Cellular/ Honeycomb Shades

What Are Cellular Shades?

Cellular shades are window coverings designed with layers of fabric cells that expand and contract when the shade opens and closes. This window covering offers versatile light control. These honeycomb-shaped cells trap air, creating a thermal barrier between your window and living space.

Also known as honeycomb shades or honeycomb blinds, cellular window shades offer exceptional energy efficiency and light control. Each cellular shade provides excellent insulation, and these window treatments combine style and function. When shopping for custom cellular shades, you'll find various options to match your needs.

The unique honeycomb design provides layered thermal protection and light diffusion. When opened, shades fold up like an accordion into a compact stack, giving you a clear view outside. You can choose between single cell or double-cell shades for enhanced thermal protection. Each shade offers unique benefits depending on your room's requirements.

Benefits of Cellular Shades

Cellular shades offer superior energy efficiency thanks to their honeycomb structure. The trapped air pockets help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round, reducing heating and cooling costs. This design can help insulate your home and lower energy bills by up to 30 percent.

These window coverings provide excellent lighting control and privacy. You can choose from light filtering cellular shades that soften natural light or blackout shades that block 99 percent of light. The honeycomb construction creates air pockets that dampen sound, making shades ideal for high-traffic areas. Whether you need a single blind or multiple shades, cellular window treatments adapt to any space.

Types of Cellular Shades

Light filtering cellular shades soften natural light while maintaining privacy. These window shades allow soft, warm light to enter your room while blocking direct sunlight. Honeycomb shade designs provide excellent thermal protection. Available in single cell and double-cell configurations, they work well in living rooms, kitchens, and offices.

Blackout cellular shades block 99 percent of natural light for complete darkness. These window coverings provide full privacy and are perfect for bedroom, nursery blinds, and home theaters. Blackout shades come in single and double-cell options.

Day and night cellular shades transition from light filtering to blackout with a simple pull. This dual functionality lets you adjust lighting control throughout the day. These versatile window treatments combine the benefits of both light filtering and blackout options in one shade, making them perfect for rooms that need flexible lighting throughout the day.

Control Systems and Operating Options

Cordless cellular shades operate by lifting or lowering the bottom rail with no dangling cords. This clean, streamlined look enhances safety for homes with children and pets. Cordless shades work phenomenally because of the continuous cord loop within the system, operating effortlessly by hand. The cordless design eliminates safety hazards while maintaining easy operation.

Top-down bottom-up blinds allow you to lower the shade from the top or raise it from the bottom. This versatile control system lets you maintain privacy while still letting in natural light at the top of the window. Top-down bottom-up shades work especially well for ground floor rooms and bathrooms.

Motorized cellular shades let you control your window treatments with a remote, smartphone app, or voice commands. These smart home compatible shades offer automated scheduling and can integrate with your existing home automation system. Motorization provides ultimate convenience for hard-to-reach windows, allowing you to motorize your shades for complete control. With motorized options, you can program your shades to open and close automatically based on time of day or sunlight levels.

Energy Efficiency and Insulation

The honeycomb design of cellular shades traps air in distinct pockets, creating excellent thermal protection. This structure helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year, reducing energy costs. The thermal protection properties of cellular shades make them one of the most energy-efficient window treatment options available. By reducing the demand for heating and cooling systems, shades can significantly lower your energy bills.

Double-cell cellular shades offer even greater thermal protection with two layers of cells. This design provides double the thermal protection power of single cell options, working best in extreme climates.

Installation and Mounting Options

Inside mount cellular shades install within the window frame for a clean, built-in appearance. This mounting option works well when you have adequate window depth. Measure your window frame depth carefully to ensure the shades will fit properly inside the frame. Inside mount shades provide a seamless look that integrates with your window's existing architecture.

Outside mount cellular shades install outside the window frame for more coverage and lighting control. This mounting option works better when your window isn't perfectly square or lacks sufficient depth. Outside mount shades provide a taller, more dramatic appearance and better light blocking. This mounting style also allows for complete coverage of the window opening.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Cellular shades require minimal maintenance to keep them looking and functioning well. Regular dusting with a soft cloth or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment on a low setting removes surface dust. For deeper cleaning, spot clean with mild detergent and lukewarm water, avoiding harsh chemicals or soaking. The honeycomb structure can trap dust, so regular maintenance helps maintain their appearance and function.

Choosing the Right Cellular Shades

Start by deciding whether you need light filtering or blackout window blinds based on your room's lighting requirements. Light filtering options work well in living areas where you want natural light, while blackout shades suit sleeping areas and media rooms. Both options provide privacy, but blackout shades offer complete darkness when fully closed.

Consider single cell versus double cell based on your thermal protection needs and budget. Single cell shades provide good thermal protection at a more affordable price point. Double-cell shades offer maximum energy efficiency and work best in extreme climates or rooms where temperature control is critical. The double-cell design provides double the thermal protection power of single cell options.

Choose your control system based on safety, convenience, and window accessibility. Cordless cellular shades provide a clean look and enhanced safety for families with children and pets. Motorized options offer ultimate convenience, especially for hard-to-reach windows or home automation integration.

Consider your lifestyle and window placement when selecting the right control option. Explore our collection of custom blinds to find the perfect shades for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the drawbacks of cellular shades?

Cellular shades may cost more than basic window coverings and can be challenging to clean thoroughly due to their honeycomb structure.

What is the difference between cellular and honeycomb shades?

Cellular shades and honeycomb shades are the same product. The honeycomb name comes from the cell pattern that resembles a honeycomb when viewed from the side.

What is the best brand for cellular shades?

Factory Direct Blinds offers high-quality cellular shades at factory-direct pricing, making them an excellent choice for value-conscious homeowners.

How much do cellular shades cost per window?

Cellular shade costs vary based on size, cell type, and features, but Factory Direct Blinds offers competitive factory-direct pricing on all custom cellular shades.

What are cellular shades and what benefits do they offer?

Cellular shades are energy-efficient window treatments with honeycomb cells that trap air for thermal protection, provide lighting control, reduce noise, and offer privacy.

What are the options for operating cellular shades (e.g., cordless, motorized)?

Cellular shades come in cordless, continuous cord loop, top-down bottom-up, and motorized control options to match your safety and convenience needs.

How do I clean and maintain cellular shades?

Dust regularly with a soft cloth or vacuum with brush attachment. Spot clean with mild detergent and lukewarm water, avoiding harsh chemicals.

Can cellular shades provide complete darkness (blackout)?

Yes, blackout cellular shades block 99 percent of natural light, providing complete darkness when fully closed for bedrooms and media rooms.

Are cellular shades effective for noise reduction and insulation?

Yes, the honeycomb construction creates air pockets that dampen sound, and the trapped air provides excellent insulation to reduce energy costs.

Can cellular shades be used in bathrooms and kitchens?

Yes, cellular shades work well in bathrooms and kitchens when you choose moisture-resistant materials designed for high humidity environments.