Pleated & Cellular Blinds

Both have a compact folded appearance, but they are built differently. Pleated blinds use a single folded layer of fabric; cellular, or honeycomb, blinds form enclosed cells that trap pockets of air.

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Why choose cellular?

The cell structure can improve thermal comfort at the window. Actual results depend on the fabric, cell construction, glazing, fit, gaps, orientation and installation, so we do not quote energy-saving percentages.

Where they work best

Bedrooms, living spaces, conservatories, compatible glazed doors, specialist roof glazing, Perfect Fit frames and anyone prioritising thermal comfort.

A note on blackout

Strong room-darkening cellular options can be available, but total darkness depends on the whole system, including light around the edges. Where edge light matters, compare side-channel or cassette systems.

Operating options

Some systems may offer top-down and bottom-up operation. We confirm which options are available for your window.

How they are made

A pleated blind is a single layer of fabric set into crisp, permanent folds. A cellular blind joins two layers into a row of honeycomb cells, which trap pockets of air. Both fold into a very slim stack when raised.

Many systems run on fine tensioned cords or within a frame, so the blind can stay in place on sloping glazing, doors and awkward shapes where a free-hanging blind would not.

Made to measure and fitting

Pleated and cellular blinds can be fitted inside the recess, face-fixed, tensioned between top and bottom rails, or supplied as Perfect Fit and other frame-fitted systems on compatible windows. We confirm the right system, and any top-down, bottom-up option, at a free home survey.

Motorisation: Available on selected ranges
No-drill fitting: Possible on compatible windows — confirmed at survey

Honest suitability

Is it right for your window?

Every recommendation comes with a reason. Where something else would serve you better, we say so — and suggest what to consider instead.

Where this works well

Glazed doors and opening windows Recommended
Tensioned and frame-fitted versions stay close to the glass and move with the sash or door on compatible systems.
Rooms that feel cold at the window
Cellular blinds trap air in their cells, which can improve comfort at the glass.
Worth knowing: Results depend on the fabric, glazing and fit, so we do not quote figures.
Bedrooms
Room-darkening cellular fabrics and a slim stack that barely shows when raised.
Worth knowing: Light still reaches the room at the edges on a standard fit. Compare side-channel or frame systems if darkness matters.
Conservatories and roof glazing Specialist survey
Tensioned and specialist systems can shade sloping and awkward glazing.
Worth knowing: Roof and sloping glazing needs a specialist survey of the frame and access.

Where we’d suggest something else

Rooms that must be completely dark
Why: A standard pleated or cellular blind still lets light in around the edges.
Consider instead: Blackout blinds
A soft, tailored fabric look
Why: Crisp folds and a slim profile give a minimal, technical look.
Consider instead: Roman blinds

Fabrics and finishes

Pleated fabrics range from sheer and light-filtering to dim-out, in plains, textures and colours from soft neutrals to stronger shades. Cellular fabrics are woven into honeycomb cells and include light-filtering and stronger room-darkening options, depending on the range.

Because the fabric sits so close to the glass, we bring samples to your survey so you can judge colour and light with the sun on them.

Controls

Many pleated and cellular blinds are moved by hand, using a small handle on the bottom rail, with the blind held on tensioned cords. Some systems offer top-down, bottom-up operation. Corded versions are fitted with the required safety devices.

Motorisation is available on selected pleated and cellular systems, with rechargeable options. We confirm what is available for your window at the survey.

Child safety

Internal blinds supplied in the UK must meet child-safety requirements, and every blind we fit is supplied with the safety devices those requirements call for, fitted at the correct height.

Hand-operated, tensioned pleated and cellular blinds have no loose cords or chains, which makes them a good choice in children's rooms. Where a corded version is used, the safety devices are fitted at the correct height, and selected motorised systems remove operating cords altogether.

Whatever the control, keep cots, beds and climbable furniture away from the window. See our guide to choosing safe blinds for family homes.

Compared with the alternatives

Perfect Fit blinds

Pleated and cellular blinds in a frame that clips to compatible glazing beads, with no drilling and the blind moving with the window.

Blackout blinds

Side-channel and cassette systems for rooms where light around the edges matters more than a slim stack.

Roller blinds

A single rolled fabric with a wider choice of moisture-suitable and screen fabrics, but no insulating cells.

Related options

Related advice

Questions we get asked

What is the difference between pleated and cellular?

Pleated blinds are a single folded layer. Cellular blinds form enclosed cells of air, which is what gives them their thermal benefit.

Will a cellular blind lower my heating bills?

It can improve comfort at the window, but the result depends on many factors, so we do not promise a figure.

Do they suit conservatories and roof windows?

Often, yes, on the right system. Roof and conservatory glazing needs a specialist survey.

Can pleated and cellular blinds be motorised?

Yes, on selected systems, with rechargeable options. We confirm what suits your window at the survey.

Free, no obligation

Book your Free Home Survey

We’ll measure properly, bring samples to see in your own light, talk you through what suits each window, and give you a no-obligation quotation.

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