Accordion Blinds: What They Are And Why They’re So Popular in Modern Decor

You might know them as accordion blinds—or perhaps as honeycomb or cellular shades. Although the terminology may vary, there's no arguing that this window covering style offers unbeatable form and function. Small wonder that accordion blinds (or their more popular names - honeycomb or cellular shades) can make themselves at home in any room of your house!

How The Shade Got Its Nickname

Looking at the accordion or honeycomb shade’s design, you’ll see why it’s been compared to a musical wind instrument, or that hexagon shape made famous by bees. Each shade is comprised of a series of collapsible, air-filled structures. These are the “open cells” inside the shade itself (that’s why they are most commonly known as cellular shades). Keeping air encased within each tiny cell is how the shade performs its feat of insulating magic.

The Powerhouse of Window Shades

Don’t let the airy, graceful appearance fool you: when it comes to benefits for your home, cellular (honeycomb) shades are anything but lightweights! In fact, many homeowners are first drawn to cellular shades because of their reputation as robust energy savers. This is important because the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy found that 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through its windows. If you want to find ways to make your home more energy efficient, choosing the right window coverings is a good place to start.

In heating seasons, it’s been estimated that cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by 40% or more, which adds up to about 20% in heating energy savings. And in cooling seasons, cellular shades block up to 80% of unwanted solar heat through windows, resulting in up to 15% energy savings.

And even aside from energy savings, honeycomb shades also help filter light to your specifications or allow you to block it altogether. They also help reduce noise from outdoors and can provide greater privacy than traditional blinds.

Design Versatility

When it comes to design options, cellular shades are virtually unmatched. Think of them as the “go anywhere, do everything” décor option. Their simple, unfussy lines can enhance any space, from an antique-filled living room to an ultra modern office. And cellular shades have a host of distinct features:

  • Myriad of fabrics and colors to complement a variety of color schemes and design styles

  • Four different opacities—Sheer, Semi-Sheer, Semi-Opaque and Blackout—so you can decide how much light to let in, or keep out

  • Shades in both Single Cell and Double Cell designs, with cell sizes ranging from 3/4 inches to 4 inches, offering you an additional level of customization. As the names imply, Single Cell Shades have just one row of cells, while Double Cell models have a second row closer to the window, a design which allows for better insulation. The cells in Double Cell Shades are typically smaller, and the shades themselves usually come in smaller sizes.

  • Motorized options let you automate your shades with the push of a button

Cellular shades offer two additional versatility features. First, they can be mounted Top Down/ Bottom Up, which allows you to either raise the shade from the bottom or lower the shade from the top, depending on your needs and personal preferences. This is a particularly great option for bedrooms given that they allow you to let light in from the top of the window without sacrificing privacy from the bottom of the window.

Second, these shades can even be customized to fit angled windows, arches, and skylights—those striking architectural features that can make a home, but also make for a tricky decorating challenge.

All This, And Kid-Friendly Too!

Cellular shades are also a worry-free option if you’re concerned about the safety of kids and pets. Instead of dangling cords to entice little fingers (or paws), the shades have Loop Control that keep cords neatly in place—or a Cordless Lift System to eliminate them altogether.

Want to learn more about how accordion or honeycomb shades can benefit your home? Contact us today for a free design consultation.