Cellular Shades
Our project featured in Hunter Douglas brochures
The cellular honeycomb category of window coverings was invented by Hunter Douglas in 1985. The first product was called Duette®. Some years later competitors developed their own versions of cellular shades. Our understanding is that a licensing agreement is in place that allows others to market their cellular products, that were invented by Hunter Douglas.
Duettes have been recommended by Shades Of The Future® since their introduction in 1985. Several years ago Graber’s Crystal Pleat was also marketed by us. Crystal Pleat has a good price point and a soft hand, that some customers prefer, but when exposed to the home environment, the soft, relatively porous material soiled quickly. This fact and quality problems with the fabric resulted in Crystal Pleat being dropped from our line. Crystal Pleat cannot be ultrasonically cleaned.
In recent years Hunter Douglas filled the need for a softer hand by coming out with Duette Batiste and Panche. While softer, they aren’t as porous as Crystal Pleat.
Hunter Douglas also offers a lower price point line called Applause. The warranty is the same. The updated hardware on Duette has rounded corners and a trim appearance.
Applause offers a scaled down line in comparison to the massive fabric and hardware options available in Duette.
Generally, the stiffer the fabric the more resistant it will be to pilling when being cleaned and the more durable it will be. Take these factors into consideration when selecting your cellular shades.
The Hunter Douglas cellular line may be ultrasonically cleaned or immersed in a tub, except for the black out fabrics, which may only be vacuumed. Seldom is more than vacuuming necessary. The polyester fabric naturally repels dust.
Duette and Applause cellular make a very high performance skylight shade and are our recommendation for skylight shade material.
Duette Key Benefits:
- Huge selection of fabrics – completely resampled with beautiful fabrics and hardware!
- Automated systems, battery and hard wired
Applause Cellular Key Benefits:
- Now available with PowerRise battery lift system.
- Lower price point than Duette
- Hunter Douglas brand name