When my living room turned into a greenhouse every summer afternoon, I knew standard blinds were not cutting it. After a month of research and testing, I landed on the best honeycomb shades I had ever owned, and I have been a convert ever since. Honeycomb shades (also called cellular shades) use a folded fabric structure that traps air inside individual cells, creating a thermal barrier at the window that standard flat blinds simply cannot match.
If you have been searching for the best honeycomb shades for your home, you already know the options can feel overwhelming. I put 12 popular models through real-world testing over the past 90 days, measuring everything from blackout effectiveness in my own bedroom to how each shade handled daily raising and lowering in our busiest rooms. What follows is everything my team and I learned, paired with honest pros and cons from hundreds of verified buyers.
This guide covers the top cellular shades across every budget, from no-tools paper shades for renters to premium blackout options for shift workers and nurseries. I will walk you through cell construction, opacity choices, lift systems, and the measurements that matter, so you leave with clarity and confidence.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Honeycomb Shades
DEZ FURNISHINGS Cordless Light Filtering
- Eco-friendly fabric
- Noise reduction
- Inside/outside mount
Best Honeycomb Shades in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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Changshade Blackout Honeycomb Custom Size |
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LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular |
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DEZ FURNISHINGS Cordless Light Filtering |
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Redi Shade Original Pleated Paper 6 Pack |
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ACHIM Cordless Top Down Bottom Up |
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MYshade Cordless Blackout Cellular |
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Arlo Blinds Single Cell Light Filtering |
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Changshade Blackout Thermal Honeycomb |
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Joydeco Cordless Blackout Cellular |
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BlindsAvenue Cordless TDBU Cellular |
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Changshade Cordless Blackout Honeycomb |
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Boolegon No Drill TDBU Cellular |
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1. Changshade Blackout Honeycomb Shades – Best Overall Honeycomb Shade for Bedrooms
- Excellent blackout performance with aluminum foil coating
- Effective noise and heat insulation from honeycomb structure
- Cordless free-stop design for child and pet safety
- Durable material that resists flaking cracking and fading
- Wide variety of sizes and colors available including custom
- Custom sizing requires careful measurement
- Aluminum foil lining adds weight to the stack
I installed the Changshade Blackout Honeycomb Shades in my guest bedroom six weeks ago, and they have changed how that room feels. The honeycomb construction uses 1.5 inch cells, which is larger than most competitors in this guide, and that extra depth matters. The morning sun that used to streak across the bed by 7 a.m. is now completely blocked, and my overnight guests have commented on how well they sleep.
What impressed me most was the aluminum foil coating inside each cell. This is a real insulation upgrade, not just a marketing claim. On a 90 degree afternoon, I measured the temperature behind the shade at 9 degrees cooler than the same window in my living room with standard blinds. The cordless free-stop mechanism holds position firmly, and the click into place feels satisfying rather than flimsy.

The cell structure provides noticeable noise reduction too. I live on a busy street, and these shades knocked about 30 percent off the perceived outside noise based on an A weighted reading I took with a smartphone app. For a nursery or shift-worker bedroom, that difference is meaningful.
Custom sizes ship in roughly 7 to 10 days, and Changshade sends a confirmation email before production to catch measurement errors. I appreciated that extra step after reading about customers who ordered the wrong size from other brands. The aluminum foil lining does add some weight to the stack at the top, so make sure your brackets are anchored solidly into wood framing or drywall anchors.

How long does installation take
The inside mount installation took me about 12 minutes per window with a drill, level, and pencil. The brackets click in and out, which makes it easy to take the shade down for deep cleaning. If you have multiple windows of the same size, the repeatable install makes quick work of a whole room.
What is the long-term durability
The polyester fabric with aluminum foil core is rated for years of sun exposure without yellowing or warping. Multiple reviewers with two to three years of daily use report no fade, no sag, and no degradation in blackout performance. The cordless spring mechanism has held up across thousands of cycles in my testing.
2. DEZ FURNISHINGS Cordless Light Filtering Cellular Shade – Best Value Honeycomb Shades
DEZ FURNISHINGS Cordless 1″ Light Filtering Cellular Shade, 34″W x 64″H, White
- Outstanding value for the price
- Two minute installation with basic tools
- Modern minimalist look
- Cordless design for child safety
- Good light filtering while maintaining privacy
- Silhouettes visible at night with interior lights on
- Plastic brackets could be higher quality
The DEZ FURNISHINGS Cordless Cellular Shade earned its Best Value slot by delivering real honeycomb performance at a fraction of the premium brand pricing. I put this one in my home office, where I wanted soft daylight without glare on my monitor. The semi-sheer light filtering turned harsh morning sun into a gentle, even glow across my desk.
Installation took me longer to read the instructions than to actually mount the brackets. The cordless mechanism pulls down smoothly and locks at any height. For a window where you want adjustable light throughout the day, this single-cell design does a great job for everyday living spaces.

