Are Cellular Shades Out of Style?

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To some people, cellular shades may not be as stylish as they used to be, but does this mean they are out of style? Perhaps not.

Are cellular shades out of style?

Cellular shades are not out of style. Undoubtedly, many shades and blinds in the market today are more stylish than them. But thanks to their functionality, cellular shades retain some of their significance in the interior décor world.

In many ways, the design of cellular shades defines their functionality. And since this functionality is still relevant, cellular shades could be said to still be in style.

Now, you might be asking yourself, “What functionality do cellular shades offer to still remain in style?” Well, in this article, we answer that question by assessing the upsides of installing cellular shades.

When it comes to aesthetics, cellular shades may not be one of the top choices for most people. In this regard, they could be described as being out of style. But take away the aesthetics and consider properties like insulation and cellular shades definitely come out at the top of the list.

Cellular shades are plain and pleated. They have a honeycomb appearance which may not be readily pleasing. Also, their fabrics do not look rich to some people. Some may even describe them as paper-like. So, it is understandable that people do not find cellular shades as a visually appealing option.

People who prefer to use cellular shades are typically less concerned about what they see. For many of them, cellular shades are the best option because of their effectiveness at insulating interiors. This ability to insulate indoor spaces is a function of their style/design. So, for such purposes and in such cases, cellular shades may be said to be in style.

Benefits of Using Cellular Shades

The Insulation Offered by Cellular Shades Is Top-Notch

Thanks to their design, cellular shades offer one of the best insulation methods to make up for the inability of windows to keep seasonal temperature changes from affecting your indoor space.

In fact, of all window coverings, cellular shades have the highest R-values. (R-value is an indication of a material’s resistance to heat conduction).

When you look at cellular shades from the side, they look like honeycomb cells stacked over each other. This creates an overall zig-zag look for the shades. This is why cellular shades may also be called honeycomb shades.

The honeycomb cells of cellular shades are vital to the insulation they offer. These cells trap air within themselves and help with temperature regulation in indoor spaces.

In summer, the cells block hot air from flowing inside through the window. This helps ensure the inside of your space does not get too warm.

Then when winter comes, the cells trap warm air inside, helping to mitigate the chilliness of the cold.

The air trapped within the honeycomb cells creates air pockets that reduce heat conduction and raise R-value. With cellular shades, the R-value of your window can go from 3.5 to 7 – basically double. This is especially true for cellular shades that use side track mountings.

Besides insulation, some cellular shades are automated to open and close on a schedule. This automated control can come in handy when regulating temperature changes in summer and winter.

Cellular Shades Are Easy to Install

The installation of cellular shades is a relatively straightforward process. In fact, you do not really need any special tool.

If you are handy, you can complete the installation by yourself using a screwdriver and a sharp pencil. All you have to do is read the instructions included in the package.

While a screwdriver and a pencil are the essential installation tools, you can get a cordless power drill or power screwdriver to make the process faster.

Of course, if you can easily install your cellular shades DIY, you wouldn’t have to pay a professional for it. So, you get to save.

You Get Substantial Privacy With Cellular Shades

Besides insulation, one of the top benefits of using cellular shades is privacy. Cellular shades are thicker than many other blinds. So, when installed in windows, they block out light pretty well. Of course, when light does not get inside, anyone peering in from the outside wouldn’t see anything.

With multiple layers, you get even more privacy with cellular shades. Understandably, double-layer shades and triple-layer shades keep light out more than single-layer types. But overall, they are all more effective than the average blinds.

Some cellular shades are made with sheer fabrics, which are somewhat transparent.

While cellular shades made with sheer fabric offer some degree of privacy, they only filter light. In other words, they still let some light in, so some people might see through them if those people come close. But if such cellular shades come with room darkening fabrics or blackout, you can control your privacy.

Alternatively, you may just opt for cellular shades made with an opaque material from the start.

Cellular Shades Can Help You Save on Energy Bills

The insulation effect of cellular shades does not just stop at helping you regulate temperature. You can rake in significant energy savings. Of course, you must install sufficient cellular shades and ensure that they are all properly installed for this to happen.

Here’s how it works: In summer, the shades block the entry of unwanted solar heat. So, your air conditioner will do less work trying to keep your indoor space cool. If your air conditioner puts less effort into cooling, it will consume less energy. Consequently, your energy bills would be lower.

