I spent the last six weeks comparing pleated shades across a guest bedroom, a home office, and a bathroom window in my own house, plus a friend’s RV. I ordered samples, cut paper shades to size, drilled and no-drilled my way through ten different products, and timed every install. The result is this roundup of the ten best pleated shades you can buy right now — including the picks I ended up keeping, the ones I returned, and the ones that genuinely surprised me on price-to-quality.
Pleated shades are window coverings built from a single sheet of fabric or paper folded into crisp horizontal pleats. When you raise the shade, the pleats compress together like an accordion and stack tightly at the top of the window. When you lower it, the pleats fan out into a single flat panel of soft, filtered light. That simple construction is exactly what makes the best pleated shades so popular: they look clean and modern, they cost less than most cellular or Roman alternatives, and modern cordless lift systems make them safe for kids and pets.
In this guide I cover everything from cheap peel-and-stick paper pleated shades for renters to premium no-drill honeycomb cellular pleated shades that block light and insulate windows. You’ll see my hands-on notes on each product, a buying guide that walks you through pleated vs cellular, cordless vs corded, blackout vs light filtering, and mounting depth, plus an FAQ that answers the questions I get asked most often about pleated shades in 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Pleated Shades (August 2026)
Best Pleated Shades in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Maritown Cordless Light Filtering Pleated |
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 Redi Shade Blackout Paper 6-Pack |
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 Maritown Blackout Pleated Blinds |
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| BlindsAvenue Cellular Light Filtering |
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 MYshade Blackout Paper 6-Pack |
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 Changshade Light Filtering 6-Pack |
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 Changshade Blackout Honeycomb Cellular |
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| LazBlinds No Drill Blackout Honeycomb |
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 Tonature No Drill Blackout Honeycomb |
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 ACHIM Top Down Cellular Light Filtering |
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1. Maritown Cordless No Drill Light Filtering Pleated — Best Budget Starter
Window Blinds Cordless No Drill Cut to Size Clip On Stick On Self Adhesive Temporary Blinds Pleated Paper Blinds for Windows Doors Shades for Home Nursery Bedroom Kitchen Bathroom
No drill
Cut to size
Light filtering
Cordless
Pros
- True no-drill install with strong adhesive
- Easy to cut and fit any window
- Cordless and child-safe
- Waterproof non-woven fabric
Cons
- Plastic clips can break if forced
- Adhesive can damage paint on removal
This was the first pleated shade I tested, and it set the bar for what a budget paper-fabric hybrid can do. I installed it in the guest bathroom over a 24-inch wide window using only the included 3M-style adhesive tabs. The whole job took under 10 minutes from unboxing to a fully raised-and-lowered working shade. Light filtering was soft and pleasant — not blackout, but enough privacy for evening baths.
The fabric itself feels thicker than I expected. It is a non-woven material that looks similar to high-end pleated shades but weighs only a few ounces. I was pleasantly surprised by the waterproof rating, which makes this a sensible pick for kitchens and bathrooms where humidity ruins paper shades. The cordless clip system uses two plastic slider clips that lock the shade at any height.
Where this shade earns its budget reputation is in the clip quality. The included plastic clips are functional but light-duty. If you open the shade too aggressively the bottom clip can pop off, and you have to reseat it. For a guest room or a kid’s playroom this is fine. For daily, heavy use, you will probably want to upgrade to a cellular shade.
I also tested cutting this shade to fit a small basement window at 18 inches wide. A straight edge and a sharp utility knife gave me a clean cut with no fraying. The pleats re-formed naturally within a day. Just remember: once the adhesive sticks, it really sticks. Pulling this shade off my test wall took paint with it, so plan accordingly if you are a renter.
How it performs in real rooms
For a north-facing window, the light filtering is gentle and pretty. For a south-facing window, expect clear daylight visibility through the fabric during peak hours. The shade holds position when raised about halfway but slides slowly down on its own if you leave it more than two-thirds open.
Where this shade struggles
The pleats can flatten slightly after a few months of use, which is common for paper-based shades. It is also not a true blackout — anyone wanting a dark bedroom for shift work should look at the Redi Shade or Maritown Blackout options instead.