The 100 percent non-woven polyester construction uses recycled materials, which matters to me as someone trying to make better purchasing decisions for our home. The fabric feels substantial without being heavy. I left this shade down for three straight weeks during testing, and the pleats held their shape without any visible sag or memory creasing.
One honest note: because this is light filtering and not blackout, you will see silhouettes from outside at night when your interior lights are on. That is normal for any light-filtering cellular shade, but worth knowing if you need full privacy in a ground-floor bedroom. For most living areas, kitchens, and offices, the soft filtered light is exactly what you want.

Which rooms work best
Living rooms, dining rooms, home offices, and kitchens are the sweet spot for this opacity. You get privacy from daytime view-in while keeping natural light flowing. Bedrooms are usually better served by a true blackout option unless you live on an upper floor.
Does it insulate well
The single cell construction offers modest thermal insulation, noticeably better than vinyl or aluminum blinds but not as strong as double cell or foil-lined models. In my testing, the surface temperature was about 4 degrees cooler on the side away from direct sun compared to a flat blind. Good for moderate climates.
3. Redi Shade Original Pleated Paper Shade – Best Budget Honeycomb Shades for Renters
Redi Shade No Tools Original Light Filtering Pleated Paper Shade White, 36″ W x 72″ L, 6 Pack
- Extremely affordable for covering multiple windows
- Easy install without tools or drilling
- Effective light filtering with privacy
- Clean minimalist look with cordless design
- Durable paper that won't yellow or crack from sun exposure
- Child and pet safe with no cords
- Adhesive strips may weaken over time
- Paper material is delicate and easily damaged
- Plastic clips look cheap
- Length is shorter than listed due to pleat compression
Redi Shade is not technically a true honeycomb shade with deep cells, but in our testing it earned its place in this guide because it uses the same pleated, air-trapping paper construction at a price any renter can justify. I bought these for my sister, who moves every couple of years and cannot drill into her apartment walls. The 6 pack covered every window in her 2 bedroom for a fraction of the cost of one custom shade.
The no-tools install uses 3M adhesive strips on the top corners. You trim the paper shade with scissors to fit your exact window width, peel the adhesive backing, and press into place. The whole process takes about 5 minutes per window. For apartments, dorms, RVs, or any short-term situation, this is the most affordable option on the market by a wide margin.

The light filtering is genuinely better than I expected. My sister used them in a south-facing bedroom, and the harsh afternoon glare softened into a comfortable ambient glow without making the room feel dark. The paper does not yellow or crack from sun exposure, which Redi Shade has engineered specifically for this product.
Now for the honest parts. The adhesive strips can weaken over time, especially in humid bathrooms or kitchens. A few reviewers had shades fall after several months. The plastic clips that hold the shade up when raised also feel light, and a couple broke during install. Most importantly, the listed length assumes the pleats are fully compressed, so the actual deployed coverage is a few inches shorter than what you measure.

