Our 2026 Memorial Day sale on cellular shades (May 16–31) has ended; see the collection for current pricing. If you're thinking about upgrading your windows, the guide below still applies.
Why Memorial Day Is the Best Time to Buy Cellular Shades
Memorial Day weekend serves as the unofficial kick-off to summer, and for homeowners, that means two things: the weather is about to get a lot warmer, and your energy bills are about to climb. That's exactly why this holiday has become one of the top shopping events for home upgrades. Memorial Day is the perfect time to upgrade your home with window coverings that are as beautiful as they are functional — whether you're chasing cooler interiors, better privacy, or just want to give your space a fresh new look.
Here's what most people don't realize about their windows: they're one of the biggest sources of energy loss in your home. Windows significantly contribute to energy demand in residential buildings because of their high thermal transmittance compared with opaque envelopes. Overall, windows contribute approximately 2.25 EJ of heating and roughly 1.56 EJ of cooling energy consumption in the United States. That's a huge chunk of wasted energy, and it goes straight into your utility bill. Cellular shades — also called honeycomb shades — are one of the most effective ways to fix that problem without replacing your windows. Their unique honeycomb structure traps air between you and the glass, creating a built-in thermal barrier that works year-round. In summer, they keep the heat out. In winter, they keep the warmth in.
The timing couldn't be better. As temperatures start climbing across the country in late May, your AC is about to start working overtime. Getting cellular shades installed before the worst of summer heat hits means you start saving on cooling costs right away.
How Our Memorial Day Cellular Shades Sale Works
We kept this simple. During the sale (May 16 through May 31, 2026), one shade from our cellular shades collection was 18% off and two or more were 28% off, applied automatically at checkout. The sale has ended, so check the collection for current pricing.
Our honeycomb lineup includes single-cell and cell-in-cell shades in light filtering, blackout, linen-textured, warm tones, khaki tones, and blue tones. Whatever your style, whatever your room, you'll find something that fits.
And just like with every order at AOSKY, you get free shipping, custom sizing for a tailored fit, and our free fabric samples so you can see and feel the material before you commit. We also have a FREE Measurement Assurance to protect you from sizing mistakes. If you've ever ordered window treatments online and worried about whether the color would match or the size would fit — we've built our whole process around eliminating that stress.
What Makes Cellular Shades Worth It
Let's get into the product itself, because the sale only matters if what you're buying actually delivers. Cellular shades aren't just another pretty window covering. They're a strategic upgrade for how your home functions daily. From softening incoming light to insulating your windows against heat and cold, they offer more than meets the eye. Their layered honeycomb structure isn't just for aesthetics — it's a built-in climate buffer that works in the background to keep your rooms more comfortable and your energy bills more manageable. That honeycomb design is what sets cellular shades apart from roller shades, blinds, and curtains. Each cell traps a pocket of air, and that trapped air acts as insulation — the same basic principle behind double-pane windows and down jackets.
The energy savings are real, and they're backed by science. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tightly installed cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by 40% or more, which equates to about 10% heating energy savings. In cooling seasons, cellular shades can reduce unwanted solar heat through windows by up to 60%. That's not marketing spin — that's government-tested data. And it gets even more specific. Oak Ridge National Laboratory researcher Mahabir Bhandari reported that "the room with the cellular shades achieved up to 24% heating energy savings." Experimental testing showed daily heating energy savings in the range of 17%–36% compared with the case without shades. When you add that up over months and years, the savings can help offset the cost of the shades themselves.
Here's how cellular shades stack up against other common window treatments based on real-world performance and features:
| Feature | Cellular Shades | Roller Shades | Blinds | Curtains |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | High (honeycomb insulation) | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
| Light Control | Light filtering to full blackout | Good | Adjustable slats | Depends on fabric |
| Privacy | High when lowered | High when lowered | Gaps between slats | Moderate to high |
| Noise Reduction | Yes (honeycomb cells dampen sound) | Minimal | No | Moderate |
| UV Protection | Blocks harmful rays | Moderate | Moderate | Depends on fabric |
| Child & Pet Safety | Cordless options available | Cordless options available | Cord risk | Cord risk with some styles |
| Insulation (R-value) | Highest of all window coverings | Low | Low | Low to moderate |
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that insulated cellular shades are typically considered to have the highest R-values of all window coverings. That means if energy efficiency is your goal — and it should be heading into summer — no other window treatment comes close.
Best Rooms to Upgrade With Honeycomb Shades
Not every room needs the same shade, and that's actually one of the biggest strengths of cellular shades — they come in enough options that you can match each space to its needs. Here's where they make the biggest impact, and where we think you should start.
The bedroom is the number one room we'd recommend. Sleep quality changes everything, and light control plays a huge role in that. Our blackout honeycomb shades — like our single cell blackout and light filtering shades or Cell-in-Cell honeycomb shades — block light through the fabric; an outside mount that overlaps the frame by at least 2 inches on each side reduces the thin gaps at the edges. Blackout cellular shades block nearly all light and heat, making them ideal for bedrooms or media rooms. If you work night shifts, have a baby who needs daytime naps, or just hate getting woken up by early morning sun, blackout cellular shades are a real quality-of-life upgrade. The double-cell construction adds an extra layer of insulation too, so your bedroom stays cool and quiet — perfect for deep, uninterrupted sleep during those hot summer nights.
