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Cellular Shades vs. Blinds

Cellular shades and blinds are two fantastic types of window treatments, each offering distinct features. If you’re in the market for new Hunter Douglas shades or blinds and aren’t sure which to choose, the Design 5 Ltd. team is here to help. Our Hunter Douglas specialists share everything you need to know about cellular shades and blinds to help you make an informed choice.

Hunter Douglas Modern Precious Metals® Mini Blinds hanging in an elegantly decorated bathroom near Honolulu, HI

Comparing Hunter Douglas Blinds and Cellular Shades

People use shades and blinds interchangeably, but they are actually quite different, and knowing what separates them is essential. When choosing window coverings, there are a few significant factors to consider; let’s take a look at them:

  • Privacy: Cellular shades come out on top if privacy is a top priority. Blinds have gaps between slats that can compromise your privacy, while cellular shades are a continuous piece of fabric without spaces that anyone might see through.
  • Light Control: Blinds take the early lead in this category because they have adjustable slats that offer exceptional light control, but cellular shades won’t go down without a fight. Cellular shades may lack adjustable slats, but they are available in a versatile top-down/bottom-up design or with the Duolite® feature that places an opaque liner behind a sheer shade. You can also upgrade cellular shades with the LightLock® blackout system that uses U-shaped channels to absorb and deflect 99% of unwanted light.
  • Durability: Blinds are made using rigid materials, like wood, faux wood, and aluminum. Cellular shades feature lightweight fabric construction. If you have a busy household, blinds may be the better choice.
  • Maintenance: Nobody looks forward to cleaning their window coverings, but it must be done. You can wipe the slats of blinds with a soft cloth to remove dust and fingerprints; the solid material is difficult to stain. Your vacuum’s brush attachment can handle everyday dust on cellular shades, but the plot thickens if there’s severe build-up or stains.
  • Insulation: Saving energy is good for the planet and your bank account. Blinds offer a decent amount of insulation when the slats are closed, but unparalleled insulation at the window is a cellular shade claim to fame. Duette® Cellular Shades have an innovative honeycomb-like interior that traps air within the pleats, so it can’t pass through or out of your home. Cellular shades also reduce exterior noise, giving you a more tranquil home.
  • Aesthetics: This is hands down a draw. Both options fit various interior design styles, including chic, casual, and formal spaces. Modern Precious Metals® Mini Blinds are perfect for a sleek, contemporary look, while Duette® Cellular Shades bring desirable texture and visual interest to any room. It's up to you which one you would want to bring into your home.
  • Operation: Your window treatments have big shoes to fill. They must be attractive, high-performance, and easy to operate. Blinds and cellular shades are compatible with PowerView® Automation, so you can control them with an app, the award-winning Pebble® remote, or voice commands when you sync PowerView® Automation with your smart home system. You can also choose from several user-friendly manual control systems.

Are Hunter Douglas Blinds or Cellular Shades Right for You?

So, which one comes out on top for cellular shades vs. blinds? It may not be the answer you’re hoping for, but…it depends. We can help you determine your wants and needs and compare them to the features of both window treatments to see which fits your home better. Different rooms have different requirements so that you may want both styles.

Cellular Shades and Blinds Near Honolulu, Hawaii

With Hunter Douglas cellular shades and blinds, bring fantastic style to your home’s windows. Design 5 Ltd. has served the community for over 20 years and has built a reputation for outstanding products and exceptional service. We offer motorized window coveringsdrapery & valances, and upscale hardware options.

Design 5 Ltd. is happy to serve the entire Island of Oahu, the Kahala area, the Waialae Iki area, and the Hawaii Kai area. Call us today at (808) 955-8111 for a free estimate.