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The Daily Insight

What is a cellular window blind

Author

Mia Horton

Published May 10, 2026

Cellular shades are a type of window shade. Window shades are made from one continuous piece of fabric and they either roll up (roller shades) or fold up. Cellular shades fold up along crisp pleats. Cellular shades come in a variety of pleat sizes, colors and light control options from sheer to blackout.

What's the difference between a cellular shade and a pleated shade?

The big difference is that, while honeycomb cellular shades have 2 or more layers that form compartments which trap air, a pleated shade has just one layer of material. Pleated shades, also called pleated blinds, do not have slats. They are one continuous layer of fabric. … Many pleated shade fabrics are very sheer.

Are cellular blinds see through?

A: Translucent cell shades will allow light to filter through but will also still provide privacy. … At night time depending on your lighting situation you may be able to see shadows when standing next to the honeycomb shades but you can not see through the window shades.

Are cellular blinds good?

Cellular shades are workhorses, and they offer great insulation, light control and privacy. However, they are often not the most fashionable of window treatments. … However, they can still be a great way to control the sun even on large, specialty windows.

Are cellular blinds the same as honeycomb blinds?

A cellular shade has a more complex construction. Also called “honeycomb shades,” cellular shades have geometric folds that resemble honeycombs. Cellular window shades are available with both a single layer of these honeycombs and a double layer, called “single cell” and “double cell,” respectively.

Can u Clean cellular shades?

Most cellular shades only require light, regular dusting and vacuuming to keep them clean. You can remove embedded stains, by spot treating them with warm water and a mild detergent. … Vacuuming: By adding the brush attachment to your vacuum hose, you can clean the shades from top to bottom using a side-to-side motion.

Do cellular shades keep out heat?

Insulated cellular shades are typically considered to have the highest R-values of all window coverings. … In cooling seasons, cellular shades can reduce unwanted solar heat through windows by up to 60%, reducing the total solar gain to 20% when installed with a tight fit.

Do honeycomb blinds look cheap?

It comes down to personal taste, but some would argue that these shades look “cheap”, and they only come in a few color/style varieties. However, for others, the simple and clean appearance of honeycomb shades is part of the appeal. Honeycomb shades go well with other modern or minimalistic design elements.

What should I look for in cellular shades?

If you have a medium-sized window and are looking for a cellular shade that reflects that size, go with 1/2″ or 9/16” cell sizes. These sizes are the most popular because they provide good balance for all sizes of window, all without being too overwhelming. Large windows should be covered with 3/4″ single cell shades.

What is the most energy efficient window treatments?
  1. Honeycomb shades. Duette Architella® Honeycomb Shades are the original cellular shade and are specifically engineered for energy efficiency. …
  2. Roller shades with solar technology. …
  3. Blackout shades & curtains. …
  4. Smart blinds.
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Can people see in through light filtering cellular shades?

When considering whether to purchase light filtering or room darkening blinds, many homeowners ask, “Can you see through light filtering blinds at night?” The answer is, thankfully, no. While onlookers may be able to make out diffuse shadows of figures crossing the room, light filtering blinds are not see-through.

What shades provide privacy at night?

  1. Roller Shades. Roller shades are a great option when you want a simple, fuss-free solution for privacy. …
  2. Bamboo Shades. Looking for a more natural look? …
  3. Roman Shades. …
  4. Honeycomb Shades. …
  5. Sheer Shades.

Are cellular blinds good for bathrooms?

A: Cellular shades are always a good choice for bathroom, they can with stand the humidity and the moisture, they are easy to clean and will retain their pleats. They are also a popular option because they have the top down bottom up option. … They are made from PVC which holds up well in humidity and moisture.

Are honeycomb shades outdated?

Not exactly. Cellular shades are still a very popular option to choose due to the fact that they provide a variety of benefits. In addition, there are different options in terms of the material and fabrics that you can choose from depending on your personal preferences.

Are cellular shades and honeycomb shades the same?

