Versatile, attractive, and energy-efficient, cellular shades (also known as honeycomb shades because the materials used to make them have a unique cell shape) are top of mind with many designers these days. Here, manufacturers are discussing what’s trending with this window treatment product.
The functionality and style of cellular shades make them a perfect solution for home and office
“The endless functional features and stylish appearance make honeycomb shades a perfect solution for both home and office,” says Jop Vos, managing director of Coulisse North and South America.
Honeycomb shades are made from one continuous piece of fabric, fold up along crisp pleats and provide the highest level of insulation because of their honeycomb-shaped cells.
New colors, materials, and technology have cellular shades trending right now
Add in new colors, fabrications, and control options and cellular shades become even more on-trend.
“The demand for woven cellular shades is growing,” notes Kara Roberts, merchandising director of Smith & Noble.
Roberts attributes the increased interest in cellular shades to several factors, including premium fade-resistant fabrics, the white backing that gives street-facing windows a cohesive appearance; the fashion-forward colors, the rich texture and sense of tactility because of the honeycomb cell construction, and the opportunity to secure flame-resistant fabrics and materials that are GREENGUARD certified.
Varying levels of light-filtering make them unique window treatment solutions
A specific cellular shade fabrication that is popular for home use is blackout which offers better sleep and more privacy. The ability of cellular shades to offer four different levels of opacity and varying levels of light-filtering is also what makes them unique.
With their versatility, Adam Skalman, vice president of sales at The Shade Store, says the various styles of honeycomb shades allow customers to easily customize them, which taps into the growing trend for the expression of personal styles and aesthetics.
And because cellular shades offer a variety of honeycomb cell sizes, they also can accommodate various window sizes and climate issues.
Cellular shades can provide significant energy savings
“Large windows tend to use larger cell sizes and double-cell styles are often used to maximize energy savings,” explains John Weinstock, executive vice president of marketing at Graber.
And, over time, the double-cell shades’ insulation offers savings on heating and cooling costs.
Motorization and cordless technology make these window treatments even more attractive
And, according to Skalman, another important trend that cellular shades is capitalizing on is motorization and automation. “There is a desire to be able to effortlessly control natural light,” he acknowledges.
Motorization is easy to implement and works effortlessly with honeycomb shades. And this emphasis on cordless technology is in line with the window covering industry’s goal of enhancing child and pet safety by continuing to eliminate lift cords.
“Improving (the industry’s) lift systems in order to offer larger sizes in cordless and motorization is a goal of ours,” says Roberts.
Cellular shades create calm, inviting spaces with control of natural light
And with the continual growth of the work-from-home trend, it is essential to create home office environments that are perfect for videoconferencing with conducive lighting and attractive backdrops.
“Calm, inviting spaces with great light control are key features of a home office, making cellular shades an ideal solution,” emphasizes Weinstock.
If cellular shades sound like a great solution for your spaces, let’s have a conversation
Cellular shades are such an attractive window treatment, and as indicated in this article, there have been many exciting updates in their fabrication. New colors, materials, and technology are making this a wonderful window treatment solution for just about any space.
If I can show you some examples and styles that I know will inspire you, please let me know. Just choose a contact method right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com, and you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.
