Cellular Shades vs Honeycomb Shades: What's the Real Difference?

If you've been shopping for window treatments lately, you might've noticed the terms "cellular shades" and "honeycomb shades" popping up everywhere. At first glance, they look pretty much the same in product photos. So what's the deal? Are they different products, or just two names for the same thing? We're here to clear up the confusion and help you pick the right shades for your space.

They're Actually the Same Thing

The truth is there's no difference—honeycomb shades are the same as cellular shades. You may also see the names "honeycomb blinds" and "cellular blinds," and all the names are interchangeable. The term "honeycomb" comes from the internal structure of the shade, which looks like a beehive when viewed from the side. "Cellular" refers to the same structure, just described in a more technical way—so whether a product is labeled "cellular" or "honeycomb," you're looking at the same energy-efficient, versatile window treatment.

The different names mostly come down to marketing preferences and regional variations. Some manufacturers prefer one term over the other, but they're describing the exact same product with the same benefits.

Why the Two Names Exist

The difference is going to depend on the age or demographic of the people selling the products in a lot of cases, or it could be just based on the term that is more popular right now. "Honeycomb" is more descriptive and visual—it helps people immediately picture what the shade looks like inside. "Cellular" sounds a bit more technical and professional. Both terms accurately describe the construction, so you'll see them used interchangeably across the window treatment industry.

Don't let the different terminology confuse you when you're shopping around. If you see both names on different websites, you're not comparing two different products—just two different ways of describing the same thing.

How These Shades Actually Work

This clever design traps air within the cells, creating a layer of insulation between your windows and your room that helps keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The cells, or honeycombs, will trap the air that is working its way around the room and circulate it back the way it came, which can help to manage temperatures throughout the year.

Beyond temperature control, they manage the light well, in many cases filtering it rather than blocking it all out. You can choose from different fabric options depending on whether you want soft, diffused light or complete darkness. We've found they work great in bedrooms where you need blackout options, but they're just as good in living rooms where you want natural light without the glare.

Don't Confuse Them with Pleated Shades

Here's where things can get tricky. Something to keep an eye out for is the term "pleated shades"—these are different to both honeycomb and cellular shades, but at an initial glance they can look the same. Pleated shades are just one layer of material that is pleated into a zig-zag pattern, and with just the one layer, there isn't the cellular structure that appears from the side.

While honeycomb cellular shades have 2 or more layers that form compartments which trap air, a pleated shade has just one layer of material that is folded back and forth. You have nothing to trap the air and circulate it back the way it came—pleated shades look pretty, but they're not the most cost-effective options for the home. If energy efficiency matters to you, stick with cellular/honeycomb options.

Single-Cell vs Double-Cell Options

Once you've settled on cellular shades (or honeycomb shades—see, same thing!), you'll need to pick between single-cell and double-cell versions. Single-cell cellular shades utilize one row of honeycomb cells to trap air, while double-cell cellular shades have two layers for added insulation. Thanks to that second layer, double-cell cellular shades offer even more temperature, light and noise control, and help block out even more UV light.

Here's a quick comparison:

The extra layer will help to add more insulation around the windows, blocking more heat from escaping—these are great if you have a colder home in the winter. But keep in mind you can suffer from some lighting benefits due to the extra layer.

Key Benefits You Can Expect

We've installed cellular/honeycomb shades in countless homes, and the feedback is consistently positive. The honeycomb pocket design of cellular shades provides excellent insulation around your windows, making your house warmer in the winter and cooler in summer. Honeycomb/cellular shades outperform nearly every type of window covering on the market when it comes to their insulating properties.

Beyond energy efficiency, these shades are pretty low-maintenance and come in tons of styles and colors. They work well in most rooms, though honeycomb shades can absorb moisture and odors, so they aren't recommended for areas such as a kitchen or bathroom—they can still be a viable choice for those rooms but consider where they will be installed and ensure there is sufficient distance from showers, sinks, and stoves.

Making Your Final Decision

So, back to the original question: what's the difference between cellular shades and honeycomb shades? There isn't one. They're two names for the same product. You can use the terms interchangeably without worrying you're missing something.

What really matters is picking the right cell size (single vs. double), the right fabric opacity (light-filtering vs. blackout), and the right operating system (cordless, motorized, or traditional). Focus on those factors instead of getting hung up on whether the product description says "cellular" or "honeycomb."

When you're comparing products across different retailers, look at the actual specs—cell size, fabric type, insulation rating, and price. Don't assume one is better than the other just because of the name on the label.

Conclusion

The difference between cellular shades and honeycomb shades? There isn't one. They're the same window treatment with two different names. The honeycomb structure creates insulating air pockets that help regulate your home's temperature and control light. Whether a manufacturer calls them cellular or honeycomb, you're getting the same energy-efficient benefits. Your real decision comes down to single-cell vs. double-cell construction, fabric opacity, and operating features that match your lifestyle and budget. Now that you know the terminology, you can shop with confidence and focus on what actually matters—finding shades that work for your space.

FAQs

Are cellular shades and honeycomb shades the exact same product?

Yes, they're completely identical. The terms are used interchangeably across the window treatment industry. "Honeycomb" describes the structure's appearance when viewed from the side, while "cellular" is a more technical term for the same design. Both refer to shades with air-trapping cells that provide insulation and light control.

Can I use cellular/honeycomb shades in my bathroom or kitchen?

You can, but you need to be careful about placement. These shades can absorb moisture and odors, so they're not ideal right next to showers, sinks, or stoves. If you install them with enough distance from water and heat sources, they'll work fine. For high-moisture areas, you might want to consider moisture-resistant alternatives.

What's the difference between single-cell and double-cell honeycomb shades?

Single-cell shades have one row of honeycomb-shaped air pockets, while double-cell shades have two rows stacked together. Double-cell versions provide better insulation, more light blocking, and improved noise reduction. They cost more but save more on energy bills, especially in homes with extreme temperatures. Single-cell works fine for moderate climates.

Do honeycomb shades really save money on energy bills?

Yes, they can. The air-trapping cells create an insulating barrier between your window and room, helping maintain consistent indoor temperatures. This means your heating and cooling systems don't have to work as hard. Actual savings depend on your local climate, window size, and whether you choose single or double-cell construction. Many homeowners notice a difference within the first few months.

Why are pleated shades cheaper than cellular/honeycomb shades?

Pleated shades use just one layer of fabric folded accordion-style, while cellular/honeycomb shades have multiple layers that form insulating air pockets. The simpler construction of pleated shades means lower manufacturing costs, but you lose the energy-saving benefits. If you're mainly concerned with appearance and less worried about insulation, pleated shades might work. But for temperature control, cellular/honeycomb shades are worth the extra cost.