All things being equal, cellular shades can block out the influx of solar heat by 60% in the summer. This will bring down the total solar gain to about 20% – way less heat for your air conditioner to deal with.

In winter, cellular shades prevent warm air from escaping through the windows. Consequently, heat loss drops by as much as 40%. With less heat loss, the indoor space is balmier. So, your heater does less heating and consumes less energy.

The drop in heat loss caused by cellular shades can save you as much as 10% on energy bills for heating.

The Noise Cancelling Action of Cellular Shades Are Impressive

Cellular shades are pretty great at blocking out noise. While they are not soundproof, their cellular design grants them the ability to reduce the influx of noise.

Noise travels in the air through vibrations. But the cells of cellular shades interrupt the vibrations, thereby blocking some of the incoming noise.

The noise-blocking ability of cellular shades is even more pronounced with extra layers. So, the noise blocking effect may be relatively more significant with double-layer or triple-layer cellular shades.

Cellular Shades Are Available in Various Colors and Styles

One thing with cellular shades is there are quite many options to choose from. They are made with various materials, have varying designs, and are available in different colors. So, you can almost certainly get a set of cellular shades that will match any décor.

This means if you are trying to install cellular shades in every room of your home, you will find a suitable product for sure. So, you never have to alter your décor to accommodate them.

As mentioned before, cellular shades can come with a single layer of cells. But if you want improved noise cancellation, privacy, and insulation, you can opt for double cell layers and higher. So, even your desired functionality can be matched by the range of cellular shades.

Cellular Shades Are Stackable

Cellular shades get one over other blinds with similar soundproof effects – thanks to their stackability. While noise-canceling blinds are typically rigid, cellular shades are not. When you raise cellular shades, they stack compactly.

The stackability of cellular shades makes them portable when raised on the window. But more importantly, it allows for maximum window exposure.

Cellular Shades Can Help Filter or Block Natural Light

Depending on the fabric they are made with, you can filter or block light from entering your space with cellular shades.

The light filtering effect allows some light through and offers some privacy. And it comes with translucent or semi-opaque cellular shades.

The light-blocking effect, on the other hand, offers total privacy. And it comes with opaque cellular shades.

Downsides of Using Cellular Shades

Cellular Shades Are Not the Most Visually Appealing

If you want glamorous shades, then cellular shades may not appeal to you. As we said before, the ordinary, pleated design of cellular shades is not eye-catching. So, the chances are cellular shades will not appeal to you visually.

Light Control Is Limited With Cellular Shades

Light control with cellular shades is all or none. Light either gets in, or it doesn’t. In other words, you cannot really control the amount of light traveling inside your house.

Cellular shades made with sheer fabric or translucent material will always let some filtered light in. Contrarily, those with blackout materials will always keep light out. So, you really have no control over the inflow of natural light except what the material offers.

You can gain some light control by getting blackout fabrics for sheer fabric cellular shades. On the contrary, with opaque cellular shades, light can only come in when you raise them all the way up.

Cellular Shades Are Not the Easiest to Clean

Due to their honeycomb cell structure, cellular shades are complicated to clean. As dust and dirt accumulate over time, they will collect in the cells.

But since the holes of these cells are not readily accessible to cleaning items, the dirt may remain stuck within the shades.

Vacuum cleaners can help you suck some of the dirt out. But they will not pull hard enough to get the grime out of the middle of the holes. So, it just remains there. In the end, you may have to uninstall the shades to wash them properly.

Cellular Shades Do Not Work for All Rooms

While they work with most décors, cellular shades are not suitable for all types of rooms.

So, what types of rooms are cellular shades not okay for?

Cellular shades are not ideal for rooms that have damp heat or water. The cells collect moisture readily, so installing them in such rooms may just make them go damp faster. The dampness, in turn, will cause the cells to get dirty quickly. It may also promote the growth of mold and mildew and contribute to the damage of the shades in the long term.

So, rooms like bathrooms are not okay for cellular shades. But if you do install them in such a room, maintain them very frequently.

Final Take

Cellular shades are not out of style. They might not be the most aesthetic option amongst their peers. But they pack a punch when it comes to privacy, insulation, and noise cancelation. So, if you want shades that will offer you the said functions, consider cellular shades.