If you have been shopping for window treatments recently, you have likely heard the term honeycomb shades – and then asked what does all that mean? single cell, double cell, triple cell? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most frequently asked questions we get from homeowners, renters and people who love to be interior designers without needing to be textile engineers.
This guide exists to clarify everything in as simple a manner as possible. At the end, you will understand exactly what honeycomb (cellular) shades are, how each one works, and which one works for you at home, your budget, and your lifestyle.
What Are Honeycomb Shades (Cellular Shades)?
Honeycomb shades (also known as cellular shades) are soft window treatments that are constructed to have a fabric pleated design, which creates honeycomb-like pockets when viewed from the side. These air pockets provide insulation by containing warm or cool air between the window pane and the interior of a home. The result? A window treatment that doesn’t only look great, but also helps to keep a home comfortable and lower energy costs.
When these air pockets are named ‘honeycomb’ it is because of their shape: they are very like the honeycomb structure in a beehive. Depending on the number of layers of pockets, a single cell, double cell, or a triple cell shade can be obtained. Every configuration will have a different amount of insulation, light control, sound absorption and – naturally – cost.
In addition to being an energy efficient shade, honeycomb shades are also known for their child-safe cordless or motorized lift, wide variety of fabrics (from sheer to blackout) and their clean, modern appearance. From a comfortable bedroom to a sunlit living room or a drafty home office, no gourd isn’t too big or too small to fit the project.
Single Cell Honeycomb Shades: The Budget-Friendly Starter
How They’re Built
Single cell shades are those with air pockets which lie horizontally along the shade. Consider this one layer of honeycombs – light in weight, thin, and simple.
Who They’re Best For
Homeowners in mild climates with less concern for extreme temperatures prefer single cell shades. They’re also favored in application areas where style and light filtering is more important than heavy duty insulation such as sunrooms, interior rooms, or when you just want a cleaner look – without spending a lot of money.
Pros of Single Cell Shades
- Does not cost a fortune for a honeycomb shade
- Lighter weight – ideal for wide or huge windows
- Wider range of fabrics and opacities available
- Lighter build, making easier to raise and lower
- Great for decorative purposes in mild climate rooms
Cons of Single Cell Shades
- Lowest insulation value of the three options
- Not as good as stopping cold drafts or heat in the summer
- Minimal soundproofing benefit
In short: Single cell honeycomb shades provide a solid energy efficiency and style upgrade for an affordable price – particularly for interior spaces or homes located in temperate climates.
Double Cell Honeycomb Shades: The ‘Sweet Spot’ for Most Homes
How They’re Built
Double cell shades are double sheets of air pockets. That translates to additional air trapping, additional insulation and improved overall performance without a significant increase in cost or volume.
Who They’re Best For
For most American homes double cell shades are compacted between performance and cost and this is why they are the most popular choice. They are ideal for use in bedrooms, home offices, dining rooms and living rooms where energy efficiency and control of light are important.
Pros of Double Cell Shades
- Much more efficient than a single cell insulation
- Reduction of the noise coming from the exterior is noted
- High comfort energy efficiency from heating and cooling
- In shear, light filtering and room darkening opacities
- Is not sensitive to most climate situations in the U.S.
Cons of Double Cell Shades
- A little heavier than 1-cell – requires sturdier hardware for very wide windows
- More expensive than single cell but still fairly affordable
Conclusion: Double cell honeycomb shades are the most effective investment for most homeowners. Measurable energy savings, improved comfort and adequate sound reduction without high product cost. If in doubt, double cells will make near-universal sense.
Triple Cell Honeycomb Shades: The Premium Insulator
How They’re Built
Triple cell shades are triple layered cell shades with the most dense insulation barrier of any other honeycomb shade. The more chambers, the more air that is trapped = maximum energy efficiency.
Who They’re Best For
Triple cell shades are best suited for homes in the Northeast that experience harsh winters or in the Southwest for hot summer weather, as well as older homes that lose heat rapidly. They are also the ideal choice for a home theater, in a nursery, or any space where sound control should be a key concern along with temperature control.
Pros of Triple Cell Shades
- The most insulating window coverings are the most energy efficient.
- Improved acoustics – rooms that are significantly quieter.
- Superior feel and look – thicker and more structured texture.
- Great for single pane windows or poorly insulated homes.
- Higher initial cost can be justified with long-term energy savings.
Cons of Triple Cell Shades
- In the honeycomb shade family, this is the most costly.
- More substantial – particularly of larger size
- Slightly limited fabric choices than single/double cell.
The take-home message: Triple cell honeycomb shades are definitely worth every penny when you value energy efficiency, real winter or summer weather, or the best performance from your window coverings.
Quick Comparison: Single vs Double vs Triple Cell at a Glance
| Feature | Single Cell | Double Cell | Triple Cell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insulation | Basic | Good | Superior |
| Energy Savings | Low | Moderate | High |
| Price Range | $ | $$ | $$$ |
| Best For | Mild climates | Most homes | Extreme climates |
| Light Filtering | Standard | Enhanced | Maximum |
| Sound Reduction | Minimal | Moderate | Significant |
How to Choose the Right Honeycomb Shade for Your Home
Haven’t decided on which cell configuration to use? Consider the following, the way to think about it is:
Consider your climate first. For areas that experience mild weather throughout the year, single cell shades may be adequate without excessive expense. Double or triple cell shades will pay back in terms of energy savings if you encounter extreme heat in the summer or cold in the winter or both.
