Are Honeycomb Blinds Real?
If you've ever shopped for your windows, you've probably heard these terms before: "honeycomb blinds," "cellular blinds," and "cellular shades." The very names have a high-tech, even secret-sounding feel to them. What exactly are honeycomb blinds, anyway? Let's discuss why these shades are a great pick for Central North Carolina homes.
What Are Honeycomb Blinds? What Are Cellular Blinds? What Are Cellular Shades?
First, let's get the terminology straight. "Honeycomb blinds" and "cellular blinds" are actually common misnomers for what the industry calls cellular shades. These aren't traditional blinds with slats. Instead, they're made from pleated fabric that forms a series of honeycomb-shaped cells when viewed from the side.
The honeycomb pattern serves more than simply aesthetic purposes. Each cell retains air, forming a layer of insulation between the window and the room.
As you raise or lower the shade, the fabric expands or shrinks like an accordion. Cellular blinds have an advantage in terms of energy efficiency and comfort due to their unique structure.
Why the Name Confusion?
People often use "blinds" and "shades" interchangeably, but they're different. Blinds have slats you can tilt; shades are made from one continuous piece of fabric. Since cellular shades look sleek and modern, many folks call them "honeycomb blinds," but the correct term is "cellular shades."
The Benefits of Cellular Shades
Energy Efficiency
Cellular shades are champions at keeping your home comfortable year-round. Their honeycomb cells trap air, slowing down heat transfer at your windows. In winter, they keep warmth inside. In summer, they block heat from coming in.
Studies show that nearly one-third of a home's heating energy escapes through its windows, while in warmer months, roughly three-quarters of the sunlight hitting standard double-pane windows turns into indoor heat. That means lower energy bills and a more comfortable home with cellular shades' energy-efficient effect.
Light and Temperature Control
You can choose from a range of fabrics and opacities, from sheer to blackout. Want a soft glow in your living room? Go with light-filtering shades. Need total darkness for a bedroom or media room? Opt for blackout cellular shades. Some models offer top-down/bottom-up operation, letting you control privacy and sunlight exactly how you like it.
Noise Reduction
The same air pockets that insulate against temperature also help dampen sound. Cellular shades can help muffle outside noise and create a peaceful environment if you live near a busy street or want a quieter home office.
Safety and Style
Most cellular shades are cordless, making them safer for homes with kids and pets. They come in a wide range of colors, textures, and pleat sizes, so you can match any décor—from modern to classic. Their slim profile means they don't crowd your windows, and when raised, they stack neatly at the top.
Find Your Ideal Cellular Shades Near Raleigh, North Carolina
If you want window treatments that make your rooms comfortable while also keeping your energy expenses low, cellular shades from Benchmark Shutters & Shades are an excellent choice. Are you ready to see the difference for yourself? Explore our options and set up a shop-at-home consultation anywhere in Central North Carolina.
We are a trusted provider of Hunter Douglas products, which offers a wide selection of window treatments for uniquely shaped windows that are ideal for the Raleigh area. Benchmark Shutters & Shades serves homeowners in Chapel Hill, Apex, and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.