The Ultimate Guide to Cellular Shades
Window treatments play a pivotal role in establishing a certain vibe to your home, making them a staple of interior design.
Hence, it is essential to look for a window treatment that effectively offers exceptional style and functionality.
Cellular shades are a versatile and stylish option that provide both aesthetic and practical benefits.
By delving deeper into the fundamentals, pros and cons, and various styles of cellular shades, you can build a cohesive home environment conducive to achieving harmony within the space.
What is a Cellular Shade?
Cellular shades are window shades that expand and compress when you raise or lower them.
Many homeowners may wonder what is the difference between cellular shades and honeycomb shades, but they are interchangeable.
Cellular shades have honeycomb-like air pockets that can provide excellent insulation, thereby making them energy efficient. Hence, these window coverings are also known as honeycomb shades. The difference lies in the age or demographics of the product manufacturers or current trends.
On the other hand, a term commonly mistaken for cellular or honeycomb shades is pleated shades.
Pleated shades include a single layer of material folded into a zig-zag pattern. The lack of cellular structure means they do not efficiently trap and circulate air, rendering them less cost-effective.
How Do Cellular Shades Work?
A cellular shade works by trapping air within its cellular structure.
This helps regulate the temperature in your home by preventing heat loss in colder temperatures and retaining cool air during warmer seasons.
Cellular shades also filter natural light to reduce glare and increase privacy without entirely blocking the sun's beams.
Common Styles of Cellular Shades
Cellular shades come in different styles, each with distinct characteristics. Some common types of cellular shades are:
· Single Cell Shades – Single-layer honeycomb-shaped cells that offer sufficient insulation and light control.
· Double Cell Shades – Two-layer cells featuring better insulation and light control.
· Triple Cell Shades – Three-layer cellular shades that provide maximum insulation and light control.
· Blackout Shades – Built with a thicker material that completely blocks light.
Benefits of Installing Cellular Shades
Cellular shades offer a range of features that contribute to creating a comfortable and peaceful home environment. These include:
· Insulation – Energy loss can come from windows' thermal activity. Cellular shades help keep warm air inside your home during colder temperatures and comfortably cool in hotter weather. By installing cellular shades, you can save more money on energy bills.
· Privacy – If you are looking for window treatments that can balance natural light and privacy, cellular shades offer an ideal solution. These shades are available in different opacities, allowing you to choose one that meets your specific privacy needs.
· Easy to Install and Use – Operating cellular shades is simple. You just need to raise or lower them by hand, and they will remain in place.
What are the Drawbacks of Cellular Shades?
Cellular shades can be a worthy investment, especially with their numerous advantages. However, if you want to ensure you are getting the most out of your money, it is crucial to consider some drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.
· Not Suitable for Every Room – Cellular shades may not be the best option for every space. For example, the fabric in honeycomb cells can absorb and hold moisture, making them unsuitable for high-humidity situations such as bathrooms.
· Cleaning Difficulties – Because the material of cellular shades is delicate and may collect a lot of dust and fingerprints, intricate care is necessary to reach every cell and remove debris. You may consider hiring a professional cleaning service to avoid accidental damage.
· Non-Adjustable Light Control – Although cellular shades have different opacities, their light control is fixed. For instance, if you bought single-cell shades but want a pitch-black room, achieving that can be challenging. This means you need to ensure you get the right amount of light filtering you prefer.
Tips for Cellular Shade Installation
Prepare Your Windows
To prepare the window for installation, remove any existing treatments and accessories, such as brackets, cords, and pulleys. Clean the area thoroughly once it's clear.
Mounting Brackets
To mount the brackets, position them on either side of the window frame and ensure they are level and adequately spread out. For inside mounts, mark the placement about two and a half inches from both sides of the frame. Drill pilot holes for screws and firmly fasten the brackets in place. If you are mounting into drywall, use drywall anchors for extra stability.
Attaching the Headrail
Attach the curved front side of the headrail to the front lip of the brackets. Rotate the headrail back toward the window until you hear a snapping sound. This shows that the shade is securely attached to the brackets.
Are Cellular Shades Better than Other Window Treatments?
Selecting the right window covering is a personal decision based on preferences and needs. Installing cellular shades can significantly improve your home environment, establishing peace and comfort with their exceptional features. However, while they offer unique advantages, their significance lies in how well they align with your home improvement goals.
Budget Blinds is a provider of affordable and functional cellular shades, offering a range of opacity levels for more light control. You can browse through our various on-trend textures and colors to match your home’s overall style and décor. Visit our website for more information.
Want to learn more about other window coverings? Read these blogs from Budget Blinds: