Which Window Shade Options are Best For your Home?

Window coverings have become so much more than just a way to block natural light. They function as a fashion statement, a way to create energy efficiency, a way to protect your home furnishings and décor from sun damage and to instantly change the mood of your home.

Shades are now one of the most popular choices because they are so customizable. Whether you would like a crisp, modern look or a softer appearance, our Ruffell & Brown stylists have the perfect product for you. Among our best sellers are the Duette Cellular Honeycomb Shades and Silhouette Shades. Both products are from Hunter Douglas, a world-renowned and trusted window fashion designer and manufacturer.

Because each line of shades brings its own unique qualities to the window, we’ve created this post, detailing the differences and similarities between the Duette Honeycomb and Silhouette shadings. Once you’ve chosen the ideal solution for your space, our designers will help you choose your ideal fabrics, patterns, vane sizing and opacity options.

What are Cellular Honeycomb Shades?

Cellular honeycomb shades get their name from the honeycomb-shaped pleats. These shades are ideal for trapping heat and providing excellent window insulation and improved energy efficiency. They keep your home at a comfortable temperature while providing a variety of opacity options. Thanks to superior insulating qualities, cellular shades can also dampen sounds from outside your home. Choose from sheer, light filtering, room darkening and blackout options for any space in your home.

What are Silhouette Shadings?

Silhouette shadings are designed with soft fabric vanes suspended between two sheers. A hybrid between blinds and shades, these beautiful shadings diffuse light while providing customized privacy and UV/heat protection. The newest product, Silhouette ClearView Shadings maintains your privacy while you enjoy the views – thanks to a combination of premium sheers that provide industry-leading view-through. Silhouette shadings offer the softer look of sheer curtains, with the crisp look and versatility of blinds.

What are the Features and Benefits of Cellular Honeycomb Shades?

Highly energy efficient
Customized to fit all types of windows and doors, even skylights
High-performance, fade-resistant fabrics
A double (Duette Architella) honeycomb design is available for maximum energy efficiency
Also available in vertical format for doors
Absorbs up to 70% of sounds for a more peaceful space

hunter douglas silhouette shades

What are the Features and Benefits of Silhouette Shadings?

Highly energy efficient
Customized to fit windows and doors of any shape and size, even skylights
High performance, fade-resistant fabrics
Can block up to 99% UV rays when closed and 88% when open
Also available in a vertical format for banks of windows or glass doors
Vanes can be rotated up to 180˚

Which Design and Style Options are Available?

The possibilities are endless with custom window treatments from Ruffell & Brown. Duette Honeycomb Shades and Silhouette Shadings are available in an extensive variety of colours, woven and non-woven fabrics and patterns. Curated to coordinate with your home design, Hunter Douglas also features eight exclusive prints Design Studio™ side panels and draperies from New York designer Rebecca Atwood.

Duette Honeycomb Shadings are available in 3 vane sizes: 3/8″, 3/4″ or 1 1/4″.
Silhouette Shadings are available in 3 vane sizes: 2”, 3.5” and 4”.

Each type of shading also features a wide variety of opacities. We offer everything from feather light fabrics for natural light, to blackout fabrics for complete privacy and darkness. Whether you’re creating a media room or just want to add a touch of luxury to your master suite, you’ll love getting to choose from a wide array of fabrics and textures.

Which Open / Close Options are Available for Cellular Honeycomb Shades?

Motorized window coverings are one of the most popular choices today because they are so simple. Just choose a schedule or open/close the shades on demand using the Pebble remote, app, or Surface Scene controller.

*We highly encourage the use of cordless or secure continuous cord loops for any home, particularly those with small children and pets. All of our products meet and exceed these industry safety standards, so you can rest assured that any open / close method you choose is the smart choice.

Top-Down / Bottom-Up – Dual operation makes it easy to filter or block sunlight from any angle
UltraGlide system – Uses a retractable cord or ergonomic wand. A constant cord length is maintained, providing exceptional child safety and ease of use. (standard)
LiteRise cordless system – Can be raised or lowered with a light touch
VertiGlide system for vertical shades – Can be opened with a gentle push and closed with a gentle pull
DuoLight – Two adjustable fabric panels for maximum control over light and privacy
LightLock system – blends into the window frame with a side channel system
TrackGlide – For tilt to open (vertical or horizontal) European style windows and French doors
SkyLift system – Ideal for tricky areas like skylights
Simplicity – Manual operation for skylights that can be stacked in any direction
EasyRise – Cordless and ideal for larger, heavier shades
PowerView – Use the Pebble remote, proprietary app or the Surface Scene controller

Which Open / Close Options are Available for Silhouette Shadings?

Standard easy rise system with continuous cord loop
UltraGlide – Use a single retractable cord to open and close
Literise – Can be raised or lowered with a light touch
DuoLite – Combines Silhouette shadings with a room darkening roller shade
Soft Touch Motorization – Pull on the sleek wand to open, push on the wand to close
PowerView – Use the Pebble remote, proprietary app or the Surface Scene controller
A Deux – Combines Silhouette Shading and a darkening roller shade

Learn more about the motorized operating systems for these and other products.

At Ruffell & Brown, we know that window treatments are a highly personal choice and we want you to come away with a product that makes you smile. We encourage you to come in and view our extensive selection of gorgeous window fashions and speak with our expert designers. Just stop by our showroom in downtown Victoria, BC at 1-2745 Bridge St. We’re open Monday to Friday from 9:00-5:00 and by appointment on Saturdays. You can also book a free estimate at your convenience by giving us a call or sending a quick email. Our design team will be happy to get back to you as soon as possible, to answer any questions and get you started in the design process.

Honeycomb Shades vs. Silhouette Shadings