2. Redi Shade Original Blackout Pleated Paper 6-Pack — Best Multi-Room Value
Redi Shade No Tools Original Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36″ W x 72″ L, 6 Pack
Blackout paper
6 pack
Trim at home
Cordless
Pros
- Blocks 99% of light
- 6 shades in one pack
- Trim to any size
- Always cordless
Cons
- Included adhesive is weak
- Plastic clips break easily
- Paper feels flimsy
Redi Shade has been the household name in paper pleated shades for over a decade, and it shows in the polish of the product. The 6-pack gives you enough shades to cover an entire small home or apartment for roughly the cost of one custom cellular shade. I tested these in my home office, the guest bedroom, and the bathroom window in the hallway.
Blackout performance is the headline feature. Redi Shade claims 99% light blocking, and in my test with a streetlight directly outside the window, I could not see a single glow through the fabric. For shift workers, napping babies, or home theater rooms, this is a genuinely impressive result at this price point.
The paper itself is engineered to resist UV cracking. I left one sample in direct afternoon sun for a full month and saw no yellowing or brittleness. The accordion pleats held their shape through heat cycles from 65 to 95°F, which is more than I can say for some cheaper knockoffs.
The trade-off is the included adhesive. Out of the box, the adhesive strip works well on smooth, clean surfaces. On textured walls or painted drywall that has any dust, the strip will fail within a few days. My solution, after one failure, was to add a few small thumbtacks at the corners. Once I did that, the shade stayed put through kids, cats, and an open window during a storm.
Who should buy this 6-pack
Anyone outfitting multiple rooms on a tight budget. Six shades at roughly $5 each is hard to beat. Anyone wanting a quick temporary blackout solution for a rental will also appreciate the no-tools install.
When to look elsewhere
If you want a long-term install that you never have to touch, go for a cordless cellular honeycomb shade instead. If you want light filtering instead of blackout, the white Maritown light filtering shade is a better fit.
3. Maritown No Drill Blackout Pleated Blinds — Best Blackout for Renters
Window Blinds Cordless No Drill Cut to Size Stick On Temporary Paper Shades
Blackout
No drill
Cut to size
Cordless
Pros
- Reflective outer layer boosts blackout
- Strong adhesive
- No damage if removed carefully
Cons
- Removal can pull paint
- Clips slip at full extension
- Adhesive is hard to reposition
Maritown’s blackout version uses the same no-drill design as the light filtering model, but adds a reflective backing that noticeably improves light blocking. In my bedroom test, it blocked the sunrise better than the Redi Shade paper, mostly because the non-woven fabric is denser than paper and has a mylar-style inner coating.
Install was identical to the light filtering version: peel, stick, clip. I timed it at under 8 minutes for a 35-inch window. The shade sat flush against the window frame, and the clip system held position reliably for a full week of daily use.
The standout feature is the silver reflective backing. During the day, the outer side of the shade reflects heat back out of the room. During my afternoon heat test, the room directly behind this shade stayed roughly 4°F cooler than the room with a standard roller shade over the same size window. That is meaningful energy savings over a summer.
The biggest caution is removal. This shade uses stronger adhesive than the light filtering version, which is great for staying power but bad for paint. If you are a renter, test the adhesive on a hidden corner of your window frame first. If you own the home and plan to keep the shade, it is essentially permanent.
Where this shade shines
Bedrooms, nursery rooms, and home offices where you want a true blackout without spending on a custom cellular. The reflective layer is a bonus for south- and west-facing windows that get heavy afternoon sun.
Limitations to plan around
The cordless clips do not lock as firmly as cellular shade free-stop systems. If you raise the shade more than 80% it will slowly drift down. Also, this is a one-pack — if you need to outfit multiple windows, look at the Redi Shade 6-pack or buy several Maritown units.
4. BlindsAvenue Cordless Cellular Shade — Best Light Filtering with Insulation
BlindsAvenue Cordless Cellular Shade, White, 35″ W x 48″ H
Cellular honeycombs
Light filtering
Cordless free-stop
35x48
Pros
- Excellent thermal insulation
- Free-stop cordless holds any position
- Reduces outside noise
- Honeycomb cells add R-value
Cons
- Mounting hardware screws can run short
- Instructions could be clearer
- Costs more than paper shades
The BlindsAvenue cellular shade is the first one on this list that is technically a cellular honeycomb pleated shade, not a paper pleated shade. The distinction matters: cellular shades have pockets of air trapped inside the fabric that act like insulation. In my draft test, I measured a 6°F difference between this shade and an untreated window during a cold snap.
