An Overview of Graber Cellular Shades

Window coverings can be easy to ignore in the summer. Sure, we might need to block out the sun sometimes, but more often we’re throwing open our windows and embracing the joy of natural light. We know all too well how early the sun will be setting in the winter months! And now that the days are getting shorter, we’re drawing our shades earlier to gain some privacy.

You might start to notice the window coverings that don’t work as well in your home, the ones that let in more light than you’d like or don’t provide the privacy you need. You might even notice the spots that lack a window treatment at all: that random window in a closet or the patio door that stumped you.

We’re happy to partner with Graber Blinds to provide our clients many options for their window treatment needs. One of the most popular options Graber provides is cellular shades. Cellular shades cover a range of design styles. They are also inconspicuous enough to fade into the background of a room or be layered with other window treatments like curtains.

Here is a basic overview on all things cellular shade:

Energy Efficient

Cellular shades are the most energy efficient standard window coverings on the market. The cells trap air which essentially works as another layer of insulation for your home—particularly useful on large windows (and our Midwestern winters!). Less heat loss equals lower energy bills and cozier rooms.

Light and Privacy

There are several options for light and privacy levels with cellular shades.

Allows the most sunlight to filter through. Perfect for rooms without privacy concerns.
Semi-sheer. Semi-sheer shades still let in a lot of light and offer a little more privacy.
Light-filtering. These let a little light through and also provide more privacy. Light-filtering shades are great for main rooms that face the street or bedrooms that face secluded areas.
As the name suggests, these shades block all light and provide total privacy when closed. Best for bathrooms and bedrooms that get morning sun and/or face public areas.

Controls

As with light and privacy, there are several control options for cellular shades.

Cord lift and continuous-loop lift. These options use cords to control the shade. Cords can be beneficial for very large or tall shades.
Cordless lift. The most popular option (no cords!). Cordless operates by lifting up and down on the bottom rail. It offers a clean look and is a particularly safe option for homes with kids and/or pets.
Works via a remote or app. Great for those who are looking for more smart home solutions and for out-of-reach windows.

Configurations

Cellular shades are also endlessly adaptable for each room’s lighting needs.

Standard is what comes to mind when you think of a shade: it mounts to the top of the window and opens from the bottom.
Top down. The shade opens from the top instead of the bottom.
Bottom-up/Top-down. This popular configuration allows you to open the shade from both the top and the bottom to let in light as needed.
Sun up/Sun down. This shade style pairs a sheer fabric at the top portion of the window with a more opaque fabric for the rest. Great for letting in light but also allowing privacy.
Perfect Vue. This option is similar to Sun up/Sun down, but can be created with different fabrics, not just the cellular shade ones.
Slide Vue. This option turns the cellular pleats so they operate vertically, which works well for sliding doors or wide windows.

Cohesive Design

Cellular shades are adaptable for unique window shapes and configurations. Arched windows can be easily accommodated, as can wide windows—up to 192 inches! And with the Slide Vue configuration described above, Graber’s cellular shades can even be used on sliding and patio doors. When all of your windows can be outfitted with the same window treatment, the design of your home’s interiors feels more cohesive and pulled-together.