Roman Shades vs Cellular Shades: Which Is Better?

Lexi Westingate | Blinds Chalet Design Team

Updated: Apr 17 2026

Roman Shades vs Cellular Shades: Which Is Better? image

Roman shades and cellular shades are both popular window treatments, but they serve different purposes when it comes to style, insulation, and functionality. Choosing between them depends on whether you prioritize appearance, energy efficiency, or ease of use.

Understanding the differences between Roman shades and cellular shades can help you select the right option for your space.

Explore our full range of premium window shades, including our custom-made Roman shades and cellular shade options.

Roman Shades vs Cellular Shades: Key Differences

Feature	Roman Shades	Cellular Shades
Appearance	Soft fabric folds, decorative look	Clean, modern, structured design
Insulation	Moderate insulation depending on liner	Excellent insulation with honeycomb design
Light Control	Varies by fabric and liner	Available in light-filtering and blackout options
Energy Efficiency	Moderate	High
Style Focus	Decorative and design-focused	Functional and efficiency-focused
Maintenance	Fabric requires more care	Typically easier to maintain
Cost Range	Mid to high depending on fabric	Varies from budget to mid-range

Advantages of Roman Shades

Soft, elegant appearance with fabric folds

Wide range of fabric and design options

Works well in decorative spaces

Can create a more finished, custom look

Learn more: Benefits of Roman Shades

Advantages of Cellular Shades

Excellent insulation and energy efficiency

Lightweight and easy to operate

Good for reducing heat loss and gain

Available in multiple opacity levels

Learn more: Benefits of Cellular Shades

When to Choose Roman Shades

Roman shades are best when style and appearance are your top priorities. They work well in:

Living rooms

Dining rooms

Bedrooms where a softer look is desired

Spaces where design and décor matter most

When to Choose Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are best when energy efficiency and functionality are the main goals. They are ideal for:

Bedrooms requiring insulation and blackout options

Homes in extreme climates

Rooms where temperature control is important

Spaces where a simple, clean look is preferred

Cost Comparison

Roman shades typically cost more than cellular shades due to fabric choices and decorative construction. Cellular shades can range from budget-friendly to mid-range depending on features like double-cell construction or blackout fabrics.

Learn more: How Much Do Roman Shades Cost

Which Is Better: Roman Shades or Cellular Shades?

The better option depends on your priorities:

Choose Roman shades if you want a decorative, fabric-based look

Choose cellular shades if you want energy efficiency and insulation

Explore Your Options

Continue comparing options and features with these guides:

Pros and Cons of Roman Shades

Are Roman Shades Worth It

What are Roman Shades

Roman Shade Upgrades

Are honeycomb cellular shades worth it

Final Thoughts

Roman shades and cellular shades serve different purposes. Roman shades offer a more decorative, fabric-focused design, while cellular shades are designed for insulation and efficiency. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize style or performance.

Roman vs Cellular Shades FAQs

Are Roman shades or cellular shades better?

Roman shades are better for style and design, while cellular shades are better for insulation and energy efficiency.

Do cellular shades insulate better than Roman shades?

Yes. Cellular shades provide better insulation due to their honeycomb structure, which traps air and helps regulate temperature.

Are Roman shades more expensive than cellular shades?

Roman shades are often more expensive because of fabric selection and decorative construction, while cellular shades can be more budget-friendly.

Which is better for bedrooms?

Cellular shades are often better for bedrooms due to insulation and blackout options, but Roman shades can also work well with blackout liners.

Ready to upgrade your windows? Browse our full selection of custom cellular shades to find the right style, fabric, and light control for your space.

Want to learn more before you decide? Explore our cellular shades buying guides and expert advice for tips, comparisons, and helpful resources.

