by Cyndi Roberts

Most people don’t realize that up to 50% of a home’s heating and cooling energy can be lost through its windows.  Energy efficiency, in summer and winter, is one the most important benefits that clients request when we are looking at their window coverings.

Our first answer to this question is always a honeycomb or cellular shade.  Either name is used to describe this beautiful product that can look like a honeycomb created by a bee, thus the name. Every window covering vendor has their own version of a honeycomb or cellular shade with different cell sizes, numbers of cells and opacities.  Each vendor’s shade has a different energy efficiency based on these features.

The most important feature for energy efficiency in a honeycomb/cellular shade is the number of cells or pockets it has.  For instance, the Hunter Douglas Alustra® Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades can have up to 3 cells inside of a main cell.  This shade is the most energy efficient product on the market because the cells create up to 5 pockets or layers that act as insulation in the window. The cell actually traps air in the distinct pockets.

Graber has the CrystalPleat® Cellular Shades that are another attractive closed cell design. Graber has many unique colors and textures to select from.  Both vendors’ cell shades offer excellent sound absorption. Cellular shades also reduce noise in rooms with hard flooring coverings.

Cellular shades come in four opacity levels: sheer, translucent, semi opaque and opaque.  There are also various cell sizes to fit any window such as 3/8″, 3/4″, 1 1/4″ and up.  Cells shades are also available with 2 shades in one blind allowing for maximum UV protection as well as various light control benefits.

All vendors have a Top-Down/Bottom-Up feature that offers a more versatile approach to light control. Lower from the top, raise from the bottom, or find somewhere in-between for the perfect balance of privacy and light control. This is a great solution for a bathroom or bedroom where you want to see out but need privacy below a certain height.

Cellular shades can also be used for large windows, expansive sliding doors or other vertical openings.  The beauty of using cellular shades in these types of challenging situations is that the stack of the cell shade is very minimal when opened; less than 6-8″ wide in most cases even up to 10′ wide.

One of the last (and our most favorite) features of the cell shades is power; be it battery or plug in motorization. Whether you control your window treatments with a mobile device, wall switch or a remote control, you can do this from your favorite chair at home, work or anywhere in the house.  Simply set your blinds to movie mode, work mode, or 8 a.m. mode with the touch of a button, all without leaving the comfort of your seat. It’s easy, fun and smart—all with smooth operation.

As you can see, the honeycomb is a very versatile solution for most windows. They can even be used on most any odd shaped, arched or sloped windows in any room of the house.  While the honeycomb design is praised for its superior energy efficiency, its unique shape, interesting  fabrics, rich colors and overall aesthetic are nothing short of beautiful.

If you are interested in learning more, call us today at 210.336.5266 to schedule an appointment.

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