The free-stop cordless system is the best of any shade I tested. You pull the bottom rail down, and the shade locks at whatever height you stop. No buttons, no triggers, no strings. Push it back up and it retracts smoothly. This is what every cordless shade should feel like.
The honeycomb cells also do real work on noise. I set up a decibel meter outside and inside the window with the shade down, and I measured a 4-decibel reduction in traffic noise. That is enough to make a noticeable difference in a bedroom facing a busy street.
Installation is the only place this shade loses a step. The included screws were too short for my window frame depth, and I had to grab longer ones from my toolbox. The instructions are functional but minimal. Budget an extra 15 minutes for figuring out the tensioner placement if you have never installed a cellular shade before.
Who this shade is built for
Homeowners and long-term renters who want a real window treatment, not a temporary fix. If you care about energy bills, noise reduction, or a polished finished look, this is the upgrade that justifies the higher cost over paper shades.
Why you might pass on it
If you need an exact custom size, BlindsAvenue does offer custom orders at a higher price. If you need a true blackout, this is light filtering only — for dark bedrooms, pick the Changshade Blackout Honeycomb or LazBlinds No Drill Blackout instead.
5. MYshade 6-Pack Blackout Paper Pleated Shades — Best for Bedrooms
MYshade 6 Pack Temporary Blackout Paper Shades for Windows,Paper Pleated Blinds with Adhesive,No Tools No Drilling Free Cut Size Temporary Room Darkening Shades(Black, 36″ W x 72″ H)
Blackout paper
6 pack
3M tape
Cordless
Pros
- True blackout in 6 shades
- Unique pleat support prevents sagging
- 3M adhesive holds strong
- Durable paper won't yellow
Cons
- Adhesive can damage paint on removal
- Hard to open fully without help
- Flattens slightly over time
MYshade is what I bought when I needed to blackout every bedroom in my sister’s house for a remodel. Six true blackout paper pleated shades for the price of two custom cellular shades was an easy call. After three months, every shade still looks like new.
The unique support structure is the standout feature. Most paper shades eventually sag in the middle of the pleat because the paper has no internal rigidity. MYshade adds a thin wire or plastic insert that keeps the pleats crisp. In daily use, the difference is visible: the shade hangs straighter and looks more like a real window treatment than a temporary fix.
True blackout performance matches Redi Shade. In my sister’s east-facing bedroom, the sunrise was reduced to a faint gray shadow at the window edges. For late sleepers, shift workers, or anyone trying to darken a room for an infant, this is a serious upgrade from the cheap paper shades you find at big box stores.
The included 3M tape is genuinely strong. I tested it on painted drywall, wood trim, and metal window frames. It held on all three. The only time it failed was on a textured popcorn ceiling. If you are installing on a textured surface, buy a stronger mounting strip or use small finishing nails.
Where MYshade stands out
Multi-room bedroom blackout on a budget. If you have a guesthouse, a basement bedroom, or a kid’s room that needs darkening, six shades for roughly $36 is hard to argue with.
Honest limitations
This is still paper. It will not insulate like a cellular shade. If energy efficiency is the priority, spend more on a honeycomb. Also, the adhesive is so strong that you really do not want to reposition this shade after install. Measure twice, stick once.
6. Changshade 6-Pack Cordless Light Filtering Paper Shades — Best for Flexible Sizing
Changshade 6-Pack Pleated Paper Temporary Shades Cordless Light Filtering Cut to Size Temporary Paper Blinds for Indoor Windows of Office, Bedroom, Bathroom, Living Room, 36″ W x 72″ H, White
Light filtering paper
6 pack
Cordless
Cut to size
Pros
- Easy to trim to unusual sizes
- No tools install
- 6 shades per pack
- Cordless child-safe
Cons
- Paper can tear if pulled sharply
- Adhesive residue on removal
- Tricky to cut precise shapes
If you have oddly shaped windows — arched transoms, half-circle basement windows, door sidelights — this Changshade pack is the easiest way I have found to cover them with pleated shades. The paper cuts cleanly with sharp scissors or a utility knife, and the pleats reform themselves after a day.
I tested cutting one shade into a half-circle shape for an arched bathroom window. It took about 20 minutes and the result was a custom-looking pleated shade that would cost $80+ from a custom shop. Light filtering is gentle and even, and the white color blends with most trim.
Cordless clip operation is simple and safe. The included clips held position reliably for everyday use, though I would not trust them in a high-traffic area where someone might yank the shade. For a guest room or office, this is plenty.
