Blind-Celluar Hybrids

Q: I'm hoping to learn more about alternatives to traditional cellular shades. I read somewhere that there's a style of cellular that looks more like blinds. Can you give me more information?

A: Of course! Comfortex (a leading manufacturer of blinds and shades) created Odysee Insulating Blinds that combine the insulating features of cellular shades with the look and versatility of traditional blinds. From a distance, these unique shades resemble typical blinds with horizontal slats, giving you the look and flexibility of blinds. But, instead of tilting the blinds, you manipulate the cord controls to expand and contract the slats.

When you expand the slats, they open up into large cells (just like cellular shades) to block or filter incoming light, increase privacy, and create an insulating layer of air between your room and the window. This insulating layer can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing energy costs and ultimately saving you money.

You can also leave the Odysee slats in the contracted position so they lay flat and give you access to your view and appear much more like conventional blinds. The best part about these blinds is that they give you the versatile light control, privacy, and insulation of cellular with the look and feel of conventional blinds. They're perfect!

Horizontal Alternatives

Q: I love the look and insulation of cellular blinds but I also really enjoy the look and feel of traditional horizontal shades. I don't want the rigid slats and wanted to know if there are any horizontal blind alternatives?

A: Yes! Comfortex recently released a new kind of horizontal blind called Odysee that combines the insulation and room darkening properties of cellular shades with the look and function of horizontal blinds. The best thing about these blinds is that they really do function as either a cellular shade or horizontal blinds whenever you want.

The Odysee blinds feature flattened single cells that function as the soft slats when the blind is being used as a horizontal blind. This feature is perfect because it allows you to maximize your view and control your light. One simple adjustment, however, and the cells expand. With open cells, the blinds darken the room while simultaneously insulating your window like a traditional cellular blind. You get the best of both worlds!

Soft Blind Alternatives

Q: I'm hoping to find something that functions like a blind but isn't rough or rigid like traditional wood or aluminum. Basically, I want the versatility without the slats. Can you help?

A: Of course! There are a few “blind alternatives” available. The most common are sheer horizontal blinds but there are other popular options like cellular and pleated shades. If you really want the slat “look” but with softer tones or light filtering, then you'll want to go with sheer horizontal shades. These shades have strips of opaque fabric suspended between sheer panels so that you have the best possible light control. You can leave the “slats” open to let in soft, diffused light, or you can tilt them shut for better privacy or to darken the room. Of course you can also raise these and let in full sunlight, too.

Cellular and pleated shades look a lot like traditional blinds but are solid pieces of fabric rather than slatted. These are great options for more contemporary looks but are still soft to the touch. In fact, cellular blinds have the added benefit of insulating your window against energy loss and noise.

My personal favorites are the sheer horizontal blinds because you have so many options for light control. But honestly, any way you go, all of these are great, soft alternatives to your traditional slatted blinds!