Cellular shades (also called honeycomb shades) are one of the most versatile window treatments you can buy. They look clean, soften light, add privacy, and help with insulation year-round. This guide explains how they work, which options make sense for different rooms, and what to watch for before you order.
How Cellular Shades Work (and why that matters)
Cellular shades are made from layers of fabric formed into air pockets—“cells.” Those pockets trap air, creating a barrier between your window and the room. That barrier helps:
- Cut drafts in winter and heat gain in summer
- Soften echoes and outside noise
- Reduce glare without making a room feel gloomy
Single vs. Double Cell:
- Single-cell fabrics are lighter, sleeker, and often the better value.
- Double-cell fabrics add a second air pocket for extra insulation and sound absorption—great for extreme temperatures or street noise.
Cell Size (small, medium, large):
- Small cells fit shallow window frames and smaller windows.
- Medium cells are the most common and work in most spaces.
- Large cells look more modern and scale better on wide windows.
Light Control Options
1) Light-Filtering
Lets daylight in while softening harsh sun. You’ll get privacy during the day; at night, shapes may silhouette if the room is bright behind the shade.
Best for: living rooms, kitchens, hallways, offices
Pros: natural light, less glare, comfortable daytime privacy
Note: Inside-mounted shades leave a small light gap on the sides.
2) Blackout (Room-Darkening)
Uses an opaque liner to block light through the fabric. Great for sleep or media rooms.
Best for: bedrooms, nurseries, theater rooms, shift-work schedules
Pros: much darker room, better privacy, slightly better insulation
Reality check: You’ll still see thin “light lines” on the sides with an inside mount. If you need it really dark, consider an outside mount or add side channels.
3) Top-Down / Bottom-Up (TDBU)
Lower from the top or raise from the bottom—your choice. Keep street-level privacy while letting daylight pour in overhead.
Best for: bathrooms, bedrooms, street-facing windows
Pros: flexible privacy, great daylight without feeling exposed
4) Day/Night (Two Fabrics in One)
One shade carries two fabrics on the same headrail—usually a light-filtering panel and a blackout panel. Slide between them as your needs change.
Best for: multipurpose rooms, studios, guest rooms
Pros: “one and done” flexibility all day and night
Lift & Safety Options
- Cordless: Clean look, easy to use, and the safest option around kids and pets. This is the go-to choice for most homes.
- Continuous loop (secured): A beaded loop moves the shade smoothly—useful for very large or heavy shades. The loop must be tensioned and secured.
- Motorized: Raise/lower with a remote, wall switch, or app; great for hard-to-reach windows or coordinated groups of shades. Quiet and neat.
Safety tip: Choose cordless or motorized whenever possible—especially in nurseries and play areas.
Mounting Styles (and how they change the look)
- Inside Mount (most common): Fits inside the window frame for a tailored look. Expect a small side light gap. Check the minimum depth required before ordering.
- Outside Mount: The shade mounts on the wall or on the trim. This covers trim gaps and reduces side light leaks—ideal for blackout bedrooms or windows with shallow depth.
Room-by-Room Recommendations
- Bedroom: Blackout or Day/Night. Consider outside mount or side channels if you’re light-sensitive.
- Nursery: Cordless blackout. Motorized is a nice upgrade for naps.
- Living Room: Light-filtering or Day/Night for daytime glow and evening privacy.
- Bathroom: TDBU light-filtering for privacy with daylight up top. Choose moisture-resistant fabrics if the room gets steamy.
- Home Office: Light-filtering to reduce glare on screens without turning the room dark.
- Media Room: Blackout (outside mount if you want it very dark).
Measuring & Ordering Checklist
Decide the mount. Inside for a built-in look; outside for max light blocking or shallow frames.
Measure precisely. Use a steel tape, to the nearest 1/8".
Check depth requirements. Make sure your frame is deep enough for a flush fit if that’s the look you want.
Pick fabric & cell type. Single vs. double cell; light-filtering vs. blackout.
Choose operation. Cordless for most; motorized for hard-to-reach windows or tall banks.
Consider extras. Hold-down brackets for doors, spacer blocks for uneven surfaces.
Common Questions
Do cellular shades really help with energy bills?
They improve comfort by reducing drafts and heat gain. Many homeowners notice fewer hot/cold spots near windows. Actual savings vary by climate, window type, and how often you open/close the shades.
Will they darken my bedroom enough?
Blackout fabric blocks light through the shade, but inside-mounted shades still have side gaps. Choose outside mount or add side tracks if you want it very dark.
Are they good for wide windows or sliders?
Yes—but very wide openings may be easier to operate as two shades on one headrail (a split). It reduces weight and sag.
Can I put them on doors?
Yes. Use a shallow profile and add hold-down brackets at the bottom so the shade doesn’t sway when the door moves.
How do I clean them?
Dust with a feather duster or vacuum on low with a brush attachment. Spot-clean with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh cleaners.
Will the fabric fade or sag?
Quality fabrics resist fading and keep their pleats. For very humid rooms, pick moisture-friendly options and use exhaust fans.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Pros
- Excellent insulation and sound softening
- Clean, modern look that fits many décor styles
- Lots of privacy and light-control options (TDBU, Day/Night, blackout)
- Safer cordless style available
Cons
- Side light gaps on inside mounts (especially noticeable with blackout)
- Very wide or tall shades can get heavy without motorization
- Not all fabrics love high humidity—choose accordingly
When Cellular Shades Beat the Alternatives
- Versus Roller Shades: Cellular insulates better and softens acoustics more; rollers offer crisper lines and easier “almost blackout” with side channels.
- Versus Faux Wood Blinds: Cellular gives better insulation and a softer look; blinds allow tilting for view but don’t insulate as well and can rattle.
- Versus Curtains Alone: Cellular is tidier and more precise. Pair with curtains if you want layered style or near-blackout performance.
Quick Picks (If you just want the answer)
- Best all-around: Medium-cell, light-filtering, cordless, inside mount
- Best for sleepers: Blackout, outside mount (or inside with side channels)
- Best privacy + daylight: Top-Down/Bottom-Up, light-filtering
- Best versatility: Day/Night (light-filtering + blackout)
- Best for tall or hard-to-reach windows: Motorized
Final Thoughts
Cellular shades are a smart, good-looking choice for most rooms. Focus on mount type, fabric (light vs dark), and lift system first; then fine-tune with day/night or TDBU if you need extra flexibility. Measure carefully, think about how you actually use the room, and you’ll end up with shades that look great and make your home more comfortable.