Contemporary design features, with sleek operation, roller shades top the list as one of the most popular window coverings on the market. They offer coverage, light control and privacy when necessary. But they also get out of the way when you’d like! What could be better? How about motorized roller shades? We offer 7 types of roller shades from the Hunter Douglas brand, and with motorization, the simplicity of these window shades just moved to effortless. Now, you just have to pick your favorite!
Choose Your Control
You need control, and motorized roller shades deliver. The “How” is up to you!
Remote Control Blinds: With a hand-held remote, or wall-mounted remote, you’re one tap away from instant adjusts and saved favorites for multiple window coverings in your home.
App Control Shades: Using your tablet or smartphone, you’ll download the PowerView app, and you’re off! Set schedules, save favorites, create scenes based on your family’s lifestyle–or time of day.
Smart Home Integration: Use the smart home system you’ll already have, just incorporate your motorized roller shades into the routine! Enjoy voice-controlled adjustments, triggered movement that works with other smart home devices, and the feeling that everything is always in the right place.
Watch Smart Shades Move
It’s incredible to see motorized roller shades in action. One shade reveals the view, while another blocks direct light. They switch positions as the day progresses, always one step ahead of the elements to create the ideal environment in your home.
Discover the Benefits
There are a number of ways that motorized roller shades improve the lifestyle and atmosphere of your home. Let’s explore the possibilities…
The Lighting
Roller blinds have long been known as an on/off switch for lighting–which is really convenient, especially with motorized roller shades. Open them–enjoy light. Close them–enjoy darkness. But what about in between. By adding an additional feature, dual roller shades, you get all sorts of lighting levels for any time or circumstance. The two shades operate on their own, allowing you to set custom positions.
The Energy Savings
In California, we’re all concerned about increasing the energy efficiency of our homes. The hot, direct sunshine that floods your home heats up the interior, resulting in higher utility bills and discomfort. While roller shades are capable of blocking sunshine from entering, we also offer cellular roller shades that create an insulating barrier at the window. Block the sunshine and insulate the windows at the same time. With motorized roller shades, you can set a schedule to lower the shades just before that time of day where the direct rays enter.
The Safety Factor
It’s no secret that blinds cords are dangerous for children and pets. One of the perks of automatic blinds is that they are cordless. So you get instant safety just by choosing motorized blinds. But, there’s more to it. Obviously a benefit of any shades is privacy, but when your shades adjust on a schedule, you don’t just get privacy, you get increased security. The schedule you set for your motorized roller shades means they adjust whether your home or not. Your house just feels more secure when this is happening–especially when no one is home.
The Drawbacks of Motorized Roller Shades
Knowledge is power, and the more you know, the better off you’ll be. Are there drawbacks to automatic blinds? Let’s call them important considerations. The top three: Power Source, Installation and Overall Cost.
Power Supply
There are a few options when it comes to powering automated shades. Disposable batteries, a rechargeable battery wand, solar power and hard-wired shades. With disposable batteries, you’ll change the batteries every 1-2 years, depending on use. The downside of this is if you have multiple windows that you’re changing all at once–the cost of the batteries can seem significant. Then, there’s the waste. No one loves the idea of disposable batteries as a long term solutions for lots of windows. That’s where the rechargeable battery wand comes in. This innovation is a game-changer. Capable of being retrofit on previously purchased Hunter Douglas automated shades, homeowners are loving this choice.
Along the lines of increasing product sustainability, Hunter Douglas has introduced a solar powered option for powering your electric blinds. And finally, if you’re building a new home or remodeling, consider hard-wiring for motorized roller shades. Low voltage electrical wiring is needed for the shades to work, and most people choose while already in the construction phase of the project.
Installation
There are things you can do around your home without the advice or service of a professional. When it comes to window treatment installation, we wouldn’t recommend making it your next DIY project. To begin with, smart shades are an investment, which you want to handle very carefully. You also should feel secure in installing them properly so everything works as intended, and none of the elements are damaged during the installation process. In addition, there are many times that we aren’t simply installing window coverings on a small window with a step stool. Many of the areas of the home where homeowners want the convenience of motorized roller shades happen to be high up on the wall. Chances are, the windows are large.
Don’t risk your safety or the quality of the window coverings by trying to do this on your own. (Besides–our installers teach you everything you need to know about your newly installed automatic shades!)
The Cost
We saved one of the most frequently asked questions for last! Please know–it’s okay to ask. We have plenty of homeowners who find out pricing for their project and are pleasantly surprised at how affordable it can be–especially considering all the benefits this technology adds to your home. Request a quote with motorization, even if you’re not quite sure yet. It’s always good to get an idea. In general, the window covering industry can seem to be priced higher than expected. This is due to the high quality materials and operating features. Today’s window treatments are safer, sturdier, beautiful…they are meant to last and look good while doing it. They actually increase the value of your home, so consider this as you are making decisions about products and operation.
Which Room Needs Automation in Your Home?
If you love the clean, contemporary appearance of roller shades, you can see how adding automation can seem like magic. Is there a specific room in your home that would benefit from this technology? We’d love to hear your questions and offer advice and inspiration for you. Stop by our Roseville window treatment showroom to see everything in person, and try out the products! Then, schedule your FREE in-home design consult with one of our window covering designers. We can’t wait to work with you!
