You need to specify window treatments for a modern project and wonder if cellular shades[^1] are a dated choice. The sleek look of solar shades is gaining popularity, but are you sacrificing performance for style?
Cellular shades, or honeycomb blinds, are not out of style. They remain the top choice for energy efficiency[^2] in 2025. Modern designs and new recycled materials[^3] are keeping them highly relevant for projects prioritizing insulation[^4] over view-through.
As a blinds supplier, I help project buyers like Emma choose between these two excellent options every day. The choice almost always comes down to the project's number one priority. Are you trying to cut energy bills in a harsh climate? Or are you trying to preserve a beautiful view while cutting down on glare? One is not better than the other, they just solve different problems. Let's break down how they compare so you can make the right call for your next project.
Are honeycomb blinds better than solar shades?
You have to decide between honeycomb and solar shades for a big job. You're weighing insulation[^4] against maintaining a view, and you're not sure which one offers the best overall value for your client.
Honeycomb blinds are far better for insulation and providing total privacy. Solar shades are better for controlling sun glare while maintaining a view. The "better" choice depends on whether thermal performance or daylighting[^5] is the main priority.
When I work with clients, the first question I ask is, "What is the biggest problem this window is causing?" If the answer is "the room is too hot or too cold," then honeycomb blinds are the answer. Their unique cellular structure traps air, creating an insulating barrier. A double-cell honeycomb blind can have a U-value[^6] as low as 1.5 W/m²·K, which is fantastic for saving energy. If the answer is "the sun's glare is too bright, but I don't want to lose my view," then solar shades are the solution. They are designed like sunglasses for your windows. They cut the glare and block heat, but you can still see outside. Their U-value is higher, around 2.7–3.2 W/m²·K, so they don't insulate as well.
| Feature | Honeycomb Blinds | Solar Shades |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Insulation & Privacy | Glare Control & View-Through |
| Energy Savings | Excellent (low U-value) | Good (blocks solar gain) |
| View-Through | None when closed | Yes (1% to 14% openness) |
| Best For | Bedrooms, passive homes[^7] | Offices, living rooms, scenic views |
Do honeycomb and solar shades both block UV rays effectively?
Protecting floors, furniture, and artwork from UV damage is a top priority. You need to confirm that both honeycomb and solar shades can provide a high level of UV protection for your client's property.
Yes, both shade styles block UV rays very effectively. A blackout honeycomb shade blocks nearly 100% of UV rays. A solar shade with a 1% openness factor can block up to 99% of damaging UV rays.
This is one area where you can't go wrong. Both options are great at stopping harmful UV radiation. The key with solar shades is a specification called "openness factor[^8]". This number tells you how much light can pass through the weave of the fabric. It might seem counterintuitive, but even a shade you can see through can provide near-total UV protection. The performance comes down to three data points: openness, fabric density (GSM), and any special coatings.
- Openness Factor: This is the most important spec. A 1% openness fabric is a very tight weave that blocks about 99% of UV rays. A 5% openness fabric has a looser weave, blocking about 95%.
- Fabric Density (GSM): The grams per square meter tells you how dense the material is. A higher GSM usually means a more durable fabric.
- Coating: Many modern solar fabrics now use PVC-free coatings[^9]. These coatings improve performance and help projects meet green building standards like LEED and BREEAM.
For honeycomb blinds, any light-filtering fabric will block most UV, and a blackout fabric with its Mylar-lined cells will block virtually 100%.
How do you balance glare control[^10] and daylighting?
You want to block the harsh glare on computer screens and TVs without plunging the room into darkness. It feels like you have to choose between protecting your eyes and enjoying soft, natural light.
The key is to understand that blocking invisible UV rays is different from controlling visible light. Solar shades with a 3% to 5% openness factor are designed to cut glare while still allowing pleasant, usable daylight into a room.
This is where solar shades really shine. They solve the problem of "Visible Light ≠ UV." You can have a fabric that blocks 97% of UV rays but still lets in a good amount of soft, natural light. This is why they are the standard choice for commercial offices. I recommend a 1% or 3% openness factor for rooms with a lot of screens, as this will eliminate almost all glare. For a living space where you want a brighter feel and to preserve a great view, a 5% or even 10% openness might be better. In contrast, honeycomb blinds[^11] operate more like a switch. When they are down, they block both light and the view completely. When they are up, you get everything. A "top-down/bottom-up" feature can help find a middle ground, but it doesn't offer the same finely-tuned glare control as a solar shade.
What are the disadvantages of solar shades?
