When people ask, “what exactly are cellular shades?” it’s usually because they’ve seen them everywhere but don’t really get what makes them different from roller shades or Venetian blinds. At Beasen, we keep it simple: cellular shades (also called honeycomb shades) are made to make your home feel more comfortable, use less energy, and look clean and modern. Here’s what they are, how they work, why they’re so effective, and how our smart motorised options can make daily life easier.
Why Are People Talking About Cellular Shades?
Windows make up a large portion of a home’s wall space. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that about 30 % of a home’s heat can escape through windows in winter and up to 76 % of sunlight becomes heat inside during summer. Replacing windows is expensive, so homeowners look for solutions that improve comfort without breaking the bank. Cellular shades - also called honeycomb shades - meet that need by combining insulation, light control and style in a compact package.
In simple terms, Cellular shades are fabric window coverings with neat pleats. When you raise them, they stack up tightly; when you lower them, they open into a “cell” shape. Those cells trap pockets of air inside the shade. Trapped air doesn’t transfer heat easily, so it works like a natural insulation layer. This creates a buffer that helps reduce heat coming in during summer and heat escaping in winter. They’re often called honeycomb shades because the inside pattern looks like a honeycomb and works similarly.
How Do Cellular Shades Work?
When you lower a cellular shade, the pleated fabric expands into one or more layers of hexagonal cells. These cells trap air, creating insulation. In summer the trapped air blocks hot outdoor temperatures from entering your room; in winter it keeps indoor warmth from escaping. Stoneside’s guide likens the effect to an insulated water bottle: a layer of air between two walls slows heat exchange. This design isn’t magic - it’s physics. Heat moves through conduction and convection. By inserting stagnant air between the window and your room, cellular shades cut both pathways, making your HVAC system work less.
Most cellular shades are made of polyester for durability and flexibility. The fabric can be sheer, light filtering, or full blackout. Single‑cell shades have one layer of pockets, while double‑cell shades stack two layers to boost insulation. Some designs offer “top‑down bottom‑up” operation, allowing you to lower the top for natural light while keeping the bottom closed for privacy. Motorized and cordless versions remove dangling cords, making them safer for families and easier to operate.
Single vs. Double Cells: Do You Need the Extra Layer?
The R‑value measures a material’s resistance to heat flow. Higher R‑value shades keep temperatures more stable. Made in the Shade Lake Norman notes that double‑cell shades have some of the highest R‑values in the window‑covering industry, making them excellent for extreme climates. Single‑cell shades still provide good insulation but are thinner and often less expensive. If you live in a mild climate or have small windows, single‑cell may suffice. For large windows, drafty frames, or noise reduction, double‑cell is worth the investment.
What Benefits Do Cellular Shades Offer?
Homeowners choose cellular shades for more than energy savings. Below are the main advantages..
Energy efficiency
- Honeycomb cells trap air, which slows heat movement.
- Result: less AC in summer, less heating loss in winter.
Light control + privacy
- Pick from sheer, light-filtering, room-darkening, or blackout fabrics.
- No slats = fewer gaps, so you get cleaner privacy and better light blocking.
Style + flexibility
- Lots of colours, textures, and a soft, modern pleated look.
- Stacks neatly when raised so your view stays open.
- Options like vertical styles or day/night (dual) fabrics add more control.
Safety + easy use
- Cordless and motorised options remove dangling cords (safer for kids and pets).
- Motorised shades can run with a remote, app, wall switch, or voice control—great for tall or hard-to-reach windows.
Noise reduction
- The cell structure can help dampen outside noise and reduce echo indoors.
- Double-cell designs usually improve this effect.
Comfort that feels worth the spend
- You get insulation, privacy, and style without changing windows.
- Over time, energy savings can help offset the cost compared to bigger upgrades like window replacement.
Are There Any Downsides?
Like any product, cellular shades aren’t perfect for every situation. Here are common concerns and our responses:
- Durability in high‑traffic areas: Cellular shades use fabric, which can crease or tear if mishandled. For homes with rambunctious pets or children, consider installing shades out of reach or opting for more durable roller shades in play areas.
- Cleaning: Dust can settle in the cells, requiring occasional vacuuming. Light vacuuming with a brush attachment or gentle wiping keeps them fresh. Some fabrics are also stain‑resistant.
- Fit for unusually shaped windows: Cellular shades work best on rectangular openings. Very wide windows or specialty shapes may need custom solutions like shutters. Beasen can produce custom widths up to 174 inches for large openings.
We believe these minor drawbacks are outweighed by the benefits. Choosing the right fabric, operation style and installation method mitigates most issues.
How to Choose the Right Cellular Shade for Your Home
Selecting the ideal honeycomb shade involves balancing aesthetics, function and budget. Ask yourself:
- What’s my goal - insulation, privacy, light control or all three? For maximum insulation and noise reduction, go with double‑cell or blackout fabrics. For soft filtered light, choose sheer or semi‑opaque materials.