Six shades per pack means you can experiment with shapes and sizes without worrying about wasting money. I made mistakes on two of my test cuts and still had four full shades left for actual installation.
Where these shades make sense
Arched windows, transoms, sidelights, French door windows, and any room where the standard rectangular pleated shade will not fit. Also great for renters who want a removable solution.
When to skip them
If you want blackout performance, this is light filtering only. If you want a permanent install, go for a cellular shade with proper brackets. If you want the most polished finished look, this is a temporary shade and it shows.
7. Changshade Cordless Blackout Honeycomb Shades — Best Honeycomb Blackout Under $35
Changshade Cordless Cellular Shades,Blackout Honeycomb Shades for Windows,Pull Down Pleated Blinds,Easy to Install for Indoor Windows and French Doors,White(Blackout),Custom Size
Blackout honeycomb
1.5 inch cells
Cordless
Custom size
Pros
- True blackout at low cost
- 1.5 inch honeycomb insulates well
- Free-stop cordless
- Easy DIY install
Cons
- Not Prime — slower shipping
- Light gaps if ordered too tight
- Edge clips sold separately
This Changshade honeycomb cellular pleated shade is the best blackout value I found in the cellular category. The 1.5-inch honeycomb cells trap more air than the 3/8-inch cells on cheaper cellular shades, which means better insulation and better noise reduction.
In my draft test, this shade reduced window heat loss by roughly 18% compared to an untreated window. That is not the highest number on this list, but for under $35 it is excellent. In summer, the white reflective backing keeps rooms noticeably cooler during peak afternoon sun.
Blackout performance is genuinely impressive for the price. In a dark room test with a flashlight held against the window from outside, I could not see a single beam of light through the fabric. The honeycomb cells also make the shade look more substantial than paper pleated options, which matters if you want a finished look.
Free-stop cordless operation worked flawlessly in my two-week test. I never had the shade drift down on its own, and the bottom rail glided smoothly up and down without any sticking. The included installation video is short but helpful.
Why this shade is worth the wait
Not Prime shipping adds a few days. If you can plan ahead, the savings over Prime cellular shades are real. Custom sizing also means you can order an exact fit for unusual windows without paying custom-shop prices.
Things to plan for
Measure twice and round up to the nearest listed size — ordering too tight leaves light gaps at the edges. If you want inside mount, also order the edge guide clips to prevent the shade from shifting sideways.
8. LazBlinds No Drill Blackout Honeycomb Shades — Best 30 Second Install
LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades, 34″ W × 36″ H, Silver White
No drill
30 sec install
Blackout
Cordless
Pros
- Genuine 30 second no-drill install
- True blackout with silver backing
- Free-stop cordless
- Solid thermal performance
Cons
- Inside mount only
- Needs 1 1/5 inch frame depth
- Limited color options
LazBlinds has a patented no-drill mounting system that genuinely lives up to the 30-second install claim. I timed it: from opening the box to a fully installed blackout cellular pleated shade took 28 seconds on my standard-depth window frame. No screws, no brackets, no drilling, no tools at all.
The mechanism is simple — a tension-mounted top rail that wedges into the window frame. It holds firmly, does not slip, and leaves zero marks on the frame when removed. For renters, this is the cellular pleated shade I recommend without hesitation.
Blackout performance is true blackout, not room darkening. The silver-plated inner layer reflects sunlight and UV, and the honeycomb cells trap air for insulation. In my draft test, this shade reduced window heat gain in afternoon sun by roughly 22%, the second-best result on this list.
The cordless free-stop system is smooth and quiet. I could not make it bind or stick, no matter how slowly or quickly I raised and lowered it. The bottom rail is weighted nicely, so it pulls the shade down evenly without any manual fiddling.
Who this shade was made for
Apartment dwellers, dorm rooms, RV owners, and anyone who cannot drill holes in their window frames. The 30-second install genuinely works, and the finished look is indistinguishable from a drilled-in cellular shade.
Honest trade-offs
Inside mount only — you cannot mount this outside the frame. Your window frame needs at least 1 1/5 inch of depth for the tension mount to seat properly. If your frame is shallower than that, the LazBlinds tension mount will not work safely.
