With Honeycomb blinds, the different types are distinguished based on the cell size of the blinds. The cell size affects the R-value of the blinds. R-value is a measure of thermal resistance used in the building and construction industry. It can be used to rate thermal efficiency of various building products, including window coverings, and is widely used to assist consumers to make an informed choice when heat transference and energy efficiency is of concern.

A cellular structure creates a pocket of air, which naturally reduces heat transference (similar principle to double glazing), so honeycomb blinds are excellent insulators. The size of the cell and the material itself also contribute to the level of insulation. Adding cellular blinds to your windows can block as much as 62% of the heat transfer through a window pane. The higher the R-value, the more energy efficient the blind.

The different cell sizes available today in the market are as follows:

9.5mm Cell: This is the smallest of the cell sizes. The headrail on this blind only measures 25mm and so it is great to fit into windows with little or no reveal depth. On Inside mount you will require a depth of 38mm to accommodate the bracket and blind. This cell size is available in both Blockout and Opaque. It is not available in cordless.

The R-value for the 9.5mm cell size is 2.5 – 3 for Opaque and 3.5 – 4 for Blockout.

12.7mm Double Cell: This fabric has a double cell structure that increases the thermal efficiency of the fabric. The headrail on these blinds measures 45mm. The minimum sill depth for inside mount is 52mm. This cell size is only available in Opaque.

The R-value for the 12.5mm cell size is 2.6 – 4.3 for Opaque.

19mm Cell: This is the largest of the cell sizes.

The headrail on these blinds measures 45mm. The minimum sill depth for inside mount is 52mm. This cell size is available in both Blockout and Opaque.

The R-value for the 19mm cell size is 2.5 – 3.5 for Opaque and 4– 4.3 for Blockout.

Honeycomb blinds are available in two distinct types of fabric, and both are available in semi-opaque and blockout options to allow you to design the light flow specific to the location. All fabrics are durable and water repellent, and will deliver insulation, privacy and sound absorption benefits to the window.

UltraCel™ – Embossed fabric texture for heightened refinement. The premium fabric gives the blinds crisper pleats and remarkable strength. UltraCel™ offers the widest colour selection to provide limitless décor schemes. Look no further than UltraCel™ for unmatched beauty and quality.

SoftCel™ – Technically advanced fabric that insures softness and dimensional stability. Durable and light, it also assures reliability and ease of operation. SoftCel™ provides versatility and a contemporary feel, perfect for any room. These qualities make SoftCel™ the ideal choice when seeking functionality and value.

Types of materials – based on amount of light and vision allowed:

Semi Opaque

Semi Opaque is a light-filtering blinds. The fabric is available in a large range of pastel, neutral & darker colours. The material is a high quality polyester fabric that is spun by water jets rather than woven. This adds to the strength and durability of the fabric. This is the same type of fabric that is used in wet wipes. It can be washed if required.

Semi Opaque is available in 9.5mm & 19mm Single Cell or 12.5mm Double Cell sizes. The colours & cell sizes available vary between the ranges and application types. Refer to the easy reference guides for specific options.

Semi Opaque is great to filter the light. The photo above shows that the entire glare is taken off the TV, but the room is not dark. At the same time they form an extremely efficient barrier to cold or warm air entering the room. At night with the light on you cannot see into the room from outside.

Blockout

Blockout is a light-blocking blind. This blind has a blockout coating to ensure that they really do darken a room. With only 3-5mm gap at the side they are one of the best room darkening blinds you can purchase. Blockout fabrics have a higher thermal efficiency than the Semi Opaque fabrics.

Blockout is available in 9.5mm and 19mm cell sizes, but may not be available in some applications. Refer to the easy reference guides for specific options.

Blockout, shown below, is a tight fit into the window with a minimal gap at each side.

There are multiple options available when it comes to operating a Honeycomb Blind. One of the unique features of honeycomb blinds is that you can have them bottom up or top down opening. Following are some of the common options:

Cordless: Simply pull the blinds up and down. No loose cords, very child safe.

Cord System: Operate the cord to open or close the blinds.

Motorised: Control the operation of the blinds with a touch of a remote control.

Side Channels: The side channels assist the operation of the blind. Ideal for complete privacy as there is no gap on the sides. No cords.

Since the early 1990s at least 15 young Australian children have tragically died as a result of unfortunate strangulation incidents involving blinds cords and chains.

Australian Child Safety law requires all blinds retailers to supply child safety devices with all kinds of blinds which have loose cords and chains hanging. It is ones own responsibility to make sure that the child safety cleat is installed and any loose cords/chains are wrapped. Warning Stickers supplied with the blinds should never be removed.