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If energy efficiency and temperature regulation are among your main priorities, you may consider installing high-quality cellular shades. Cellular shades feature a unique honeycomb structure that helps insulate your home and regulate temperatures during warm summers and cold winters. One advantage of this window treatment is that every detail is customizable. You can choose between different fabrics, opacities, and pleat sizes.
The two main pleat sizes are single-cell and double-cell. If functionality is a top concern, you may be wondering which option is right for your home. In this article, we'll walk you through the main differences between single-cell vs. double-cell cellular shades, so you can easily decide on the best option for your bedroom, living room, or home office. Here's everything you need to know:
Double-cell shades have two layers of honeycomb cells; single-cell shades have one. That second layer means better insulation, more sound absorption, and stronger light blocking, with a fuller look. Single-cell is the slimmer option and holds up well in mild climates. Choose double-cell for cold climates, bedrooms, and nurseries.
Book a free design consultation and compare both against your own windows.
Cellular shades are a popular window covering, designed to offer next-level energy efficiency and temperature regulation for homes. The shades are made with honeycomb cells that are designed to trap air and create a thermal barrier. This innovative design helps insulate rooms, keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Regardless of whether you choose single-cell or double-cell shades, these window coverings provide many functional benefits to a home. The unique honeycomb pattern helps control light and enhance privacy. There are also several different fabric opacities to choose from, so you can decide just how much light you want to invite into your space. Lastly, cellular shades are also made with a top-down, bottom-up operation, which is considered a safer option for kids and pets.
Cellular shades are available in two different pleat sizes, single-cell and double-cell. When a cellular shade has two layers of cells, they are referred to as a double-cell shade. Double-cell shades have two layers of cells, one on the front, facing your interior, and one on the opposite side facing your window. This extra layer provides an extra measure of climate control, noise dampening, and light filtration. Single-cell shades have only one layer of cells along your window treatment but still offer similar benefits.
One layer of honeycomb cells running the length of the shade. Slimmer profile, solid insulation and light control, and a lower stack at the top of the window. Well suited to mild climates, living rooms, and dining rooms.
Two layers of cells, one facing the room and one facing the window. The extra layer of trapped air adds climate control, noise dampening, and light filtration. Best for cold climates, bedrooms, and nurseries.
When exploring the two different cellular structures, it's best to consider your specific climate and where in your home you're looking to install them. While both options offer excellent insulation and noise reduction, the extra layer of cells is sometimes necessary, depending on your specific needs. Here's how single-cell vs. double-cell shades compare:
| Benefit | Single-Cell Shades | Double-Cell Shades |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation | Good, ideal for moderate climates | Dual-layer design offers excellent insulation |
| Noise Reduction | Good | Better sound absorption |
| Light Blocking | Good, available in different fabric opacities | Excellent, available in different fabric opacities |
| Appearance | Slimmer design | Fuller design with two layers of cells |
| Best for | Mild climates, living room and dining room | Cold climates, bedrooms or nurseries |
If you live in a climate that takes you on a wild yearly roller coaster when it comes to temperature, you may want to consider double-cell shades. On the other hand, if you want some climate control but are more concerned about the top-down, bottom-up feature to optimize privacy, you'll probably be satisfied with single-cell shades. Think of it this way: if you want more noise dampening and more climate control, opt for double-cell. This is the ideal choice for colder climates, bedrooms, and nurseries, where these features are essential to your day-to-day life.
Cellular shades are one of the most popular window treatments in places like the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest, but these window treatments can be used in all kinds of climates — and all types of rooms.
Imagine your little one's nursery, where you would hate for drafts to make your child uncomfortable. (Or too much heat waking them up and disturbing your sacred afternoon nap time.) You also want an option that offers natural light without giving up on the privacy you so cherish. Cellular shades also come with cordless and motorized options so you can be sure your child is safe in their space.
And it doesn't stop there. Cellular shades are a top performer in every room, whether it's your office, living room, or even your dining room.
Can't decide between double vs. single cell shades? We're here to help. At Stoneside, we specialize in custom-made blinds, shades, and drapery. We have a full in-house team of designers who will walk you through the key differences between single and double-cell shades, ensuring you make the best possible investment for your home. They'll even help you decide between different fabric colors, textures, and opacities. Contact us today to schedule your next at-home design consultation.
Our in-house designers help you choose the cell structure, opacity, and color for every room, then measure and install the whole order themselves.
Free in-home consultation. No obligation. We do the design, measure, and install.
The number of honeycomb layers. Single-cell shades have one layer of cells; double-cell shades have two, one facing the room and one facing the glass. The second layer traps more air, which improves insulation, sound absorption, and light blocking.
In climates with big temperature swings, yes. They are also the better pick for bedrooms and nurseries, where noise dampening and draft control matter most. In mild climates, or where you mainly want privacy and light control, single-cell performs well.
Yes. The two names describe the same product. "Honeycomb" refers to the hexagonal cell structure that traps air and creates the thermal barrier.
They filter more light than a single-cell shade in the same fabric, but opacity does most of the work. Both structures are available in a range of opacities, so a blackout fabric is what gets you true room darkening.
They have a fuller profile and a slightly larger stack when raised, since there are two layers of cells. Single-cell shades are the slimmer option, which some people prefer on shallow window frames or where the sightline matters.
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