Choosing the perfect window treatments can be a daunting task. With so many options available, homeowners often shy away from even beginning the process. But that's why we're here. So, in this blog, we're going to shine the spotlight on one of the most popular window treatments—honeycomb shades.
What Are Honeycomb Shades?
First, a little background information. Honeycomb shades (also called cellular shades) are made from one continuous piece of fabric and they either roll up or fold up along their crisp pleats. Fabric is then bonded together to form the honeycomb shaped cells. There's either a single, double or triple layered design that traps air between the layers of the shade in individual cells to provide insulation. They also come in a variety of pleat sizes, colors and light control options from sheer to blackout.
Honeycomb shades are the preferred choice for many due to the advantages they provide, ranging from better insulation to privacy and light control. However, they do also have their disadvantages that you need to consider before actually purchasing them for your home.
Pros of Honeycomb Shades
Better Insulation
Honeycomb shades block heat from the sun in the summer, but conserve your cool AC air; and keep the cold out in the winter months, but conserve heat in your home. They're a great help in enhancing the insulation of your home and in increasing energy efficiency. You can't beat a winning combination like that!
Slim Profile
Honeycomb shades have a small profile and don't require a lot of depth. When the fabric is raised, the shade stacks at the top which raises in size depending on the length of the shade.
Better Privacy
If you're looking for window treatments that, apart from better insulation, also provide greater privacy—then honeycomb shades would be the right choice. They're better equipped to block out light more efficiently as compared to other treatments, due to the multiple layers that effectively block out light and make it difficult to look through these shades from the outside. For an additional level of privacy, select the double cell option with blackout or room darkening fabrics.
Noise Cancellation
The cellular construction of honeycomb shades also helps them block out some of the outside noise. This way you can have a quiet and calm environment within your home.
Cons of Honeycomb Shades
Difficulty in Cleaning
Overtime, honeycomb shades will get dusty and dirty, making it necessary to clean them. Cleaning can become a problem because of the honeycomb structure. It can be tricky to properly clean each and every cell. So, you'll have to take special care for cleaning these shades. To learn simple and easy window treatment cleaning tips, check out our other blog here!
Difficulty in Light Control
Normally, options like Venetian blinds let you control the amount of light coming in by easily rotating the slates. But, that's not the case with cellular shades. If you've purchased single cell honeycomb shades, but want pitch black darkness in your room, this is will not be possible unless you have blackout fabrics. Similarly, if you have blackout fabrics, then you can't let any light into the room while the shade is down.
Not the Cheapest
It's not that they're the most expensive, but honeycomb shades often fall in the middle range when we look at prices. They tend to be cheaper in comparison to Roman shades but costlier than Venetian blinds.
Best Rooms for Honeycomb Shades
Bedroom
Your bedroom is your sanctuary where you wake up and wind down every day. So, your first thought should be privacy, and how much you want. Blackout shades are great for pure darkness, especially if you don't rise and set with the sun. Honeycomb shades are naturally calming with their diffusion of light and their fabric touch. To keep it serene in this room, add motorization—your shades will practically operate on their own. In the end, a honeycomb shade that makes the ambiance feel warm is your best bet in the bedroom.
Bathroom
As bathrooms are humid areas, they require window treatments that can withstand moisture. Privacy is another major factor in choosing window treatments for a bathroom. Honeycomb shades offer both of these things. They filter shades of light that pass through and help make the view inside from the outside invisible. Plus, they are also moisture-resistant.
Living Rooms
In here, you make a statement about your home, entertaining and protecting large furniture that you don't want to fade. Honeycomb shades are the great protectors from direct sunlight, and you can pick how much light you want coming in while still preserving your view outside. Add a valance and you'll really have a stunning window. Think outside the box with this room—make it a signature space with color, bold patterns and mix and match fabrics. It's your living room, so make it feel like you actually want to live in it!
Dining Room
This is where you celebrate the best things, from your nightly family ritual to your big feast that comes a few times a year. Honeycomb shades will keep the space warm and private, with a soft, homey feel. They're a great pick for anyone who uses the dining room for all celebrations big or small.
The only thing left to cover is if you need help with choosing the right type of cellular shades and blinds for any particular room, then all you have to do is stop by one of our locations and meet with one of our talented design experts!
At Avalon Flooring, we want to make sure you're happy from your first step in our showroom to your first step on your new flooring—and as your partner in home design, we'll be there every step along the way. Consider us your "One-Stop Shopping" destination for all things flooring…(and window treatments)!
Our design consultants are equipped with the knowledge to guide you through the wide selection of products we offer, and our expert installation team is professionally trained to make sure everything gets installed the way you envision. We know your home is an expression of your sense of style, and we're here to make sure you'll be proud of it for years to come.
If you have any questions, please email us.