Details	Standard	Guaranteed to Last	Guaranteed to Love
Pricing	FREE	$	$$
Warranty Duration
3 year limited warranty	✓	✓	✓
5 year limited warranty		✓	✓
Warranty Coverage
Defects	✓	✓	✓
Parts	✓	✓	✓
30 Day Returns(in-store credit)			✓

Details

Standard

Guaranteed to Last

Guaranteed to Love

Pricing

FREE

Warranty Duration

3 year limited warranty

✓

5 year limited warranty

✓

Warranty Coverage

Defects

✓

Parts

✓

30 Day Returns(in-store credit)

✓

Guarantee
What Is Covered Our window coverings are covered against manufacturing defects in materials or craftsmanship when used as intended, provided that: The product has been correctly measured, installed, and operated. All Blinds Chalet guidelines regarding product limitations, maintenance, and care have been followed. Who Is Eligible This warranty applies solely to the original purchaser of the product and is non-transferable. Blinds Chalet’s Responsibility If a covered defect is confirmed, Blinds Chalet will, at its discretion, repair the product, replace affected parts, or provide a comparable replacement. Costs not included: The customer is responsible for expenses related to shipping as well as any measuring, installation, removal, or reinstallation services. Labor charges, service visits, and similar costs are not covered by this warranty. What Is Not Covered Damage resulting from accidents, alterations, misuse, abuse, or neglect. Improper measurement, installation, cleaning, or maintenance. Normal wear and tear, including fading, discoloration, or deterioration from sunlight or moisture. Frayed cords, cord breakage, or reduced cord performance due to age or heavy use. Fading and normal aging of materials are expected characteristics and are not considered defects. Warranty Limitations This warranty is exclusive and replaces any other expressed or implied warranties. No Blinds Chalet employee or representative is authorized to modify or extend these terms. Blinds Chalet will not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from product use or failure. How to Request Service Blinds Chalet Customer Care [email protected] (480) 470-1127 Please include: Original proof of purchase, which can be your order number or purchase confirmation email A brief description of the issue The location of the window covering and clear photos or video of the issue Resolution on Warranties and Guarantees BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective. Limit 1 remake per covered product. If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired. In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade. Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer. If a product or component has been discontinued, Blinds Chalet will repair or replace the affected part with the closest available match in design and color.

Guarantee

What Is Covered

Our window coverings are covered against manufacturing defects in materials or craftsmanship when used as intended, provided that:

The product has been correctly measured, installed, and operated.
All Blinds Chalet guidelines regarding product limitations, maintenance, and care have been followed.

Who Is Eligible

This warranty applies solely to the original purchaser of the product and is non-transferable.

Blinds Chalet’s Responsibility

If a covered defect is confirmed, Blinds Chalet will, at its discretion, repair the product, replace affected parts, or provide a comparable replacement.

Costs not included: The customer is responsible for expenses related to shipping as well as any measuring, installation, removal, or reinstallation services. Labor charges, service visits, and similar costs are not covered by this warranty.

What Is Not Covered

Damage resulting from accidents, alterations, misuse, abuse, or neglect.
Improper measurement, installation, cleaning, or maintenance.
Normal wear and tear, including fading, discoloration, or deterioration from sunlight or moisture.
Frayed cords, cord breakage, or reduced cord performance due to age or heavy use.

Fading and normal aging of materials are expected characteristics and are not considered defects.

Warranty Limitations

This warranty is exclusive and replaces any other expressed or implied warranties. No Blinds Chalet employee or representative is authorized to modify or extend these terms.

Blinds Chalet will not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from product use or failure.

How to Request Service

Blinds Chalet Customer Care
[email protected]
(480) 470-1127

Please include:

Original proof of purchase, which can be your order number or purchase confirmation email
A brief description of the issue
The location of the window covering and clear photos or video of the issue

Resolution on Warranties and Guarantees

BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective. Limit 1 remake per covered product.
If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired.
In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade.
Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer.
If a product or component has been discontinued, Blinds Chalet will repair or replace the affected part with the closest available match in design and color.

5 Year Guaranteed to Last
Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.

5 Year Guaranteed to Last

Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.

5 Year Guaranteed to Love
Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years. 30 Day Returns If for any reason you are not satisfied with the window coverings and wish to return them for store credit, please notify us within 30 days of receiving the order. Our customer care department will provide a Return Goods Authorization number (RGA) and shipping address for the return. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and shipping labels are not provided. Returns are for store credit only and store credit will be available immediately after the items are received (Guaranteed to Love fee is not credited).

5 Year Guaranteed to Love

Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.
30 Day Returns
If for any reason you are not satisfied with the window coverings and wish to return them for store credit, please notify us within 30 days of receiving the order. Our customer care department will provide a Return Goods Authorization number (RGA) and shipping address for the return. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and shipping labels are not provided. Returns are for store credit only and store credit will be available immediately after the items are received (Guaranteed to Love fee is not credited).