How to Measure for Cellular Shades

  • Measuring for cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, is an important step to ensure they fit perfectly in your windows. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to measure for cellular shades:

    Measuring Inside Mount:

    Inside mount refers to installing the cellular shades inside the window frame.

    Width Measurement:

    • Measure the width of the window at the top, middle, and bottom of the window frame.
    • Record the narrowest of these measurements. This will be your ordering width.
    • For accuracy, measure to the nearest 1/8 inch.

    Height Measurement:

    • Measure the height of the window from the top of the window frame to the windowsill.
    • Again, measure in three places: left, center, and right.
    • Record the longest of these measurements. This will be your ordering height.
    • Round to the nearest 1/8 inch.

    Measuring Outside Mount:

    Outside mount refers to installing the cellular shades outside the window frame, typically on the wall or trim above the window.

    Width Measurement:

    • Measure the width of the window from where you want the shades to start on the left to where you want them to end on the right.
    • Allow for some overlap on both sides to block light effectively. The amount of overlap is a personal preference, but 2 to 4 inches on each side is common.
    • Record the total width, including the overlap. This will be your ordering width.

    Height Measurement:

    • Measure the height from where you want the top of the cellular shades to start down to where you want them to end.
    • If there is a windowsill, measure from above the windowsill to your desired endpoint.
    • Allow for some extra length at the bottom for clearance and coverage, typically 1 to 3 inches.
    • Record the total height, including the extra length. This will be your ordering height.

  • Cellular Shades | Cellular Window Shades | Cordless, Blackout, Top Down Bottom Up

Should I Get Single or Double Cellular Shades?

Choosing between single and double cellular shades (also known as single-cell and double-cell shades) depends on your specific needs, preferences, and priorities. Each type has its own advantages, so consider the following factors to help you make an informed decision:

Single Cellular Shades:

  1. Energy Efficiency: Single-cell shades provide moderate insulation and energy efficiency. They trap a layer of air between the cells, creating a barrier against heat transfer. This can help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling costs to some extent.
  2. Light Control: Single-cell shades offer various degrees of light control, depending on the fabric's opacity. You can choose from sheer, light-filtering, or blackout options to meet your privacy and light-blocking needs.
  3. Cost-Effective: Single-cell shades are typically more budget-friendly than double-cell shades. If you're looking for a cost-effective solution for your windows, single-cell shades are a good choice.
  4. Sleek Appearance: These shades have a sleek and minimalistic appearance, making them suitable for various interior design styles.

Double Cellular Shades:

  1. Enhanced Insulation: Double-cell shades have an additional layer of cells, providing superior insulation and energy efficiency. They are particularly effective at reducing heat transfer through windows, which can result in significant energy savings.
  2. Sound Absorption: Due to their extra layer of cells, double-cell shades can help reduce outside noise and create a quieter indoor environment.
  3. Temperature Regulation: These shades are excellent for maintaining more consistent indoor temperatures year-round, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
  4. Privacy and Light Control: Double-cell shades offer a range of opacity options, including sheer, light-filtering, and blackout fabrics, allowing you to customize your privacy and light control preferences.
  5. Aesthetic Appeal: Double-cell shades have a fuller, more textured appearance compared to single-cell shades, giving your windows a more substantial and luxurious look.

Considerations:

  • Window Size and Location: For larger windows and windows in extreme climates, double-cell shades may offer greater benefits in terms of insulation and energy efficiency.
  • Budget: Double-cell shades are generally more expensive than single-cell shades. Consider your budget when making your decision.
  • Aesthetic Preferences: The appearance of your window treatments is a personal preference. Single-cell shades offer a sleek and clean look, while double-cell shades provide a more textured and substantial appearance.
  • Energy Efficiency: If energy efficiency and insulation are top priorities, and you're willing to invest in long-term energy savings, double-cell shades are a strong choice.

Ultimately, the decision between single and double cellular shades should align with your specific needs and priorities. Assess your energy-saving goals, desired light control, and budget to make the best choice for your home.

  • Are Cellular Shades Energy Efficient?

    Yes, cellular shades are highly energy-efficient window treatments. They are designed with a unique cellular or honeycomb structure that consists of interconnected pockets, resembling the cells of a beehive. This distinctive design provides several energy-efficient benefits:

    1. Insulation: Cellular shades create a layer of trapped air within their cells, acting as a natural insulator. This trapped air helps regulate indoor temperatures by preventing heat from escaping in the winter and blocking heat gain in the summer. As a result, they contribute to maintaining a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.
    2. Energy Savings: By reducing heat transfer through windows, cellular shades can lead to energy savings. They help lower heating costs in the winter by keeping warm air inside and reduce cooling costs in the summer by blocking out excess heat from the sun.
    3. UV Protection: Cellular shades are effective at blocking a significant amount of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. UV rays can fade and damage furniture, flooring, and other items near windows. By preventing UV exposure, cellular shades help preserve the longevity and appearance of interior furnishings.
    4. Sound Insulation: While primarily designed for thermal insulation, cellular shades also offer some level of sound insulation. They can help reduce outside noise, creating a quieter and more comfortable indoor environment.
    5. Light Control: Cellular shades come in various opacity levels, from sheer to blackout. This allows you to customize the amount of natural light entering a room while maintaining energy efficiency. For example, you can choose light-filtering shades to diffuse sunlight or blackout shades to block it entirely.
    6. Versatility: Cellular shades are versatile and suitable for various window sizes and shapes. They are available in a wide range of colors and styles to complement your home's decor.
    7. Motorized Options: Some cellular shade systems offer motorized or automated options, allowing you to easily control the shades and maximize their energy efficiency based on the time of day and outdoor conditions.

    It's important to note that the level of energy efficiency can vary depending on factors such as the type of cellular shades, the fabric's opacity, proper maintenance, and the overall quality of the shades. For maximum energy efficiency, consider double-cell or triple-cell cellular shades, as they provide enhanced insulation compared to single-cell options.

  • Do Cellular Shades Insulate?

    Yes, cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are designed to provide insulation for windows. They are known for their excellent insulating properties, which make them effective at regulating indoor temperatures and improving energy efficiency. Here's how cellular shades provide insulation:

    1. Honeycomb Structure: Cellular shades are constructed with a unique honeycomb or cellular design. This design consists of interconnected pockets that create air pockets or cells, similar to the structure of a beehive. These air pockets are key to their insulating capabilities.
    2. Air Trapped in Cells: The air pockets created by the honeycomb structure act as a natural insulator. Air is a poor conductor of heat, so the trapped air within the cells helps to slow down heat transfer. In the winter, this trapped air prevents warm indoor air from escaping through the windows, keeping your home warmer. In the summer, it blocks heat from entering, helping to keep your home cooler.

    Overall, cellular shades are a popular choice for homeowners seeking to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, and create a more comfortable living environment. The level of insulation provided by cellular shades can vary depending on factors such as the type of shades, the number of cells, and the quality of the materials used.

Are Cellular Shades Out of Style?

Cellular shades are a popular and enduring window treatment option due to their versatile design and energy-efficient properties. However, style preferences can change over time, and what is considered "in style" can vary from year to year.

It's important to note that design trends can evolve, and individuals' style preferences differ. While some people may prefer the clean, modern look and energy efficiency of cellular shades, others may opt for different window treatment styles to match their interior decor.

Remember that trends in home decor and window treatments can be cyclical, and what may go out of style for a time can come back into fashion. Ultimately, the choice of window treatments should reflect your taste, functional needs, and the overall aesthetics of your home.