What’s the Difference Between Single and Double Cellular Shades?

If you’re shopping for window coverings, you’ve probably come across the term “cellular shades” before. What are cellular shades? They’re shades, but with a special design. Cellular shades have “pockets.” When you look at them from the side, they have a honeycomb shape. They come in single and double cellular shade designs. 

But beyond the simple and obvious aesthetic difference of single versus double cellular shades, in general, perform four additionally important functions:

• You get greater energy efficiency because of their insulating effect
• More harmful UV rays are blocked out
• They keep a little more noise out too
• They block light and darken your room a little

Let’s look deeper into the difference between single and double cellular shades. 

What are Single Cellular Shades?

Single cellular shades are shades with one thick piece of fabric that is divided into the aforementioned cells. They’re arranged in a honeycomb-like design that “pop-out” to provide maximum efficiency. 

Picture this: you’re looking directly at the shades as they sit in the window. Instead of laying flat, they look pleated and you’ll actually see the cells in a honeycomb shape as the light shines through.

With this design, single cellular shades are able to keep out more light, UV rays, and heat or cold than what’s expected with standard shades. 

Single cellular shades are typically more attractive in appearance, so if you are looking for something sleek and stylish, single cellular shades are likely to serve you better than double cellular shades. 

They’re best installed in rooms you want more light in, like the kitchen or living room. 

Measurement wise, single-cell shades range in cell and pleat widths from 3/8 inch to 2 inches. They’re actually a lot bigger than their double cellular shade counterparts. 

What are Double Cellular Shades?

Like single cellular shades, double cellular shades are designed to improve energy efficiency while maximizing a room’s visual appeal. 

Double cellular shades also have a cellular shape. The difference is in the layers, which you may have guessed from its name. Instead of being a single piece of fabric, double cellular shades have two layers of cells! 

Another aesthetic difference is the size of the pleats. The pleats in a double cellular shade are typically smaller than the pleats in a single cellular shade. 

Double cellular shades serve the same purpose as single cellular shades, but to a greater degree. They block out more noise, temperature, light, and UV rays than their single-celled counterparts.  

If you live in an area with extreme weather or a lot of noise pollution, double cellular shades might be a better choice. Their second layer of cells provides more light-blocking capabilities in addition to keeping the temperature of your home regulated by preventing hot and cold air from passing through the windows. 

Double cell shades usually come in smaller sizes – less than ½ inch. Typically, shades with a 3/8 inch cell measurement and less work well for smaller windows. The narrower fabric cells fit much better with shallower window openings. And these openings may or may not work with cells larger in size.

They work best in rooms where you might want to block as much light and sound as possible and contain more heat. Think of a bedroom or an office. The smaller shade sizes work well in bathrooms too. 

Where Can I Find Cellular Shades?

Cellular window shades are a modern window treatment solution constructed of multiple, small honeycomb cells within the shades. Cellular shades offer excellent insulation and improve a room's energy efficiency.

Our luxurious cellular window shades are designed with innovative honeycomb-shaped cells, available in three cell sizes and four-light control levels. Budget Blinds of Tempe & Central Phoenix offers cellular window shades in a variety of styles and colors.

When you're looking to take your interior design to another level, our sleek and efficient cellular window shades are the solution. We offer a range of opacity levels to allow you to control how much light enters your home. You'll find our cellular shades come in a range of trendy fabrics and colors, designed to match every style of home decor. 

Advantages of our cellular window shades include: 

• Letting in plenty of light without sacrificing privacy
• Customization to match unique windows, including angled windows, skylights, arches, hexagons, and more
• Maximum versatility, making them a popular option for privacy and lighting control
• Four lighting control options: sheer, light-filtering, room darkening, and blackout
• Safety: cordless choice for families with children
• Extra soft cellular fabric to keep the temperature in your home stable 

Give us a call today for a free consultation to get cellular shades in your home!