive than others and can be more difficult to clean.
• Cotton: While still being able to insulate, cotton is more affordable than woven fabrics but can be less durable. It also tends to have a lower light blockage rating.
• Linen: Modern setups can benefit from the soft texture of linen blinds. It is just more expensive than polyester and cotton fabrics.

But worry not about design options, as cellular blinds also come with a variety of colours and designs to match any interior.

Light Filtering Options

For privacy, ambiance, and proper light control, you can choose from a variety of light filtering options with your cellular blinds. With varying levels of opacity, these are the light filtering options available out there:

• Sheer: These blinds offer the least amount of light control. They allow for a soft diffusion of light, great for rooms that need just enough privacy but still want to enjoy natural sunlight streaming in.
• Light Filtering: This type of cellular blind provides more opacity than sheer, allowing sunlight regulation while still providing some visibility from the outside. It can function as bedroom blinds for living spaces that require a bit more privacy and reduced glare.
• Room Darkening: Room darkening cellular blinds are best suited for those looking to maximize their privacy and reduce incoming light significantly. They are suited for bedrooms, media rooms, and nurseries.
• Blackout: The highest level of light control is offered by blackout cellular blinds, which are designed to block out almost all sunlight from entering the room, making it perfect for those who require total darkness in their space.

Light filtering options can have a huge impact on the overall look and functionality of cellular blinds. Therefore, you should consider the amount of light you want to let in, as well as how much privacy you need.

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Insulation and Energy Efficiency

Cellular blinds are designed to help regulate the temperature of a room by providing insulation against heat transfer. The air pockets in the cellular structure act as an insulator, trapping air inside and preventing heat from entering or escaping.

This helps to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter, reducing energy costs while also making it more comfortable. Take note of the following information to understand more about the insulation capabilities of cellular blinds:

• R-Value: Are cellular blinds energy efficient? They are, and the way to measure their efficiency is through the “R-Value”. The higher the R-Value, the more efficient they are at insulating your home and preventing heat transfer.
• Types of Cellular Blinds: Between single, double, and triple cell blinds, the best insulation is offered by triple cell blinds as they have three layers of air pockets.

With these two points in mind, you can make an informed decision about the best cellular shades and blinds for your home and how much insulation they will provide.

Sizes and Customization

Although cellular blinds already come in various sizes, you'll be glad to know that they can also be customized to fit any window size. This is great if you have oddly shaped windows or want to create a particular look.

Remember the following factors that may affect sizes and customization: 

• When it comes to cellular blinds, there are plenty of customization options available. You can choose the right colour and pattern to match your existing decor, as well as a variety of fabrics that offer different levels of light filtration, insulation, and privacy.
• Standard Sizes: Standard sizes for cellular blinds range from 20”- 72” wide and 24”- 84” long. So if you aren't planning for any customization, make sure to double-check these measurements before proceeding with any purchase.
• Tips for measuring windows for cellular blinds: When measuring for cellular blinds, consider the exact size of your window or door and ensure that you have accounted for any obstructions. Click here for a detailed guide on how to measure for cellular blinds.

No matter the type of customization you choose, make sure that you understand all the available choices and their benefits before making a purchase.

Mounting Options

Similar to most types of blinds, shades, and shutters, cellular blinds also come with different mounting options, including the following:

• Inside Mount: This is the most common and popular mounting option, as it allows you to install the blinds directly in the window frame or slightly inside of it. It offers a neat look with a minimal gap between the cellular blinds and window frame, which makes them ideal for smaller windows.
• Outside Mount: If your window has an obstruction that prevents you from using an inside mount, then you can use outside mount blinds instead. This involves installing cellular blinds on top of or around your window frame to create a neat look without any obstructions.
• Side Mount: This is another option for windows with obstructions. This type of mounting involves attaching the blinds to the side of your window frame and can offer a more contemporary look.

No matter which mounting option you choose, make sure that it is done properly for optimal results. Read up on installation instructions before attempting any DIY projects or visit our other blog article about how to measure for outside mount blinds.