- Where will the shade be installed? Kitchens and bathrooms benefit from moisture‑resistant fabrics, while bedrooms may require blackout options for better sleep. If you have young children or pets, cordless or motorized lifts are safest.
- How will I operate the shade? Top‑down bottom‑up models allow light entry at the top while maintaining privacy below. Motorized systems integrate with smart home platforms like Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control. At Beasen we’ve taken motorization a step further by adding smart‑hub connectivity and scheduling features.
- Do I need smart features? Our Smart Motorized Cellular Shades series includes built‑in motors compatible with Alexa, Google, Apple HomeKit and Samsung SmartThings. You can set routines, lower the shades at sunset or raise them in the morning - without leaving your bed.
A Quick Guide to Control Style Types
|
Types |
How it works |
Best for |
|
Corded |
Traditional pull cords lock and release the shade. Simple and inexpensive but less safe for kids. |
Budget installations in low‑traffic areas. |
|
Cordless |
Lift or lower the bottom rail with your hand. Internal springs hold the shade in place. |
Homes with children, pets or minimalist aesthetics. |
|
Continuous loop |
A looped chain rotates a clutch to move the shade. Good for larger or heavier shades because it provides mechanical advantage. |
Large windows or commercial spaces. |
|
Top‑down bottom‑up |
Two rails allow the shade to be lowered from the top or raised from the bottom. |
Rooms needing privacy and natural light simultaneously. |
|
Motorized |
An integrated motor raises or lowers the shade via remote, app or voice. Ideal for hard‑to‑reach windows. |
Smart homes, accessibility needs and ultimate convenience. |
Why Choose Beasen’s Smart Motorized Cellular Shades?
At Beasen, we’ve spent years designing shades that fit seamlessly into modern lifestyles. Our Smart Motorized Cellular Shades combine the science of honeycomb insulation with the convenience of smart technology. Here’s what sets them apart:
- Insulating comfort: Our shades use a unique honeycomb design that helps regulate temperature year‑round, keeping rooms cozy in winter and cool in summer.
- Light + privacy balance: Choose between light filtering or full blackout fabrics to match your lifestyle. You can mix and match across rooms; for example, blackout in bedrooms and light filtering in living spaces.
- Smart living ready: All of our cellular shades are easily motorized and voice‑controlled. They integrate with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Samsung SmartThings, so you can control them from your phone or using voice commands.
- Custom sizes and colors: We offer widths up to 174 inches and a spectrum of colors - from crisp white and cream to slate blue and coffee - so every shade is tailor‑made. We also provide sample swatches for you to see fabrics in your space.
- Easy ordering and installation: Our website makes it simple to measure, choose and purchase shades. For guidance, check out our step‑by‑step blog How to Put Blinds and Shades Down. It explains why proper operation matters for safety and energy savings, highlighting that lowering blinds at the right time blocks unwanted heat and retains warmth.
- Industry‑leading warranty: Our shades come with a limited lifetime warranty and a perfect fit guarantee. If they don’t fit, we’ll remake them.
Conclusion
Cellular shades are one of those upgrades you notice daily - your rooms feel more stable in temperature, your privacy feels cleaner (fewer gaps than slatted options), and the whole window looks more modern. At Beasen, we take that comfort a step further with smart motorised cellular shades that fit your routine (easy control, cleaner look, and a setup that works especially well on larger or hard-to-reach windows).
If you already have cellular shades and want them to look new for longer, read How to Clean and Care for Cellular Shades. And if you’re still deciding what suits your home better, explore Cellular vs Roller Smart Shades: Which One Is Right for Your Home to pick based on insulation, light control, and the kind of rooms you’re styling.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are cellular shades good for very sunny windows, or will they fade quickly?
They work well for sunny windows, but fading depends more on fabric quality, colour depth, and daily UV exposure than the “cell” design itself. If a window gets harsh afternoon sun, choosing a UV-stable fabric and using light-filtering instead of ultra-sheer usually helps the shade keep its look longer.
2. What’s the biggest mistake people make when ordering cellular shades?
Ordering without thinking about mount style. An inside mount looks clean, but if the window frame is shallow or uneven, it can create tiny light gaps. An outside mount can cover more area and often feels more “sealed,” which is practical for bedrooms or drafty frames.
3. Do cellular shades work on very wide windows or sliding doors?
Yes, but the best setup often changes. For very wide openings, you usually want a design that stays stable across the span - either a vertical option or a configuration made specifically for larger widths - so it doesn’t feel flimsy or uneven over time.
4. How do I choose between light-filtering and blackout?
Think in terms of purpose, not darkness. Light-filtering is for “bright but private” rooms like living spaces and kitchens. Blackout is for “sleep and screen” rooms like bedrooms and media rooms. If you want both in one room, a day/night setup is usually the simplest way to get flexibility without swapping shades.
