I think that the answer is yes to both. The terms are "light-blocking" versus "light-filtering" for lighter blinds, and some even have darker and lighter sections so you can get light and privacy. As for the flat surface, you'll have to see what you think at a blinds store -- I think some have a continuous surface with cells behind, but they still fold rather than rolling, so I think there are some horizontal lines visible most of the time.

You can LARGE 4 inch pleats on a Silhouette shade, Or The effect above, in a Zebra shade.

Neither of those are a cellular shade

By definition it is the double or TRIPLE honeycomb effect of a good cellular shade that insulates. There is no way to avoid the folds, be they 1/2 inch. 3/4 or an inch.

Hunter Douglas makes the best, whether they are translucent, room darkening or blackout.

Depending your windows, you could put an inexpensive cellular behind a roller screen shade .........mounting the cel shade on an inside mount l behind an OUTSIDE mount roller screen.

Or.....use a ROLLER SCREEN alone and add curtain panels you can close.

You need more detailed info as to the issues. You need exact sizing of the entire window, You need pictures for more advice.

Zebra shades come as close as you can get for that list. Waht is it you need from the shades?

Let some light in and insulate

"let some light in and islate" for these purpose, and flat surface facing, I would recommend solar shades.

But do these shades keep cold out? Are they actually insulating?

You should not have that much '"cold" from a window"

Read my EARLIER comment from 16 days ago, and reply below as to your issues. and all else asked of you, by me and others.

When you don't provide full context.....Nobody can accurately help you.

I did read your EARLIER comment from 16 days ago. In this last post from TODAY, i was asking specifically if the Solar Shades recommended by Qida Window Shades Factory are insulating, and was hoping to get a response directly from Qida Window Shades Factory. I do plan to visit my local Hunter Douglas rep to ask for information. Photos of the windows would not give any context that would change my question. They’re windows. I want shades that insulate and don’t block too much light. Maybe shades like this exist, or maybe they don’t. It’s not really a complicated question.

Who knew you addressed anyone specific. ? No one.

You Type.......... @ So and So or whomever you would like to answer.

"They're windows":.............just windows,

Some types of treatments serve SOME windows better than others. There IS no such thing as they are JUST WINDOWS.

@ QIDA AND HUNTER DOUGLAS will tell you same, but what do I know after 33 years? Clearly nothing : )

Have a lovely day.

@Jan Moyer. Thanks for your advice. The snarky tone in your comments made me resistant, and unfortunately, left me just thinking why would i even give the time of day to this condescending jerk. But you’re clearly very wise and knowledgeable about how stupid other people are about… windows. I’m only looking for input on the narrow questions I’ve asked. Are there options for window treatments that are both insulating and let light through? Nothing more.

Do you get much positive feedback with this kind of commenting? It’s a negative for me.

Yes, Ellen....... and the best result for style and comfort is generally two treatments combined, if cold is a very significant issue.

It isn't snark, to tell you don't know what you don't know, and when you are looking for advice you might consider that,. It's the internet and the advice is free. It has nothing to do with "stupidity" - you asked a question and your knowledge of the WIDE options available is not expected of you.........only the context for your question, is the expectation and necessary ingredient.

I

Ellen, you should contact Qida Window Shades Factory directly. I'm sure they can help you.