HONEYCOMB SHADES / CELLULAR SHADES: THE BASICS
With their attractive appearance, energy efficient insulation and many customizable options, it’s easy to see why honeycomb / cellular shades are the best-selling window coverings at Select Blinds Canada.
Our honeycomb / cellular shades are a top window covering choice for interior decorators as they are available in a wide range of designer colours and fabrics to complement any room décor. Honeycomb shades are also very versatile and can be installed either inside or outside the window frame.
HONEYCOMB / CELLULAR SHADE CONSTRUCTION
Honeycomb / cellular window shades get their name based on the shade looking like a honeycomb when viewed from the side. These window covering are made by combining hundreds of honeycomb-like cells to make a beautiful, soft, and energy efficient shade. This distinctive construction enhances the insulation and energy efficiency of your home - keeping your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Honeycomb shades are available in single and double cell options. Shades with single cell construction weigh less, which may be a better choice for large windows. Double cell honeycomb shades provide increased insulation and additional light filtering.
The size of each cell in a honeycomb shade comes in a range of sizes, from 3/8" to 3/4". This is primarily an aesthetic decision in terms of which size you like best.
LIGHT CONTROL OPTIONS
A key benefit of honeycomb / cellular shades is the many light control options available, including light filtering, room darkening and blackout. Light filtering honeycomb shades soften harsh sunlight by allowing a moderate amount of sunlight to filter through the window. For extra light blockage, you also have the option of room darkening and blackout fabrics, which are ideal for bedroom and media room use.
CORDLESS LIFT OPTIONS
Cordless blinds and shades are the ultimate choice for child safety, as they eliminate the risk of cord entanglement. The cordless feature also allows for a clean, streamlined look for your honeycomb shades.
There are several different cordless options available for your honeycomb / cellular shades, including the Select Blinds Lift-and-Lock system. This cordless mechanism makes for a smooth, gliding release so that opening and closing your cordless blinds is easy and tension-free.
For many of our honeycomb and cellular shades, you can also upgrade to cordless top down/bottom up and motorized options.
TWO FABRIC TOP-DOWN BOTTOM-UP LIFT OPTION
Can’t decide between light control and privacy? Well, now you don’t have to choose. These Two Fabric Top-Down Bottom-Up Honeycomb/Cellular Shades combine a sheer, see-through fabric on the top with a solid coloured, light filtering cellular fabric on the bottom. Simply lower the middle bar separating the two fabrics to get brightness from the outside coming in from the top while still maintaining your privacy with the bottom shade. If you want full privacy, simply raise the middle bar to the top so that the light filtering or blackout bottom shade covers the entire window. Or for full visibility to the outside, use the cordless system to raise the entire shade to the top.
You can also choose Day Night Honeycomb/Cellular Shades which have a light filtering (vs. sheer) top fabric and room darkening/blackout bottom fabric.
HONEYCOMB BLINDS FAQ
What are honeycomb/cellular shades?
Honeycomb shades (also known as cellular shades, pleated shades, honeycomb blinds or cellular blinds) are window treatments designed with a unique cellular construction that traps air, providing excellent insulation. Cellular shades help maintain indoor temperatures by keeping heat in the home during the winter and blocking heat out in the summer.
Are honeycomb shades energy efficient?
Yes. In fact, honeycomb shades are one of the top insulating window coverings you can buy. Their unique honeycomb design creates air pockets that act as added insulation, reducing heat transfer through the window. This helps lower energy costs by keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Should I choose single-cell or double-cell shades?
The choice depends on the level of insulation you want for your home. Single-cell honeycomb shades have one layer of air pockets and are great for low-to-moderate insulation needs. Double-cell shades have two layers of air pockets, providing superior insulation and noise reduction, making them ideal for more extreme outdoor temperatures, draftier homes or high-traffic areas.
Is it true that honeycomb shades help with noise reduction?
Yes! The cellular structure absorbs sound, helping to reduce outside noise. Double-cell shades are particularly effective in blocking unwanted noise from traffic, neighbors or other exterior sounds.
What’s the difference between top-down bottom-up and regular cellular shades?
Regular cellular shades raise from the bottom only.
Top-down bottom-up shades can be lowered from the top, raised from the bottom, or both. For example, if you want to let in natural light but maintain privacy, you can lower the shade from the top and keep the bottom of the shade closed. Top-down bottom-up shades are not only stylish, but provide you with the greatest flexible in terms of light control and privacy.
Do honeycomb shades provide privacy?
