Keep Warm This Winter in Belfast

A Clear Guide to Thermal Ratings for Cellular Blinds

THERMAL COMFORT

What makes cellular blinds so warm?

Cellular blinds (often called honeycomb blinds) are designed with a clever internal structure. Each blind is made from a series of air pockets that trap warm air and form a natural insulation barrier across your windows.

This design helps reduce:

Heat loss in winter — helping rooms stay warm even after heating turns off.
Cold draughts from window frames — the honeycomb structure adds a thermal buffer.
Condensation build-up — stabilising temperature reduces glass cold spots.
Energy consumption & heating bills — better insulation reduces heat loss instantly.

The result is a noticeably warmer, cosier room — without blocking out all natural light.

Understanding thermal ratings

Cellular blinds are often linked with two key performance indicators. Tap between them to see how each affects the comfort and efficiency of your home.

1. U-Value reduction

A window’s U-value measures how much heat is lost through the glass. Lower numbers mean better insulation.

Typical double-glazed window: U-value ≈ 2.8

With quality cellular blinds: Heat loss reduced by up to 40–50%*

*Performance depends on fabric choice and configuration supplied through Apex Elite NI’s partners.

By adding a cellular blind in front of the glass, you create an extra layer of still air. This “thermal cushion” slows the rate at which heat escapes, helping the room feel warmer for longer once the heating is switched off.

In simple terms: Higher R-value + Lower U-value = A warmer, more energy-efficient home.

Why this matters for Belfast homes

Northern Ireland’s mix of older housing stock, damp weather and long winter evenings makes thermal control especially important.

Instant insulation at the window

Cellular blinds add an immediate insulating layer without changing your glazing. They are a smart upgrade for draught-prone windows and colder rooms.

Better performance in period homes

Many Belfast terraces and older properties lose heat quickly. Cellular blinds help offset this, improving comfort while keeping the character of your existing windows.

Support with rising energy costs

By reducing heat loss at night and during cold snaps, cellular blinds can ease the strain on your heating system and help you make more of every unit of energy you use.

Soft daylight, without the chill

Translucent cellular fabrics diffuse natural light while still providing a thermal buffer, so rooms feel bright but not exposed.

A neat, modern finish

The slim profile and crisp folds of cellular blinds suit everything from contemporary new builds to renovated townhouses, complementing uPVC, aluminium and timber frames.

Extra layer for new builds

In newer, energy-efficient homes, cellular blinds work alongside high-performance glazing to create an additional insulating layer at the window.

Single cell vs. double cell blinds

Apex Elite NI supplies both single-cell and double-cell options through trusted UK manufacturers. Use the toggle to see which works best for your room.

Single cell

Lightweight & elegant

Lightweight and elegant profile works well on everyday windows.
Good thermal performance that improves comfort and reduces draughts.
Ideal for kitchens, living rooms and conservatories where you want warmth and soft light.

Single-cell fabrics are a great choice when you want a clean look and a useful thermal boost without darkening the room.

The right option depends on your room layout, window size and how much heat retention you need. During a free home visit, Apex Elite NI will talk you through both and recommend the best fit.

Perfect Fit cellular blinds: a winter favourite

Many of the cellular blinds available through Apex Elite NI can be installed in the Perfect Fit system — a no-drill frame that sits snugly on your window.

How Perfect Fit improves thermal performance

Eliminates gaps around the edges where warm air would normally escape.
Creates a tight seal between the blind and the frame to reduce heat loss.
Allows you to tilt and turn windows without disrupting the blind position.

Perfect Fit cellular blinds neatly framed on a uPVC door

Day & night cellular fabrics

For rooms where you want flexibility, day-and-night cellular blinds combine two fabric zones in one neat, modern blind.

Blackout section

A blackout section for warmth and privacy, ideal for sleep, movie nights and winter evenings when you want to feel cocooned.

Translucent section

A translucent section for daylight without losing insulation, softening glare while still helping to hold warmth at the window.

Where they work best

This day-and-night combination is especially useful in bedrooms and main living spaces where comfort, light control and warmth all matter during the winter months.

How much can you save?

Every home is different, but cellular blinds can reduce heat loss enough to make a noticeable difference on winter energy bills.

Warmer evenings

Customers often report warmer rooms in the evenings, especially in spaces with larger panes of glass.

Less “top up” heating

Improved insulation means the heating does not need to run as often to keep rooms comfortable.

More comfort in older homes

Older and draught-prone properties feel more stable in temperature, with fewer cold spots by the windows.

Choosing the right cellular blind

When you book a consultation with Apex Elite NI, we’ll help you choose blinds based on:

Room usage – how you use the space day and night.
Window orientation – north-facing, south-facing or mixed elevations.
Existing insulation or glazing – from older double glazing to newer high-performance units.
Fabric thickness and cell type – from lighter single-cell to more insulating double-cell options.
Preferred system – Perfect Fit, standard headrail or motorised control.

All blinds are measured and installed professionally for a seamless, energy-efficient finish that suits your home and how you live in it.

Ready to see cellular blinds in your home?

Cellular blinds deliver a rare combination of style, comfort and energy-aware performance, especially when paired with Perfect Fit® or motorised One Touch®. If you’d like tailored advice for your windows in Belfast or across Northern Ireland, we’ll bring the Louvolite collection to you and talk through the best options for every room.

Book Your free Consultation

Contact Apex Elite Blinds today to book your free consultation.

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