Short Explanation of Cellular Shades

Q: I keep hearing about cellular shades and I know they're a popular style, but what exactly are they?

A: Cellular shades are a unique type of window shade that traps air between layers of material in order to help insulate your windows against energy loss and excess noise. When cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are retracted to the headrail, the cells, or air pockets, collapse. In this position cellular shades can resemble common pleated shades or even miniblinds.

But once the cellular shades are pulled down to cover the window, the air pockets expand. Each air pocket (or “cell”) runs the width of the window. These cells come in different sizes and cell counts and connect to one another to create a solid sheet of air pockets.

The larger the cell size, the larger the pleats on the shade and the more air it traps. Cellular shades with large cells are good for large or deep windows where larger pleats look more appropriate for the size.

Smaller cells often come in multiple cell counts (like double or triple) which refers to the number of cells layered between your room and the window. Multiple cell counts often help to increase insulation and noise reduction, but can also give you a very thick shade. These small cells also have smaller pleat widths which makes them ideal for standard or smaller windows.

Since cellular shades come in a large variety of colors and light filtering properties, there's something for everyone!

Energy Saving Shades for Big Windows

Q: Hi, I just finished building my house and have tried to make it a little bit “greener” by finding ways to conserve energy. We're using tankless water heaters, have put energy-efficient insulation in the walls and attic, and have designed the house to maximize solar energy in the winter. On that note, I'd like to find shades for some of my large windows that are beautiful but still save energy. Any suggestions?

A: Cellular shades are designed to be both beautiful as well as energy efficient. When drawn closed, small pockets of air expand to provide elegant but effective insulation on any window and even come in multiple layers of “cells” depending on how much insulation you need.

Cellular shades are versatile, too. Not only do they help retain warmth in the winter and keep out solar heat in the summer, they also buffer noise and light. Cellular shades (also known as honeycomb shades) come in a wide range of colors to match any décor and also come in light-diffusing and room-darkening options.

For those large windows, you may also want to consider opting for a motorized or remote-controlled cellular shade. Just push a button and raise or lower the shade whenever you want. Convenience and energy-efficiency all in one!

Color Options for Cellular Shades - Two Sided

Q: Hi, I'm looking at buying cellular shades and saw that some have options for different colors on the room side versus the outside. What does that mean and what are my options?

A: Since cellular shades are created by fusing layers of fabric together to create pockets of air to insulate your window, it gives manufacturers the ability to use different color fabrics on the inside and outside of the shade. For example, you might want blue cellular shades to match your rug but white to match the trim on your front porch. With double-sided shades, you get to have both!

Cellular shades are one of the few window treatments that come with this option and I think it's a great way to get the look you want both on the inside and outside of your home. Most times people order standard cellular shades that have white towards the outside and a decorative color on the inside. The white also helps reflect sunlight and improves the insulation qualities of the blinds and creates a clean exterior look.