History

• In 1985 Hunter Douglas invented cellular shades, originally called "duette honeycomb shades". In response to the energy crisis in the late 1970s, they invented a shade that would help reduce consumers' energy costs.
  
  

Pros

• Cellular shades provide up to 99 percent UV-protection and provide energy efficiency by insulating from heat and cold. They have a clean appearance from the outside and come in a range of colors and constructions.
  
  

Cons

• Cellular shades may be difficult to clean and creases can stay on the shades permanently. There is no adjust-ability in that shade has to be lifted up all the way to see a full outside view. Also, there is little middle ground in light filtering choices--it is either light filtering or total blackout .
  
  

Cost

• Prices for cellular shades vary widely depending on the manufacturer, size, insulation level and construction. This Old House magazine reports cellular shades ranging from $75 to $120 for a 36-by-54-inch shade.
  
  

Cleaning

• Cellular shades should be cleaned lightly with a vacuum attachment. Shades may be spot cleaned with a solution of mild soap and water.
  
  

Features

• Cellular shade insulation levels range by single, double and triple cell construction. Light filtering options feature semi-opaque, opaque and blackout. Shades may be customized to be cordless, top down bottom up (shade can be pulled down from the top) or operated by remote control. Other features include fire resistance and water repellent.