What Are Cellular Shades and Why Do Homeowners Choose Them Over Other Window Treatments

You’re looking at window treatment options and keep seeing cellular shades everywhere. Maybe someone called them honeycomb shades or honeycomb blinds. They look nice, but what actually sets them apart from regular blinds? And why do so many people choose them?

We’ve been handcrafting custom window treatments for over 25 years. Cellular shades consistently rank among our most popular products, not because we push them, but because homeowners genuinely appreciate how they perform. They insulate windows, look clean and modern, come in hundreds of styles, and make homes more comfortable. Let’s break down what makes these shades special and whether they’re right for your windows.

What are cellular shades and how do they work?

Cellular shades get their name from their unique construction. Look at them from the side and you’ll see small pockets that look like honeycomb cells from a beehive. These aren’t decorative. They’re the entire point of the design.

The honeycomb structure explained

Here’s what makes honeycomb shades different:

Air pockets create insulation Each cell traps a layer of air between your window and your room. This trapped air slows heat transfer, keeping warm air in during winter and hot air out during summer.

Temperature barrier The air gap works like a thermos. Just as the space between inner and outer walls keeps your coffee hot, cellular shades create a buffer zone that helps regulate temperature.

Multiple cell options

• Single cell shades have one layer of pockets
• Double cell shades stack two layers for maximum insulation
• Larger cells trap more air but double cells often outperform them

How the insulation actually works

Glass conducts heat quickly. Your windows are often the biggest source of heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. When you install honeycomb blinds for windows, you add a layer of insulation that slows this heat transfer.

The fabric provides some insulation, but the real magic happens in those air pockets. Dead air (air that isn’t moving) is one of the best natural insulators. By trapping air in hundreds of small cells across your window, cellular shades create an effective thermal barrier without adding bulk or weight.

R-values in simple terms

R-value measures how well something insulates. Higher numbers mean better insulation:

• Standard single-pane window: R-1
• Double-pane window: R-2 to R-3
• Cellular shades: Add up to R-2 to R-4 to your existing window
• Double cell shades provide better R-values than single cell

When you add honeycomb shades to your windows, you’re essentially doubling or tripling your window’s insulation value. That translates directly to lower energy bills and more consistent room temperatures.

Why do cellular shades cost more than regular blinds?

Cellular shades typically cost more than basic blinds. There’s a good reason for that. The construction is more complex, the materials are more sophisticated, and the manufacturing process requires more precision.

What you’re actually paying for

Regular blinds use slats (horizontal or vertical) that tilt to control light. Simple design, simple manufacturing. Honeycomb blinds require pleated fabric that holds its shape, specialized bonding to create the cells, and precise engineering to make everything operate smoothly.

Here’s what goes into quality cellular shades:

1. Fabric technology – Material needs to hold pleats permanently without sagging
2. Cell construction – Each honeycomb pocket must be precisely formed and sealed
3. Operating systems – Cordless and motorized mechanisms require more engineering than basic cord systems
4. Custom sizing – Every shade we make is built to your exact measurements, not cut down from pre-made sizes

The value proposition

Yes, cellular shades cost more upfront than basic blinds. But here’s what you get:

• Energy savings that continue month after month, year after year
• Longer lifespan because there are no slats to bend or break
• Better light control with options from sheer to blackout
• Cleaner aesthetics that work with modern and traditional decor
• Sound dampening as a bonus benefit of the insulating cells

Most homeowners find that energy savings alone offset the higher initial cost within a few years. After that, it’s pure benefit. We pride ourselves on offering multiple solutions at every price point, so you can find quality honeycomb shades that fit your budget.

Do cellular shades really save money on energy bills?

Short answer: yes. Most homeowners see 15-25% reduction in heating and cooling costs after installing cellular shades throughout their home. The exact savings depend on your climate, window size, and how many windows you cover.

Real numbers from real homes

Let’s put actual dollars to this:

• If you spend $150 per month on heating and cooling, a 20% reduction saves you $30 monthly
• That’s $360 per year back in your pocket
• Quality honeycomb shades typically pay for themselves within 2-4 years through energy savings
• After that payback period, you’re just saving money every month

Your savings will be higher if you:

• Live in a climate with extreme temperatures (very hot summers or cold winters)
• Have many large windows
• Currently have minimal window coverings
• Run your heating or cooling system frequently

How the savings actually happen

Winter heating savings:

Cellular shades trap warm air inside, reducing heat loss through windows. Keep shades down at night when temperatures drop. Raise them during sunny days to let solar heat warm your rooms naturally. Greatest impact on north-facing windows that never get direct sun.

Summer cooling savings:

Block solar heat gain before it enters your home. Particularly effective on east and west-facing windows that get direct sun. Light-colored fabrics reflect more heat than dark colors. Blackout cellular options provide maximum heat blocking.

The Department of Energy estimates that cellular shades can reduce unwanted solar heat gain by up to 80% when fully closed on sunny windows. That’s significant when you’re trying to keep your home cool without running the air conditioning constantly.

