Zebra Blinds vs Cellular Shades

Zebra blinds and cellular shades are two of the most popular window treatments on the market. While they serve some of the same functions, they are also very different products.

Zebra blinds, also known as banded shades, alternate sheer and solid fabric, allowing a single shade to transition from open to close. It’s a perfect shade for those who want a view but also light control and privacy.

Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, traps air in pockets, which provides an additional layer of insulation. This makes cellular shades the most energy efficient window treatment.

In the open position, zebra banded shades provide a view outside. It’s one of the best features of the zebra blind. Most cellular shades come in room darkening or light filtering fabrics and are not transparent, but there are some sheer cellular fabrics that provide a view outside. Hunter Douglas cellular honeycomb shades also have a Duolite feature that combines a sheer and blackout or light filtering cellular in one shade. Alta makes a similar cellular shade called the Trilight.

Zebra blinds are an affordable window treatment alternating sheer and solid fabric, allowing a single shade to transition from the open position to the close position. A zebra shade, often referred to as a transition shade, offers privacy, light control, and insulation.

Cellular shades are great at keeping out the South Florida heat — the room darkening honeycombs keep the sun out of your bedroom. Add side channels for nearly total blackout.

No shade is more energy efficient than a honeycomb.