A warm, welcoming, and spacious-looking home is a dream for many. By fusing your creativity with the latest trend in the home decor industry, you can quickly transform your home into a heavenly place that aspires to bring comfort to your lifestyle.
From choosing the right furniture to picking the perfect paint for the walls, every modification within your home dictates your style.
One thing that most people miss out on while renovating their homes is choosing the right window treatment option. Where drapes and shutters have been in business for far too long, modern homes can greatly benefit from something more diverse such as Cellular Shades.
Cellular shades have been an increasingly popular window treatment option among homeowners. The shades, with their honeycomb structure, combine aesthetics with functionality.
So, what is so special about Cellular Shades? And what should you know before you head out to buy one for your home?
Let’s get a full scoop on this contemporary window treatment option. We will be exploring the types, styles, mechanisms, and simple ways through which you can keep your cellular shades clean.
Purpose of Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are also known as honeycomb shades. Cellular shades are an innovation to traditional window shades.
These are made of many fabric cells which can expand and contract like an accordion when the shade is raised or lowered.
The cellular shades do not just keep sunlight out but also have many added advantages. The cells in the shade work as an insulator and trap the air inside them.
With the air trap in the cells, you can control the temperature inside the room. It also puts less pressure on your HVAC system. Your electricity bills are cut down, and you have significant yearly savings.
Types Of Cellular Shades
There are two types of cellular shades: single-cellular shades and double-cellular shades.
1. Single Cellular Shades
A single cellular shade is made from a single fabric divided into cells. The arrangement of cells resembles a honeycomb-like design.
When fixed to a window, the cells will look pleated and be in the shape of a honeycomb as the light goes through them.
Single cellular shades range in cell and pleat widths from 3/8 inches to 2 inches.
2. Double Cellular Shades
Double cellular shades are also designed to have a cellular shape. However, they have two layers of cells.
The double cellular shades are also smaller in size than single cellular shades. The cell measurement is usually less than 3/8 inches. These are best suited for smaller windows.
Both types of cellular shades come in three different variants:
3. Cordless Cellular Shades
Unlike traditional shades, cordless cellular shades do not have a dangling cord to pull the shades up or down. Instead, they have a built-in internal cord.
To pull the shades down or to push them up, use the railing at the base of the shade. The shade will automatically move up or down.
4. Motorized
The motorized cellular shades are fully automatic and can be operated with remote control. These shades are very convenient to use and can be raised or lowered while sitting comfortably on a couch.
It is also possible to program motorized shades to open or close at specific times of the day. You can preset the times you want the blinds to be pulled down or opened.
5. Top-Down
Top-down shades allow light to enter the room and keep your privacy intact. You can pull down the base of the shade to cover your window. Then, you can open the top cover to allow light to enter your room.
How To Choose A Cellular Shade?
Knowing the cellular shade types is insufficient to pick the best fit for your house’s windows. If you head out into the market, you will be amazed by the measurements in which these shades are available.
So let’s clear out this confusion as well.
1. Small Cellular Shades
Cellular shades with 3/8 inches or less are categorized as small cellular shades. These shades are best suited for small windows of your house. Since these cells are narrow, they fit into shallow window openings cleanly.
Small cellular shades are the best option if you are looking for bathroom window shades. Not only are they perfect for insulation, but they are also best suited for places with high humidity.
2. Mid-Size Cellular Shades
Mid-size cellular shades look classic on a window. They measure between 1/2 inches and 9/16 inches.
Mid-cellular shades are in high demand, and many companies offer many add-on options for these shades. The most popular customization options include light filtering and blackout fabrics.
Mid-size cellular shades are a go-to option for bedroom and living room windows. Along with insulation, they blend in sleekly with the room’s interior.
3. Large Cellular Shades
Cellular shades with a 3/4 inch cell width fall under the category of large cellular shades. They are best suited to be used in wide-picture windows.
Since the cell fabric is lighter per square foot, the railing can easily support the shade without needing extra reinforcements.
How to Choose Cellular Shade Color?
You’ve decided on the size of cellular shade you need for your window, but how do you choose a cellular shade color?
Use these three quick tips to choose the best cellular shade color that uplifts your home decor.
1. The easiest way to pick the cellular shade color is to match it with blinds or window trim color. Most window trims are white, so choosing a white color for your cellular shade will not clash with the color of the furniture in the room.
2. Matching the color of the blind with the color of your wall is another way to go about it. Most people prefer to keep the color of the blind lighter than the color of the wall.
