We’re often asked the question, “how long do cellular shades last?” Given the investment homeowners make in choosing the right shades for their space, it’s a great question. After all, to many, longevity is just as important as overall style.
In the following blog post, we discuss the typical lifespan of cellular shades, as well as easy ways to ensure that your shades last as long as possible. Let’s get into it.
What are Cellular Shades?
Before we dive into the longevity of cellular shades, it’s important to know what cellular shades are in the first place. Also known as honeycomb shades, cellular shades are window treatments known for their structure and insulation properties. These shades are built with small pockets, like honeycombs, designed to trap air, providing excellent insulation, which in turn saves energy and reduces your heating and cooling costs.
Cellular shades are available in either single or double cell fabric, which influences their energy efficiency and light control capability– as well as appearance.
Lifespan of Cellular Shades
The lifespan of cellular shades can range from around 5 to 7 years to much longer, depending on factors such as quality of materials and how well you maintain them over time. So, how do you ensure that your shades will last as long as possible? We dive in deeper below.
1. Quality of Material
The quality of your shades has a big impact on their longevity. This is because the use of high quality materials means that your shades are less likely to fray, fade, or experience mechanical issues over time. The same is true for shade construction, as solid, high quality construction equates to a product less likely to deteriorate with age. At EcoSmart Shades, we construct our shades with top-grade materials and craftsmanship to ensure durability.
2. Proper Use
While shades are certainly meant to be used, they’re not meant to be abused. Common shade abuse takes the form of excessive tugging or yanking while raising and lowering them. By adjusting your shades properly and gently, you can significantly extend their lifespan.
3. Maintenance and Cleaning
While shades are relatively easy to care for, they do require maintenance such as regular dusting and careful cleaning. By integrating regular cleaning into your routine, you can help prevent long-term damage from dirt and dust accumulation.
4. Exposure to Sunlight and Moisture
While shades are designed to withstand direct sunlight, constant exposure to extreme sunlight can cause fading over time. The same is true for using your shades in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens that don’t have proper ventilation.
Extending the Life of Your Shades
While the above factors impact the longevity of your cellular shades, there are several things you can do to help extend their lifespan:
- Clean them regularly with a feather duster or vacuum cleaner on a low suction setting. Refer to our cleaning guide for more information on properly cleaning your cellular shades.
- Be gentle: avoid tugging or pulling them roughly to extend or retract.
- Ensure that your home is well-ventilated, preventing exposure to high humidity.
Choosing Long-lasting Shades
At EcoSmart Shades, we take pride in creating high-quality, energy-efficient shades built to last. By combining style and functionality with high-quality materials and thoughtful craftsmanship, our cellular shades are a top of the line option for insulation, privacy, and light control.
For more questions about our offering of cellular shades, be sure to reach out to one of our shade gurus.