How to Choose Cellular Shades

Choosing window treatments has become more complicated than ever due to the many different types of window blinds and shades available on-line.

It is our goal to simplify the process of buying blinds on line and to select the window covering that is right for you.

Cellular shades also known as Honeycomb Shades are one of the most popular kind of window treatments on the market today. The name is derived from the fusion of two pleated materials forming a cell or what looks like a bees "honeycomb”. Typically cellular window shades are dyed a particular color on one side and white on the backside. The backside or "street side” allows for a clean uniform appearance from the outside of the house. Cellular shades are made from polyester and come in a variety of different cell or "pleat” sizes. A 3/8 inch pleat is considered a small pleat and is commonly used on smaller windows, where as a 3/4 inch large pleat may be used on larger sized windows. There is no set rule that says that says you must use a certain pleat size for any given window. These shades are designed to "dress up” your windows so if you like the way the shade looks on your window then it is right for you, regardless of the pleat size.

Cellular shades are also best known for their insulating qualities or high R-Values. The Cellular or "Honeycomb construction creates a pocket of air that acts as a barrier between the window and the cool air outside in the winter, and the cool air inside trying to escape in the summer. Single cell shades are perfect for most applications but for those who have drafty windows there are double cell shades available. Double cell shades offer an additional layer of protection from the elements for those whose main concern is energy efficiency.

There are many different options available for Cellular Shades. Some of the more common options are Cordless Cellular shades, Top down Bottom up Cellular Shades, Arch Cellular shades, Room Darkening Cellular Shades, Remote Control Cellular Shades, Skylight Cellular Shades and Cord Loop operated Cellular Shades.

If you have young children in your home then choosing the cordless cellular shade option would be a smart decision. These shades are operated by a gentile push or pull of the bottom rail with no dangling cords. No dangling cord eliminates the risk of strangulation to young children and creates a neat uncluttered look at the window. Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades perform two functions. These shades can be raised from the bottom up or dropped down from top to bottom. This option is usually selected for windows that require additional privacy such as a bathroom window. By dropping the shade down from the top you can maintain your privacy while still enjoying a view to the outside. Top Down bottom up Cellular shades are available as a double corded model or as a cordless model. Cellular shades are also considered one of the most versatile window coverings on the market today. They can be shaped to fit specialty shaped windows such as arches, circles, quarter circles and skylights. Rooms darkening cellular shades are the perfect choice for bedrooms and areas that require complete darkness such as media rooms and conference rooms. Today’s cellular shade fabrics are available as light filtering (semi opaque) and room darkening (opaque) the choice is yours. Remote controlled cellular shades are also available for those hard to reach windows and can be powered by standard AA batteries. Cord Loop cellular shades are available in widths up to 174 inches to cover large windows for a clean uncluttered look. The cord loop is a continuous cord that maintains its length while lifting and lowering your shade. This option is recommended for shades that are too heavy for the standard lift cord usually shades exceeding 72 inches in width fall into this category.

Cellular shades when properly installed in a window will beatify your windows for many years to come with little or no maintenance required.