If you aren’t able to decide between window quilts or cellular shades for your window treatments, our expert team has gathered all the pros and cons, as well a comparative chart to make the right choice for your home, your office, or your commercial building. 

Pros and Cons of Window Quilts

Let’s start by looking at some of the pros and cons associated with window quilts

Pros:

Like cellular shades, window quilts have excellent insulating properties. They seal the window on all four sides, which minimizes the transfer of air. Because of their insulating properties, quilted window shades also do a very good job of reducing noise, especially for those living in urban environments.

Cons:

Window quilts are difficult to install and require a significant amount of maintenance. Some of this maintenance usually includes placing the quilt back on the track when it falls off. Window quilts also tend to get stained very easily with water. Over time, window quilts can be quite pricy compared to other window treatments.

Product Comparison: Window Quilts Vs. Cellular Shades

                                                             

                                    Window Quilts                                        Cellular Shades 

 Insulation Like cellular shades, window quilts do a great job when it comes to insulting a home which helps homeowners save on utility bills year-round. Cellular Shades keep heat and cool air in the room. They act almost like a blanket and will help you save on utility bills year-round.
Light Control Window quilts do a very good job of blocking out the light. However, this window treatment doesn’t do as good as a job when it comes to letting the light in.  Cellular shade window treatment gives you complete control over the light depending on what fabric you select. UV rays are also filtered, which can help you protect your furniture.
Cleanability  Not easy to clean. Stains are almost impossible to get out of quilted window shades. They are dust resistant and can be both vacuumed and washed (light filtering).
Installation  Requires specific window configuration and installation can be quite demanding. Very easy to install, can be installed in a matter of minutes.
Hardware Dependent on the material that’s used. Quality stainless steel brackets.
Ideal Use For interior windows in the wintertime in colder climates. For all interior windows and for privacy, insulation, and total light control.
Shade Operation Quilted shades are naturally heavy, so it can be difficult to lift for some. Easy to move up and down. Comes in a heavy-duty cord loop and cordless options.
Shade Stack Bulky roll that can be 4” to 6” in diameter. 2-4” (rail and fabric)
Durability  The fabric has been designed to last excess of 15+ years. Cellular shade fabric has been designed to last excess of 15+ years.
Energy Efficiency Because of their close fit, window quilts offer R-value increases similar to cellular shades but are less effective during the warmer season.

During the colder season, well-adjusted cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by 40% or more, which equates to about 20% heating energy savings. During the warmer season, cellular shades can reduce solar heat through windows by up to 80%, reducing the total solar gain to 15% or less.

Warranty  Dependent on the retailer. Comes back behind a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

The winner is…

Cellular shades! They are easy to clean, have amazing insulating properties, they are easy to install, they have proved to have a higher R-value (and energy-efficient, therefore, making you save a lot of money) and they last longer. 

Did you enjoy this post? Checkout our similar article, outlining the differences between shades vs blinds.

EcoSmartShades.com
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