We often pay more attention to room furniture, paints, wall hangings, and color of curtains but what makes our rooms cozier and comfortable is letting in the sunlight in the best way. No doubt all other factors count too, but the sunlight still slips through the window, or the room feels a little too warm.
This happens when you realize your window coverings aren’t doing enough. Along with color and fabric, the right shade can change how your home feels, how much energy you use, and even how well you sleep.
This guide will explain what cellular shades are and why they are one of the smartest upgrades for comfort, efficiency, and design.
What Are Cellular Shades?
Cellular shades are designed with a unique well-thought honeycomb structure that traps air inside small pockets between your room and the window glass. Those air pockets act like insulation, helping maintain indoor temperature year-round.
They can be:
- Inside-mounted for a clean, built-in look
- Outside-mounted for complete blackout coverage
- Single-cell or double-cell, depending on how much insulation you need
- Light-filtering or blackout, to fit your lifestyle
“We are happy to write this as it might help you to make the right decision, we replaced roller blinds with cellular shades on large south-facing windows. The glare disappeared and the temperature stayed steady all afternoon,” says a Joydeco design consultant.
The U.S. Department of Energy has also confirmed that well-fitted cellular shades can cut heat loss through windows by up to 40% and reduce unwanted heat gain by as much as 60% during summer.
Top Benefits of Cellular Shades
Energy Efficiency
Research from Oak Ridge National Laboratory found homes using cellular shades saved 17 – 36% in daily heating energy. Over time, that’s real money off your energy bill.
Light Control & Privacy
These honeycomb designs like shades soften harsh daylight and can block it completely when you need darkness and a comfortable temperature. The layered fabric diffuses light evenly with no hot spots or glare on your screens.
Noise Reduction
You’ll notice it the moment you close them as the quiet turns real. Those tiny honeycomb pockets that keep your home insulated also soften outside noise. Less traffic hum, fewer echoes, more peace. It’s the kind of calm you don’t realize you’ve been missing until you finally get it.
Ideal, Custom Fit
Just like the overall look of the home windows differ too in terms of shape, style, and size. Therefore one size fit all or ready made blinds can rarely get it right. Having custom cellular shades offers exact measurements, down to the inch. What you will get is a clean, tailored look that feels intentional, not improvised. No gaps, no awkward edges, just a smooth finish that looks like it was made for your home from the start.
Smart and Safe Options
Modern homes deserve thoughtful design. However, motorized or cordless cellular shades keep things simple and safe. There will be no cords, no tangles, and the most adorable part being parents is nothing for kids or pets to pull on. You can even set them to open with the sunrise or close when the afternoon heat builds. Comfort happens naturally, quietly, and exactly when you need it.
“After installing custom shades, my living room stays cool without blasting the AC. Although it seemed like a small change, it made a big difference.” Amanda R., Tampa, FL
When and Where They Work Best
- Bedrooms: Use blackout cellular shades for deep, uninterrupted sleep.
- Living Rooms: Light-filtering versions preserve brightness while reducing glare and fading on furniture.
- Home Offices: Keep the natural light but lose the screen reflections.
- Older Homes: Add insulation to drafty single-pane windows without renovation.
You can also layer shades with decorative curtains, blackout shade for function, curtain for style. Just need to choose a right place.
Cellular Shades vs. Other Window Treatments
| Treatment | Light Control | Energy Efficiency | Maintenance | Ideal For |
| Cellular Shades | Excellent | Up to 40% heat-loss reduction | Easy | Energy savings & modern look |
| Blackout Curtains | Great | Moderate (≈10%) | Moderate | Bedrooms, layered décor |
| Roller/Roman Shades | Good | Low | Easy | Minimalist spaces |
| Blinds (Venetian/Vertical) | Adjustable | Low | Easy | Adjustable |
If you want insulation and clean design, cellular shades outperform other coverings. DOE research shows roller and roman shades “offer only a small amount of insulation,” while cellular designs provide substantial energy savings.
How to Choose & Measure Curtains Correctly
- Measure Width: For the inside mount, take three measurements (top, middle, bottom) and record the smallest.
- Measure Height: From top of frame to sill.
- Choose Mount Type: Inside for modern aesthetics; outside for maximum blackout.
- Pick Cell Type: Single for affordability, double for insulation.
- Select Opacity: Blackout for bedrooms; light-filtering for shared spaces.
- Add Automation: Motorized options simplify operation for tall or hard-to-reach windows.
Expert tip: “Always measure at the narrowest point and order fabric swatches first to test opacity in your room light,” says the Joydeco design team.
Explore our Measurement Guide or book a Free Design Consultation to get professional help before you order.
Cost, Value & Why It’s Worth It
Yes, custom cellular shades cost more upfront than generic blinds but they quickly pay for themselves:
- DOE data shows 10 – 20% annual energy savings for well-installed cellular shades.
- These shades act like a sunscreen for your furniture as they protect it from UV damage and improve home’s overall resale appeal.
- Options like customization in sizing means fewer returns and a perfect fit the first time.
“One of our trusted clients from Florida replaced off-the-shelf blinds with Joydeco cellular shades and saw her AC run time drop by roughly 10%.”
Think of it as an investment that keeps paying you back month after month.
Real Customer Stories
“Ahhh…our west-facing windows used to roast the room in actuality. Now having installed shades keeps it bright but cool.” Chris L., Dallas, TX
“We love the motorized option. It opens with the morning light and closes when the sun sets.” Nadia M., Seattle, WA
These authentic reviews highlight exactly what buyers want: comfort, simplicity, and noticeable results.
Make Your Space Better with Cellular Shades
You know when a space just feels right? The light is gentle, the air feels steady, and nothing’s fighting for your attention? A good window design can do this simply. These shades are all about comfort instead of decoration. This much needed addition will help your home hold the right temperature, soften the light, and make every room feel calmer and more private. Once these shades are in place, you’ll notice the difference not because they stand out, but because everything else finally feels balanced.
Though seeming like a small upgrade, it quietly changes how you live in your home, day after day.
