Roller blinds and honeycomb blinds are two of the most common blinds we make and install. Neither is "better" for every window, so here is how they compare.
What is a honeycomb blind?
A honeycomb (or cellular) blind is made from fabric folded into rows of hexagon-shaped cells. Those cells trap a layer of air between the window and the room, which helps with insulation. Many honeycomb blinds can open from the top down as well as the bottom up.
What is a roller blind?
A roller blind is a single sheet of fabric that rolls up onto a tube at the top of the window. It is simple, clean-looking and comes in a huge range of fabrics: sunscreen, light-filtering, blockout and thermal. We make our roller blinds in our own Takanini workshop.
Side by side
| Honeycomb blinds | Roller blinds | |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation | Very good, thanks to the air cells | Good with thermal fabrics |
| Light control | Light-filtering or blockout, top-down option | Sunscreen, light-filtering or blockout; day and night dual option |
| View when open | Stacks neatly at the top | Rolls fully away |
| Look | Soft and textured | Clean and minimal |
| Skylights | Excellent fit | Possible on some skylights |
| Price | Usually higher | Usually more affordable |
Choose honeycomb if...
- You want the best insulation for a cold room or a hot, sunny window.
- You have a skylight. See our skylight before and after.
- You want privacy at the bottom of the window and daylight at the top.
Choose roller blinds if...
- You want a simple, modern look at a good price.
- You want to keep your view with a sunscreen fabric.
- You want day and night control on one window with a dual roller.
Can I mix them?
Yes. Many homes use roller blinds in living areas and honeycomb blinds in bedrooms or on skylights. Both can be motorised.
Not sure which?
We can talk you through both options at your free measure and quote in Auckland. Call 09 972 4100 or request a quote online.
More guides
Want advice for your windows?
Auckland: free measure and quote. Tauranga: send us your sizes or floor plan for a rough quote.
Call 09 972 4100, email sales@blindworks.co.nz or request a quote online.
Blindworks Auckland, 3/24 Tironui Station Road West, Takanini 2112
Open Mon to Fri 10am to 5pm, Sat 10am to 2pm. Closed Sundays and public holidays.