Cheap Cellular Shades - Not a good idea?

Cellular window shades are the best way to not only dress up your windows, but keep the energy bills down as well. During the summer's sweltering heat as well as the winter's blistery cold, the light will filter through at just the right amount without letting the outside temperature eke through and gin up the air unit. Your room stays comfy as well as stylish and you will notice the difference in your utility bill the next month.

Cellular shades are a great idea. You can even find cordless cellular shades or vertical ones. And, yes, everyone loves a bargain so who wouldn't want to find a deal on them over the web? Just beware of the too cheap cellular shades you see advertised!

Why? Web bargains are not always what they seem. Purchasing sight unseen can lead to getting inferior shades that rip and tear too easily. Many people found they even arrived torn. If not, they tore during the installation or within days afterwards due to shoddy construction.

Blog after blog reviews tell stories from dissatisfied customers of how easily their beautiful cellular shades turned into damaged disasters. Fabulous colors, looked smart, fairly easy to install. But then . . .

To avoid the same results, here are some tips.

Online it is hard to verify the quality, even from name brand sources like J.C. Penney's or Overstock. Read the fine print carefully. Just because they are "linen" colored does not mean they are fabric. Many cheap cellular shades are made from flimsy paper, even the room darkening and cordless cellular shades. Even if they are made of polyester or a blend, they can be fragile. Read the blogs to see if there are very many satisfied customers. If possible, have a look-see in the store. Then once you have verified the quality, shop for that brand online for a better deal.

Common complaints besides tearing were sagging on one side and broken interior cords after less than a year of gentle use. Most people were initially satisfied with the look of the blinds, the amount of light reduction they provide and energy saving aspects - just not the longevity of the shades. (Or rather the lack of it.) As time went on, they noticed stretching, uneven pleats and light peeking through. Sort of defeated the whole purpose. A majority said they couldn't find the warranty clause or the cheap cellular shades only a 30 day warranty. Gotcha time.

You have to wonder - is that old adage true? Do you really get what you pay for? Why spend $29.99 - $49.99 every year on a product that doesn't work long instead of biting the bullet and paying $100.00 - $150.00 for a custom fit cellular shade that you can examine and return if you do not like them? Ask how often you will raise and lower the blinds. How much room darkening do you want? Do they have air pockets in the honeycombing design to add extra insulation factor? Do they have at least a one year warranty? Timberline offers a lifetime warranty. Hunter Douglas invented them, so you know they are of quality.

Bottom line is this. If you want cheap cellular shades, buy them. They look great, come in a variety of styles and colors and keep the sun out. That is, for a while. Just don't expect them to last very long.

For Great Deals on Cellular window shades visit Budget Blinds!