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Honeycomb Shades in Colorado | Boulder & Denver Window Treatments

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Honeycomb Shade Showdown: Comparing Top Brands for Style, Comfort & Efficiency for Colorado Homeowners

Cellular shades—also known as honeycomb shades—are a favorite for homeowners seeking energy efficiency, light control, and elegant design. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? Let’s break down five leading contenders: Hunter Douglas Duette, Hunter Douglas Applause, Norman Portrait, Alta Honeycomb, and Alta Softstyle. If you’re shopping for honeycomb shades in Colorado, this guide will help you make the best choice.

Duette Duolite bedroom top-down/bottom-up

Hunter Douglas Duette®

Premium Choice for Energy Efficiency & Style

  • Price: $$$ (Highest)
  • Fabric: Luxurious, high-quality options including recycled content
  • Pleat Sizes: ¾”, 1¼”
  • Motorization: PowerView® Automation
  • Unique Features:
    • Architella® cell construction for superior insulation compared to other cellular products
    • Some fabrics are made from over 50% recycled content, supporting sustainability.
    • Duolite® system: two fabrics in one shade for day/night control
    • ClearView® sheers for enhanced view-through
    • Maximum width: 174″
  • Warranty: Hunter Douglas offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on most window treatments for defects and internal mechanism failure. The warranty also covers shade cords for 7 years and motorization components for 5 years.

Best For: Homeowners prioritizing top-tier energy efficiency, aesthetics, and smart home integration.

architella honeycomb within a honeycomb closeup
Applause Powerview living dining

Hunter Douglas Applause®

Budget-Friendly with Solid Performance

  • Price: $$
  • Fabric: More basic, printed textures
  • Pleat Sizes: ¾”, double cell
  • Motorization: PowerView® Automation
  • Unique Features:
    • Double-cell construction for insulation
    • Compatible with Vertiglide™ for sliding doors
    • Duolite® system available
    • Maximum width: 174″
  • Warranty: Hunter Douglas offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on most window treatments for defects and internal mechanism failure. The warranty also covers shade cords for 7 years and motorization components for 5 years.

Best For: Those seeking Hunter Douglas quality at a more accessible price point.

architella honeycomb within a honeycomb closeup

Alta Honeycomb

Versatile & Stylish with High Performance

  • Price: $$
  • Fabric: Spunbond polyester – crisp, lightweight, tear-resistant. Treated to help resist dust, dirt and stains.
  • Pleat Sizes: ⅜”, ¾”, double cell, 1¼”, 2″ hybrid
  • Motorization: BLISS® and Somfy® Automation
  • Unique Features:
    • Treated for stain resistance
    • Slim stack height for better outside view
    • Maximum width: 174″
    • Over 265 fabric choices
  • Warranty: Alta offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on most window treatments for defects and internal mechanism failure. The warranty also covers shade cords for 7 years and motorization components for 5 years.

Best For: Wide windows and modern homes needing sleek, durable shades.

Alta Softstyle

Soft Touch with Rich Colors at a Lower Price

  • Price: $
  • Fabric: Spunlace polyester – thicker, softer, great for sound absorption. Material is more absorbent, so dusting and vacuuming with the best cleaning methods.
  • Pleat Sizes: Same as Alta Honeycomb
  • Motorization: BLISS® and Somfy® Automation
  • Thicker stack when shade is open
  • Unique Features:
    • Rich color palette
    • Thicker fabric for insulation and sound absorption
    • Maximum width: 120″
  • Warranty: Alta offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on most window treatments for defects and internal mechanism failure. The warranty also covers shade cords for 7 years and motorization components for 5 years.

Best For: Cozy interiors and budget-conscious buyers who want softness and style.

Norman Portrait™

Smart Design Meets Affordability

  • Price: $$
  • Fabric: Wide range, including woven textures and blackout options
  • Pleat Sizes: 9/16″ double cell, ¾”
  • Unique Features:
    • Exclusive D-cell structure for superior insulation
    • SmartFit® Dual Shades allow two fabrics in one frame
    • Light filtering and room darkening options
    • Maximum width of 96” – 108”, depending on operator
  • Warranty: Norman products are backed by a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and/or workmanship for as long as the original purchaser owns the product. Motorized components carry a 5-year warranty. Internal cords are under warranty for 7 years against fraying. 

Best For: Design flexibility and energy savings without breaking the bank.

norman portrait fabrics

Honeycomb Cell Comparison

Duette honeycomb closeup

Duette Architella

Applause cell comparison

Applause Cell Sizes

Alta Cell Sizes

Norman Portrait Honeycomb Cell Sizes

Norman Cell Sizes

Final Thoughts

Each brand brings something unique to the table:

  • Hunter Douglas Duette: Best-in-class insulation and luxury.
  • Hunter Douglas Applause: Affordable Hunter Douglas quality.
  • Alta Honeycomb: Sleek, durable, and wide range of fabrics.
  • Alta Softstyle: Soft aesthetics with sound absorption.
  • Norman Portrait: Smart features and great value.

Choosing the right honeycomb shade depends on your priorities—whether it’s energy savings, style, smart automation, or budget. Need help deciding? Reach out for a personalized consultation!

Innovative Openings, based in Louisville, Colorado, has been the trusted expert in honeycomb shades since 1980. Serving homeowners in Boulder, Denver, and surrounding areas, we’ve sold and installed thousands of Hunter Douglas Duette shades. Our experienced team understands the unique climate and style preferences of Colorado residents, ensuring you get the perfect window treatment solution for your home.