Honeycomb Shades
Made of spun polyester, honeycomb shades are extremely flexible, making them a good choice to fit windows of unusual shape. They come in single, double or triple combs (see photo below). The combs give this product its distinctive look, but they also trap air, making these shades fair sound and thermal insulators. For example, Hunter Douglas' triple-cell honeycomb boasts an R-value of 4.8—at the center of the shade. Light in weight, honeycombs can be installed vertically or, more conventionally, horizontally. They also offer varying levels of light control. On windows facing west, you might want to totally block out all light on hot days; if your bedroom faces east, you may be more interested in keeping early-morning sun out of your eyes. On other windows, sheer or translucent shades may be more appropriate.
Pleat sizes begin at around 3/8 in. and go up to 2 in. With their crisp, tailored lines, honeycomb shades work well in contemporary surroundings and in windows without molding. Many people like the subtle look of honeycomb shades that blend with the wall color, but you can create a dramatic effect by contrasting the shade color with the walls. If you want a softer treatment, choose fabric-look shades and pair them with boldly patterned draperies or an upholstered valance.
When attached at the bottom of a window, cellular shades can be pulled up rather than let down, letting light in while maintaining complete privacy. A 36 by 42-in. double-cell shade runs around $100.
Made of spun polyester, honeycomb shades are extremely flexible, making them a good choice to fit windows of unusual shape. They come in single, double or triple combs (see photo below). The combs give this product its distinctive look, but they also trap air, making these shades fair sound and thermal insulators. For example, Hunter Douglas' triple-cell honeycomb boasts an R-value of 4.8—at the center of the shade. Light in weight, honeycombs can be installed vertically or, more conventionally, horizontally. They also offer varying levels of light control. On windows facing west, you might want to totally block out all light on hot days; if your bedroom faces east, you may be more interested in keeping early-morning sun out of your eyes. On other windows, sheer or translucent shades may be more appropriate.
Pleat sizes begin at around 3/8 in. and go up to 2 in. With their crisp, tailored lines, honeycomb shades work well in contemporary surroundings and in windows without molding. Many people like the subtle look of honeycomb shades that blend with the wall color, but you can create a dramatic effect by contrasting the shade color with the walls. If you want a softer treatment, choose fabric-look shades and pair them with boldly patterned draperies or an upholstered valance.
When attached at the bottom of a window, cellular shades can be pulled up rather than let down, letting light in while maintaining complete privacy. A 36 by 42-in. double-cell shade runs around $100.
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