If you’ve been browsing window treatments and found yourself wondering, “Wait…aren’t cellular and honeycomb shades the same thing?”— you’re not alone. Add pleated shades into the mix, and it’s easy to feel a little, well, blindsided (pun intended).
The team at EcoSmart is here to clear things up. Below, we dive into cellular shades vs. honeycomb shades vs. pleated shades, and the pros and cons of each. Let’s get into it.
Cellular Shades vs. Honeycomb Shades
First things first: cellular shades and honeycomb shades are actually the same thing.
The term “honeycomb” comes from the internal structure of the shade, which looks like a beehive when viewed from the side. This clever design traps air within the cells, creating a layer of insulation between your windows and your room that helps keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. In fact, our honeycomb/cellular shades outperform nearly every type of window covering on the market when it comes to their insulating properties. You can learn more about honeycomb shade insulation here.
“Cellular” refers to the same structure, just described in a more technical way. So whether a product is labeled “cellular” or “honeycomb,” you’re looking at the same energy-efficient, versatile window treatment.
What Are Pleated Shades?
Pleated shades might resemble cellular shades at first glance, but they’re built differently. Instead of forming pockets of air, pleated shades are made from a single layer of fabric folded into crisp pleats— think accordion style.
They’re lightweight and stylish, but because they lack that insulating honeycomb structure, they won’t offer the same energy efficiency. But if insulation isn’t a top priority and you’re drawn to a sleek, minimalist look, pleated shades might be a great fit for your home.
Key Differences
| Feature | Cellular/Honeycomb Shades | Pleated Shades |
| Structure | Multi-layered with air pockets | Single layer, folded pleats |
| Energy Efficiency | High | Low |
| Light Filtering | Excellent (variety of opacities) | Good, but less insulating |
| Appearance | Soft, modern, subtle texture | Crisp, structured folds |
| Durability | Retains shape over time | Can flatten out with wear |
Cellular vs. Honeycomb vs. Pleated Shades
If energy savings, temperature control, and sound absorption are important to you, cellular shades (a.k.a. honeycomb shades) are the way to go. They’re one of the most efficient window treatments available and offer a clean, contemporary look.
On the other hand, if you love the accordion-style texture and want a lightweight, budget-friendly option, pleated shades can be a stylish solution—just know they’re more about looks than performance.
All of our EcoSmart Cellular Shades are custom-crafted at our facility in Vermont to help you reduce your energy footprint and enjoy beautiful light control options. Need help picking the right shade for your space? Get in touch with our team of shade Gurus or browse our full selection here.