I've seen way too many customers struggle to choose between honeycomb cellular shades and pleated shades.
I remember last year, a client named Sarah from Toronto reached out saying her living room faces west, and the afternoon sun gets really harsh in the summer. She wanted to know which type of blackout shade would work best for both blocking the sun and maintaining temperature.
This question actually hits a pain point for many households—we don’t just need shades to block light; we also have to deal with the bitter cold in Canada and the sweltering heat in the southern US.
Today, I’ll break down the key differences between these two types of shades, covering everything from material and performance to real-world use cases, to help you avoid common mistakes when shopping.
First, let’s look at the core structure: Why do honeycomb cellular shades have an extra "insulation boost" compared to pleated shades?
A lot of people think these two types of shades look similar since they’re both in a folded style. But when you break down their structures, the differences are so big that they actually affect how well they work in daily use.
The key feature of honeycomb cellular shades (often called "cell shades" in the industry) is their
honeycomb-shaped hollow structure. I once took apart a sample from
BERISSABLINDS at our warehouse—high-quality models use 2 to 3 layers of polyester fabric stacked together to form hexagonal air pockets, just like a beehive.
This structure isn’t just for looks; it’s designed to trap air. Research from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) shows that shades with hollow structures can reduce heat transfer between the inside and outside of a home by 25% to 30% (Source:
https://www.energy.gov/).
After Sarah had them installed in her home last winter, she told me she turned on the living room heater 10 days later than usual, and her electricity bill dropped by a full 12%. I was really happy for her.
Pleated shades (also known as "pleat shades") are made by folding single-layer or double-layer fabric, with the distance between pleats usually ranging from 1.5 to 3 inches. Their structure is much simpler—they block light relying solely on the thickness of the fabric itself.
I’ve seen a lot of low-cost options made with single-layer polyester; their light-blocking rate only barely reaches 70%, and you can tell right away they don’t have that thick, substantial feel you get with honeycomb cellular shades.
Performance Tests: Which One Works Better for North American Homes When It Comes to Light Blocking, Soundproofing, and Wind Resistance?
I’ve compiled 3 sets of data to compare the two shades in common scenarios—apartments and single-family homes :
| Performance indicators |
Cellular blackout blinds (BERISSABLINDS) |
Pleated blackout curtains (mainstream models on the market) |
Applicable Scenarios |
| Shading rate |
Full blackout fabric up to 100% |
65%-85% |
Bedroom, audio-visual room |
| Sound insulation effect |
Reduce by 15-20 decibels |
Reduce by 5-10 decibels |
Street-facing apartments, houses close to the airport |
| Wind resistance (window open) |
The hollow structure can fix the airflow and the curtain body is not easy to shake |
Single layer is easily blown by the wind and has poor fit |
Living room with floor-to-ceiling windows |
When I was helping Sarah choose shades last year, she was also worried that Toronto’s blizzards would cause drafts around the curtains.
I recommended our double-layer honeycomb cellular shades, which come with magnetic weatherstripping on the sides.
Later, she reported back that even when strong winds were blowing outside, there were no gaps around the edges of the shades letting in drafts—something pleated shades rarely achieve. Pleated shades tend to collect dust in their folds, and over time, their sealing performance only gets worse.
Real-World Tips to Avoid Regrets: How to Choose for Small Spaces and Humid Environments?
It’s important to note that honeycomb
cellular shades aren’t ideal for every scenario.
I once had a customer in Miami who installed honeycomb shades in their bathroom—they started growing mold after just 3 months.
The issue is that the hollow pockets in the honeycomb structure easily trap moisture. If you live in a humid area, you must choose honeycomb shades made with mold-resistant fabric or opt for a different style altogether.
Pleated shades, on the other hand, are much more low-maintenance in humid environments. Their single-layer design dries out quickly, and cleaning them is as simple as wiping with a damp cloth.
But here’s a key tip: When choosing pleated shades, always check the fabric density. Any shade with a density lower than 280 thread count (TC) will have significantly reduced light-blocking ability.
I’ve seen customers buy 200TC pleated shades to save money, only to find that sunlight still filters through at 2 PM—they ended up having to replace them entirely.
Choosing shades for small spaces also requires some thought. The hollow structure of honeycomb cellular shades gives them a certain thickness, which can look bulky when installed on small windows.
In these cases, ultra-thin pleated blackout shades are a better fit. When folded, they take up barely any space—perfect for small apartments in cities like New York or San Francisco.
Why Doesn’t BERISSABLINDS Recommend Honeycomb Cellular Shades for Everyone?
To be honest, there are two drawbacks of honeycomb cellular shades that can’t be ignored. First is the price—they’re 30% to 50% more expensive than pleated shades of the same size. For families on a tight budget, our
entry-level honeycomb shades (starting at just $69.9) are a more accessible option.
Second is the cleaning difficulty. The hollow pockets in the honeycomb structure require a special vacuum attachment to clean properly, unlike pleated shades, which can be simply removed and machine-washed.
If you prioritize affordability and easy maintenance, pleated shades are the better choice.
Our pleated shades come in 12 colors, making them easy to match with common North American interior styles like modern and country. Last year, we launched a new line of pleated shades made with a linen-blend fabric—they offer an 88% light-blocking rate, balancing style and functionality perfectly. Their sales ended up far exceeding our expectations.
3 Quick Steps to Figure Out Which One Is Right for You?
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Start with your top priorities: Choose honeycomb cellular shades if insulation and soundproofing are most important to you. Opt for pleated shades if affordability and easy cleaning are your main concerns.
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Consider your installation environment: Go with pleated shades for humid spaces or small rooms. Choose honeycomb cellular shades for large spaces, rooms facing busy streets, or areas where you need maximum light blocking.
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Check your budget: If you’re spending under $100, pleated shades are the way to go. If your budget is over $100, you can consider honeycomb cellular shades.
If you’re still unsure, feel free to send a message to our email: support@berissablinds.com. We’ll help you find the right fit—just upload a photo of your window, and the BERISSABLINDS team will recommend the perfect style for you.
