These shades are probably thee most controversial shades because so many have had them and they didn’t love them or they want something just as functional but looks like a fabric shade, etc. etc. Cellular shades have been around for years and there are some great reasons for that. Although, not the most decorative, if you’re someone that likes practical and functional and value for the money, these shades are it! You can always add drapery panels to the sides or faux roman above to create the best solution.

Pros

They have R value rating to them, much like insulation in the walls of your home. It isn’t much, most between 3-4 vs 13-23 in your walls but it does help hold the heat inside the cells and keep it from coming through the fabric and into your room.

They are slim and can mount in windows with 2” or less of depth.

They have all the lifting options-corded, cordless, top down bottom up, & motorized. Top Down bottom up is probably thee number one reason homeowners seek out this shade.

The fabric extends to just about the very edge of the headrail. This means there are not huge light gaps in the window like you get with roller shades.

They can be made in one shade for tripe windows! Every manufacture may be different but plan up to 120” with most manufacturers.

You can get cellular shades light filtering or room darkening. Both are totally private, but one lets some light come in during the day and of course room darkening will help you sleep until noon, if you want to!

Cons

They’re not really fabric, more of a spun lace,(woven polyester fabric) which is less expensive to make.

They’re not a “high end” designer shade. They offer great energy efficiency but if you want a decorator look, you’ll want to incorporate drapery or soft romans or maybe a cornice across the top to conceal or dress up the shade.

The material is delicate. The shades won’t tear or break with everyday use, but if you rip them, if a dog bites them or your kids are not careful with them, the material can tear. This cannot be repaired. (I’ve seen some DIY hacks online, but there is no way to conceal the repair)

They are not “inexpensive” as some customers think. Because they feel like paper and not fabric and because they are not “decorative” people assume these shades are $60 a window. That is not the case. You may be able to find inexpensive cellular shades online or at a home improvement store, but know that these will not last and probably don’t come with a long warranty. The interior mechanism and cords are what make or break the shade and you want to make sure you purchase from a well known brand that offers a good warranty for these parts.

If you want the highest end cellular product with nice fabric with some stria’s or texture-at least the best you can get with this product, consider the Hunter Douglas Duette Architella. This is not a budget friendly shade, but it offers the nicest fabrics, lifting mechanisms and an extra layer inside the cell making them 40% more efficient than anything else you’ll find on the market.