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How to Pay for Blackout Cellular Shades

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How to Pay for Blackout Cellular Shades

Upgrade your sleep and energy efficiency by timing seasonal sales and spreading the cost over 18 months.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $850 before anything else
Across the 0% window $47.22/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $850 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Better sleep starts with a dark room. Blackout cellular shades stop the morning sun and keep your heat from leaking out in the winter. It takes about an hour to install them yourself once they arrive, and the difference in your power bill is usually immediate.

We wait for the big seasonal sales in early spring or late fall to get the best price. Manufacturers often drop prices by 20% or more during these windows. If you use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi), you can split that $850 cost into small monthly pieces while you enjoy the quiet and the dark.

This 0% period is a firm deadline. If you still have a balance after those 18 months are up, the standard interest rate will apply to whatever you still owe the bank.

The steps

  1. 01

    Measure every window twice

    Get the width and height at the top, middle, and bottom of the frame. Use the smallest number for inside mounts so the shades do not snag on the trim. Accuracy here prevents a long wait for replacements.

  2. 02

    Wait for the seasonal drop

    Window treatment companies run their best promos around Memorial Day or Black Friday. Watch for sitewide discounts to hit that $850 target. Buying at the wrong time can cost you an extra $200 easily.

  3. 03

    Get three different quotes

    Do not settle for the first site you find. Compare the shade material and the warranty terms across at least three retailers. Some brands offer better hardware for the same price.

  4. 04

    Use the 18-month window

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If you spend $850, you pay $47.22 a month to clear it before the interest kicks in.

  5. 05

    Install them yourself

    Professional installation adds hundreds to your total bill. Most cellular shades only need two brackets and four screws per window. A simple cordless drill is the only tool you really need.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Are cellular shades better than curtains?

They provide better insulation because of the honeycomb shape. Curtains look nice, but shades do a better job of blocking light and saving on your power bills.

Can I install these over existing blinds?

No, you usually need to remove the old hardware first. Most people prefer an inside mount for a cleaner look that blocks more light at the edges.

What if my windows are a weird size?

Custom shades are more expensive, but many online shops trim them to the sixteenth of an inch. That is why your measurements have to be perfect before you order.

Does the 0% interest start when I buy the shades?

No, the clock starts when you open the account. Do not wait too long between getting the card and making your purchase or you will have less time to pay it off.