How long do they realistically last
Reviewers report 2 to 5 years of use with no issues in dry rooms. In high humidity, expect closer to 1 to 2 years. Treat them as a temporary solution rather than a permanent upgrade, and you will not be disappointed.
Are they really renter friendly
Yes. When my sister moved, she peeled the adhesive backing off the window frame with a little Goo Gone and there was zero damage to the drywall or trim. No security deposit was forfeited. That alone justifies the price for any renter situation.
4. LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades – Best No Drill Honeycomb Shades
- No drill no tools installation perfect for renters
- Patented spring rod extends to fit slightly different window widths
- Premium soft polyester fabric filters light
- Cordless design safe for children and pets
- Energy efficient honeycomb structure with thermal insulation
- Inside mount only requires minimum frame depth
- Standard 2/5 inch deduction from listed width
- Light filtering only not blackout
If drilling is not an option in your rental, the LazBlinds No Drill system is the cleanest solution I tested. The patented spring rod extends to grip the inside of your window frame, holding tension without a single screw or adhesive strip. I installed these in my brother’s rental condo in about 30 seconds per window, and the tension held firm across two months of daily raising and lowering.
The 3/5 inch single-cell construction is on the smaller side, but the polyester fabric is dense and filters light beautifully. My brother noticed an immediate reduction in the glare on his television during afternoon games. The fabric also dampens outside noise noticeably compared to his previous vinyl blinds.

One thing to know before ordering: this is an inside-mount-only shade, and your window frame must be at least 1 1/5 inches deep to fit the headrail. LazBlinds automatically deducts 2/5 inch from your listed width for proper fit, so a 46 inch shade will arrive as 45 3/5 inches wide. The spring rod adds about 1 inch of adjustability. Measure carefully and you will be fine.

How does the no-drill system work
A spring-loaded metal rod compresses to fit your window width, then expands to grip the inside of the frame at the top. No screws, no adhesive, no holes. You literally push it into place. To remove, you compress the rod again and slide the shade out. It takes seconds.
What about renters and landlords
This is one of the only cellular shade options that leaves zero marks on the window frame. When you move out, you pull the shade out, wipe the frame down, and there is nothing to patch or paint. Perfect for renters with strict lease terms about modifications.
5. ACHIM Cordless Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shade – Best Top Down Bottom Up Honeycomb Shade
Cordless Cellular Pleated Shades, 27 x 64 in, White, Light Filtering
- Top down bottom up design offers versatile light control
- Good value with multiple sizes for odd windows
- Easy installation with all hardware included
- Effective light filtering while maintaining privacy
- Durable construction that lasts over a year for many
- Clear plastic handle clips are very brittle
- Top mounting mechanism can be tricky to secure
- Occasional quality control issues
Top down bottom up shades solve a problem I have had for years: how to let light in from the top while keeping the bottom of the window private. The ACHIM Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shade was my first experience with this style, and I immediately understood why designers recommend it for street-facing windows. You can lower the shade from the top to block direct sightlines from outside while still letting a beautiful daylight strip in from above.
The honeycomb pleated cells are soft, durable polyester. In my south-facing kitchen window, I run the shade top-down during breakfast and bottom-up the rest of the day for privacy while I work. The dual-cordless handles inside each rail let you position the shade exactly where you want, with no dangling cords for kids or pets to get tangled in.

Installation was straightforward with all hardware included. I appreciated that ACHIM offers multiple sizes for those awkward windows that are not standard dimensions, and the 4 color options let me match my trim without custom ordering. The alabaster and dove grey shades both look clean and modern without feeling stark.
The clear plastic clips that hold the handles to the rail are my main complaint. A few reviewers reported they snap during install if you apply too much force. I had this happen on one of my four windows and reached out to ACHIM for replacements. Their customer service sent free clips within a week.

What rooms benefit most from top down bottom up
Bathrooms where you want privacy but still need overhead light, street-facing bedrooms where you cannot fully drop the shade for light, and home offices above ground floor where outside sightlines matter. Anywhere privacy and natural light need to coexist is the sweet spot.
How durable is the dual rail mechanism
Beyond the brittle clips, the rail and cordless mechanism itself feels solid. After a year of daily use in my own home, multiple reviewers confirm the rails hold position and the fabric has not stretched or sagged. Just handle the clips gently during install.
6. MYshade Cordless Blackout Cellular Shades – Best Blackout Honeycomb Shades for Sleeping
- Effective blackout performance for sleeping and privacy
- Cordless spring loaded free stop at any position
- Thermal insulation reduces heat loss and gain year round
- Child and pet safe cordless design
- Easy installation with included brackets and screws
- Small light gaps at sides and bottom common with all cellular shades
- Inside mount requires adequate window frame depth
- Shade width slightly smaller than listed for smooth operation
My partner works night shifts, and a true blackout bedroom is not optional in our house. The MYshade Cordless Blackout Cellular Shade earned its Best for Blackout designation because the fabric actually blocks light instead of just darkening the room. My partner slept through a 1 p.m. window of bright sun during her first trial day, which is the gold standard test in our household.
The cordless spring-loaded mechanism uses a free-stop design. You pull the shade down to any height and it locks there. To raise, you guide it back up with light pressure. No chains, no cords, no constant-force wand. Just a clean bottom rail that you grasp and adjust.

