If you’re comparing cellular shades vs honeycomb shades, you may be wondering whether there’s actually a difference. Cellular shades and honeycomb shades are generally two names for the same type of window treatment. Both terms describe shades made with pleated fabric cells that create distinctive honeycomb-shaped pockets when viewed from the side.
So, why the two names? Cellular shades describes the product’s cellular construction, while honeycomb shades refers to the shape those cells create. You’ll see both terms used when shopping for this energy-efficient style of window shade.
How Do Cellular and Honeycomb Shades Work?
Cellular shades are constructed from layers of pleated fabric that connect to form a series of air pockets. Viewed from the side, these pockets resemble the hexagonal structure of a honeycomb—which is where the name “honeycomb shade” comes from.
Honeycomb Shade Fabrics
The cellular pockets do more than give the shade its recognizable appearance. Air becomes trapped within the cells, creating an insulating layer between the window and the room. This helps reduce heat transfer at the window for greater comfort throughout the year. Because of this construction, cellular and honeycomb shades are among the most popular choices for homeowners looking for a window treatment that combines energy efficiency, light control, privacy and soft fabric styling.
Are All Cellular Shades the Same?
Although cellular shades and honeycomb shades describe the same general window treatment, not all cellular shades offer the same construction, fabrics or features.
Options can vary by collection and may include:
- Light-filtering and room-darkening fabrics
- Different cellular constructions for enhanced insulation
- Top-down/bottom-up operation for flexible privacy
- Horizontal and vertical configurations
- Specialty solutions for skylights and unique window shapes
- Cordless and motorized operating systems
The right combination depends on the window, room and level of light control, privacy and energy efficiency you’re looking for.
Why Are They Called Cellular Shades?
The term cellular shade refers to the individual fabric cells that make up the shade. Depending on the design, cellular shades can feature different cell constructions, fabrics and opacity levels to provide varying levels of insulation, natural light and privacy. Unlike blinds with individual slats, cellular shades use continuous pleated fabric. This gives them a clean, streamlined appearance when lowered.
Why Are They Called Honeycomb Shades?
The name honeycomb shade comes directly from the shape of the fabric cells. Look at the shade from the side and you’ll see rows of pockets resembling a honeycomb. For homeowners shopping for window treatments, the important takeaway is simple: honeycomb shades are cellular shades. The terminology may vary by manufacturer, retailer or product collection, but both names commonly describe this same style of insulating cellular window shade.
How Do Cellular Shades Stack?
Traditional cellular shades are also known for their compact stack. When the shade is lowered, the fabric cells expand across the window. As the shade is raised, the pleated cells collapse neatly together and gather toward the top. This compact profile can help preserve your outdoor view when the shade is fully raised, while the fabric provides adjustable light control and privacy when lowered. Not every cellular product operates in exactly the same way. Some cellular constructions are also available for vertical applications, specialty windows and other operating styles.
Cellular vs Honeycomb Shades: The Bottom Line
There isn’t a fundamental product difference between cellular shades and honeycomb shades. “Cellular” describes the shade’s construction, while “honeycomb” describes the shape of its insulating fabric cells.
What matters more when choosing your shades is the specific cellular construction, fabric opacity, operating system and features that will provide the right combination of insulation, natural light and privacy for your home.
For Hunter Douglas, the “Honeycomb” nomenclature is used to state an exclusive brand and distinguishes the shape of the product.
Hunter Douglas Honeycomb Shades
Hunter Douglas offers several cellular shade options, including Duette® and Applause® Honeycomb Shades.
Duette® is the flagship Hunter Douglas honeycomb collection, with extensive choices for fabrics, light control, privacy and specialty applications. Advanced options include Architella® cellular construction, top-down/bottom-up operation, LightLock® room-darkening technology and PowerView® Automation.
Applause® Honeycomb Shades offer a more streamlined selection of fabrics, colors and operating options while maintaining the insulating benefits and crisp pleated appearance associated with cellular construction.
Applause® Honeycomb Shades
Duette® Honeycomb Shades
