If you've been shopping for window treatments, you've probably seen the terms cellular shades and honeycomb shades used interchangeably. This often leads homeowners to wonder if they are two different products or simply different names for the same style of window shade.
The simple answer is yes—they are the same window treatment. "Cellular shade" is the technical product name, while "honeycomb shade" describes the unique shape of the fabric cells that give these shades their insulating properties. Whether a manufacturer calls them cellular shades or honeycomb shades, they refer to the same energy-efficient window covering.
Browse our complete collection of Custom Honeycomb Cellular Shades or learn more in our Honeycomb Cellular Shade Resource Center.
What Are Cellular Shades?
Cellular shades are fabric window coverings constructed from one or more layers of pleated fabric that are bonded together to form small air pockets called cells. These cells create an insulating barrier between your room and the window, helping improve indoor comfort throughout the year.
Unlike traditional blinds, cellular shades raise and lower as a single piece of fabric while providing a soft, clean appearance. They are available in light filtering and room darkening fabrics, as well as cordless, Top Down Bottom Up, and motorized lift systems.
Learn more about What Cellular Shade are.
Why Are They Called Honeycomb Shades?
The name honeycomb shade comes from the shape of the fabric cells. When viewed from the side, the pleated fabric forms a series of connected hexagon-like pockets that closely resemble a natural honeycomb built by bees.
These hollow pockets are much more than a design feature—they trap air inside each cell, creating an insulating layer that helps reduce heat transfer through the window. This insulating design is what makes honeycomb shades one of the most energy-efficient window treatments available.
Because of this unique construction, many homeowners simply refer to them as "honeycomb shades," while manufacturers often use the technical name "cellular shades." Both terms describe the exact same product.
What Is the Cellular Structure?
The cellular structure is the defining characteristic of honeycomb shades. During manufacturing, specially engineered fabric is folded and bonded together to create rows of enclosed air pockets called cells.
These cells work similarly to insulated windows by trapping air between the room and the glass. Since air is a natural insulator, the cellular construction helps reduce heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer.
Cellular shades are available with different cell configurations, including:
- Single Cell – One layer of honeycomb cells offering excellent everyday insulation. Shop single cell honeycomb cellular shades.
- Double Cell – Two layers of cells for enhanced insulation and improved energy efficiency. Shop double cell honeycomb cellular shades.
- Cell-in-a-Cell – Designed with one honeycomb cell within another making them the best insulating window shades. Plus, Compare Cell within a Cell vs Double Cell Shades
What Are Pleats?
Pleats are the evenly folded sections of fabric that allow many types of fabric window shades to raise and lower neatly. Both cellular shades and traditional pleated shades use pleated fabric, but they are constructed very differently.
A standard pleated shade consists of a single layer of folded fabric that collapses into neat folds when raised. Cellular shades use multiple layers of pleated fabric that are bonded together to create enclosed honeycomb-shaped air cells.
Although both products have pleats, only cellular shades provide the insulating air pockets that make them so energy efficient.
If you're comparing these two products, read our complete guide: Cellular Shades vs Pleated Shades. Read more about Cell Shade Pleate Sizes and What They Mean.
Honeycomb Shades vs Pleated Shades
Because both products feature folded fabric, they are sometimes confused with one another. However, there is one major difference:
| Honeycomb (Cellular) Shades | Pleated Shades |
|---|---|
| Multiple fabric layers create insulating air cells. | Single layer of pleated fabric. |
| Excellent energy efficiency. | Little to no insulation. |
| Better temperature control. | Primarily decorative. |
| Available in single or double cell designs. | Available in many fabric colors and pleat sizes. |
Both styles provide privacy and light control, but homeowners looking for better insulation generally choose cellular shades.
Benefits of Honeycomb Cellular Shades
- Excellent insulation and energy efficiency
- Available in light filtering and room darkening fabrics
- Improve indoor comfort throughout the year
- Reduce glare while maintaining natural light
- Cordless and motorized operating systems available
- Available in Top Down Bottom Up configurations
- Clean, modern appearance that complements nearly any décor
Learn more about the Benefits of Cellular Shades.
Should You Search for Cellular Shades or Honeycomb Shades?
From a shopping perspective, it doesn't matter which term you use. Most manufacturers, retailers, and homeowners use both names interchangeably.
If you're searching online, you'll often find similar products regardless of whether you search for:
- Cellular Shades
- Honeycomb Shades
- Honeycomb Cellular Shades
- Insulated Cellular Shades
- Energy Efficient Honeycomb Shades
All of these terms generally refer to the same style of insulating window shade.
Related Cellular Shade Resources
- Shop Honeycomb Cellular Shades
- Honeycomb Cellular Shade Resource Center
- Are Honeycomb Cellular Shades in Style?
- Cellular Shades vs Pleated Shades
- Single Cell vs Double Cell Honeycomb Shades
- Privacy & Light Control Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cellular shades and honeycomb shades the same thing?
Yes. Cellular shades and honeycomb shades are two names for the same window treatment. "Cellular" refers to the insulating air cells, while "honeycomb" describes the shape those cells create.
Why are they called honeycomb shades?
They are called honeycomb shades because the fabric cells resemble the hexagonal structure of a natural honeycomb when viewed from the side.
What are the cells in cellular shades?
The cells are enclosed pockets of air created by bonding pleated fabric together. These air pockets help insulate the window and improve energy efficiency.
Are honeycomb shades more energy efficient than pleated shades?
Yes. Honeycomb shades have enclosed insulating air cells, while pleated shades consist of a single layer of folded fabric without insulating pockets.
What is the difference between cellular shades and pleated shades?
Cellular shades use multiple layers of fabric to create insulating honeycomb cells, while pleated shades use a single layer of folded fabric. Cellular shades generally provide better insulation and energy efficiency.
Do all honeycomb shades have the same cell size?
No. Honeycomb shades are available with different cell sizes and configurations, including single cell and double cell designs, allowing homeowners to choose the option that best fits their windows and insulation needs.
Are honeycomb shades available in room darkening fabrics?
Yes. Honeycomb shades are available in both light filtering and room darkening fabrics, providing options for different levels of privacy and light control.
Can honeycomb shades be cordless or motorized?
Yes. Most modern honeycomb shades are available with cordless lift systems, Top Down Bottom Up operation, and motorized controls for added convenience.
Explore our full range of custom cellular shades to find energy-efficient window treatments that help improve comfort, privacy, and light control in your home.
For more helpful tips and detailed information, visit our cellular shades resource center where you can browse guides, comparisons, and expert advice.