All honeycomb shades provide a good level of privacy.
Light-filtering honeycomb shades diffuse soft, natural light into the room while maintaining privacy.
Blackout honeycomb shades block out incoming light, offering maximum privacy and darkness – making them the ideal window treatments for bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms.
Which rooms are best for cellular shades?
Cellular shades are versatile and work well in almost any room due to their energy efficiency, privacy and light control options. For example:
1. Bedrooms, Nurseries & Media Rooms: Blackout cellular shades
- Blocks out light for a better night’s sleep
- Provides privacy day and night
- Helps regulate temperature for comfort year-round
2. Living Rooms, Family Rooms, Home Offices & Kitchens: Light-filtering or top-down bottom-up cellular shades
- Allows natural light to filter into the room while maintaining privacy
- Reduces glare on TVs and screens
- Helps keep rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in winter
.
3. Bathrooms: Moisture-resistant light-filtering or blackout shades
- Ensures privacy while allowing in some natural light
- Moisture-resistant options are recommended for humid environments
Are cellular shades better than roller shades?
Both cellular and roller shades are great options for most rooms. It really depends on your needs.
Cellular shades offer better insulation and energy efficiency. Roller shades provide a sleek, modern look with a wider range of patterns, fabrics, textures and designs.
Both options come in light-filtering and blackout styles.
What lift options are available with honeycomb shades?
All of our cellular shades are available with a cordless lift system for easy, child-safe operation. You can also upgrade to a motorized wand option for one-touch operation, or full motorization which allows you to control the blinds remotely, making them an excellent choice for hard-to-reach windows. Add a Smart Hub for wi-fi operation (including the setting of timers/schedules) through a smartphone or by voice control via Alexa or Google.
Can honeycomb shades be motorized or smart-controlled?
Our motorized honeycomb shades can be operated with a wand, a remote or integrated with smart home systems like Google Assistant and Alexa for voice control by adding the Smart Hub. Hey Alexa, open shades!
How much do cellular shades cost?
Since all cellular shades at Select Blinds Canada are custom-made to fit your exact measurements and preferences, the price will vary. Price considerations include the width and height of your window, the fabric type (light-filtering or blackout), and any optional upgrades like motorization, top-down bottom-up functionality, or specialty headrails. Cellular shade pricing typically starts below $39.99, making them an affordable and energy-efficient window treatment option.
How do I measure for cellular shades?
It’s easy! Just follow these steps:
- Inside mount: Measure the exact width of the inside of the window frame at the top, middle, and bottom, and use the narrowest measurement. For the height, measure the inside frame at the left, center, and right, and use the longest measurement.
- Outside mount: Measure the desired width and height of the area you wish to cover, adding up to an extra 4” to ensure proper coverage.
Check out our easy-to-follow measuring guide for detailed instructions.
Can I install honeycomb shades myself?
Cellular shades are designed for easy installation, whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a beginner. Each shade includes all the necessary hardware and step-by-step instructions, and we also provide helpful installation videos on our website. All you need is a tape measure, power drill or screwdriver, level, and pencil to get started. Plus, our Customer Satisfaction team is always available to assist with any questions you may have.
You can make it even easier with the No-Drill Installation Headrail upgrade. This exclusive feature allows you to put up your new cellular shades in just a few minutes. Simply snap the headrail into place and insert your shade. No tools, no holes, no hassle!
How long will it take to ship my cellular shades?
Many of our custom honeycomb shades ship in 2-5 business days from date of order. Most others ship in 6-10 business days. You can check the specific up-to-date delivery timing of each cellular shade on the respective product page.
How do I clean honeycomb shades?
Dust regularly with a feather duster or a vacuum’s brush attachment. Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed. Avoid soaking honeycomb shades in water, as moisture can damage the fabric.
How long do honeycomb shades last?
With proper care, honeycomb shades can last 7 to 10 years or more. Their durable fabric resists fading and sagging over time.
What warranty is included with honeycomb/cellular shades?
Honeycomb/cellular shades, and all other window treatments at Select Blinds Canada, come with a 3-year limited warranty. Extended warranty options include 5-year unlimited “no matter what” coverage: from everyday wear and tear to accidents (rips, holes, stains, chips, cracks, dents, burns, water damage), we’ll replace your damaged blinds free of charge. No stress, no hassle, no complicated claims - just total coverage. Please see our warranty page for full details. On top of these warranty options, Select Blinds Canada also offers 100% Satisfaction and Perfect Fit Guarantees on all orders.
