What Are Overstock Cellular Shades?

Overstock cellular shades are premium window treatments sold at reduced prices due to excess inventory, discontinued styles, or slight manufacturing imperfections. These honeycomb-shaped window coverings feature a distinctive cellular structure that traps air, creating natural insulation at your windows.

Unlike regular discounted window treatments, overstock cellular shades are typically current or recent models that retailers need to move quickly to make room for new inventory. The reduction in price doesn't indicate lower quality—these are often identical to full-price options but available at 30-70% below retail prices. The cellular construction comes in single-cell, double-cell, and triple-cell designs, with increasing insulation properties as the number of cells increases.

How Overstock Cellular Shades Work

The defining feature of cellular shades is their honeycomb structure, which creates small air pockets between your window and room. This design works as a thermal barrier that reduces heat transfer through windows—keeping warm air inside during winter and hot air outside during summer. This insulation capability makes them among the most energy-efficient window treatments available.

Overstock cellular shades function identically to their full-price counterparts. They operate with standard lifting mechanisms including cordless options, continuous cord loops, or motorized systems. The fabrics range from light-filtering to complete blackout materials, with varying levels of opacity to control light and privacy. Most overstock options include standard sizing that fits common window dimensions, though custom sizes may occasionally appear in overstock inventories when orders are canceled or measurements are incorrect.

Provider Comparison for Overstock Cellular Shades

When shopping for overstock cellular shades, several retailers offer consistently good selections and competitive pricing. Here's how they compare:

  • SelectBlinds - Offers frequent overstock sales with up to 50% off premium cellular shades. Their overstock section updates weekly and includes both light-filtering and blackout options.
  • Blinds.com - The clearance section features discontinued styles of cellular shades with savings up to 70% off retail prices.
  • Home Depot - Their special buys section regularly includes overstock cellular shades from brands like Bali and Levolor.
  • Wayfair - Offers flash sales on overstock window treatments with particularly good deals on cordless cellular shade options.
  • Budget Blinds - Local franchises often have access to manufacturer overstock with competitive pricing on premium cellular shades.

For the best selection, timing matters. January and July typically see the largest inventory as retailers clear space for new seasonal offerings. Online outlets generally offer better pricing than brick-and-mortar stores due to lower overhead costs.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Overstock Cellular Shades

Understanding the advantages and limitations of overstock cellular shades helps make an informed purchase decision:

Benefits:

  • Significant cost savings (30-70% off retail) for premium window treatments
  • Same energy efficiency as full-price options, potentially reducing heating and cooling costs
  • Identical quality and warranty coverage in most cases
  • Environmentally responsible choice by preventing excess inventory from becoming waste
  • Quick shipping and availability compared to custom-order window treatments

Drawbacks:

  • Limited selection of sizes, colors, and fabrics compared to made-to-order options
  • Discontinued styles might make future matching difficult for additional windows
  • Potential for minor cosmetic imperfections (though functionality remains unaffected)
  • May need to compromise on exact specifications for color or operation type
  • Often final sale with no return options

Companies like Blinds Galore and Steve's Blinds & Wallpaper offer detailed product descriptions that clearly state any imperfections, making the shopping process more transparent.

Pricing Overview for Overstock Cellular Shades

Pricing for overstock cellular shades varies based on size, material quality, and special features. Here's what to expect in different price ranges:

Budget Tier ($15-$40 per shade): Basic single-cell light-filtering shades in standard sizes. These typically feature manual operation and come in limited color options. Blindster frequently offers these entry-level options.

Mid-Range ($40-$80 per shade): Double-cell designs with improved insulation, cordless lift options, and a broader color selection. This range often includes light-filtering and semi-opaque fabrics from brands like JustBlinds.

Premium ($80-$150 per shade): Triple-cell construction with maximum insulation, blackout fabrics, designer colors, and specialty operating systems like top-down/bottom-up or motorized options. Smith & Noble regularly features these higher-end overstock items.

For the best value, consider mid-range options that balance quality and price. Watch for seasonal clearance events when retailers like 3 Day Blinds offer additional discounts on already reduced overstock items, sometimes bringing premium shades into more affordable price ranges.

Conclusion

Overstock cellular shades represent an excellent opportunity to upgrade your window treatments with energy-efficient, stylish options at significantly reduced prices. While selection may be more limited than custom-order alternatives, the substantial savings and immediate availability make them worth considering for budget-conscious homeowners. By understanding what to look for and where to shop, you can find high-quality cellular shades that enhance your home's comfort and appearance without overspending. Remember to check measurements carefully and understand return policies before purchasing, as overstock items often have different terms than regular merchandise.

Citations

This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.