Lift Systems

To select the right type of lift system for cellular blinds, the rule of thumb is to consider needs such as child and pet safety, window accessibility, and ease of operation. Common lift systems include: 

• Cordless: This type of lift system eliminates any dangling cords, making it the safest option for homes with children or pets. Just keep in mind that cordless lift systems are not always the most reliable and can be difficult to operate.
• Continuous Cord Loop: A cord loop provides better control when raising and lowering the blinds. However, it is not the safest for homes with pets or small children.
• Motorized: As the most convenient and efficient type of lift system, motorized lifts allow you to adjust your blinds from a remote control, making it the most expensive one. This is ideal for windows that are hard to reach or have unusual shapes.
• Top-down/bottom-up: For windows with obstructions, top-down/bottom-up shades offer the best of both worlds. This system allows you to adjust your blinds from either the top or bottom.

To maintain cordless lift and cord loop systems, it is important to check the cords for any signs of fraying, as this can be a safety hazard. The cords should also be kept out of children and pets’ reach at all times.

Lightly dust the motors and tracks of motorized systems (for top-down/bottom-up, just clean the tracks) using a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or debris that might be preventing them from working correctly.

Colours and Patterns

The way cellular shades, blackout shades, and vertical blinds look is largely determined by the colours and patterns you choose. The same thing goes for cellular blinds. You can find them in a range of colours, from neutrals like beige and white to more daring shades like navy blue or red. 

Popular Colours

To match any interior design or personal preference, there are a plethora of colours and patterns available for cellular blinds. Neutral shades such as white, beige, grey, and brown are popular choices that blend well with any interior design style.

For those who prefer a more vibrant aesthetic, cellular blinds come in an array of bold colours ranging from bright blues to deep reds and purples.

Design Patterns

From subtle stripes and geometric shapes to traditional prints like damask and floral designs, there are plenty of options to choose from. For a more contemporary look, try pairing solid-coloured cellular blinds with patterned drapes or curtains for a modern yet elegant touch.

Tips for Selecting the Right Colour and Design for Your Space

• Consider the overall colour scheme of your room.
• Pick colours that will complement and enhance your existing décor.
• Think about how much natural light you want to let in and choose a shade accordingly.
• Choose patterns or designs that reflect your personal style.

In doing so, you'll be sure to find the perfect cellular blinds that will not only look great but also provide the necessary privacy and light control.

Customization Options

When it comes to cellular blinds, these are the awesome customization options available:

Custom Lifts

The most common lift system used with cellular shades is cordless; this eliminates the need for bulky cords or strings that can be hazardous in homes with children or pets. Other lift systems include continuous cord loop and motorized, which can provide convenience and ease of use depending on your needs.

Optional Features

For added privacy and light control, you can use top-down/bottom-up functionality, which allows you to adjust the blinds from both the top and bottom for better light control and privacy.

Mounting Options

Cellular shades can either be mounted inside or outside of the window frame depending on your desired look and needs. An inside mount will provide a sleek, finished look while an outside mount will give more coverage and protection from direct sunlight.

No matter what customizations you choose for your cellular shades, they'll add style and function to any room!

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Where Can You Buy Cellular Shades Online?

When it comes to the most customizable and affordable type of window treatment, cellular shades are the way to go. And you should never worry about having to go out and search for the perfect shades.

With plenty of custom options and online stores, you can find the perfect cellular shades for your home in no time.

To shop for the best window treatments out there, look no further than Factory Direct Blinds, where we offer custom shades, faux wood blinds, woven woods and more.

Plus, our customer service reps are always available via a call to answer any questions or concerns you have about cellular shades. With free samples, low prices and fast shipping, we make it easy for you to find the perfect window treatment for your home!

FAQs

How to choose cellular blinds?

When selecting cellular blinds, consider your desired look and needs as well as the amount of coverage and protection from direct sunlight you need.

What is the difference between 3 8 and 3 4 cellular shades?

3/8" cellular shades are the lightest and most energy-efficient option, while 3/4" shades provide additional insulation and privacy.

What is the difference between honeycomb and cellular shades?

Honeycomb shades are made with a single-cell construction that provides insulation and light control while cellular shades feature multiple layers of cells to provide additional insulation and sound absorption.

How much of a difference do cellular shades make?

Cellular shades can make a big difference in terms of energy efficiency and comfort as they provide insulation, light control, sound absorption, and increased privacy.