I often get asked if honeycomb cellular shades (or "cell shades," as they’re often called) really work for insulation.
Recently, another customer reached out—Mike, who lives in Edmonton, Canada. He mentioned his house is on a busy street, and no matter how high he cranks the heat in winter, the area by the windows always stays cold. He wanted to know if honeycomb shades could actually insulate, but he knew next to nothing about them.
I asked him for his window measurements and home layout, then recommended our double-cell honeycomb shade collection.
Three months later, he sent over his electricity bill—he’d spent 18% less compared to the same period last year.
Today, I’ll break down the insulation capabilities of honeycomb cellular shades from three angles: insulation principle, real-world test data, and scenario suitability. I’ll help you understand if they can actually help North American households get through winter, while also pointing out common pitfalls to avoid when choosing the right style.
The "Insulation Secret" of Honeycomb Shades: Not All Honeycomb Structures Trap Heat
Many people think honeycomb shades insulate just because they’re "thick," but the real key is their structure.
I’ve taken apart numerous samples at the BERISSABLINDS warehouse and identified two critical factors that determine insulation performance—details most average users never notice:
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"Air-Trapping Layers" in the Honeycomb Structure: The core of high-quality honeycomb shades is their hexagonal hollow design, which traps air like a beehive. Our double-cell honeycomb shades use two layers of polyester fabric to create independent hollow chambers, giving them a thicker feel than most options on the market. The air in these chambers blocks heat transfer between the inside and outside—shades with this hollow structure can reduce heat loss through windows by 25% to 30%. I’ve tested this myself: in -14°F (-10°C) conditions, the indoor side of the glass with double-cell honeycomb shades was 7 to 11°F (4 to 6°C) warmer than glass without shades.
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Fabric’s "Insulation Rating" (U-Value): Not all honeycomb shade fabrics are the same. Our fabric has a U-value of 0.35, which is 0.12 lower than standard polyester fabrics. A lower U-value means better insulation—simply put, cold outdoor air has a harder time getting in, and warm indoor air has a harder time escaping. Mike chose this fabric for his home, and he said that after installation, he no longer feels "cold air seeping into his clothes" when standing near the windows.
"Insulation Testing" for Honeycomb Shades: Data Shows How Well They Work
Using Mike’s home as a real-world example, combined with data from BERISSABLINDS’ double-cell honeycomb shades, I’ve compiled 3 key comparisons. You’ll see exactly how effective the insulation is at a glance:
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Winter Insulation Comparison: Mike’s living room windows are 129 sq ft (12 sqm). Without honeycomb shades, his heater needed to run 45 minutes per hour to keep the room at 72°F (22°C) in winter. After installing BERISSABLINDS double-cell honeycomb shades, the heater only runs 28 minutes per hour. Based on Edmonton’s average winter electricity rate of $0.15/kWh, this saves him $60 to $80 per month.
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Summer Heat Blocking Comparison: Don’t assume honeycomb shades are only for winter. A customer in California reported that rooms with honeycomb shades stay cool even when the AC is set 3.6°F (2°C) higher than rooms without them. This is because the honeycomb structure reflects infrared rays from sunlight, reducing heat gain—our fabric reflects over 40% of solar radiant heat, 15% more than standard roller shades.
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Insulation Difference by Cell Layer Count: Many users struggle to choose between single-cell and double-cell shades. I tested both: in the same conditions, single-cell shades reduce heat loss by 18%, while double-cell shades cut it by 30%. However, double-cell shades cost 40% more than single-cell ones. For families on a budget, single-cell shades still provide basic insulation—our entry-level single-cell model, for example, works well in regions with mild winters.
Pitfalls to Avoid When Choosing: Don’t Overlook These Issues
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Avoid "Fake Honeycomb" Structures: Have you ever bought cheap "honeycomb shades" that had terrible insulation? Chances are they were "embossed honeycomb" styles—they look like honeycombs on the surface but lack independent hollow chambers, so they can’t trap air at all. Always check the cross-section when buying; only shades with independent chambers are real honeycomb shades.
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Choose "Waterproof Coated Fabric" for Humid Areas: If you install standard honeycomb shades in a bathroom, mold will likely grow in the cells within six months. Most styles in our honeycomb shade collection use waterproof coated fabric, so even bathroom steam won’t cause mold.
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Install Shades "Flush to the Window": Mike initially installed his honeycomb shades himself, leaving a 0.12-inch (3mm) gap between the shades and the window frame—which reduced insulation performance. After reinstalling the shades to fit tightly against the frame and adding side weatherstripping, heat loss dropped by another 8%. Always pay attention to gaps during installation: the larger the gap, the worse the insulation. We recommend hiring professional installers.
Honeycomb Shades vs. Other Curtain Types: Why Do North American Households Prefer Them in Winter?
I’ve compiled a comparison chart to help you see the insulation differences between honeycomb shades and other curtain types:
| Curtain Type | Heat Loss Reduction Rate | Winter Indoor Temperature Increase | Suitable Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double-Cell Honeycomb Shades (BERISSABLINDS DoubleCell) | 28%-32% | 7-11°F (4-6°C) | Frigid regions like Edmonton, Canada & Minnesota, USA |
| Single-Cell Honeycomb Shades (BERISSABLINDS SingleCell) | 16%-20% | 3.6-5.4°F (2-3°C) | Mild regions like California, Texas, USA |
| Standard Roller Shades | 8%-12% | 1.8-3.6°F (1-2°C) | Regions with low insulation needs |
| Linen-Cotton Roman Shades | 10%-14% | 2.7-4.5°F (1.5-2.5°C) | Households prioritizing style over heavy insulation |
Mike used to have standard roller shades. He said that even with the heater cranked up in winter, the area by the windows still felt chilly. After switching to double-cell honeycomb shades, the temperature in his living room is more even, and he can feel warmth even near the windows.
That’s the core reason households in high-latitude regions now choose honeycomb shades as their top pick for winter—they not only insulate but also lower electricity bills.
If you want to try honeycomb shades, visit the "Honeycomb Shades Section" on the BERISSABLINDS website (www.berissablinds.com).