Cellular or roller shades — which should I pick?

They solve slightly different problems. Cellular (honeycomb) shades trap air in their cells for real insulation and a soft, even light, mount in shallow frames, and take top-down/bottom-up well — the pick when energy efficiency or a cozy light matters. Roller shades are one flat panel on a tube: simpler, usually cheaper at a given size, the shallowest mount, and the easiest to motorize, with fabric openness setting glare and privacy — the pick for kitchens, offices, and anything you’ll automate. At a standard 35×48 window both land in a similar mid price band, but quoted per-window prices move with fabric and lift, so price your actual window in the seller’s configurator. Whichever you choose, confirm the inside-mount deduction against the seller’s measuring guide before ordering.