“Up to 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows.”
That’s a stat from the U.S. Department of Energy. And it’s not just about heating. In the summer, sunlight sneaks in, driving up cooling costs. Your windows are working overtime—just not in your favor. So how do you fight back without giving up style? Cellular shades and curtains. It’s a combination that does more than just look good. It works hard—blocking heat, saving money, and turning your space into a polished, private sanctuary.
Let’s break it down.
What Are Cellular Shades?
Also called honeycomb shades, these are some of the most energy-efficient window treatments out there.
They have a unique layered design. Picture a honeycomb structure that traps air inside. That trapped air acts like insulation. It helps regulate the temperature indoors—warm in the winter, cool in the summer.
Simple idea. Big payoff.
Why They Matter in Durham and Chapel Hill
The climate here is dynamic. Humid summers. Chilly winters. Your windows should be ready for anything.
Cellular shades respond to these swings. They keep your living room cool in July and cozy in December. And they do it while looking sleek and modern.
Where Curtains Come In
Curtains bring depth. Softness. Dimension. And when you pair them with cellular shades, they complete the picture—both visually and functionally.
You get extra insulation. More control over light. And a layered look that feels intentional and inviting.
Want blackout coverage? Combine blackout-lined curtains with room-darkening cellular shades. Need flexible light filtering? Go with sheer curtains and light-filtering shades.
The combinations are endless. The results are custom to your space.
Let’s Talk Benefits
Here’s why this pairing works so well:
1. Energy Efficiency
It starts here. With two layers—cellular shade + curtain—you’re doubling the insulation. Less heat in. Less AC out. The Department of Energy notes that window coverings can reduce heat gain by up to 77% in summer months.
2. Light Control
Not all rooms need the same lighting. With this duo, you get fine-tuned control.
- Pull the shade down for filtered light.
- Close the curtains for darkness.
- Open everything up when you want sun.
Easy.
3. Sound Dampening
Hard surfaces echo. Curtains and cellular shades absorb sound. Together, they quiet your space. Great for bedrooms, offices, or homes near busy streets.
4. Privacy with Style
Want privacy but hate feeling boxed in? Cellular shades offer coverage without bulk. Curtains soften the look and add visual warmth.
Pair them, and you get total privacy—without sacrificing design.
Style Tips for a Seamless Look
Not sure how to pair them without feeling overwhelmed? Here’s where our design team comes in—but let’s give you a head start.
Stick to a Palette
Choose complementary colors. If your cellular shades are neutral, bring in curtains with a bold pattern or a rich, solid color.
Layer Textures
Play with contrast. Match the clean lines of cellular shades with velvet curtains for drama. Or keep it light and breezy with linen.
Mind the Mount
Mount the cellular shades inside the window frame. Then mount the curtain rod above the window to add height and frame the space. It’s a simple visual trick that makes the room feel larger.
Best Rooms to Pair Cellular Shades and Curtains
Living Room
Go for light-filtering shades and decorative curtains. You’ll get natural light during the day and soft coverage in the evening.
Bedroom
Use blackout cellular shades with thick curtains. Sleep better. Stay cooler. Wake up refreshed.
Office
Choose neutral tones to avoid distractions. The shades block glare. The curtains buffer noise. That’s productivity by design.
Our Free In-Home Consultation Makes It Easy
We get it. Picking out window treatments can feel overwhelming. That’s why Made in the Shade West Durham and Chapel Hill offers a completely free in-home consultation.
We come to your space. Bring the samples. Measure every window. And recommend the best pairings based on your light, layout, and personal taste.
No guesswork. No pressure. Just expert advice, right at your doorstep.
Plus, our skilled technicians handle the installation. That means zero stress for you—and results that look and function exactly how they should.
Real Results. Real Savings.
Still wondering if cellular shades and curtains are worth it? Let’s put some numbers behind it.
- Up to 25% of your heating bill can be saved with energy-efficient window coverings.
- Cellular shades can improve a room’s R-value (insulation rating) by up to 4.3.
- Well-fitted window treatments can reduce drafts by up to 86%.
- Layered window coverings like curtains and shades can reduce indoor heat gain by up to 60%.
- More than 50% of homeowners say light control and energy efficiency are top priorities for window treatments.
Why Choose Made in the Shade West Durham and Chapel Hill?
We’re not just selling shades. We’re providing solutions.
Solutions that make your home more efficient. More stylish. More you.
With decades of experience, trained installers, and access to premium products, we make it simple to get results you’ll love every day.
Ready to Start?
Let’s make your windows work smarter. Whether you’re updating a single room or designing a whole-home refresh, we’ll guide you through it.
Schedule your free in-home consultation today. There’s zero obligation—but plenty of inspiration.
Located outside of the central North Carolina area? Visit our home page, to find a dealer near you.
