When it comes to selecting cellular shades, there are many different options available. Depending on your needs and wants, there are several factors to consider when choosing the best cellular shades for your home.
Firstly, consider the amount of light you would like to let in. Cellular shades come in different levels of opacity so you can choose between sheer, light filtering or blackout options. Sheer shades are best for allowing natural light to enter into the room while providing a gentle diffusion of the light and an unobstructed view of the outdoors.
Light filtering shades allow some sunlight to pass through while still blocking harmful UV rays and providing privacy. Blackout shades are best for complete privacy and blocking the sun’s light altogether.
Next, consider insulation. Cellular shades are known for their ability to provide insulation from both heat and cold, making them a great energy saver. They use air chambers to trap air between the cells, and the thicker the pleats in the shades, the more insulating capacity the cellular shades have.
Also, choose a material durable enough to withstand consistent use. Cellular shades are made of different materials like vinyl, fabric, and even cellular fabric – each option featuring its own unique benefits.
Fabrics come in a variety of colors and patterns, while vinyl may be more durable and easier to clean. Cellular fabric is the most popular option, as it lends elegant texture, dimensional style, and excellent insulating properties without compromising on beauty.
Finally, take into consideration the cost and the installation process. Cellular shades might be more expensive than other window treatments, but they are an investment that can help you save on energy bills in the long run.
Installing cellular shades is usually easier than other window treatments, and some stores offer free installation when purchasing the shades.
Ultimately, the best type of cellular shades for you depend on your budget, priority of energy efficiency or light control, and your desired look.
Which cellular shades are most energy efficient?
Cellular shades are one of the most energy efficient window treatments available. They are constructed with a honeycomb design, which traps air between the layers, creating an insulation barrier. This prevents heated or cooled air from passing through the window, keeping interior temperatures consistent and maintaining energy efficiency.
The best cellular shades for energy efficiency are generally thicker, since they have more insulation. Plus, they can have an additional layer of aluminum film and are often lined with a white backing, both of which help to reflect and trap heat.
In addition, opting for cordless versions can further increase efficiency, as the absence of cords reduces heat transfer and keeps heat in the room. Additionally, light-filtering cellular shades are recommended, as darker colors will absorb more heat.
With these features, cellular shades are an excellent option for energy efficiency.
What is the difference between honeycomb and cellular shades?
Honeycomb and cellular shades are both types of window coverings that provide energy efficiency and light control. The main difference between the two is the shape of the cells. Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, feature a half-oval or hexagon shaped cell.
On the other hand, honeycomb shades have evenly sized square cells.
In terms of insulation and energy efficiency, both honeycomb and cellular shades are an ideal choice and provide excellent insulation against heat and cold. Cellular shades are slightly more energy-efficient since their shape allows more air to be trapped, making them more efficient at blocking external air from entering the room.
As for light-control, honeycomb shades offer more versatility with options that allow you to customize the amount of light you want to let in. Additionally, when it comes to style, honeycomb shades are generally more popular due to their modern and sleek look, while cellular shades have a more traditional and classic look.
In terms of price, cellular shades are generally more affordable than honeycomb shades due to the amount of fabric used. However, honeycomb shades are often seen as a more valuable option since they are more energy-efficient and offer more versatility with light-control.
Both options will provide an attractive window-covering and insulation against external elements, but depending on your budget, needs, and preferences, one may be more suitable than the other.
What is better single or double cellular shades?
The answer to whether single or double cellular shades are better depends on many factors such as room size and shape, insulation needs, privacy requirements, and cost.
Single cellular shades provide a streamlined and modern look, which can be great in a small, boxy room that needs to look wider. Additionally, a single cell window shade blocks light and helps to insulate against sound.
These single shades also keep your house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, saving on heating and cooling costs.
Double cellular shades provide extra insulation, trapping air between the two cells to help prevent the transfer of heat or cold from the outdoors in extreme temperatures. They are also great for securing your home from prying eyes and for obtaining full privacy.
They are better for larger spaces, where sun glare can be a problem and where insulation needs are more pressing.
The choice ultimately comes down to your own needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Single cellular shades have a modern and sleek look and provide good insulation, but double cellular shades offer excellent insulation and total privacy, at the cost of a more traditional look.
Can you see through cellular shades at night?
No, cellular shades cannot be seen through at night. This is because the unique cell design of cellular shades traps the light within the shade, preventing it from passing through. While cellular shades are slightly see-through during the day, they are mostly opaque at night due to the lack of light passing through the fabric.
Cellular shades are a great option for providing privacy and light control during the day and complete darkness and privacy at night. Additionally, cellular shades offer superior insulation throughout the day and night, helping to regulate temperatures and reduce energy costs.
Are all cellular shades white on the outside?