Think about the specific room. Double or triple cell options with room darkening and sound absorption provide additional room for bedrooms. Light filtering double cells are good candidates for living rooms. Single cell shades are adequate for sunrooms and inside rooms.
Factor in your window size. Single cell window shades are the ideal option for very large or wide windows. All three fit on standard-sized windows.
Set a realistic budget. Single cell is the lowest price point. The best value is a double cell. Triple cell represents a high dollar investment and a long-term solution.
We sell the three configurations at BuyHomeBlinds.com in a variety of fabric, colours, and transparency from sheer to light-filtering to black out. We are always happy to assist you in identifying what is the right fit for you and your budget.
Additional Features to Look for in Honeycomb Shades
Here are some things to look for when considering the purchase of honeycomb shades, irrespective of what type of cell they have:
Cordless Lift: No longer requires a cord, easier for children/animals and looks better.
Top Down/Bottom Up: Let natural light in at the top and keep eyes shaded at the bottom – ideal in bedrooms and bathrooms.
Motorization: Ensure that you can control your shades from your phone or smart home system. Becoming ubiquitous and commonly found at reasonable prices.
Fabric Opacity: Your fabric choice is as important as your cell choice – from sheer (maximum light) to blackout (zero light).
Custom Sizing: Cellular shades are best when made to fit your window exactly. When not possible, choose custom sizing.
Why Honeycomb Shades Are a Smart Long-Term Investment
Aside from its looks, honeycomb shades are among the exclusive window treatments that can save you cash in the long run. In the U.S. In the Department of Energy article, they mention that the insulating properties of window treatments can lower heat loss through windows significantly – and windows are responsible for 25 – 30% of residential heating and cooling energy costs, which is a big savings for you.
Now factor in the longevity of shades of high quality and properly cared for, which last for 10-15 years, and the figures become very compelling. You know that you’ll get many years of comfort, beauty and energy savings from your home improvement choice of single, double or triple cell.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Honeycomb Shade?
Whether you’re drawn to the value of single cell, the versatility of double cell, or the premium performance of triple cell shades — BuyHomeBlinds.com has you covered. We offer an extensive selection of cellular shades in every configuration, fabric, and color, with custom sizing available to ensure a perfect fit for every window in your home.
Shop our full collection of honeycomb shades at buyhomeblinds.com – and if you need personalized help choosing the right option, our team is just a message away. Your most comfortable, energy-efficient home starts with the right window treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the main difference between single cell and double cell honeycomb shades?
It is different in terms of the number of air pocket layers. Single cell shades have one insulating layer, double cell shades have two insulating layers. Double cell shades offer additional insulation, improved sound dampening and energy efficiency, at a slightly higher price. Double cell is the most optimal solution for most homes.
Q2: Are honeycomb shades good for cold climates?
Absolutely. Among the best options for insulating windows, the honeycomb (cellular) shades come next. Double or triple cell shades are particularly recommended in cold climates. Multiple air chambers retain heat and provide insulation protection against colder window glass that helps to maintain a warm home temperature more efficiently, while the heating system is not over taxed.
Q3: Do cellular shades really save energy?
Yes, and that’s supported by energy efficiency studies. Cells in cellular shades create an air-gap which is an insulator and lowers the amount of heat that passes through your windows. You will notice the difference as your HVAC system will not have to run as hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, which will save you money in your energy bill, especially if you have older windows or single pane windows.
Q4: Are triple cell shades worth the extra cost?
This varies according to the situation. Triple cell shades are particularly worth the extra cost for those who live in extreme weather or have a drafty home, or anyone who cares about achieving the most efficient use of energy and sound control. Double cell shades are a great option in milder climates or when you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Q5: Can honeycomb shades block light completely?
Yes – if you opt for a blackout fabric. Honeycomb shades come in a complete variety of shades from sheer (which spreads light beautifully while still letting you see through) to room darkening and full blackout options (which block practically all of the light). The cell configuration (single, double, triple) will influence the insulation and the opacity of the fabric will influence the light control; both of these factors need to be taken into account.
Q6: What is the best honeycomb shade for a bedroom?
Most people say they prefer double cell shades with a room darkening or black out material for their bedrooms. This setup provides you with almost ideal insulation – which means the rooms are comfortable throughout the year, good sound reduction – so it is quieter to sleep in and total control of the light levels. A top-down/bottom up feature is also designed to enjoy the natural light during the day while providing privacy.
Q7: How do I clean and maintain honeycomb shades?
Honeycomb shades are somewhat easy to care for. Use a feather duster, soft brush attachment on a vacuum or compressed air to dust the cells on a regular basis. Use the cloth and mild soap with water for spot cleaning. Don’t immerse cellular shades in water, as it may affect the cell structure. With proper care, most decent shades will last for 10 or more years.
Q8: Do honeycomb shades come in cordless options?
Yes, and we strongly recommend cordless lift systems, especially if you have young children or animals – oh, and if you don’t. Cordless cellular shades are as beautiful and effective as corded shades and are even better looking and safer to use. If you’re looking for the ultimate in convenience, there are also motorized choices.