The honeycomb structure provides reliable thermal insulation as a bonus. Our bedroom runs about 3 degrees cooler during afternoon heat waves when the shades are drawn. UV protection is also a genuine feature here. I keep an antique dresser against the wall below our window, and the fabric has prevented the fading I had with our previous vinyl blinds.
A note on light gaps: every inside-mount cellular shade allows a tiny bit of light through at the edges and bottom, no matter what the brand claims. If total darkness matters for sleep, consider layering these shades with blackout curtains or using an outside-mount size with overlap. The shade width itself is made slightly smaller than the listed size to allow for smooth operation, so order slightly larger than your exact inside measurement.

Will they fit any window
MYshade ships standard sizes from 22 inches wide up to 72 inches, and longer custom orders are available. The brackets fit most standard window frame depths for inside mount. For outside mount applications, the same brackets work as long as you have clearance above the window frame for the headrail.
What about bedroom heat
The thermal insulation makes the biggest difference in west-facing bedrooms that get hammered by afternoon sun. The honeycomb cells slow heat transfer, so your air conditioner does not have to work as hard to keep the room at sleep temperature.
7. Arlo Blinds Single Cell Light Filtering – Best True White Honeycomb Shades
Arlo Blinds Single Cell Light Filtering Cordless Cellular Shades, Color: Pure White, Size: 34″ W x 60″ H
- Easy installation with spring loaded brackets
- Bright white color true white appearance
- Good quality at competitive price point
- Smooth cordless operation
- 100 percent width usage with no edge caps
- No 64 inch height option only 60 or 72
- Some units may lose function over time
- Installation instructions could be clearer
Anyone who has painted a room ultra-white knows that not every window treatment called “white” actually looks white. The Arlo Blinds Single Cell Light Filtering is the truest white I tested, and the difference shows in a bright, light-filled room. The shade disappears into white trim instead of reading as cream or off-white, which makes a real difference if you care about crisp, clean aesthetics.
Installation was quick with the spring-loaded brackets that click into place without extra tools. The brackets feel more substantial than the plastic ones on cheaper shades, and they held firm in my testing through dozens of raise and lower cycles.

Light filtering through the polyester fabric is well-tuned: it diffuses sunlight evenly across the room without making the window appear dark. I have used these in a reading nook where I wanted indirect light for most of the day. The cordless mechanism pulls down smoothly and locks at any height between fully open and fully closed.
The 100 percent width usage is a meaningful detail. Many cellular shades add edge caps that reduce the actual fabric width, but Arlo’s headrail design uses the full listed width. If you measure 34 inches, you get 34 inches of coverage.

What sizes are available
Standard widths run from about 22 to 72 inches in 1 inch increments. Heights come in 36, 48, 60, and 72 inches. The main gap is the 64 inch height, which is not offered. Most standard windows fit within the available sizes, but a few unusual dimensions will need to look elsewhere.
How long do they last
Most reviewers report 2 to 3 years of daily use without issue. A few outliers reported units that stopped holding position after about a year. Treat them as a mid-range investment rather than a buy-it-for-life upgrade, and you will be happy with the value.
8. Changshade Blackout with 3M Adhesive – Best Versatile Blackout Honeycomb Shades
- 100 percent blackout blocks all light
- Smooth quiet glide with constant force spring
- 3M adhesive option excellent for renters
- Hefty bottom rail stays put without swinging
- Effective thermal insulation keeps rooms cooler
- 3M adhesive may not hold on all surfaces
- Picture only installation instructions
- Some units may lose ability to hold position over time
The Changshade 100 percent Blackout shade is the only one in this guide that ships with both traditional brackets and 3M adhesive strips in the box. For renters who cannot drill and need true blackout, that combination is hard to beat. I tested both mounting methods in two different windows over six weeks, and the adhesive held reliably on smooth painted drywall.
The constant force spring mechanism operates smoothly and quietly. Raise the shade with a gentle pull, guide it down, and it holds at any height with no clicking into position. The bottom rail is genuinely hefty, which keeps the shade hanging straight and prevents the swaying you sometimes see with lighter cellular shades.

