Roman Shades vs Cellular Shades: Which Is Better?

TLDR;

Cellular shades are better for energy efficiency, insulation, and sound control. Roman shades win when it comes to style, elegance, and decorative variety. The right choice depends on your priorities—function or fashion.

Window Covering Showdown: Roman Shades vs Cellular Shades

Choosing between Roman shades and cellular shades boils down to what you value more—insulation or aesthetics. At Love Is Blinds NC, we help homeowners and designers make confident choices, and this guide gives you the full picture.

Both are popular window treatments, but they solve different problems. One is sleek and energy-saving, the other soft and sophisticated. If you’re exploring what’s trending in home design this year, these two options are front and center in 2025 Window Treatment Trends.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown to help you pick the perfect match for your space.

What Are Roman Shades?

Roman shades, also called Roman blinds, are fabric window treatments that fold up neatly when raised. They create a soft, tailored look and can instantly elevate the feel of any room.

How They Work:

• Fabric folds into pleats when raised
  
• Operated by cord, chain, or motor
  
• Available in different styles and linings
  
  

Popular Design Styles:

• Flat Roman Shades – sleek and clean
  
• Hobbled Roman Shades – cascading folds
  
• Relaxed Roman Shades – casual, curved bottom
  
• Balloon Shades – voluminous, decorative
  
  

Best For:

• Living rooms and dining rooms
  
• Traditional or classic interiors
  
• Spaces where style and softness matter most
  
  

Pros:

• Wide range of fabric and color options
  
• Great for decor layering with curtains
  
• Offers light control and privacy with lining choices
  
• More budget-friendly than cellular shades
  
  

Cons:

• Less energy-efficient
  
• Can be harder to clean
  
• Fabric may fade over time in direct sunlight
  
• May wear out quicker in high-traffic use
  

What Are Cellular Shades?

Cellular shades—also known as honeycomb shades—are known for their unique air-trapping structure. They're built for performance and offer powerful insulation.

How They Work:

• Made from pleated fabric that forms honeycomb cells
  
• These cells trap air, creating a barrier between the window and room
  
• Operated via cord, cordless, or motorized mechanisms
  
  

Variations:

• Single-cell vs double-cell structures
  
• Top-down/bottom-up options
  
• Light-filtering or blackout
  
  

Best For:

• Bedrooms and offices
  
• Energy-conscious homes
  
• Modern or minimalist decor
  
  

Pros:

• Superior insulation and energy efficiency
  
• Helps reduce noise from outside
  
• UV protection for interiors
  
• Low maintenance, easy to clean
  
• Motorization and smart home compatible
  
  

Cons:

• More expensive upfront
  
• Less decorative than Roman shades
  
• Can appear bulky when fully raised
  

Roman vs Cellular Shades Comparison Chart

Which Shades Are Better for Insulation?

If you live in a region with hot summers or cold winters, cellular shades are the better option.

Why?

• The honeycomb structure traps air, improving insulation
  
• Reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer
  
• Can improve window insulation R-values by up to 3-5
  
  

Bonus:

• Double-cell designs offer the highest insulation
  
• Blackout cellular shades add even more energy control
  
  

Roman Shades?

They provide minimal insulation unless paired with:

• Heavy blackout linings
  
• Thermal curtain panels

Still, they won’t match cellular performance.

Stylish Window Coverings: Which One Looks Better?

When it comes to style and texture, Roman shades win.

Roman Shade Aesthetic:

• Luxurious and elegant
  
• Easily matches classic or transitional decor
  
• Works well with drapery for a layered look
  
  

Cellular Shade Aesthetic:

• Clean and crisp
  
• Ideal for modern and minimal interiors
  
• Offers a neat stack and stays discreet
  
  

Choose based on your design goals. For softness and charm, go Roman. For sleek and simple, go cellular.

Are Roman Shades More Affordable Than Cellular?

In most cases—yes.

Cost Breakdown:

• Roman shades start at a lower price point
  
• Custom cellular shades (especially motorized or double-cell) cost more
  
  

Think Long-Term:

• Cellular shades may pay off via energy savings
  
• Roman shades might require more frequent replacements
  
  

Choose Roman for short-term savings and style. Go with cellular for energy savings and durability.

Smart Home Integration: Which Shade Works Best?

In today's homes, smart automation is key. Cellular shades have the edge here.

Cellular Shade Smart Features:

• Available in motorized, app-controlled, or voice-activated systems
  
• Integrates with Alexa, Google Home, and smart hubs
  
• Perfect for hard-to-reach windows
  
  

Roman Shade Limitations:

• Motorization is possible, but not as widely supported
  
• Fewer options for smart compatibility
  
  

If you're building a smart home, cellular shades are the smarter fit.

What Works Best Where?

Different rooms need different functions.

Bedroom:

• Cellular blackout shades provide privacy and sound insulation
  
• Keeps room cooler and darker
  
  

Living Room:

• Roman shades add warmth and texture
  
• Ideal for showcasing your personal style
  
  

Office:

• Cellular shades keep the room quiet and well-lit
  
• Ideal for video calls and productivity
  
  

Coastal or Humid Areas:

• Cellular shades with moisture-resistant materials work best
  
• Roman shades may suffer from fabric mildew if untreated
  

How to Clean Roman and Cellular Shades

Roman Shades:

• Vacuum with a brush attachment
  
• Spot clean with mild soap
  
• Professional cleaning may be needed for delicate fabrics
  
  

Cellular Shades:

• Dust or vacuum regularly
  
• For deep cleaning, use compressed air or light damp cloth
  
• Avoid heavy moisture inside the cells
  
  

Tip:

• Cellular shades are easier to keep dust-free
  
• Ideal for allergy-sensitive households
  

Long-Term Value: Which Gives Better Return?

Consider how long your shades will last and how much you’ll spend maintaining them.

Cellular Shades:

• Higher upfront cost
  
• Lasts 10+ years with minimal upkeep
  
• Saves on energy bills over time
  
  

Roman Shades:

• More frequent cleaning and repairs
  
• May fade or wrinkle if not lined or maintained
  
  

If you’re investing for the future, cellular shades deliver more value over time.

Which Shades Are Better for Different Needs?

Here's a quick rundown:

• For energy savings: Choose cellular
  
• For decorative looks: Choose Roman
  
• For smart homes: Cellular is the better fit
  
• For traditional charm: Roman wins
  
• For child-safe, cordless design: Both are available—just check safety ratings
  

Which Should You Choose?

The choice depends on your goals, lifestyle, and space needs.

Choose Cellular Shades if:

• You want to save on heating and cooling bills
  
• You need quiet, private spaces
  
• You love smart home tech
  
  

Choose Roman Shades if:

• You want to enhance your interior design
  
• You value elegance over insulation
  
• You're working with a tighter budget
  
  

Still unsure? Love Is Blinds NC can help you choose the perfect shades based on your home, taste, and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions