Updated August 2025: Explore the world of cellular shades and discover why they are a top choice for modern window treatments. Whether you’re looking for blackout cellular shades for better sleep, cordless cellular shades for safety, or top-down bottom-up cellular shades for flexible light control, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cellulars.
What Are Cellular Shades and How Do They Work?
Cellular shades get their name from their unique, woven polyester, honeycomb-shaped cells, which trap air inside. This trapped air acts as insulation, helping keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
The shade’s structure can be single-cell or double-cell, with double-cell shades offering more insulation because of the extra layer of air pockets. Larger pleat sizes also create a larger air buffer, which will create better insulation than a smaller pleat size.
How they work:
- Raise or lower them just like traditional shades.
- Available in manual or motorized lifts.
- Options like top-down bottom-up let you open the top, bottom, or both for perfect light balance.
Benefits of Cellular Shades
1. Energy Efficiency
You could call almost any cellular shade the best cellular shades for insulation. By trapping air inside their cells, they reduce heat transfer through your windows, potentially lowering your energy bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 40% and unwanted solar heat through windows by up to 60%.
2. Versatile Light Control
Choose light filtering for soft, diffused daylight, or blackout cellular shades for maximum darkness — perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, or home theaters.
3. Sleek Style
Their clean, modern look works with almost any décor, from minimalist to traditional. They also come in a wide variety of colors. It is worth noting, though, that the color will almost always be just on the front. The back will be white in order to stay HOA compliant and to give it a more uniform look from the back.
4. Noise Reduction
The cellular structure doesn’t just insulate from temperature. It can also dampen outside noise for a quieter space.
5. Safety
Cordless cellular shades are child- and pet-safe, eliminating dangling cords that could be a hazard.
Cellular Shades vs. Blinds: Which Should You Choose?
When comparing cellular shades vs blinds, the differences in design and functionality become clear. Cellular shades offer superior insulation, energy efficiency, and noise reduction, while traditional blinds often fall short in these areas.
| Feature | Cellular Shades | Traditional Blinds |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation | Excellent | Minimal |
| Light Control | Light filtering or blackout | Tilt slats for light control |
| Style | Soft, fabric look | Wood, faux wood, or aluminum |
| Energy Savings | High | Low |
| Noise Reduction | Yes | Minimal |
If energy efficiency is a priority, cellulars are the winner. If you want adjustable slats for quick light changes, blinds might be your pick.
Types of Cellular Shades
1. Blackout Cellular Shades
- Block up to 99% of light for deeper sleep.
- Ideal for bedrooms and media rooms.
- Lined on the inside with a silvery material known as mylar.
2. Cordless Cellular Shades
- Raise and lower with a light push or pull.
- Safer for kids and pets.
- Easy operation.
3. Top-Down Bottom-Up Cellular Shades
- Let light in from above while keeping privacy below.
- Perfect for street-facing windows.
- Flexible light and privacy control.
- Control with a remote, app, or smart home assistant.
- Great for hard-to-reach windows.
- Convenient operation.
Which Type of Cellular Shades Are Best for Bedrooms?
For bedrooms, blackout cordless cellular shades are the gold standard. They block out early morning sunlight, reduce street noise, and keep the temperature comfortable for sleeping.
Due to the lightweight and simple construction of cellular shades, they fit really snug inside the window openings, meaning there will be a very minimal gap between where your shade ends and the side of your casing starts. Any light that you see passing through when the shade is down will come in around the sides and edges of the shade. This gap is usually only about an eighth inch.
Add the top-down bottom-up feature if you want to let in daylight while maintaining privacy. You can also combine cellular shades with drapes or curtains for enhanced insulation and a designer look.
Do Cellular Blinds Help with Energy Savings?
Yes, cellular blinds, or cellular shades, are one of the most energy-efficient window coverings available. The Department of Energy has noted that properly installed cellular shades can reduce heat loss by up to 40% in winter and reduce unwanted heat gain in summer by up to 60%. That translates to real energy savings over time.
Are Cellular Shades Worth the Cost?
If you’re looking for a stylish, functional, and energy-efficient window covering, the answer is a resounding yes. While they can cost a bit more than basic blinds, the long-term savings on your energy bills — combined with the comfort, style, and privacy they provide — make them a smart investment.
Tips for Choosing the Best Cellular Shades
- Measure carefully: Cellulars need a snug fit for maximum insulation.
- Pick the right opacity: Light filtering for general use, blackout for bedrooms.
- Consider your lift style: Cordless for safety, motorized for convenience.
- Match your décor: Cellulars come in a wide range of colors and textures.
- Pleat size: In general, smaller pleat sizes look better in smaller window openings, and larger pleat sizes look better in larger window openings.
Explore Honeycomb Shades
From their energy efficiency to their stylish versatility, cellular shades check all the boxes for modern living. Whether you choose blackout, cordless, or top-down bottom-up styles, you’ll enjoy year-round comfort, improved light control, and a polished look that elevates any room.
If you’re ready to find your perfect match, browse our full collection of cellular shades and see how easy it is to combine beauty and function in your home!