Cellular shades are known as honeycomb shade due to the honeycomb design when looking at the shades from the side. The greatest benefit of cell shades is the insulation they provide. This insulation helps with sound as well as energy. Honeycomb shades are one of the best energy saving window coverings.

HOW MUCH DO cellular shades cost?

Cellular Shades Cost Cellular shades are $340 to $2,400 or an average of $1,370 for a full house install. They are $25 to $250 apiece and each requires 30 minutes of labor at $35 to $100 per hour.

Do cellular shades block cold?

Cellular shades are the optimum window covering to blanket your windows and remain our number one favorite performing shade to retain room heat. As a reminder, cellular shades contain those wonderful little “honeycomb” packets that trap heat to block out the cold and regulate inside temperatures.

How much insulation do cellular shades provide?

The benefits are significant. Honeycomb shades can block heat about as well as a 1/8 inch sheet of insulated foam. Their R-value (or, their ability to insulate against heat flow) ranges between 2 and 5. In comparison, a typical double pane window has an R-value of 1.8.

How long do honeycomb shades last?

Mini Blinds2-4 yearsFaux Wood Blinds3-5 yearsCellular & Honeycomb Shades5-7 yearsRoman Shades5-7 yearsDraperies8-12 years

Can you wash cellular shades in the bathtub?

Submerge shades in a bathtub for a deep cleaning. Add a few drops of mild detergent, like dish soap, to the water. Insert the shades in the water and swish them gently to remove entrenched dirt. After you have swished your shades through the soapy lukewarm water, drain the water and refill it with lukewarm water only.

What are cellular shades made of?

Cellular shades are a popular window treatment made of “honeycomb” cells. They are known for their sleek style, light control and insulating properties.

How thick are cellular shades?

Single cell shades range in cell and pleat widths from 3/8 inch to 2 inches. Typically, shades with a 3/8 inch cell measurement and less work well for smaller windows. The narrower fabric cells fit much better with shallower window openings.

What do cellular blinds look like?

Cellular shades are a type of window shade. … Cellular shades fold up along crisp pleats. Cellular shades come in a variety of pleat sizes, colors and light control options from sheer to blackout. They do all that while providing the highest level of insulation due to their honeycomb-shaped air pockets or cells.

How wide can cellular blinds be?

Shades can be made up to 144″ wide and in almost any shape you can think of—from a circle to a triangle.

Do honeycomb blinds keep cold out?

Pros of Honeycomb Blinds Great at insulation, available in a variety of colors and backed by our industry-leading warranty. Order Free Samples now! These are blinds that block heat from the sun in summer and keep the cold out in the winter months.

Are honeycomb blinds energy efficient?

Cellular Shades. Cellular shades, or honeycomb shades, are one of the most energy efficient window coverings you can buy. They use a series of honeycomb-like cell pockets to trap air around your windows, keeping your rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Are thermal blinds worth it?

Thermal roller blinds are a great asset when it comes to retaining heat inside a room. They are constructed with a layer or multiple layers of thermal material which helps prevent heat loss. However, they will only be effective when they are down, so you’ll need to have double glazing as well.

Which cellular shades are most energy efficient?

Duette Architella® Honeycomb Shades—This style is the most energy-efficient cellular shade available, providing even greater insulation than the original Duette. That’s because its honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb construction has more layers of fabric and insulating pockets than other fabrics in the Duette line.

What is the difference between light filtering shades and blackout shades?

The main difference between room darkening vs light filtering shades is light control. Blackout shades block 100% of light, while light filtering shades allow in a little light to give diffused natural daylight, like translucent dimming.

Do light filtering shades give you privacy?

Light filtering shades are designed to filter sunlight and control the privacy level. The shades provide privacy during the daylight but would not provide privacy at night. So people will be able to see through these shades from outside but you won’t be able to see out.

Do light filtering shades block heat?

Light filtering fabrics are perfect for rooms where you want to trim the heat and prevent UV damage, but allow some light in. … Blackout shades block 99% of the light and incoming heat to the room.