3. Matching the color of shade with the color of your furniture also makes your room welcoming. Matching the tone of a cellular shade with the style of your furniture is an intelligent way to add wooden texture to your windows.
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How To Measure Cellular Shades Size?
You can measure the cellular shade cell size to ensure you get the correct fit for your window. But do you know how to measure the cell size of cellular shade?
We will simplify the process for you.
1. Measuring The Inside Mount
For Width:
- Measure the inside from the left edge to the right edge. Measure from the top, middle, and bottom.
- Choose the smallest measurement you get.
- If you get width in the increment of 1/16 inch or 1/32 inch, round it to the nearest 1/8 inch. Let’s assume that the smallest measurement you got was 24 9/16 inches. The width will be rounded off to 24.5 inches.
For Height:
- Measure the inside from the top edge to the bottom edge. Measure from the top-left to bottom, middle, and top-right to bottom.
- Choose the smallest measurement you get.
- If you get width in the increment of 1/16 inch or 1/32 inch, round it to the nearest 1/8 inch. Let’s assume that the smallest measurement you got was 24 9/16 inches. The width will be rounded off to 24.5 inches.
2. Measuring The Outside Mount
For Width:
- Measure the outside from the left edge to the right edge. Do the measurement from the top, middle, and bottom.
- Choose the largest width you get.
- Add at least extra 4 inches to your selected width. Use this final width when ordering your cellular shades.
For Height:
- Measure the outside from the top sill to the bottom sill. Measure from the top-left to bottom, middle, and top-right to bottom.
- Select the largest height you get.
- Add at least extra 4 inches to your selected size. Use this final width when ordering your cellular shades.
How To Fix A Cellular Shade?
A good-quality cellular shade can be expensive. Yet, with time some faults may appear in them. However, you can fix a broken cellular shade with some tweaking.
Some common issues and their solutions are as follows:
1. Cord Loop Breaking Frequently
It can be frustrating to replace the broken cord loop time and again.
One reason for this frequent breakage could be a heavy bottom rail. You can remove some weight from the bottom rail to solve the issue.
A cord may also break if it is too tight. Loosening the line can solve the issue for you.
Moreover, the clutch may have some sharp edges or wear or tear. Replacing the clutch can prolong the life of the cord loop.
2. You Can’t Lower The Shade
It can be equally frustrating if your shade does not close down entirely. This problem can occur if the string is too short. The only way out is to get a new cord.
Sometimes, a cord may get strangled, due to which it cant move smoothly over the clutch. So, replace it with a new cable to get the smoothest result.
3. Shade Is Raising And Lower Unevenly
Another common problem is that the shades may rise or lower unevenly. When the shades are fully raised, the bottom rail may appear uneven.
The issue may be with the cord loop or the chain loop. Installing a new loop will fix your problem.
In case your loop is working fine, the problem may be with the lift strings, which may get tangled or broken. A twisted or broken thread will have to be replaced to solve the problem.
However, if you have a cordless cellular shade, the solutions mentioned above will not work because there is no cord and, ultimately, no cord loop. So, how to fix a cordless cellular shade? For that scenario, do the following:
- Pull the shade down as far as it will go.
- Pull it about a 45-degree angle away from the window and tug downwards.
- Then raise it back up. The problem is solved!
How To Clean A Cellular Shade?
It is easy to damage cellular shades if you are not careful while cleaning them. So, here are some ways to clean your shades without ruining them forever.
- Dirt, debris, and bugs can get inside the cellular shade pockets. Blowing air through the space can clean the pockets for you. You can use a hairdryer or a can of compressed air to blow the air.
- Grab a vacuum and hose brush attachment if your cellular shade is covered in dust. Gently brush the cell fabric in horizontal strokes. The dust and dirt will eventually loosen up and will fall.
- To clean stains from the shade, use a damp cloth, warm water, and mild detergent. Blot the affected area until the stain is gone, then blot dry with another clean cloth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a cellular shade?
Cellular shades are an energy-saving window treatment option. Most homeowners spend about $340-$2500 on this window-covering project. The average cost of a cellular shade is around $1370 for a full house install.
How long does a cellular shade last?
Cellular shades are a rising trend in the market. From their design to functionality, they have much to offer. Typically, a cellular shade will last for about 5-7 years.
What are the benefits of a cellular shade?
Cellular shades bring about great benefits to a homeowner, including:
- They offer privacy.
- They keep the place insulated.
- They are easy to clean.
- They block out noise.
- They are slim and stackable.