Solar shades seem like the perfect solution for modern homes and offices, but you suspect there must be a catch. What are the hidden downsides you should know about before specifying them?
The biggest disadvantages of solar shades are their poor nighttime privacy and lower insulating properties. When lights are on inside at night, the fabric can become see-through from the outside, and they don't trap heat like honeycomb shades do.
I always make sure my clients understand these two points, especially for residential projects. During the day, solar shades work perfectly; you can see out, but people can't easily see in. At night, when it's dark outside and the lights are on inside, that effect reverses completely. The shade becomes transparent from the outside, offering very little privacy. This is why they are often paired with curtains in bedrooms or living rooms. The second issue is insulation. Solar shades are designed to block solar heat gain, which they do very well. They are not designed to prevent heat loss in the winter. Their woven structure doesn't trap air, so they can't provide the same insulating U-value that a cellular honeycomb shade can.
How do these shades meet new energy codes?
New building energy codes are becoming more demanding every year. You are worried that your window treatment choice might not meet the required U-value targets, causing compliance issues.
Both shades can help a window assembly meet new U-value targets. Honeycomb shades are the clear winner, with U-values as low as 1.5, making them ideal for high-performance buildings. Solar shades also contribute and are using new technology to improve.
For any project pursuing top-tier energy efficiency, like a passive house or LEED certification, honeycomb shades are your best friend. The air trapped in their cells is a powerful insulator, dramatically lowering the overall U-value of the window unit and reducing heating and cooling costs. This performance is a huge factor in meeting strict new energy codes. While solar shades are less effective insulators, they are still a part of the solution. They are excellent at reducing solar heat gain, which is a major factor in cooling costs and is also addressed in energy codes. Furthermore, the industry is innovating. The 2025 trend for solar shades is PVC-free coated polyester fabrics, which perform well and are more environmentally friendly. For honeycomb shades, fabrics made from recycled PET yarn are becoming a popular and sustainable choice[^12].
Is installation different for new builds vs. retrofits?
You manage projects in both brand-new buildings and existing homes. You need to know if the cost and installation speed for these shades change depending on the context.
Yes, installation is typically faster and more streamlined in new builds, where power for motors can be pre-wired. Retrofit installations are very simple but often rely on battery-powered motors[^13], which changes the long-term cost and maintenance.
The approach changes depending on the project phase. In a new build, we can plan for perfection. In a retrofit, we prioritize simplicity and minimal disruption.
| Factor | New Build | Retrofit |
|---|---|---|
| Power Supply | Easy to hardwire for AC motors | Battery or solar motors are easiest |
| Integration | Can create recessed pockets for a flush, invisible look | Standard surface mount on the wall or window frame |
| Speed | Requires coordination with other trades (electricians) | Very fast; can be installed in minutes per window |
| Cost | Higher upfront for wiring, but no long-term charging | Lower upfront cost, but batteries need charging/replacement |
For new construction, I work with the contractor to have an electrician run low-voltage wire to the top of the window frame. This allows us to use mains-powered motors that never need charging. For a retrofit project, drilling into walls to run wires is a huge mess. In that case, a rechargeable battery motor is the perfect solution. The installation is clean and fast.
Conclusion
Neither shade is out of style. Honeycomb blinds are for peak energy savings, while solar shades are for preserving your view. Choosing the right one shows you understand the project's most important goals.
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[^1]: Explore the latest trends and benefits of cellular shades for energy efficiency and modern aesthetics.
[^2]: Learn about the role of window treatments in improving energy efficiency and reducing bills.
[^3]: Discover the environmental benefits of choosing window treatments made from recycled materials.
[^4]: Find out which window treatments offer superior insulation for energy savings and comfort.
[^5]: Explore how different window treatments can optimize natural light in your space.
[^6]: Get insights into U-value and how it affects the performance of window treatments.
[^7]: Understand the concept of passive homes and the role of window treatments in energy efficiency.
[^8]: Understand the significance of openness factor in selecting solar shades for your needs.
[^9]: Discover the advantages of choosing solar shades with environmentally friendly PVC-free coatings.
[^10]: Learn about effective glare control options to enhance comfort in bright spaces.
[^11]: Understand why honeycomb blinds are a top choice for insulation and energy savings.
[^12]: Learn about the sustainability aspects of honeycomb shades and their eco-friendly materials.
[^13]: Learn about the advantages and considerations of using battery-powered motors for shades.
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"I built VelaBlinds to solve the real challenges I faced as a project buyer - long lead times, unclear specs, and unreliable suppliers. Let's discuss how we can power your projects with smarter blinds."
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