No, not all cellular shades are white on the outside. Cellular shades come in a variety of colors, from standard white to light neutrals, statement grays, warm neutrals and even rich, bold colors. Some cellular shades also feature design options, such as single and double cell layers, top-down/bottom-up and cordless operation styles, allowing for a range of design, style, light filtration and privacy customization.
Additionally, some fabric collections offer additional patterns and texture options, with soft sheers, smooth classics, contemporary designs and more readily available. Whether you’re looking for a subtle solution to brighten your home with light, or a statement piece to bring life to the space, cellular shades are a great option that can be tailored to your home’s unique needs.
Do double cell shades block more light?
Double cell shades can provide more light blocking than single cell shades, but this can vary depending on the fabric and construction of the shade. Double cell shades feature two cellular pockets so you can trap two air pockets to maximize light blocking.
When the shades are lowered, even more light is blocked by the overlapping of the two cellular pockets. Most double cell shades feature multiple pleats or honeycombs, allowing you to customize the amount of light let in to your space.
The fabric of the shade will also play a role in how much light is blocked as well. Light-colored fabrics tend to be more sheer, letting in more light, while darker colored and thicker fabrics will block more light.
Another feature to consider when shopping for double cell shades is the opacity of the fabric. Some fabrics are designed to offer light control and can block more light than other fabrics.
How do you choose cellular shade size?
To choose the best size cellular shade for your windows and/or doors, you will want to measure carefully. To get the most accurate fit, you may want to consider hiring a professional to do the measuring for you.
You will need to measure the width and the height of the window or door where you want to install your cellular shades. Measure from the inside of the frame in three places: at the top, middle, and bottom.
Use the smallest of these three measurements as your shade width, and for the height, measure from the top of the window frame to where you want the shade to end. If you are uncertain about where to end the shade, you can use the standard of measuring 2-3 inches above the window sill.
From here, you will want to choose the closest size to the measurements you took that the manufacturer offers. If your measurements fall in between two sizes offered, order the cell size up to ensure the best fit.
How do I measure my window for cellular shades?
Measuring your window for cellular shades begins with measuring the opening from side to side and from top to bottom. Inside mount window treatments will require an exact measurement that includes the depth of the window frame for proper fit and function.
If you are unsure of the exact depth measurement, you can use a depth probe.
For an inside mount, you’ll need to measure the inside width of the window opening at the top, middle, and bottom and use the smallest measurement. For the height, measure from the inside top of the window opening to the window sill at the left, middle, and right sides and use the longest measurement.
If outside mount is preferred, you’ll need to measure the area outside the window frame at the top, middle, and bottom of the window, and again, use the smallest width measurement. Then measure the left, middle, and right sides of the opening from the top of the window sill to the bottom and use the longest measurement for the height.
Be sure to make slight adjustments in the width and/or height as needed to ensure proper fit and ease in operation of the shade. Finally, make sure to also note any obstructions that could interfere with the proper measurements or installation, such as window cranks or sliding window tracks.
What is honeycomb cell size?
The size of a honeycomb cell is largely determined by the type of bee that created it. Honeybees typically build hexagonal cells that measure 8-10 mm in length, while bumblebees construct larger, oval-shaped cells measuring to be around 10-14 mm.
In either case, the walls of the cells are quite thin, typically measuring just 0.2 mm in thickness. Certain species of bees, such as carpenter bees and resin bees, tend to construct cells with slightly thicker walls, around 0.3 to 0.
4 mm. Regardless of the species, however, the walls of all honeycomb cells are thinner than a sheet of paper.
Are cellular shades see through at night?
Cellular shades are designed to provide a measure of privacy from those looking in from the outside during the day, but their effectiveness at providing privacy at night may vary. During the day, the pleats of the shade will alter the view out of the window, so if someone is looking in then what is seen on the inside of the room will be obscured.
However, at night when the lights are on inside the room, it is possible that the illuminated pleats of the cellular shades can be seen by someone outside. Therefore, cellular shades may not provide complete privacy at night – depending on the design of the shades and the amount of lighting inside the room.
If you are concerned about privacy during the night, then blackout cellular shades are an option that offer a complete blockout from the outside. Additionally, if you would like a higher level of privacy, then installing curtains along with the shades will provide additional protection.
Are cellular shades privacy?
Yes, cellular shades provide excellent privacy. Their construction creates overlapping pleats that block light when the shades are drawn down. The pockets of air created by the pleated cells reduce the amount of light that can seep though the shade, and no direct line of vision can take place.
They also absorb most of the sound that tries to enter in a room, which makes them even more effective in providing privacy. The honeycomb or cell design and their materials also provide extra insulation to keep your room temperature and ambient noise levels consistent.
In addition, cellular shades give you the option of blackout, a great way to completely block light and assure total privacy.