How to Choose the Best Cellular Shades: Your Complete Guide

Shopping for cellular shades can feel overwhelming when you're staring at dozens of options. We get it—there's single cell vs double cell, different pleat sizes, light filtering vs blackout, and a whole list of features you didn't even know existed. But here's the thing: picking the right cellular shades doesn't have to be complicated. We'll break down what actually matters so you can find shades that work for your space and your budget.

Single Cell vs Double Cell: What's the Real Difference?

Think of cellular shades like a honeycomb—they trap air in little pockets to keep your home comfortable. Single cell shades feature one row of hexagonal cells stacked on top of one another. Double cell shades have two rows of cells that fit into one another to provide an added layer of protection and insulation.

So which one should you get? Double cell material is your best bet when comparing single vs. double cellular shades for energy efficiency. If you're dealing with extreme temps—sweltering summers or freezing winters—the extra layer makes a real difference on your energy bill. Double cell shades double the layers of fabric and air pockets, making them much more effective at insulating your windows. During winter, these shades create a stronger barrier between the cold outside and the warmth inside, reducing energy costs.

But single cell shades aren't a bad choice. Single cellular shades generally cost less than double cell shades. There's less material involved, which means shorter manufacturing times. They're lighter, easier to handle on large windows, and still offer way better insulation than standard blinds. For moderate climates or rooms that don't need maximum temp control, they work just fine.

Light Filtering vs Blackout: Match Your Fabric to Your Room

Here's where you need to think about how you actually use each room. Light filtering fabrics let natural light in while giving you privacy—great for living rooms, kitchens, and home offices. You get that soft, diffused glow without people seeing straight into your house.

Blackout honeycomb shades block out incoming light, offering maximum privacy and darkness – making them the ideal window treatments for bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms. If you work night shifts, have a baby who needs daytime naps, or just can't sleep with any light creeping in, blackout is worth it.

And look, double cell and single cell shades are similar in their effectiveness in blocking incoming light. However, the material you choose will determine how much light your cellular shades let in. So you're not locked into one or the other based on cell type.

Cell Size Matters More Than You'd Think

Cell size (also called pleat size) ranges from 3/8 inch to 2 inches. Smaller cells create more pleats, which can look busy on large windows. Larger cells have fewer pleats and a cleaner look.

3/8 and 9/16 inch cell sizes are ideal for smaller windows and are lighter and easier to handle than larger cell shades. 1/2 and 3/4 inch cells are ideal for medium to large windows. 1 ¼ inch cells are intended for oversized windows.

The size you pick depends partly on your window dimensions and partly on aesthetics. If you're going for a modern, minimalist vibe, larger cells usually look better. Smaller cells work well on narrow windows or if you like a more traditional look.

Lift Systems: Cordless, Motorized, or Top-Down/Bottom-Up?

Cordless is pretty much the standard now—safer for kids and pets, and the clean look is nice. You just grab the bottom rail and lift. Simple.

Top-down bottom-up shades can be lowered from the top, raised from the bottom, or both. For example, if you want to let in natural light but maintain privacy, you can lower the shade from the top and keep the bottom of the shade closed. Top-down bottom-up shades are not only stylish, but provide you with the greatest flexible in terms of light control and privacy. They're perfect for bathrooms, street-facing windows, or anywhere you want light without sacrificing privacy.

Motorized shades add convenience, especially for tall or hard-to-reach windows. You can schedule shades to adjust whenever you want, including scheduling them to open and close at set times, giving your home a lived-in look while you're not there. You can also capitalize on the energy efficiency you get from cellular shades. With motorization, you can schedule your shades to be in the best positions to block heat loss when it's cold or keep out harsh rays in the summer. Yeah, they cost more, but if you've got a bunch of windows or mobility issues, they're a game-changer.

Color Selection: Neutral or Bold?

Most people go neutral—whites, creams, grays—because they work with any décor and won't clash if you redecorate. White and light colors also reflect heat better in summer, boosting energy savings.

