Cellular shades are now able to function in a manner similar to horizontal blinds. Honeycomb shades or Cellular shades have historically only functioned as shades. Meaning that they are either up, or they are down. The majority of honeycomb shades at SelectBlinds.com still function in that exact manner. But in addition to the traditional cellular shades, which are available in multiple cell sizes, with single cell or double cell construction, the new VuThru Insulating Blinds offer the functionality of both a cellular shade, and a horizontal blind.
VuThru insulating blinds are a cellular shade. The shade is made of a beautiful fabric material that provides real energy efficient insulation. In addition to the traditional Cellular shade functionality, the cells can be compressed so that while in the lowered position, your shade provides the same opening to the outside as a horizontal blind. Hence the name VuThru.
Our latest addition to the Honeycomb/Cellular shade family is the EcoTrack products. These products are basically the same traditional cellular shades, but they provide extra energy efficiency by adding side tracks to the shade. The side tracks are installed between the shade fabric and the window sill to close that gap and keep the heat inside in the winter and keep the cold a/c air inside in the summer months. The EcoTracks also provide additional privacy and a complete blackout effect as no light will filter through the sides of the shades.
Cordless is a feature that is great for families with small children. Cellular shades are made of cellular shaped fabric, and have no slats that tilt. The cord of a honeycomb shade is to lift or lower the shade. Select Blinds offers cellular shades without any cord at all. Cordless cellular shades eliminate any chance of a small child or pet getting tangled in a cord. In addition to the safety benefit of cordless, there is the added benefit of a very neat and clean look by eliminating the cord.
Honeycomb/Cellular shades provide a very soft and warm feel to any room. They are also a product that will improve the energy efficiency of your home. The positives are many, but be advised and understand that the functionality of cellular shades is such that it cannot be tilted like a horizontal blind in order to see out, or to let light in. Cellular shades do offer 2 ways to let in the light or provide you with an outside view.
The first way is by raising the shade from the bottom. All of our cell shades provide this ability. Most by pulling on the lift cord, but we also offer cordless cellular shades that can be raised by simply lifting the bottom rail until the shade is at the desired height.
The second way is very cool. It is called Top Down. We offer the feature Top Down/Bottom Up on most cellular shades. This works by pulling on a cord located on the opposite side of the shade than the lift cord. What happens is that the window shade actually lowers from the top. The advantages of this are many. The reason it is so popular is that it can maintain privacy, yet still let in daylight by lowering the top of the shade. Way cool!
SelectBlinds offers a variety of honeycomb shades, however, there are some key differences in the products.
The size of the cell itself varies from as small as 3/8” to as big as 3/4”. It really depends on what looks best to you. Larger pleats, such as our ¾” Cell shades are most commonly used in larger windows. While the 3/8” cell shades and smaller cell shades will be perfect for a small to mid-size window.
Single cell or double cell construction is also a choice. The single cell construction will weigh less, so for large windows, this may be your best choice. The double cell construction will provide better insulation. Our best selling product is the 3/8” double cell.
When deciding which product will work best, also consider the opaqueness or light level. Light filtering cellular shades allow light to gently filter through the shade, which actually gives your room a very warm and cozy feel. Light filtering cellular shades still provide privacy. Blackout shades will provide the most light blockage possible. These shades are ideal for bedrooms and media rooms, where complete darkness is the desired effect.
Another really nice option is continuous cord loop. The lift cord stays the same length, eliminating the extra cord hanging down when the shade is raised. This is a very good safety feature, especially if you have small children. The wall cord cleat will have to be used for the continuous cord loop option to provide the added child and pet safety. Please note that not all features and options are available on every shade, and not all can be bundled together.
