Roller shades are known for their clean lines, simple operation and ability to disappear neatly when raised. Add motorization, and they become even easier to use—especially on large windows, hard-to-reach areas or rooms with several shades.
Hunter Douglas offers several roller-style window treatments that can be customized with motorized operation. If you’re considering motorized blinds and smart shades, here’s what to know about controls, light management, power options and professional installation.
How Do Motorized Roller Shades Work?
Motorized roller shades use a built-in motor to raise and lower the shade instead of requiring manual operation. Depending on the system you choose, shades can be controlled individually or in groups with a remote, the PowerView® App or compatible smart home technology.
Motorization can be especially useful when shades are installed on tall windows, across a large bank of glass or in locations where reaching the window treatment every day would be inconvenient.
Choose Your Control
PowerView® Automation gives you several ways to operate compatible motorized roller shades, from simple on-demand adjustments to scheduled movement throughout the day.
Remote Control
A PowerView® remote provides quick control of individual shades or groups of window treatments. Favorite positions can also be saved for convenient everyday adjustments.
App Control
Use the PowerView® App on your smartphone or tablet to adjust shades, create customized scenes and schedule shades to move automatically at selected times.
Smart Home Integration
With a compatible PowerView® Gateway, motorized shades can integrate with supported smart home systems for connected and voice control alongside other features in your home.
Watch Motorized Roller Shades Move
One of the advantages of automation is being able to position shades differently as your light and privacy needs change. One shade might stay open to preserve a view while another lowers to reduce direct sunlight, or multiple shades can move together as part of a scheduled scene.
Benefits of Motorized Roller Shades
Flexible Light Control
Roller shades make it easy to manage light with a clean, streamlined design. Motorization adds convenient adjustment throughout the day, while dual roller shade options can provide even more flexibility by combining light-filtering and room-darkening fabrics at one window.
With two independently operated shades, you can create different levels of light, privacy and view-through depending on the time of day.
Sun & Heat Management
Motorized roller shades can be scheduled to lower before intense sunlight reaches a room, helping manage glare and solar heat gain without requiring you to adjust each window manually.
If insulation is a priority, Sonnette® Cellular Roller Shades combine roller-style operation with cellular construction designed to improve comfort at the window. Explore additional energy-efficient window treatment solutions for rooms where heat control is especially important.
Safer, Easier Operation
Motorized shades eliminate the need for traditional lift cords and make it easier to operate large or difficult-to-reach window treatments. They can also be programmed to close at preferred times for consistent evening privacy.
How Are Motorized Roller Shades Powered?
Motorized roller shades can use different power sources depending on the product and installation. Options may include disposable batteries, rechargeable battery power, solar charging or hardwired power.
Rechargeable battery power can be a convenient choice when you want motorization without running wiring to every window. For compatible Hunter Douglas motorized shades, the PowerView® Rechargeable Battery Wand can also be used with a solar charger to help maintain the charge.
Learn more about rechargeable battery power for motorized shades, including charging, retrofit options and solar charging.
When Does Hardwiring Make Sense?
Hardwired motorized shades may be a good fit for new construction, remodeling projects or installations where permanent power can be planned before the window treatments are installed.
Hunter Douglas PowerView+™ uses low-voltage wiring for both power and communication, providing a wired option for compatible automated window treatments. Planning early can help determine where wiring, power supplies and controls should be located before walls are finished.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Motorized roller shades are custom window treatments, and proper measuring, mounting and setup are especially important when the windows are large, tall or difficult to access.
Our team considers window size, shade style, power source and control preferences before installation. Once the shades are installed, we help make sure the motorized system is set up and operating properly so you can use the controls, scenes and schedules you selected.
How Much Do Motorized Roller Shades Cost?
Motorized roller shades are custom made, so pricing depends on factors such as window size, fabric, roller shade collection, motorization system, power source, controls and the number of windows in the project.
Motorization does add to the cost compared with a manual shade, but the best way to evaluate the upgrade is to price the features and power options you actually want. California Window Fashions can provide personalized pricing based on your windows and selections during a complimentary design consultation.
Are Motorized Roller Shades Right for Your Home?
Motorized roller shades are especially worth considering if you like a clean, contemporary window treatment but want easier daily operation. They can be a practical solution for large windows, tall windows, rooms with multiple shades, bedrooms, living rooms and spaces where sunlight changes significantly throughout the day.
Visit our Roseville showroom to see motorized window treatments in operation, or schedule a complimentary in-home design consultation. Our designers can help you compare roller shade styles, controls and power options and plan professional installation for your home.
