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Difference Between Roller Shades and Cellular Shades

If you’re having problems deciding between roller shades and cellular shades for your window treatment, check out this guide prepared by the professional Los Angeles shade installation team here at Los Angeles Shades and Blinds as to the main differences between roller shades and cellular shades.

Roller Shades – What to Know

  • Roller shades have alright insulation, but don’t provide as good of a barrier as cellular shades do between rooms and windows.
  • Roller shades have limited light control compared to cellular shades. They operate by moving up and down. There’s many light filtering and blackout options for roller shades.
  • Roller shades can be cleaned by vacuuming or dipping into a cleaning solution
  • It’s easy to install roller shades, but brackets will need to be specifically positioned.
  • Roller shade hardware is dependent on the specific model of shade you choose.
  • Roller shades are great for commercial properties or for covering large transparent windows. 
  • Roller shades are highly durable and long lasting.
  • Roller shades that have heavier fabric will provide better thermal performances, but roller shades don’t offer much insulation, and are better at providing privacy, sunlight blocking, and room darkening.

Cellular Shades – What to Know

  • Cellular shades help to keep both cool and hot air inside your room. They operate like a blanket, and will help you save lots of money on your utility bill.
  • Cellular shades provide excellent light control, with customizability based on add on features and unique fabrics. Cellular shades block out UV light, protecting your furniture.
  • Cellular shades are dust resistant. Light filtering shades like cellular shades can be easily washed and cleaned.
  • Installing cellular shades is easy. It usually requires two stainless steel brackets.
  • Cellular shades are ideal for any interior window.
  • Most cellular shades have been made with high quality fabric that allows them to last over 15 years.
  • Cellular shades are highly energy efficient, and well installed cellular shades, during the Winter, can lower heat loss through windows by 40% or even more! This results in around 20% energy bill savings! In the Summer, cellular shades can lower heat coming through windows by 80%, reducing solar gain to under 15%!