Colorado's climate demands the best insulation. Honeycomb cells deliver it - quietly and beautifully.
Built for Colorado's Extremes
Cellular shades - also called honeycomb shades - are engineered around one elegant idea: trap air, control temperature. Each fabric cell acts like a tiny insulating pocket, keeping warm air inside during Colorado's frigid winters and blocking radiant heat gain during our intense high-altitude summers. No other soft window treatment comes close to their thermal performance.
Colorado's sunlight and seasonal temperature changes can affect comfort near windows. Cellular shades are one option for managing light and indoor comfort; results depend on the window, selected product, and how it is used.
Peter or Bri will look at your window exposures, room usage, and comfort goals - then discuss cell count, opacity, and lift systems that fit your needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between single-cell and double-cell honeycomb shades?
The number of cells refers to how many layers of air pockets the shade fabric contains. Single-cell shades have one honeycomb layer (R-value ~3) - solid baseline insulation at a lower price point and the widest fabric selection. Double-cell shades stack two air layers (R-value ~4-5), which noticeably improves thermal performance and is our most common recommendation for Colorado Springs homes. Note that our available double-cell options are more limited than single-cell - we'll walk you through exactly what's in stock at your estimate.
What R-value do cellular honeycomb shades have?
Cellular honeycomb shade R-values vary by cell construction: single-cell shades provide approximately R-3, and double-cell shades provide approximately R-4 to R-5. For comparison, a standard single-pane window is roughly R-1 and a double-pane low-E window is R-2 to R-3 - so even single-cell cellular shades meaningfully improve the thermal performance of most windows. In Colorado Springs' climate, with cold winters and intense high-altitude sun, double-cell is the sweet spot for most rooms.
What is top-down/bottom-up on cellular shades?
Top-down/bottom-up (TD/BU) is a lift system that can be applied to single- or double-cell cellular shades. With TD/BU, you can lower the shade from the top to let natural light in at ceiling level while keeping the bottom raised for street-level privacy - or raise it from the bottom while keeping the top down. This makes it possible to have both natural light and privacy at the same time. It is especially popular in Colorado homes with mountain views or beautiful yard sightlines, bedrooms and bathrooms facing the street, and any window where you want daylight without sacrificing privacy.
What is the difference between blackout and light-filtering cellular shades?
Light-filtering cellular shades diffuse incoming sunlight. Room-darkening fabrics reduce incoming light, while blackout fabrics use opaque material to block light through the fabric itself; light can still enter around the edges. Side channels may reduce edge light. The exact effect depends on the selected fabric, window, and installation.
How much energy can cellular honeycomb shades save?
Cellular honeycomb shades can help manage heat transfer and solar heat gain at windows. Their air pockets provide insulation, while fabric and opacity affect sunlight entering the room. Actual savings depend on the product, window size, exposure, operation, and existing glazing. Ask about the exact product's energy rating; do not assume a shade is ENERGY STAR-certified or qualifies for a rebate. Verify current incentive eligibility with the program administrator before purchase.
What warranty do Alta cellular honeycomb shades come with?
Warranty coverage depends on the exact cellular shade and current manufacturer terms. Ask us for the written warranty for your selection, including exclusions and component coverage.
How do I clean Alta cellular honeycomb shades?
For routine dusting, use a feather duster or vacuum with a soft brush attachment on low suction with the shade fully lowered. For spot cleaning, blot (never rub) with a clean cloth dampened with lukewarm water. A drop of mild detergent can be used for stubborn spots; rinse with a clean damp cloth. Do not immerse in water, dry-clean, or machine wash.
What warranty do Graber cellular honeycomb shades come with?
Warranty coverage depends on the exact cellular shade and current manufacturer terms. Ask us for the written warranty for your selection, including exclusions and component coverage.
How do I clean Graber cellular honeycomb shades?
Dust Graber cellular shades regularly with a feather duster or vacuum on low suction with a soft brush attachment. For spot cleaning, blot with a clean cloth lightly dampened with lukewarm water. Avoid immersing the shade in water, dry-cleaning, or machine washing, as these will damage the honeycomb cell structure.
What warranty do Norman cellular honeycomb shades come with?
Warranty coverage depends on the exact Portrait™ shade and current manufacturer terms. Ask us for the written warranty for your selection, including exclusions and component coverage.
What does the Norman cellular shade warranty cover?
Check the current written warranty for the exact Portrait™ shade. Coverage, duration, exclusions, and eligibility can vary by product.
How do I clean Norman Portrait honeycomb shades?
For routine dusting, use a feather duster or vacuum with a soft brush attachment on low suction with the shade fully lowered. For spot cleaning, blot (never rub) with a clean cloth dampened with lukewarm water. Add a drop of mild detergent for stubborn spots, then rinse with a clean damp cloth.
What cleaning methods should I avoid with Norman cellular shades?
Do not immerse Norman cellular honeycomb shades in water, dry-clean them, or use abrasive cleaners. Machine washing will damage the cell structure. These shades are fine textiles that require gentle care to extend their lifespan.
What is Norman's D-cell construction on cellular shades?
Norman's proprietary D-cell structure creates a flatter, wider air pocket than standard round honeycomb cells, trapping more insulating air per inch of shade depth. This results in measurably better thermal performance - blocking solar heat in summer and retaining indoor heat in winter - without adding visual bulk to the window.