When it comes to choosing the right blinds for your windows, it’s important that you find the best type to suit your needs, budget, the room and your style.
Pleated and cellular blinds might be made from the same types of materials and look, function and operate in a similar way, but there are some key contrasts between the two that you should weigh up before making your decision. Here we talk through and explain the differences between pleated and cellular blinds in Essex as well as the many benefits of both so that you can make a smart, informed choice.
The similarities
- Both come in a range of colour and fabric options
- Can be made with light control, light filtering or blackout
- Varying pleat sizes available
- Come in various cord options – corded, cordless, motorized and top-down/bottom-up
- Offer good light filtration and privacy
The differences
Pleated blinds
- One single layer of fabric or material
- Accordion style pleats that fold in on themselves
- String can be seen
- Budget friendly
- Provides insulation but less heat and cold protection than cellular
- Give a crisp, contemporary look
- Cord pinholes do let in some light
- Have a very small stack when raised so they are neat and out of sight
Cellular blinds
- Two layers of fabric that create a honeycomb shell
- Can be made in single, double or triple honeycomb construction
- String is hidden
- Cost more money per blind
- Maximum energy efficiency and insulation due to cell structure
- Improves room acoustics
- Better retention due to pleat durability
- Can be trickier to clean due to the layers and shape of pleats and cells
- Saves money on energy bills
- Warmer rooms due to heat retention
Where are your blinds going?
Pleated blinds are a classic and simple design option that ensures soft, filtered light and a wide range of colours, styles and fabrics to choose from. They are well suited to areas such as;
- Living rooms, dining rooms and family areas that don’t require darkness during the day
- Rooms that don’t get direct sunlight
- Bathrooms, cloakrooms and ensuites where you need privacy but want the natural light
- Bedrooms which don’t receive direct sunlight
Cellular blinds are more flexible than pleated shades and can be customised with things such as blackout liners and differing levels of light filtration which make them perfect for;
- Older homes or those with drafty windows
- Offices and commercial properties which may need darker rooms at times in order to be able to see screens or presentations on projectors etc
- Rooms that don’t heat or cool evenly
- Spaces that get strong afternoon sun
- Bedrooms that need the sun to be blacked out, especially in the summer months when it is light very early and until very late
- TV rooms that otherwise would get glare from the sun
What is the right choice for you?
For something soft, simple and effective, pleated blinds are an affordable window covering that can deliver on style and budget. They are also great for those in darker areas who are maybe overshadowed by trees or other buildings as they help to bring in as much natural light as possible.
However, if the property is older or you are concerned about energy efficiency and light filtration, then for an extra initial spend, cellular blinds can help to reduce heating costs and save money in the long term.
Take the time to weight up the many benefits of each and see which is going to be the best solution for your needs.