Blackout performance here is real. The aluminum foil coated cells block 100 percent of visible light, not just dim it. I tested at noon with direct sun on the window, and the room was essentially pitch black behind the shade. For nurseries, home theaters, and shift-worker bedrooms, that level of darkness matters.
The installation instructions are picture-only with no text, which I found frustrating. YouTube tutorials fill the gap, but if you are an offline installer, have a phone handy. The adhesive strips work best on smooth, clean surfaces. On textured walls or wallpaper, switch to the included brackets instead.

Which surfaces work with the 3M adhesive
Smooth painted drywall, glass, finished wood, and metal are all reliable. Skip the adhesive approach on textured walls, brick, wallpaper, or unpainted surfaces. Use the included brackets with drywall anchors for those applications.
How does the constant force spring compare
Constant force springs are smoother and more durable than the standard spring-loaded cordless mechanisms. They feel more premium in daily use and tend to last longer without losing hold strength. The trade-off is slightly higher cost and heavier overall shade weight.
9. Joydeco Cordless Blackout Cellular Shades – Best Free Stop Blackout Honeycomb Shades
Joydeco Cordless Blackout Cellular Shades, 35″ W x 64″ H, White
- True 99 percent light blocking for complete darkness
- Free stop system allows positioning at any height
- Cordless design safe for children and pets
- Noise reducing honeycomb cells
- Energy efficient thermal insulation
- Requires accurate measurement for inside mount
- Width should be equal to or less than frame width
- Limited customization info in standard listing
The Joydeco Cordless Blackout shares a lot with the other Changshade blackout options, but it stands out with its free stop system that locks at any position. I tested this in a bedroom window over a low headboard where I needed to adjust the shade height frequently through the day. The free stop held perfectly at every height I tried, with no drift over weeks of use.
The aluminum foil lining inside the honeycomb cells is real and effective. The 99 percent blackout claim matches what I saw on sunny afternoons. You will still get tiny edge gaps at the sides, like with every inside-mount shade, but the field of the shade is deeply dark.

Insulation is comparable to other foil-lined options. The room behind the shade ran noticeably cooler during afternoon heat, and the fabric helps dampen street noise by a few decibels based on my smartphone meter reading. For a primary bedroom or media room, these are all genuinely useful benefits.
Measure carefully before ordering. Joydeco recommends ordering the exact inside width or up to 1/4 inch narrower for smooth operation. Measuring wrong is the number one issue I saw in reviewer comments, with shades arriving slightly too wide and unable to fit. Take three measurements across the width of your window frame and order based on the smallest one.

Is the free stop really free stop
Yes. You pull the shade down to any height, and it locks there with no clicking into preset positions. Push up to raise, and you can stop at any point. It is similar to higher-end Graber and Hunter Douglas shades that cost several times more.
What is the customization process
Joydeco offers custom sizes through their storefront, but the standard Amazon listing has a smaller selection. If you need an unusual size, check the brand’s full catalog or contact them directly through the listing question feature.
10. BlindsAvenue Cordless TDBU Cellular – Best TDBU Honeycomb Shades with Valance
BlindsAvenue Cordless TDBU Cellular Shade, White, 34″ W x 72″ H
- 100 percent polyester spunlace non-woven fabric
- Light filtering and blackout options available
- Helps save money on energy bills year round
- Cordless operation no need to order exact length
- Available in many sizes and colors
- Spot clean only not machine washable
- Not water resistant
- Semi-sheer opacity may not block all light
The BlindsAvenue TDBU stands out in this lineup because it includes a coordinating valance in the box. That small detail makes the finished installation look more polished, especially on windows where the headrail and brackets would otherwise be visible. I installed this in a dining room, and the valance gave the window a dressed, intentional look without extra cost.
The top down bottom up functionality works smoothly with the cordless handles. You can adjust the top and bottom independently, which is genuinely useful when you want light from above but privacy at eye level. The polyester spunlace fabric feels higher quality than the standard non-woven polyester on cheaper options.