But if you want to make a statement or add warmth, darker colors work too. Just know that they'll absorb more heat, which might not be ideal for sun-drenched windows. The good news? You can order free swatches from most companies to see how colors look in your actual lighting before committing.

Room-by-Room Recommendations

Bedrooms: Go blackout, and consider double cell for better noise reduction if you live on a busy street. Due to their honeycomb construction, both double cell and single cell shades provide excellent noise-reducing qualities. The cells trap noise similar to how they trap air coming in from the outside. Double cell shades have two layers of cells, so they'll block out twice the amount of sound. If you live in a particularly busy and noisy area, we recommend double cellular shades.

Living rooms and kitchens: Light filtering single cell shades usually do the trick. You want natural light during the day, and these rooms don't typically need total darkness.

Bathrooms: Top-down/bottom-up is your friend here. Privacy below, light from above. But heads up—Cellular shades are great for privacy, but not great for bathrooms or kitchens. Since they are made of soft fabric, they tend to absorb moisture. If you have good ventilation, you're probably fine, but high-moisture bathrooms might be better suited to roller shades or other moisture-resistant options.

Home offices: Light filtering to cut glare on screens while keeping the room bright. Motorization is nice if you're adjusting throughout the day as the sun moves.

Measuring and Mounting: Inside vs Outside

Inside mount sits within the window frame for a clean, built-in look. Outside mount covers the entire window and frame, giving you better light blockage and insulation. If you want true blackout, outside mount helps eliminate light gaps at the edges.

Measuring is pretty straightforward, but measure three times (top, middle, bottom for width; left, center, right for height) and use the smallest width and largest height for inside mount. For outside mount, measure the area you want to cover and add a few inches for overlap.

What About Other Shade Options?

Cellular shades are fantastic for energy efficiency and versatility, but they're not your only option. Roman shades offer a softer, more traditional look. Zebra shades give you adjustable light control with alternating sheer and solid bands. Shangri-la shades blend the elegance of sheers with the functionality of blinds. And if you want natural texture, woven wood shades add warmth and style.

Browse our full collection at aosky.com to compare styles and find what works best for each room.

Conclusion

Choosing the best cellular shades comes down to a few key decisions: single or double cell based on your insulation needs, light filtering or blackout based on the room's purpose, the right cell size for your window dimensions, and lift systems that match your lifestyle. Start by figuring out what matters most—energy savings, light control, privacy, or convenience—and the rest falls into place. And if you want a shade that's easy to clean and maintain, you might also want to check out this guide on cleaning Roman shades for tips that apply to fabric shades in general.

FAQs

Are cellular shades really energy-efficient?

Yes. A major benefit to cellular shades is excellent insulation. Their honeycomb construction traps the air inside, guarding against both heat and cold. Double and triple-cell shades add even higher levels of insulation. This can mean lower energy bills all year round! The trapped air acts as a buffer, reducing heat transfer through your windows.

Can I install cellular shades myself?

Absolutely. Most cellular shades come with brackets and instructions for DIY installation. You'll need a drill, measuring tape, and about 30 minutes per window. If you're mounting multiple shades or dealing with unusually shaped windows, take your time with measurements—that's where most mistakes happen.

How do I clean cellular shades?

The good news is that cellular shades are very easy to clean and maintain. They're typically made of durable, anti-static fabrics, so light dusting or vacuuming from time to time is usually all you need. For deeper cleaning, you can use a handheld vacuum with a brush attachment. Avoid soaking them since the fabric can absorb moisture.

What's the difference between cellular shades and honeycomb shades?

Nothing—they're the same thing. The terms are used interchangeably. The "honeycomb" name comes from the distinctive cell structure that looks like a beehive when viewed from the side.

Do cellular shades work on large windows or sliding doors?

Yes, but you'll want to think about weight and operation. For large expanses, single cell shades are lighter and easier to raise and lower. Motorization or continuous cord loops can also help with oversized shades. Some manufacturers offer vertical cellular shades specifically designed for sliding glass doors.