Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb or accordion shades, are made from several pieces of material that are glued and folded together, creating cells between them. These cells insulate from the cold and heat, can produce a blackout environment, and are sound-dampening. The folded pleats can be ⅜”, ½”, ¾” or 1 ¼” wide. There can be a single cell, double cells, and triple cells. These shades are made from fabric, paper, polyester or a combination. Some cellular shades have a mylar or metal coating to improve insulation. Cellular shades can be operated in a variety of ways: by pulling on strings, with a continuous cord loop and clutch, with a retractable pull cord, with an internal cordless mechanism, or be motorized.

Cellular shades were developed in the early 1980’s to improve upon pleated shades’ lack of energy efficiency. In 1985, Hunter Douglas launched the first cellular shade called the Duette. It was the first of its kind. Within five years, cellular shades had become very popular and many brands and manufacturers had begun selling similar products. Some popular brands and models of cellular shades include Kirsch Duette, Kirsch Accordia, Comfortex Symphony, Bali DiamondCell, Louverdrape Carousel, Hunter Douglas Duette, Levolor Cirrus, and Graber CrystalPleat.