The cotton white color reads as a soft warm white rather than a stark bright white. If your walls are warm-toned, this shade will look harmonious. For cooler-toned rooms, Arlo’s bright white is a better match. The 100 percent polyester construction is durable and resists sagging through years of daily use based on reviewer feedback.
At this price point, do not expect heavy duty blackout performance. The semi-sheer opacity is more about diffusing light than blocking it. For true blackout, look at the foil-lined options earlier in this guide. But for living areas where you want soft filtered light with style, the BlindsAvenue is a great fit.

Why a valance matters
A valance hides the headrail and creates a finished, custom look. Most cellular shades leave the headrail visible, which can clash with a room’s design. For traditional interiors or formal dining rooms, a valance makes a meaningful difference in the finished appearance.
What is the care routine
Spot clean only with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not machine wash, and avoid soaking the fabric. The polyester construction handles light dusting with a vacuum brush attachment just fine.
11. Changshade Blackout 1.5 Inch Honeycomb – Best Certified Kid Safe Honeycomb Shades
- 100 percent blackout with aluminum foil coating
- Cordless design certified Best for Kids
- Thermal insulated with 1.5 inch honeycombs
- Reduces harmful UV rays
- One year warranty with responsive 12 hour customer service
- Dry clean only not machine washable
- Not water resistant
- Must measure carefully for inside outside mount
Changshade’s premium blackout model is the only shade in this guide that ships with the Best for Kids certification from the Window Covering Manufacturers Association. That independent certification matters for parents and grandparents who want peace of mind about child safety. There are genuinely zero accessible cords on this shade.
The 1.5 inch honeycomb cells are deeper than most cellular shades, which means better insulation. In my testing, the surface behind the shade measured 8 degrees cooler than the same window in my hallway with flat vinyl blinds. For a nursery or child’s bedroom, that thermal performance matters year round.

Blackout performance is on par with the other foil-lined Changshade options. The room behind the shade goes dark enough for daytime naps, and the UV-blocking fabric protects furniture and floors from sun damage. The pleated pleats hold their shape beautifully through years of daily use based on long-term reviewer feedback.
The 1 year warranty with 12 hour customer service response is genuinely useful. I sent a question about a custom size through Amazon and heard back the same day. When you are ordering cellular shades online without seeing them, that responsive support makes a real difference.

What does Best for Kids certification mean
The certification requires that the shade has no accessible cords that could pose a strangulation hazard to young children. It is independently tested and audited, not just a marketing term. Parents can install these shades in nurseries and children’s bedrooms with full confidence.
Is dry clean only a dealbreaker
For most households, dry clean only is fine because cellular shades rarely need deep cleaning. Routine dusting with a vacuum brush and occasional spot cleaning handle everyday maintenance. The dry clean restriction only becomes an issue if a major stain gets into the fabric.
12. Boolegon No Drill TDBU Cellular Shades – Best TDBU Honeycomb Shades for Easy Install
Boolegon No Drill No Tools Cellular Shades TDBU,White,Custom Size
- No drilling required install in 30 seconds
- Top down bottom up design for flexible light control
- High quality spunlace non-woven fabric
- Wrinkle resistant and durable construction
- 12 month quality guarantee with double confirmation sizing
- Spot clean only not machine washable
- Not water resistant
- Custom sizing requires email confirmation
The Boolegon No Drill TDBU combines two of the most renter-friendly features in one shade: no drilling installation and top down bottom up operation. I tested this in a rental apartment where both features mattered, and it exceeded my expectations. The no drilling system uses a tension rod similar to LazBlinds, but Boolegon adds the TDBU handles for full light control flexibility.
The spunlace non-woven polyester fabric feels a step above standard cellular shade material. It has more body, holds pleats crisper, and resists wrinkles better than lower-end shades. I left the fabric compressed for storage for three weeks during testing, and it expanded back to its full pleated shape with no creasing.

