Honeycomb shades are window shades which have a unique honeycomb-like appearance in cross section. The shades are made by connecting a series of hexagonally shaped cells which collapse into pleats when the shades are opened. This distinctive design is extremely energy efficient, since it traps an insulating layer of air in the space created within each cell. Many people use honeycomb shades in cold climates since they help to keep the heat in, and they have other advantages for applications like sound proofing and light muting.
Many major manufacturers of window shades make honeycomb shades, in an assortment of colors and styles. The shades are often available at home supply stores, and they can also be custom ordered to fit special windows or if a specific color is needed. Like other window shades, honeycomb shades are relatively easy to install, and they can be decorated with window treatments to soften their harsh edges, or left plain for a more crisp, clean look.
In addition to being made with a single row of cells, honeycomb shades can also incorporate several layers of cells for increased insulation, sound dampening, or to filter out bright light. Twin and triple honeycombed shades are usually slightly more costly than their plainer cousins, but they can be advantageous in certain situations. These shades often come with a range of color choices, too; for example, one row of cells could be white, to admit more light, while the layer facing the inside of the home could be colored, to change the tone of the light.
Like other window shades, honeycomb shades provide privacy to people inside a structure while also admitting varying degrees of light through, depending on the style. When closed, the shades cover the entire window; they can also be opened or partially opened to allow as much light as possible through the window. Honeycomb shades are often made from paper or fabric, although versions made from nylon and other materials are available as well. They can be opened and closed with a variety of mechanisms, ranging from simple pull strings to mechanical shades operated at the flick of a switch.
The cells of the shades can create an interesting light effect which some people enjoy incorporating into their interior design. Honeycomb shades have a clean, simple look which can go with a variety of interior decorating schemes. They also tend to be easier to maintain than slats and blinds, which can accumulate dust or become bent out of shape and unsightly, making them a choice to consider when installing new window treatments.