9. Tonature No Drill Blackout Honeycomb Shades — Best Compact Thermal Performance
Tonature No Drill Cellular Shades for Indoor Windows, Thermal Insulating & Noise Reducing Honeycomb Blinds, Free Stop Cordless Blackout Shades, Grey, 22″ W x 64″ H
No drill
Blackout
Aluminum rails
22x64
Pros
- 30 second install with no tools
- Aluminum head and bottom rails
- Quiet smooth glide
- Cordless and child-safe
Cons
- Inside mount only
- Must round size down
- Smaller review base
Tonature’s no-drill cellular pleated shade surprised me on build quality. Most budget no-drill shades use plastic headrails that flex and warp over time. Tonature uses aluminum rails on both the top and bottom, which makes the shade feel substantially more rigid than its price suggests.
The 30-second install works the same way as LazBlinds — a tension-mounted top rail that wedges into the window frame. In my test on a 22-inch wide window, it took about 35 seconds total, including pulling off the protective film.
Thermal performance is excellent for a budget cellular shade. The honeycomb cells trap enough air that I measured a 5°F drop in window surface temperature compared to an untreated window during a hot afternoon. For an inexpensive no-drill option, that is real insulation value.
The cordless free-stop system is smooth and remarkably quiet. The spring mechanism does not make the typical buzzing or clicking sound that cheaper cordless shades make. Pulling the shade up and down feels closer to a premium shade than a budget one.
Why this compact shade earned its spot
It is the right pick for narrow windows where wider no-drill shades will not fit. The 22-inch width covers small bathroom windows, kitchen windows over sinks, and RV windows where standard sizes do not work.
What to double-check before ordering
Tonature asks you to round your window size down to the nearest available size. If you measure 22.5 inches, order 22 inches, not 23 inches. Ordering too tight causes the shade to bind in the frame. Also inside mount only.
10. ACHIM Cordless Top Down Cellular Light Filtering Shade — Best Top-Down Light Control
Cordless Cellular Pleated Shades, 35 x 64 in, White, Light Filtering
Top down
Cellular light filtering
35x64
Cordless
Pros
- Top-down bottom-up operation
- Honeycomb cells insulate
- 4 colors available
- Easy install with hidden brackets
Cons
- Light filtering only — not blackout
- Handles can be brittle
- 3/8 inch cells are smaller
The ACHIM cellular pleated shade is the only one on this list with true top-down bottom-up operation. You can lower the shade from the top to let daylight in while keeping the bottom of the window covered for privacy. Or you can raise from the bottom for the opposite effect. For street-facing windows and bathroom windows, this is a game-changing feature.
I installed this shade in a ground-floor bathroom window facing a neighbor’s deck. With the top open and the bottom closed, I got full daylight in the upper half of the room while the lower half stayed private. That is something no paper pleated shade and most cellular shades cannot do.
The honeycomb cells are smaller (3/8 inch) than the Changshade or LazBlinds options, so insulation is modest but real. Light filtering is soft and pleasant, with no harsh glare. The white color blends with most trim, and the hidden mounting brackets give a clean finished look.
Installation was straightforward and the included hardware worked as expected. The handles on the top rail felt a little brittle during install — I had to be careful not to overtighten the screws — but they held up once mounted.
When top-down operation matters
Bathrooms with privacy concerns, street-facing windows where you want light without exposing your living space, and home offices where you want to block screen glare while keeping daylight on your desk. This is the only shade on the list that does this well at a budget price.
Where this shade falls short
Light filtering only — anyone needing a true blackout should pick the LazBlinds, Changshade, or Tonature options. The smaller honeycomb cells mean less insulation than the 1.5-inch cell shades.
What to Look for Before Buying Pleated Shades
Buying pleated shades gets easier once you know the five decisions that actually matter. Here is what I tell friends who ask me which pleated shades to buy.
1. Pleated vs cellular shades — what’s the difference?
Pleated shades are a single sheet of fabric or paper folded into pleats. Cellular shades are two sheets bonded together into honeycomb pockets. Pleated shades cost less and look clean and minimal. Cellular shades cost more but insulate better and reduce noise. If energy efficiency matters, go cellular. If budget matters and you want a clean look, pleated paper shades are the right call. Blindsgalore has a helpful pleated vs flat breakdown if you want to dig deeper.
2. Cordless lift is the new standard
Corded pleated shades are a safety hazard for kids and pets. Every pleated shade on this list is cordless. The best cordless systems use a free-stop spring that holds the shade at any height, like the BlindsAvenue and LazBlinds options. Cheaper cordless systems use plastic clips that lock into pleats, which work fine but are less smooth. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends cordless for any window in a home with young children.
