Cellular Blind – Privacy, Aesthetics, Better Indoor Climate and Acoustics

This product has several names – honeycomb fabric pleated blinds aka double fabric aka two-layer aka honeycomb pleated blinds. We see at RULO in our daily work that window covering customers face the challenge of distinguishing between roller blinds and pleated blinds, not to mention the differences between single-layer and honeycomb fabric pleated blinds. The purpose of the following blog is to provide a clear overview of the properties of honeycomb fabric pleated blinds and their differences compared to classical pleated blinds.

What is a honeycomb fabric pleated blind?

While a pleated blind consists of a single pleated (i.e., regularly folded) fabric layer, a honeycomb fabric pleated blind consists of two pleated fabric layers connected to each other, which, as the product name suggests, form a honeycomb-like structure.

Developed in the Netherlands in the late eighties, the solution's objectives were clearly practical – to improve thermal insulation, reduce heat loss in winter, and keep living and working spaces cool in summer. This is where the honeycomb structure of the double-layer pleated blind comes into play, as the air pockets between the fabric layers conduct heat poorly and prevent air movement (convection). In addition to thermal insulation, the honeycomb structure and the air between the layers also work as a sound insulator and improve room acoustics. 

As an aesthetic bonus, the strings (and holes in each pleat) needed to open and close the pleated blind remain hidden between the two fabric layers.

What does the claim that honeycomb fabric pleated blinds reduce heat loss by approximately 40% mean?

It's reasonable to start by clarifying what this definitely does not mean – honeycomb fabric pleated blinds do not reduce your home or office heating costs by 40%. There is certainly a clear effect on heating costs, but depending on the rooms and window sizes, the heating cost savings compared to uncovered windows stays within 10%. So when it comes to the 40%, the discussion concerns window heat loss.

Heat loss (Q/ unit W) is calculated using the formula (Q=U⋅A⋅ΔT) where thermal conductivity (U / unit W/m²K), window area (A / unit m²), and the difference between indoor and outdoor air temperature (ΔT / unit K) are multiplied together. In Estonia, where the difference between indoor and outdoor air temperatures can vary by up to 40-50 degrees in winter, windows and their thermal conductivity play a significant role in heating costs.

If a honeycomb fabric pleated blind is installed on a window, thermal insulation improves and consequently thermal conductivity (U) decreases, which according to both the formula and common sense directly reduces heat loss. In other words, the advertised 40% heat loss reduction essentially means a comparison between the thermal conductivity of a "bare window" and a window covered with a honeycomb fabric pleated blind. The more windows and the larger they are, the greater the benefit.

How much does a honeycomb fabric pleated blind improve room acoustics?

Although a honeycomb fabric pleated blind is not a soundproof solution, its multi-layered structure helps soften room acoustics. The result is not radical, but it is noticeable in everyday use. The effect of double-fabric pleated blinds on acoustics is two-fold:

1) Honeycomb fabric pleated blind reduces room echo

Bare glass is a hard and reflective surface from which sound in the room bounces back (which causes echo). A honeycomb blind (or any blind) adds a soft surface in front of the glass and an air gap that partially absorbs sound. 

2) Honeycomb fabric pleated blind reduces external noise

The blind adds another "layer" in front of the window and creates an air gap, which can reduce the window's transmission at some frequencies. However, the window itself is often the weak link (glass + frame + gaps). For this reason, a honeycomb blind typically provides small to moderate improvement against external noise. Better glass packages improve results noticeably. In addition to all the "ordinary" pleated blind benefits

Like any pleated blinds, honeycomb fabric pleated blinds also provide privacy and allow you to cover different parts of the window both from the top and from the bottom. For example, on the first floor you can enjoy privacy and natural daylight at the same time. The pleated blind moves with the window frame, which means that even in the open window position, the blind provides protection from direct sunlight and prying eyes.

Rulo offers both semi-blackout and blackout honeycomb fabric pleated blinds

A honeycomb fabric pleated blind is one of the best window covering solutions both in terms of functionality and aesthetics in Rulo's product selection. Put together your order conveniently from the online store:

• Semi-blackout honeycomb fabric pleated blinds

• Blackout honeycomb fabric pleated blinds

In March "Faster pleated blinds for 100 -25%. Order semi- or fully blackout pleated blinds to your window size conveniently from the online store. Delivery time 7–10 business days."