Beyond energy bills

Honeycomb blinds also protect your furniture, flooring, and artwork from UV damage. That sun streaming through your windows looks beautiful, but it fades fabrics and damages wood over time. Cellular shades filter or block those harmful UV rays, extending the life of everything in your home.

Which rooms work best for cellular shade installation?

Cellular shades work well in any room, but some spaces benefit more than others.

Bedrooms get maximum benefit

Bedrooms are ideal for honeycomb shades because:

• Temperature control matters for sleep quality
• You can choose blackout options for complete darkness
• Windows are often closed at night, maximizing the insulation effect
• Cordless and motorized options eliminate dangling cords near beds

Keep your bedroom shades closed during the hottest part of summer days and the coldest winter nights. You’ll sleep better and save money at the same time.

Living rooms and family spaces

Living rooms benefit from the light control and insulation of cellular shades:

• Reduce glare on TV screens without making the room dark
• Maintain comfortable temperatures in high-traffic areas
• Choose light filtering options that keep spaces bright and welcoming
• Coordinate colors across multiple windows for a cohesive look

We often recommend light filtering cellular shades for living spaces. They provide privacy and insulation while keeping the room bright enough for daytime activities.

Home offices need good light management

Home offices are perfect for honeycomb blinds:

• Reduce glare on computer screens while maintaining natural light
• Keep the room comfortable without constantly adjusting the thermostat
• Top-down bottom-up options let you control exactly where light enters
• Improve video call lighting with diffused natural light instead of harsh overhead lights

If you work from home, the right window treatments make a noticeable difference in comfort and productivity. Cellular shades help you create the perfect working environment.

Bathrooms require special consideration

Bathrooms can use cellular shades, but pick the right style:

• Choose moisture-resistant fabrics if your bathroom has poor ventilation
• Light filtering provides daytime privacy while keeping the space bright
• Consider top-down bottom-up mounting for privacy with natural light
• Blackout options work well for bathrooms attached to bedrooms

For bathrooms with windows close to neighbors or facing busy streets, you might want blackout cellular shades for complete privacy regardless of time of day.

Large windows and sliding doors

Big windows lose and gain heat faster than small ones:

• Picture windows and bay windows are major sources of energy loss
• Sliding glass doors can feel like open portals for heat transfer
• The larger the glass area, the more you’ll save with honeycomb shades
• Consider motorization for very large windows to make operation easier

If you have a wall of windows or sliding doors, that’s where you should invest in quality cellular shades first. The energy savings and comfort improvement will be most noticeable there.

How to choose between single cell vs double cell shades?

Single cell and double cell shades both use honeycomb construction, but the difference in performance is real.

Construction differences

Single cell shades:

• One layer of honeycomb pockets
• Typically adds up to R-2 insulation value
• Lighter weight, easier to operate
• Works well for most standard-sized windows
• More affordable than double cell options

Double cell shades:

• Two layers of honeycomb pockets stacked together
• Can add up to R-4 insulation value
• 20-30% better thermal performance than single cell
• Heavier, may require motorization for large windows
• Higher upfront cost but better long-term energy savings

The double layer creates more trapped air space, which translates directly to better insulation.

When to choose double cell

Pick double cell honeycomb shades when:

• You live in extreme climate zones (very hot summers or cold winters)
• You have large windows where energy loss is significant
• Your energy costs are high and you want maximum savings
• The windows face harsh sun exposure or cold winds
• You want the best possible insulation performance

For most homeowners, the extra energy savings from double cell shades pay back the higher initial cost within 3-5 years. After that, it’s pure savings every month.

When single cell works fine

Single cell is the right choice when:

• You live in moderate climates without extreme temperatures
• You have smaller windows (under 36 inches wide)
• Budget is a primary concern
• The windows are in rooms you don’t heat or cool heavily
• You prefer lighter-weight shades that are easier to operate

Single cell cellular shades still provide good insulation and all the other benefits of honeycomb construction. They’re not a compromise. They’re just optimized for different situations.

Room-by-room recommendations

Here’s how we typically guide customers:

• Bedrooms: Double cell for master bedroom, single cell for guest rooms
• Living spaces: Single cell works well in most cases
• Large windows: Double cell for maximum energy savings
• Small windows: Single cell is more cost-effective
• Extreme climate zones: Double cell throughout the house

Our Blindsgalore Cordless Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shade makes this easy. No cords to manage, just a simple operation that gives you total control over light and privacy.

Privacy at different times of day

Daytime privacy: Both light filtering and blackout options prevent people from seeing into your home during daylight. The honeycomb structure diffuses the view from outside. Passersby can’t see your furniture, belongings, or activities.

Nighttime privacy: Light filtering shades allow silhouettes to be visible when interior lights are on. Blackout shades provide complete privacy regardless of interior lighting. Ground-floor and street-facing windows benefit from blackout options.

If privacy is a top concern, especially after dark, blackout cellular shades eliminate any worry about people seeing into your home.

Are motorized cellular shades worth the investment?

Motorized cellular shades cost more than manual options, but for many homeowners, the convenience and functionality make them worth every penny.

Why motorization makes sense

Convenience factors:

• Control multiple shades at once with a single button press
• Adjust hard-to-reach windows without a ladder or pole
• Program shades to open and close automatically on a schedule
• Operate shades without getting up from your desk or couch

Energy optimization:

• Automated schedules ensure shades are closed when they should be for maximum energy savings
• Temperature-responsive programming adjusts shades based on outdoor conditions
• Integration with smart thermostats creates a coordinated climate control system

Child and pet safety:

• No cords means no strangulation hazard for children or pets
• Motorized shades are inherently safer than corded options
• Required by current safety standards in many situations

Smart home integration

Motorized cellular shades work with most smart home systems:

• Amazon Alexa – Voice control and routine integration
• Google Home – Voice commands and automation
• Samsung SmartThings – Full smart home integration
• Apple HomeKit – Siri control via Siri Shortcuts
• Control4 – Professional home automation systems

The Connector Smart Hub connects through 2.4GHz WiFi or directly to your router with an ethernet cable. Use the Connector App to control and program your shades from anywhere.

Voice control is convenient, but the real value comes from automation. Set it up once and your shades optimize your home’s temperature and light automatically, every day, without you thinking about it.

Battery-powered convenience

Our motorized cellular shades use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries:

• No electrical wiring required, installation is just as easy as manual shades
• Batteries last months between charges depending on usage
• Recharge via USB cable, takes just a few hours
• Battery status visible in the control app

Motorized wand options combine battery power with a physical wand control. The wand plugs into the shade’s motor and lets you raise or lower it manually. When you’re done, unplug the wand and the shade stays in position. Recharge the wand separately via USB.

Our Blindsgalore Select Motorized Wand Cellular Shades offer this hybrid approach. You get motorized convenience without needing a remote or app if you don’t want them.

Cost vs benefit

Motorized cellular shades typically cost 30-50% more than manual versions of the same shade. Here’s how to think about whether they’re worth it:

Choose motorization when:

• You have hard-to-reach windows (high ceilings, behind furniture)
• You want to integrate with a smart home system
• You have many windows and want centralized control
• You have children or pets and want the safest option
• You’re willing to invest more upfront for long-term convenience

Manual shades work fine when:

• You have standard-height windows that are easy to reach
• Budget is a primary concern
• You don’t have a smart home system or don’t want to integrate
• You prefer the simplicity of manual operation

There’s no wrong choice. Both options give you all the insulation and light control benefits of cellular shades. Motorization just adds convenience and automation on top of that foundation.

What to expect during cellular shade installation?

Cellular shades are one of the easiest window treatments to install. Most homeowners handle it themselves in about an hour per window. No special skills required, just basic tools and the ability to follow instructions.

Tools you’ll need

Gather these before you start:

• Drill with bits
• Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)
• Tape measure
• Pencil for marking
• Level (helpful but not required)

All mounting hardware comes with your shades. You don’t need to buy anything extra.

Basic installation steps

Outside mount (mounted on the wall around the window):

1. Mark bracket locations – Use a pencil to mark where brackets will mount
2. Pre-drill holes – This prevents splitting wood and makes installation easier
3. Attach brackets – Screw brackets into the wall through the back mounting holes
4. Mount the headrail – Hold the shade up, insert the front of the headrail into the brackets, and rock it backward until it clicks
5. Test operation – Make sure the shade raises and lowers smoothly

Inside mount (mounted within the window frame):

1. Mark bracket locations – Mark where brackets will mount inside the frame
2. Pre-drill holes – Drill pilot holes in the top of the window frame
3. Attach brackets – Screw brackets into the frame through the top mounting holes
4. Mount the headrail – Insert the front of the headrail into the brackets and rock backward until it clicks
5. Test operation – Verify smooth operation before moving to the next window

The whole process takes about an hour for your first window. After that, you’ll get faster as you get the hang of it.

DIY confidence

99% of our customers install their own cellular shades. The process is straightforward, and we provide detailed instructions with every order. Our help center has videos if you want to see the installation process before you start.

If you run into questions during installation, our family of window treatment experts is here to help:

• Phone: (877) 702-5463
• Text: (858) 550-4750
• Extended hours Mon-Sun

We want you to feel confident handling the installation yourself. It’s easier than you think, and there’s real satisfaction in completing the project on your own.

Measuring for perfect fit

Accurate measurements are critical for cellular shades. Every shade we make is custom to your exact specifications. We can’t cut them down or adjust them after manufacturing.

Here’s what you need to know:

Inside mount:

• Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window opening
• Use the narrowest measurement
• Measure the height from the top of the opening to the sill
• We’ll make the shade slightly narrower than your measurement to ensure it fits

Outside mount:

• Measure the width you want the shade to cover
• Add at least 3 inches beyond the window frame on each side for best light blocking
• Measure the height from where you want the top of the shade to where you want the bottom
• We’ll make the shade exactly to your measurements

Our measuring guides walk you through the process step by step with photos and videos. Take your time, measure twice, and you’ll get perfect results.

Frequently Asked Questions