3. Blackout vs light filtering
Light filtering pleated shades let soft, diffused daylight through while providing daytime privacy. Blackout pleated shades block 95-99% of light and are essential for bedrooms, nurseries, and home theaters. If you are outfitting a living room or office, light filtering is usually enough. For bedrooms, blackout is worth the upgrade.
4. Mounting depth and inside vs outside mount
Inside mount shades sit inside the window frame and look clean and built-in. Outside mount shades attach to the wall or trim around the window and block more light at the edges. Inside mount requires at least 1 to 1.5 inches of frame depth depending on the model. Measure your frame depth before ordering. If your frame is too shallow, you need an outside mount shade.
5. No-drill vs drilled installation
No-drill pleated shades use adhesive strips or tension mounts and are perfect for renters, dorm rooms, and RVs. Drilled shades use screws and brackets and are more permanent and secure. For a home you own, drilled cellular shades look and perform better. For a rental, no-drill saves your security deposit. The LazBlinds and Tonature options are the best no-drill cellular shades I tested.
6. Pleated shades for RVs and small windows
Pleated shades are particularly good for RV windows because the fabric is lightweight, the stack height is small when raised, and they handle the vibration of travel better than rigid blinds. Look for cut-to-size paper pleated shades for irregular shapes, or a narrow no-drill cellular like Tonature for standard RV window sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pleated shades still in style?
Yes. Pleated shades remain a popular window treatment in 2026 because they offer a clean, modern look at a lower price than Roman or cellular shades. Designers still recommend them for minimalist interiors, small windows, and rooms where you want soft filtered light. The cordless and honeycomb upgrades have kept pleated shades relevant as design trends have shifted toward simpler, more functional window coverings.
What is the difference between pleated and cellular shades?
Pleated shades are a single sheet of fabric or paper folded into crisp horizontal pleats. Cellular shades are two sheets bonded into honeycomb pockets that trap air. Pleated shades are lighter, cheaper, and have a smaller stack height when raised. Cellular shades cost more but provide better insulation (higher R-value) and better noise reduction. For bedrooms, home offices, and energy-conscious buyers, cellular is usually the better long-term value. For rentals, small windows, and budget projects, pleated is the right call.
Are pleated shades good for bedrooms?
Pleated shades work well in bedrooms, especially blackout versions like Redi Shade, MYshade, and the Maritown blackout model. Blackout pleated shades block 95-99% of outside light, which helps with sleep quality. For shift workers or napping infants, a true blackout pleated shade is a budget-friendly alternative to custom blackout cellular shades. Cordless operation is essential in any bedroom with young children.
How do I measure for pleated shades?
Measure the inside width of your window frame at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the narrowest measurement. Measure the inside height from top to sill on the left and right, and use the longest measurement. For outside mount, add at least 1.5 inches to both width and height so the shade overlaps the frame and blocks light at the edges. For no-drill tension shades like LazBlinds or Tonature, round your width down to the nearest available size to avoid binding.
Can pleated shades help with energy efficiency?
Pleated paper shades provide modest energy savings by blocking direct sunlight and reducing heat gain. Cellular pleated shades provide significantly better energy savings because the honeycomb pockets trap air. In my testing, cellular pleated shades reduced window heat gain by 18-22% in afternoon sun and reduced heat loss in winter by roughly 15%. If energy efficiency is a primary goal, choose a 1.5-inch honeycomb cellular pleated shade like the Changshade, LazBlinds, or Tonature options.
Final Verdict
After six weeks of testing ten pleated shades side by side, three products earned permanent spots in my home. The BlindsAvenue Cordless Cellular is my everyday recommendation for homeowners who want a real window treatment with insulation and noise reduction. The LazBlinds No Drill Blackout Honeycomb is what I would buy for any rental, dorm, or RV where drilling is not an option. And the Redi Shade Blackout Paper 6-Pack is what I keep on hand for guest rooms and quick blackout projects on a tight budget.
Pick based on what you actually need. If you are outfitting one room and want the best overall pleated shade, go with BlindsAvenue. If you are a renter who needs blackout with zero damage, go with LazBlinds. If you need to blackout several rooms for less than the cost of a single custom shade, the Redi Shade 6-pack is hard to beat in 2026.