Choosing the Right Cell Size for Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are a great product that have carved out a niche for themselves in the window treatment market due to their excellent insulative properties. When comparing the different styles of shades and blinds, cellular shades have by far the highest R-value, which is the measurement for how well a product blocks heat. Visually, cellular shades have a cozy, textured look. They also have some of the shallowest depth requirements of any window covering.

If you’ve decided that cellular shades are the right fit for you, the next step is choosing the right cell size for your shades. If you have a particular fabric in mind, your options here may be limited, as not all fabrics are available in every size. But assuming that you can choose from any cell size option, how should you go about doing so? Here, we break down the three cell size categories of cellular shades to help you through that process.

Small Cells

At 1/2”, measured from the centre of the cell to the outside point, small cells are perfect for small windows, as they will feel appropriately sized in that smaller space. They are used for skylight cellular shades, as they have a more rigid structure to them than larger cells. Small cells are also available as double cells, which stack two layers of fabric cells to provide more insulation and privacy. Double cells are more expensive than single cells as they use more fabric.

Large Cells

At 1 1/4”, measured from the centre of the cell to the outside point, large cells can feel overwhelming in a small window, but they are perfectly suited to larger windows that would overwise feel too busy due to the high number of fold lines created by the smaller cells. Cellular shades with large cell sizes are best suited for large windows.

Medium Cells

At 3/4”, measured from the centre of the cell to the outside point, medium cell sizes are the most versatile and popular, as they are a good fit for any window.

Choosing the right cell size for your home is actually a simple process. If you only have large or medium sized windows, you should consider cellular shades with large cells. If you only have small or medium sized windows, you should consider smaller cells, especially if you would like the extra layer of insulation provided by double cellular shades. However, if the windows in your home range from small to large or are all medium sized, a medium cell size is the safest option. It will allow you to maintain uniformity throughout your home or business without looking awkward on any of your windows. When in doubt, medium sized cells are your friends.