Do you know that roller shades are one of today’s most popular types of window treatments? It’s a big category, after all. Our product offering includes 7 types of roller shades so there is bound to be something for everyone, from the most design-focused client, to someone shopping for practicality at the top of their list. Beyond that, the features available can add even more benefits and lifestyle upgrades. One of the favorites? Motorized roller shades are topping charts with their ability to customize light control, privacy, energy efficiency and convenience without effort.
Control Your Way
Once you decide you want power, it’s a good idea to consider the best way to control your smart shades.
The Remote
Traditionally, motorized roller shades would have instantly been adjusted at the touch of a button on a remote. Today’s shades can utilize a remote, either hand-held or surface-mounted. The remote for your shades can adjust multiple shades, or save favorite settings to access.
App Control
Now you can use your smartphone, tablet or preferred device to operate your motorized roller shades. The app gives you the opportunity to make instant adjustments, but you can go beyond that simple control. Save favorite scenes–individual settings within a room, or at specific windows–when the shades need to be in position. These scenes are created to the ideal atmosphere, such as “morning coffee,” “afternoon nap,” or “family movie.” Schedule the shades to move into position to block the afternoon sun, or provide nighttime privacy.
Smart Home Integration
Take the benefits of app controlled blinds–and add even more control options. Use voice commands with your virtual assistant so the shades open or close. Enjoy triggered adjustments, as automated shades interact with your other smart home appliances.
What Are the Benefits?
We’re glad you asked! Motorized roller shades are capable of providing the same benefits that manually adjusted roller shades provide. But, they also go way beyond that, delivering an unparalleled experience.
Light Control
We won’t just say “light control,” and move on. We’ll say–customized light control across the day. Your motorized roller shades can change position without you lifting a finger, or giving it a second thought. The morning sunrise won’t wake you up, but the shades will open by the time you’re having coffee, so you can capture some of that mood-enhancing light. The hot afternoon sun doesn’t have to chase you out of certain rooms in your home because your shades will adjust closed before the rays are shining straight in. Your kids won’t argue about going to bed because their room is darkened and ready for sleep, (okay…maybe they will, but they won’t be able to use outside light as a reason they can’t fall asleep). When you invite home automation into your life, it’s not just light control, it’s a custom atmosphere that fits your life.
Energy Efficiency
Do you know how the light and heat can affect the interior of your home? To begin with, the draft you feel in winter can be stopped with the right window coverings. You’re losing a lot of energy out of those windows! When the sun floods your home, light hits surfaces–and they begin to heat up. It’s called radiant heat, and window coverings can stop this from happening. You don’t need automated shades to protect the interior of your home. But, with motorized roller shades, you’ll gain a lot more efficiency–while also enjoying your home. On a schedule, your window shades will adjust to keep the heat and sunshine out during the hottest parts of the day. Or, allow sunlight to enter in during cool winter mornings. These convenient adjustments are effortless and extremely valuable for utility savings and quality of life.
Privacy + Security
Every type of window covering offers some level of privacy. So, it’s not hard to see that motorized roller shades would also improve privacy. But, privacy in an instant? Or on a schedule? That’s even better. Plus, automation takes privacy one step further. Motorized roller shades could be the key to your home being more secure. On a schedule (or instantly) close the street-facing windows so people can’t see into your home during dark evenings. Even more than that, keep those shades moving while you’re at work or on vacation to give the impression that someone is home. It’s peace of mind that your family deserves.
Just Add Power.
Just like the rest of the experience, choosing the way you want to power your shades comes with choices to suit your life. We have a variety of options, from the most common, down to the most customizable approach.
- Disposable Batteries
- Rechargeable Batteries
- Solar Power
- Hard-wired Shades
Disposable batteries were an easy power source for motorized shades for years. Change them out every 1-2 years, as needed. The trouble came as people realized that it ends up being a lot of waste–especially with multiple shades. Hunter Douglas answered that call for sustainable power choices by introducing a rechargeable battery wand that could be retrofit to previously purchased PowerView shades or new ones.
The newest method being introduced in the name of earth-friendly and cost effective sustainability is a solar powered source. Imagine using the power of the sun’s rays–as you block them out–to power the shades that are effectively doing the blocking. It sounds almost too good to be true. And, as always, motorized roller shades work beautifully when hard-wired in the home. It doesn’t bring noticeable power usage to your utility bills because it’s low-voltage wiring. The only downside to this option is it’s best to do it when building a new home or remodeling, since it should be done prior to drywalling the area surrounding the windows.
Are You Ready to Get Smart?
At Rocky Mountain Shutters, Shades & Closets, we can’t wait to hear about your next project. Come visit us at one of our Colorado showrooms to experience motorized roller shades firsthand. Let us show you how they work and answer any questions you have! Get in touch with our team for your free design consult.
