Make the Best Motorized Shading Decisions for Your Home

Hand cranks were the standard for operating car windows until we upgraded to automatic buttons. We used to wash dishes by hand until the time-and-water-saving dishwasher was invented. Would you go back to cranks and hand washing now? Probably not. And after you experience powered window treatments, you won’t want to go back to manual blinds and shades either.

If you’re considering making the upgrade to motorized shades, this blog can serve as a quick guide to help you make the best decisions for your home. Our motorized shading experts have answered the most common questions about this smart home solution below. Keep reading to learn more!

1. How Are Motorized Shades Powered?

Motorized shades can be hardwired or battery-driven. Wired window treatments are ideal for new construction or major renovation projects since they require wire runs through the home, and battery-powered window treatments are best suited for smaller upgrades in an existing home. While battery life can last an impressive three to five years depending on how often you operate your shades, it’s hard to beat the reliability of hardwired shades, which also eliminate the need to ever replace batteries.

2. Do They Apply to Large Windows?

Motorized shades can be custom-fit to windows of virtually any size, including ultra-large windows. Open-concept home designs are a rising trend in Salt Lake City and beyond, featuring large windows that grant more access to natural light. The downside to this design is finding a shading solution that can control that natural light to maintain room temperature and privacy. Motorized shades by Lutron can cover a window opening of up to 12 feet wide by 12 feet tall, while QMotion recently introduced their Wider Qadvanced Shades that are available in sizes as large as 13-by-15 feet in select fabric options.

SEE MORE: Beyond Convenience: How Motorized Blinds Help Save Energy

3. Are Their Motors Loud?

Loud motors are a common concern of homeowners who haven’t yet experienced the solution in person. While the actual decibel range for motorized window treatments will vary depending on brand and roller size, you can rest assured that motors from leading brands like Lutron and QMotion are whisper-quiet. In fact, Lutron motors are the quietest in the industry, reaching sound levels as quiet as a refrigerator hum. Put motorized shades in the nursery, home theater, and listening room without worry.

4. Where Can I Buy Motorized Shades?

If you’re looking for battery-powered smart shades, you’ll find several options at stores like IKEA, Lowe’s, and The Home Depot. However, we can’t guarantee that these shading systems will all be high quality, whisper-quiet, easy to install, seamless to integrate, or simple to use. For a sophisticated shading system that you can rely on for years and operate with ease, we recommend brands like Lutron and QMotion. Only certified dealers can sell and install these systems to ensure the highest quality.

5. Are Motorized Shades Worth It?

A subjective question at best, but we’re strongly on the side of yes! Motorized shades aren’t just a “cool gadget” to add to your smart home. They’re truly a worthwhile investment if you’re interested in saving time and energy use, improving comfort, and increasing home security. Not only can motorized shades complement any interior design style, but they offer seamless control through an app, keypad, or remote. You can even schedule your shades to adjust on their own based on events or schedules.

In our next blog, we’ll dive deeper into the many intuitive ways you can control your motorized window treatments for ultimate convenience and personalization. Stay tuned! If you’re interested in upgrading your window treatments, contact our team here or send us a message in the chat box below to book a free consultation. We’d love to hear from you!