How Cellular Shades Save Energy
The secret to cellular shade performance is the honeycomb structure. Air trapped inside the cells creates a barrier between your window and room, reducing heat transfer in both directions.
- Energy Impact: Up to 50% reduction in heat loss at the window
- Block solar heat gain in summer to reduce cooling costs
- Most efficient option: Double and triple cell constructions
- Duette Architella® – Hunter Douglas's honeycomb-within-honeycomb design for maximum insulation
In Ottawa, where winter temperatures can plummet to -30°C and summer highs exceed 30°C, cellular shades deliver year-round energy savings that add up quickly on your utility bills.
Hunter Douglas Cellular Collections
Hunter Douglas invented the cellular shade and remains the industry leader:
- Duette® Honeycomb Shades: The original—and still the best. Over 250 fabrics, multiple cell sizes, and exclusive features like Duolite® (two opacities in one shade).
- Duette Architella®: Maximum energy efficiency with a honeycomb-within honeycomb design. The ultimate choice for Ottawa's extreme climate.
- Applause® Honeycomb Shades: Semi opaque fabrics with a soft, lustrous appearance at an accessible price point.
- Sonnette® Cellular Roller Shades: Cellular efficiency meets roller shade simplicity.
All backed by Hunter Douglas's Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Alta Honeycomb Shades
Alta Window Fashions offers premium cellular shades custom-built in Canada at exceptional value:
- Alta Honeycomb Shades
- Single, double, and triple cell options
- Light-filtering to room-darkening fabrics
- GREENGUARD certified for healthy indoor air quality
- Two-fabric combinations available
- AgileLift™ cordless operation
- BLISS™ motorization compatible
Alta's cellular shades comply with Health Canada safety standards and are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. The quality rivals Hunter Douglas at a more accessible price point—ideal for whole-home installations.
Operating Options
Cellular shades offer versatile operating systems for any preference:
- Standard Cord: Traditional cord operation with child-safe cord cleats.
- Cordless (LiteRise® / AgileLift™): Raise and lower by hand—no cords for a clean look and child safety.
- Top-Down/Bottom-Up: Lower from the top for privacy while letting light in above. Raise from the bottom as normal. The best of both worlds.
- Motorized PowerView® or BLISS™ automation for effortless control, scheduling, and smart home integration.
Light Control Options
Choose the opacity that fits each room's needs:
- Sheer/Light-Filtering: Softly diffuse light while maintaining daytime privacy. Ideal for living areas.
- Semi-Opaque: Greater privacy with moderate light filtering.
- Room Darkening: Blocks most light for bedrooms and media rooms. See our room darkening solutions.
- Blackout: Maximum light blocking with opaque fabrics and light-blocking rails.
- Duolite® (Hunter Douglas): Two fabrics in one shade—light-filtering on one side, room-darkening on the other. Adjust for perfect light control.
Perfect for Every Room
- Bedrooms – Room-darkening cells for restful sleep
- Living Rooms – Light-filtering for a warm, inviting glow
- Home Offices – Reduce glare while maximizing natural light
- Bathrooms – Moisture-resistant fabrics for humid spaces
- Kitchens – Easy-to-clean materials
- Skylights – Motorized cells for overhead windows
- Large Windows – Continuous cord loop for smooth operation on tall shades
Cellular shades also work beautifully layered under drapery for a designer look with maximum energy efficiency.
Find Your Perfect Cellular Shades
Visit our Glebe or Nepean showrooms to see cellular shade options from Hunter Douglas and Alta. Our specialists will help you choose the right cell size, opacity, and features for every window. Free in-home consultations available throughout Ottawa.
Visit Our Showrooms | Call: (613) 233 8441