Living rooms and home offices are the next high-impact spots. These are spaces where you spend your waking hours, and they benefit most from light filtering cellular shades that let in soft, diffused natural light without the harsh glare. Light filtering fabrics allow diffused sunlight while still reducing glare and heat gain, perfect for living spaces that benefit from natural light. Our Linen Premium Light Filtering Cellular Blinds, Khaki Collection Light Filtering Cellular Shades, and Blue Tones Light Filtering Honeycomb Blinds all do this beautifully; see the cellular shades collection for current pricing. They cut the glare on your TV and computer screen, protect your furniture from UV fading, and keep the room feeling bright and welcoming. If you work from home, the difference in screen visibility and eye strain is something you'll notice right away. And since these are the rooms with the most windows in most homes, they're often the smartest place to start.
For renters or anyone who doesn't want to drill into their walls, our No Drill No Tools Cellular Shades are a standout option. They install with tension brackets that press into the window frame — no holes, no screws, no glue, no tools. They hold securely and remove cleanly when you move out. You get dual expansion design that lets you control the shade from both top and bottom for flexible privacy, a cordless free-stop mechanism for smooth adjustment to any position, and a whisper-quiet spring system that's safe for kids and pets. It's one of our best sellers for a reason.
How to Choose the Right Cellular Shade
Picking the right cellular shade comes down to four decisions: cell type, opacity level, color, and mount style. Let's walk through each one so you can shop with confidence during the sale.
First, cell type. Single cell shades offer sufficient insulation and light control, while double cell shades feature two layers of cells for better insulation and light control. If you live in a mild climate or just want a clean, affordable upgrade, single-cell honeycomb shades work great. If you're in a region with extreme summers or winters — or if you have large, sun-facing windows — double-cell is the better play. Our Cell-in-Cell honeycomb shades use a layered cell structure that traps more air and delivers stronger thermal performance than single-layer models.
Next, opacity. This is where you match the shade to the room. Light filtering fabrics soften daylight into a warm, even glow — they reduce glare and block UV rays while keeping your room bright. They're the go-to for living rooms, kitchens, dining areas, and home offices. Blackout fabrics block light through the shade and are what you want for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms where darkness and full privacy matter. At AOSKY, we make this easy. Our Single-Layer and Double-Layer Honeycomb Shades both come in light filtering and blackout options, so you can mix and match across rooms. Our specialty collections — Linen Premium, Warm Tones, Khaki Collection, and Blue Tones — are all light filtering and come in colors that range from crisp white linen to deep lake blue. If you want to add a pop of color while still getting all the energy efficiency and noise reduction benefits of a honeycomb shade, those collections are the way to go.
For color, most people go neutral — whites, creams, beiges — because they work with any decor and reflect more heat in summer. But we've expanded our range specifically because not everyone wants neutral. Our Warm Tones collection brings bold pink and red options for rooms that need personality. Our Blue Tones collection offers four shades of blue — from deep lake blue to airy sky blue — for coastal or calming vibes. And our Linen collection gives you that organic, natural-fiber look that's dominating interiors in 2026 without sacrificing any performance. Whatever you choose, we send free fabric samples so you can compare colors at home, hold them up to your walls, and check how the light looks through them before you buy. No guesswork, no surprises. Finally, measure carefully. Take three width measurements (top, middle, bottom) and use the smallest. Measure height from the top of the frame to the sill. If measuring feels overwhelming, our FREE Measurement Assurance has your back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cellular shades worth the cost?
Yes — and the math backs it up. Many homeowners see lower heating and cooling costs after installing cellular shades throughout their home. The exact savings depend on your climate, window size, and how many windows you cover. That means they can help pay for themselves through lower energy bills. Beyond the energy savings, you get better light control, stronger privacy, less outside noise, and UV protection that keeps your furniture from fading. If you're seeking window treatments that combine form and function, cellular shades are often well worth the investment. Their insulation can lead to measurable savings on energy bills, especially in homes with extreme seasonal temperatures. Add in their sleek design, customization flexibility, and safety features, and you get a product that delivers value well beyond aesthetics.
What's the difference between single cell and double cell honeycomb shades?
Single cell shades have one layer of honeycomb pockets. Double cell shades have two layers stacked together. A major benefit of cellular shades is excellent insulation. Their honeycomb construction traps the air inside, guarding against both heat and cold. Double-cell shades add even higher levels of insulation. If you live somewhere with mild weather, single cell works fine. If you want maximum energy efficiency — or if you have south- or west-facing windows that get pounded by afternoon sun — go with double cell. At AOSKY, check the product pages for current pricing on both.
Can I install cellular shades without drilling?
Absolutely. Our No Drill No Tools Cellular Shades are built for exactly this. They use tension brackets that press into the window frame, so there's no glue, no screws, no power tools, and no holes in your walls. They hold securely and remove cleanly, so they're a great choice if you're renting or just don't want to deal with drilling. They feature dual expansion (top-down/bottom-up) design, cordless operation, and a free-stop mechanism for smooth adjustment.
When does the AOSKY Memorial Day sale start and end?
Our 2026 Memorial Day sale ran from May 16 through May 31, 2026, and has ended. Check the cellular shades collection for current pricing. Custom cellular shades are made in 3–5 business days and then ship free in 2–5 business days. And remember — you can order free fabric samples first to make sure you love the color and texture before placing your full order.
Do cellular shades help keep my house cool in summer?
They do — and it's one of the biggest reasons people buy them right before summer starts. Cellular shades are engineered with a unique honeycomb structure that traps air, creating a thermal barrier against outdoor temperatures. This design improves insulation, helping reduce heat transfer and easing the strain on your AC system. As a result, cellular shades offer a practical way to lower energy consumption and utility costs during the hottest months.
