What Are the Pros and Cons of Cellular Shades?
If you’ve been diligently researching window coverings, you have likely come across Hunter Douglas Duette® Cellular Shades, which is one of the most popular styles on the market.

And if you’re on the fence about making this investment, our experts at Midwest Blind & Shade are here to provide an honest look at the overall design, followed by the advantages and potential drawbacks.
What Are Cellular Shades?
Cellular shades feature an innovative, energy-efficient design with stunning fabrics on the exterior to complement your design style, and effective honeycomb-inspired cell pockets within the shade. When lowered, the fabrics’ horizontal pockets trap air between the window and the room, creating an insulation layer.
What Are the Pros of Cellular Window Shades?
Here are the various advantages you may experience when you invest in Hunter Douglas Duette® Cellular Shades:
Increased Energy Efficiency
The fabric structure serves as a thermal barrier, in a way, that keeps warm air inside during winter and blocks heat gain during summer. The U.S. Department of Energy states that these shades may reduce heat loss through windows by up to 40%, significantly cutting heating utility costs.
Enhanced Light Control
Duette® Cellular Shades offer a wide spectrum of opacity choices, including ClearView® sheers that gently diffuse daylight. For bedrooms or media rooms, the exclusive LightLock® system uses side channels to seal light gaps along the edges, creating ideal conditions for rest and sleep.
Improved Sound Absorption
An underrated advantage of cellular shades and their construction is their ability to absorb ambient sound, which softens noise from outside so rooms feel quieter and more peaceful.
Boosted Design Flexibility
With various fabric options, colors, pleat sizes, and more, these cellular shades fit a wide range of interior design styles. You can also have these window treatments custom-fitted for specialty-shaped windows, including circles and angles, as well as patio doors.
Multiple Versatile Controls
Duette® Cellular Shades are available with PowerView® Automation, which allows you to control them with a remote, an app, or voice commands. The cordless LiteRise® system option eliminates safety concerns for households with young children or pets.
Additionally, Top-Down/Bottom-Up configurations let you bring in natural light from above while preserving privacy below eye level, which is great for home offices.
What Are the Cons of Cellular Shades?
Here are some potential drawbacks of cellular shades:
- Dust Collection: The enclosed fabric pockets can trap dust and debris over time. However, maintaining a consistent monthly dusting routine with your vacuum brush attachment or compressed air easily keeps the fabrics looking fresh.
- Limited View-Through: These solid window coverings block outdoor scenery when fully lowered. But you can solve this issue when you choose a Top-Down/Bottom-Up design or opt for a sheerer fabric.
Shop Hunter Douglas Cellular Shades Near Mishawaka, IN
Quality custom cellular shades have several advantages that can improve your home’s performance and aesthetic, while enhancing your daily lifestyle, which outweigh any potential disadvantages. At Midwest Blind & Shade, we offer professional installation so your Hunter Douglas Duette® Cellular Shades look and perform exactly as intended.
Contact us online or call (574) 271-0770 to learn more about cellular window shades.
Midwest Blind & Shade is a local window treatment store that serves Mishawaka, Fort Wayne, Warsaw, Syracuse, Auburn, South Bend, Granger, Elkhart, LaPorte, Plymouth, and Michigan City, Indiana; as well as Niles, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, New Buffalo, and Three Rivers, Michigan.
