Choosing the right window treatment can transform your living space, enhance comfort, and even help you save on energy bills. You might be wondering: Which is better — solar or cellular shades?
The answer depends on your priorities, whether it’s controlling heat and glare, improving energy efficiency, or adding privacy. Let’s break down the difference between solar and cellular shades, explore their pros and cons, and help you find the best fit for your home’s style and needs.
What’s the Difference Between Solar and Cellular Shades?
Solar shades and cellular shades are both popular options for energy efficient window shades, but they differ significantly in construction, function, and style.
Construction and Materials
- Solars: Made from woven, screen-like fabrics engineered for UV protection, solar shades are designed to filter sunlight, reduce glare, and preserve your view. The openness percentage (ranging from 1-14%) determines how much light and visibility you get.
- A lower openness means tighter weave, more privacy, and greater UV blocking.
- A higher openness means looser weave, slightly less privacy, and less UV blocking.
- Cellulars: Featuring a honeycomb structure crafted from soft-spun lace fabric, cellular shades trap air within their cells, providing superior insulation. Available in single or double cell designs, double cell shades offer enhanced energy efficiency by trapping more air.
Functionality: Light Control, Privacy, and View
- Solars: These shades excel at reducing glare and blocking up to 95% of harmful UV rays, making them ideal for sun-facing rooms.
- Cellulars: With options for light filtering or blackout, cellular shades offer excellent privacy and light control. Blackout cellulars can block up to 98-99% of incoming light, making them perfect for bedrooms or media rooms.
Style and Design Options
- Solars: Available in a range of colors and openness levels, solar shades pair well with curtains or drapes for added privacy and style.
- Cellulars: Offered in various pleat sizes and colors, cellular shades can be customized for small or large windows, arches, and even skylights.
Recap
- Solars: Designed to reduce glare and block UV rays while preserving your view. Think of them as “sunglasses for your windows.”
- Cellulars: Made with honeycomb-shaped cells that trap air, providing insulation against heat and cold.
In short: Solar shades manage sunlight. Cellular shades manage temperature.
Pros and Cons of Solar Shades
If you’re considering solar shades, here are the main benefits and drawbacks:
Pros:
- Block up to 99% of UV rays, protecting furniture and flooring
- Reduce glare on screens and reducing some heat gain
- Preserve outdoor views during the day
- Moisture and mold-resistant, suitable for kitchens and bathrooms
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Kid-friendly cordless and motorized options
Cons:
- Limited privacy at night. Outdoor visibility increases when interior lights are on
- May require layering with curtains for complete privacy
- Not as effective for insulation compared to cellular shades
Pros and Cons of Cellular Shades
Now let’s look at cellular shades, a go-to choice for energy efficiency:
Pros:
- Superior insulation — honeycomb cells trap air, keeping rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer
- Reduces noise, making it ideal for rooms near busy streets
- Blackout options block up to 99% of light for restful sleep
- Cordless and motorized lift options available
Cons:
- Fabric can absorb moisture and odors, making them less suitable for kitchens or bathrooms
- May require more frequent cleaning to maintain appearance
- Doesn’t preserve outdoor view
Do Cellular Shades Insulate Better Than Solar Shades?
Are solar shades or cellular shades better for heat control? Cellular shades are the superior choice for insulation because of their unique honeycomb design. Each “cell” acts like a pocket of trapped air, adding a layer of insulation between your room and the window, making them the best shades for heat control.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, well-installed cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 40% in the winter and reduce unwanted solar heat by up to 60% in the summer.
Interior solar shades, while excellent for blocking UV rays, don’t insulate in the same way. Exterior solar shades are better at reducing solar heat gain by blocking harsh sunlight before it enters through your window.
- If you want to reduce glare and sun exposure, choose solar shades.
- If you want to maintain indoor temperatures, choose cellular shades.
Which is Better: Solar or Cellular Shades?
At the end of the day, it comes down to your lifestyle. The “better” option depends on your specific needs and room type:
- Best for Living Rooms or Offices → Solar Shades
(Control glare on screens while keeping your view intact.) - Best for Bedrooms or Nurseries → Cellular Shades
(Excellent insulation plus blackout options for better sleep.) - Best for Energy Efficiency → Cellular Shades
(Lower utility bills year-round.) - Best for Modern Minimalism → Solar Shades
(Sleek, unobtrusive look with outdoor visibility.)
You can also choose a mix: solar shades in common spaces and cellular shades in bedrooms for the best of both worlds. Explore these collections now at SelectBlinds.com!
Quick FAQ Recap
1. What’s the difference between solar and cellular shades?
Solar shades block sunlight and UV rays while keeping your view. Cellular shades insulate your windows to save energy.
2. Are solar shades or cellular shades better for heat?
Solar shades can reduce sun heat gain, but they aren’t best for the winter. Cellular shades provide year-round insulation against both heat and cold.
3. Do cellular shades insulate better than solar shades?
Yes. Cellular shades trap air in honeycomb cells, making them one of the most energy-efficient window coverings.
4. What are the pros and cons of solar shades?
Pros: blocks glare, protects furniture, keeps your view. Cons: no nighttime privacy, limited insulation.
5. What are the pros and cons of cellular shades?
Pros: excellent insulation, versatile light control, stylish. Cons: no outside view, slightly higher cost.
