Single Cell vs. Double Cell Cellular Shades: What’s the Difference?
Single cell and double cell cellular shades may look similar, but their internal construction can affect insulation, sound absorption, shade thickness, mounting depth, weight, and price. Understanding how each design is built can help you choose the better fit for your window.
What Is a Cell in Cellular Shades?
A cell is a hollow, honeycomb-shaped pocket formed by folded layers of fabric. When the shade is lowered, these pockets trap air between the window and the room, helping reduce heat transfer and absorb some outside sound.
Single cell shades arrange the pockets in one continuous row, while double cell shades use two connected rows. This difference in cell construction affects the shade’s insulation, thickness, weight, and mounting requirements.
Single Cell vs. Double Cell Cellular Shades at a Glance
The table below compares how these two cell constructions differ in insulation, sound absorption, profile, mounting requirements, operating weight, and price.
| Comparison | Single Cell Cellular Shades | Double Cell Cellular Shades |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Construction | One continuous row of honeycomb-shaped cells | Two connected rows of honeycomb-shaped cells |
| Thermal Insulation | Moderate resistance to heat transfer | Greater resistance to heat transfer |
| Sound Absorption | Some sound absorption | Greater sound absorption |
| Shade Profile | Thinner and less bulky | Thicker and fuller |
| Mounting Depth | Requires less window-recess depth | Requires more window-recess depth |
| Raised Stack | Smaller | Larger |
| Operating Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Price | Lower cost | Higher cost |
Note: Exact mounting depth, raised stack, weight, and price vary by shade size, cell size, fabric, and operating system.
Key Differences Explained
1. Thermal Insulation and Sound Absorption
Single cell shades create one insulating air layer, while double cell shades add a second layer for greater resistance to heat transfer. The additional cells and fabric can also absorb more outside sound, although neither design is a soundproofing solution.
2. Shade Profile and Raised Stack
Single cell shades have a slimmer profile and a smaller raised stack. Double cell shades are thicker and form a larger stack because they contain more fabric. The exact stack size also depends on the shade height, cell size, fabric, and operating system.
3. Inside-Mount Depth
Single cell shades require less window-recess depth and are easier to fit inside shallow frames. Double cell shades need more mounting space because of their thicker construction.
Note: For an inside mount, check the minimum mounting depth before ordering. A flush inside mount requires additional recess depth, while an outside mount does not depend on the depth of the window recess.
4. Operating Weight
Single cell shades are lighter, while double cell shades are heavier. The difference becomes more noticeable as the shade increases in width and height.
5. Price
Single cell shades generally cost less. Double cell shades cost more, with the additional value mainly coming from greater thermal insulation.
Conclusion
Neither cell construction is better for every window. The right choice depends mainly on your window depth, insulation needs, and budget.
- Single cell shades offer a slimmer, more economical design.
- Double cell shades are better suited to rooms that need greater thermal insulation.
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