Cellular Shades and Energy Efficiency: A Guide for Midwest Homes
Midwest homes see it all: cold January drafts, hot July afternoons and big swings in between. Windows are where much of that heat comes in and goes out. That’s why cellular shades, also called honeycomb shades, are one of the most popular choices we install in Illinois homes.
How cellular shades work
A cellular shade is made of fabric folded into rows of hollow cells. When the shade is lowered, those cells trap a layer of air between the glass and your room. That pocket of air acts as insulation: it slows heat escaping in winter and blocks some of the sun’s heat in summer.
The result is a room that feels more comfortable near the window, and the cells soften outside noise too.
Choosing the right cellular shade
Duette® Honeycomb Shades
Duette® is the original honeycomb shade and still the most energy-efficient line Hunter Douglas makes. Its Architella® fabrics use a honeycomb within a honeycomb for an extra layer of insulation, a great pick for rooms that run hot or cold.
Applause® Honeycomb Shades
Applause® offers honeycomb comfort and efficiency at an approachable price, in a wide range of colors and textures.
Sonnette® Cellular Roller Shades
Sonnette® combines the clean look of a roller shade with a soft, curved honeycomb profile, for a more modern style that still insulates.
Alta cellular shades
Alta cellular shades, from the Hunter Douglas family, are a smart, cost-effective way to bring honeycomb comfort to every window in the house.
Getting the most from your shades
- Pick the right opacity. Light-filtering fabrics keep rooms bright. Room-darkening fabrics add privacy and are ideal for bedrooms and nurseries.
- Consider Top-Down/Bottom-Up. Lower the top of the shade to let daylight in while keeping privacy at street level.
- Close the gaps. For bedrooms, the Duette® LightLock™ system adds side channels that block light around the edges.
- Let automation do the work. With PowerView® motorization, shades can lower on hot afternoons and at sunset on winter evenings, so you get the benefit without remembering to adjust them.
Where cellular shades shine
- Bedrooms and nurseries
- Rooms that run hot or cold
- Street-facing windows that need privacy
- Large or west-facing windows that get strong afternoon sun
See the difference in person
Cellular shades are easiest to appreciate up close. Visit one of our showrooms to feel the fabrics and see the opacities, or book a free in-home consultation and we’ll bring samples to your windows.