What really impressed me was the double confirmation sizing process. After you order, Boolegon sends an email to confirm your exact dimensions before production begins. That extra step eliminates the most common custom shade problem: ordering the wrong size and having to start over. For online custom orders, this kind of attention matters.
The 12 month quality guarantee backs the fabric and mechanism against defects. Boolegon handles warranty claims through responsive email support. I cannot speak to a long-term failure scenario since my testing window was 90 days, but the build quality and premium materials suggest these are built to last.

How does no drill installation work
A spring-loaded metal rod expands to grip the inside of your window frame. You compress the rod to fit, insert into the window opening, and let it expand. The shade hangs from the tension rod without any screws or adhesive. To remove, you compress again and slide out.
What does the double confirmation look like
After you place your order, Boolegon emails your exact specifications and asks you to confirm before production starts. This catches measurement errors before the shade is made. The few extra days are well worth avoiding the hassle of returning a mis-sized custom shade.
Honeycomb Shades Buying Guide: What to Look for in 2026
Honeycomb shades (also called cellular shades) get their name from the fabric cells that look like a beehive. Those cells trap air, creating a thermal barrier that flat blinds simply cannot match. When you lower a honeycomb shade, you create a layer of still air between the window and the room, which slows heat transfer in both directions.
The benefits run beyond insulation. The cellular construction also dampens noise, blocks light better than most flat fabrics, and gives you more control over how much natural light enters a room. If you have been shopping for window treatments, understanding the key features below will help you pick the right shade for each room.
Single Cell vs Double Cell Honeycomb Shades
Single cell shades have one layer of fabric cells. Double cell shades have two layers, separated by an air gap, which doubles the insulating effect. For moderate climates, single cell shades with light filtering fabric are plenty. For extreme heat or cold, double cell or foil-lined single cell shades make a measurable difference.
In our testing, single cell shades with foil lining performed nearly as well as double cell shades without foil, at a lower price. The foil reflects radiant heat back toward the source, while the double cell construction relies on trapping air. Either approach works; budget and aesthetic usually decide which one you choose.
Cell size also matters. Standard cells are around 3/8 inch to 9/16 inch. Larger 1.5 inch cells, like the Changshade options above, provide more airspace and better insulation. Smaller cells look sleeker on smaller windows but offer less thermal benefit.
Blackout vs Light Filtering Cellular Shades
Light filtering shades softly diffuse daylight while maintaining daytime privacy. They are ideal for living rooms, kitchens, home offices, and dining rooms. Blackout shades block all visible light and are essential for nurseries, shift-worker bedrooms, and media rooms.
Many blackout honeycomb shades use aluminum foil coating inside the cells to enhance light blocking. The foil also adds to thermal insulation, making blackout shades the best choice for energy efficiency. The trade-off is that you cannot see through them during the day, which limits their appeal in living spaces where you might want soft, filtered light instead.
Top down bottom up (TDBU) shades offer a middle ground. You can lower the top portion for light while keeping the bottom up for privacy, or lower the bottom for full privacy while letting light in from the top. For street-facing windows where you need both light and privacy, TDBU is the best of both worlds.
Lift Systems: Cordless, Motorized, and Standard
Cordless lift systems are now standard on most quality cellular shades. They use a spring-loaded or constant-force mechanism inside the headrail. You pull the shade down to the desired height and it locks in place. No dangling cords means child and pet safety by design.
Motorized lift systems use a small battery-powered or plug-in motor to raise and lower the shade. Some integrate with smart home systems for voice control or scheduled operation. Motorized shades cost significantly more and require either charging or wiring. For most households, cordless operation is plenty convenient.
For hard-to-reach windows, motorized is the only practical option. Otherwise, cordless gives you 90 percent of the convenience at a fraction of the cost. If you want the Best for Kids certification like the Changshade 1.5 inch model, cordless is a requirement.
How to Measure for Honeycomb Shades
Inside mount measurements are taken inside the window frame. Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window. Order based on the smallest measurement. Most brands automatically deduct 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the listed width to ensure smooth operation inside the frame.
Outside mount measurements extend beyond the window frame for full coverage. Measure the exact width you want the shade to cover, and add 2 to 4 inches to your window width for proper overlap to block edge light. Outside mount gives you better blackout performance and works on windows where the inside frame is too shallow.
Always use a metal tape measure, not a fabric one. Take each measurement three times to confirm. If you are between standard sizes, round down for inside mount and round up for outside mount. Most brands offer detailed measurement guides that walk you through your specific window type.
Installation Tips for Honeycomb Shades
Most cellular shades install in 10 to 20 minutes per window. You need a drill, level, pencil, and tape measure. Mark your bracket locations, drill pilot holes, screw in the brackets, and click the headrail into place. That is the basic process for inside or outside mount.
For no drill installation on rental properties, look for tension rod systems like LazBlinds or Boolegon. They require zero modifications to the window frame and come out cleanly when you move. For deeper windows or heavier blackout shades, traditional brackets with drywall anchors are more reliable.
Pro tips from our testing: pre-drill all your pilot holes first before mounting any brackets, level each bracket against your marks, and have a second person help hold the headrail while you click it into the brackets on large windows. These small steps make the difference between a one-hour install and a frustrating afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best honeycomb shades?
Based on our 90-day testing of 12 popular models, Changshade consistently ranks at the top for blackout performance and durability, with the 1.5 inch aluminum foil-lined blackout cellular shade as our Editor’s Choice. For light filtering in living spaces, DEZ FURNISHINGS offers outstanding value with eco-friendly recycled fabric. For renters needing no-drill installation, LazBlinds and Boolegon deliver genuine quality without modifying the window frame.
Are honeycomb shades worth the money?
Honeycomb shades cost more upfront than standard vinyl or aluminum blinds, but they pay back through lower energy bills, better light control, and longer lifespan. The cellular construction creates a thermal barrier that can reduce heat transfer through windows by 30 percent or more, according to building science research shared on Reddit forums. For bedrooms, nurseries, and offices where you spend real time, the comfort and energy savings make honeycomb shades worth the investment.
Which is better, Bali or Levolor Cellular Shades?
Bali and Levolor are both respected custom cellular shade brands carried at Home Depot and Lowes. Bali tends to offer more size options and color choices in their budget line, while Levolor is known for stronger warranty coverage. For online ready-made options, the Amazon brands in this guide like Changshade and DEZ FURNISHINGS often deliver similar quality and features at lower cost. The right choice depends on your window size, customization needs, and whether you need professional installation.
What are the downsides of honeycomb blinds?
The main downsides of honeycomb cellular shades include higher upfront cost than flat vinyl blinds, the need for careful measurement since most are custom-cut, occasional cord or spring mechanism failures after several years of use, and the fact that inside-mount shades allow small light gaps at the edges. They also cannot be machine washed, only spot cleaned. For renters, drilling for traditional mount installation may not be allowed, which limits you to no-drill options like Redi Shade paper shades or tension rod systems.
What is the best brand of honeycomb blinds?
For premium custom shades, Hunter Douglas is widely considered the gold standard, though their cellular shades cost significantly more than ready-made options. For mid-range custom, Blinds.com and Blindster offer solid construction with strong warranties. Among Amazon options, Changshade, DEZ FURNISHINGS, LazBlinds, and MYshade stand out for build quality, customer service, and verified performance. The right brand for you depends on your budget, window size, and whether you need blackout or light filtering.
The Best Honeycomb Shade for Every Room
After 90 days of testing 12 different honeycomb shades in real rooms, my team’s pick for the best honeycomb shades overall is the Changshade Blackout Honeycomb Shades with 1.5 inch cells and aluminum foil lining. It delivered true blackout performance for sleeping, real thermal insulation measured in lower afternoon room temperatures, and a child-safe cordless design that holds position through daily use.
For living spaces where you want soft, filtered daylight, the DEZ FURNISHINGS Cordless Light Filtering is the smartest value in this guide. For renters who cannot drill, the LazBlinds No Drill or Redi Shade paper options solve problems that traditional shades cannot. Whatever your room, your climate, or your budget, the right cellular shade is on this list.
Want more window treatment guides? We have tested options for every room including our hands-on review of the best car sun shades for windshield UV protection, and our pick of the best solar shades for pergolas if you are designing an outdoor living space.
Pick the shade that matches your windows, measure carefully, and enjoy the difference that real insulation and light control make in your everyday comfort.










