Each year more and more homeowners are adding technology throughout their homes in different ways. We want you to know how smart shades and motorized blinds can improve the light control, privacy, safety and energy efficiency of your Texas home. Motorized window treatments can be simple window coverings that adjust via a motor. With smart shades, you’re adding additional technology to increase the number of available features. Hunter Douglas PowerView® automation is an industry leader, ensuring compatibility with most smart home systems, so you can easily bring this technology into your home, using the devices and smart technology you’re used to.
What’s the Difference Between Smart Shades and Motorized Blinds?
Just like the name implies, motorized window treatments have a motor, and once activated, the motor adjusts the positioning of the window covering. You trigger the adjustments with a tap on a remote or app, or with the nudge of a control wand in the case of the SoftTouch system. That means not all motorized shades are necessarily “smart.” Motorization is a term used to describe any “hands off” adjustments for window coverings. Because of that, consumers have adopted the terms smart blinds, smart shades, smart drapes to describe the concept of adjusting your window treatments with the tap on a remote or in an app. With PowerView motorization, there are smart features you can enjoy. The remote allows you to control 1-6 shades with a “favorites” setting. Within the app, you can schedule adjustments or save favorite settings for individual scenes. You can also control more shades when using the app.
When it comes to window shades automation, that’s where you have the full suite of smart features. PowerView automated shades adjust with integration into your smart home system. They can still be adjusted with a remote or app, but they can also adjust with voice command, or in conjunction with smart system settings. Window shade automation is a functional way to add a beautiful design.
Why Texas Homeowners Choose Motorized Shades
The benefits of motorized shades involve improving the atmosphere of your home, controlling the temperature, making adjustments simple, increasing safety and security, and upgrading the routines in your life–perfect for homes in San Antonio and the Hill Country.
The Atmosphere
Effortless maintenance of interior temperatures with scheduled or instant adjustments
The hot Texas sunshine can sure heat up the inside of our homes. It’s a delicate balance of closing your house up like a fortress, yet not wanting to feel like you’re in a cave. That’s where automating your home can be the best way to manage it. Smart shades can move regularly, just like the sun moves across the sky. One side of the house is closed up in the morning, while the other side lets in natural light. As the day progresses, not only do the shades move, but they adjust according to triggers from other smart home devices. This keeps the atmosphere pleasant, you enjoy the natural light, and you save heating and cooling costs year-round.
Custom scenes ensure that you’ll always have the right atmosphere
The benefits of what we refer to as “custom scenes” is vast. You can pre-set one room or even one window to rise and fall when you want it to. Not every window–or even each room–has to follow the others. The custom scenes are completely controlled by you! They are designed to create the absolute best experience for your home.
Adjust hard-to-reach windows with ease
The largest windows of your home can be a wonderful way to enjoy the view and bring in natural light. Window coverings play a big part in making sure you don’t get overwhelmed by too much light, or not enough privacy. But, with large windows, or a wall full of windows, adjustments can start to feel like work. Motorized shades offer an effortless solution for getting the most of your hard-to-reach windows.
Your Routines
Stay on track with scheduled adjustments that bring effortless control to your home
Whether you consider yourself an “A type” personality or not, we all benefit from schedules. Having a routine keeps us in check and on track. Automated window treatments can be programmed to help with that routine. Raising automatically, as the sun rises, they can help start your day. When it’s time to get some rest for the big day ahead, they can automatically let you know when to get ready for bed by gently closing.
Focus on better sleep for the entire family
We know that sleep is essential in your home. What if you had a magic button that put all of your rooms into “Goodnight Mode” at bedtime? Get the kids to bed easier without the late evening sunset convincing them to stay awake. Keep everyone asleep throughout the night by blocking any outside light distractions. And, when the morning sun peeks above the horizon, everyone will stay in bed longer.
Security & Safety
Cordless shades improve the safety in your home for children and pets
We all have considered smart home features that make us feel more safe and secure in our homes. Smart shades are included in this. Because motorized window treatments are cordless, they remove the dangers of blind cords for children and pets.
Enjoy time away with app control of your smart shades
You’ve got a million things on your mind. Automating your home with smart shades means you no longer have to worry which position the shades are in throughout your home. Away for the day? Finally taking that much needed vacation? Schedule the shades to take care of the adjustments. They also can close up your home each evening to ensure that there is no view inside. You can use the PowerView® app from anywhere to check in on shade positions, schedule adjustments, or make the shades move instantly.
The Power Options for Motorized Window Treatments
For many years, motorized shades have been available as battery-powered shades…disposable batteries, that is. AA batteries that control smart shades typically need to be changed every 1-2 years, depending on usage. But, with the latest innovations, we now have more sustainable options.
Rechargeable Battery Wand
- Long battery life
- Clean and hidden
- Eco-friendly
The Hunter Douglas rechargeable battery wand can replace the standard AA batteries–and not just for new smart shades. This rechargeable battery can be retro-fit to power previously purchased remote control blinds with the PowerView system.
Hard-Wired Shades
- Best for remodels and new builds
- Unlimited power
- Tie into existing smart home automation
Hardwiring motorized blinds is convenient during home construction, as low-voltage wiring can be installed then and there. While hardwiring can be an efficient choice if you prefer to avoid batteries, it is only practical during construction or remodeling.
Solar Powered Battery
- Reduced maintenance
- Eco-friendly alternative to batteries
- Provides power even in low light windows
The option to choose a solar powered battery for your motorized shades is a game-changer for many homeowners. The charger can attach to the glass or to the window frame, in an out of the way position.
The Details of the Power View App
Curious about what’s possible with the PowerView app? We love sharing this technology with our clients. Hunter Douglas PowerView Automated shades receive high ratings partly due to their user-friendly setup. You can create schedules, save favorite settings for rooms or individual windows, customize your favorites by setting up “scenes” that create the right atmosphere for specific times of day or activities, and automate smart adjustments. The app is continually updated to ensure easy and effective access to your shades’ features. Take a look and see for yourself how simple it is:
What Are the Top Window Treatments to Motorize?
Here in Texas, homeowners have favorites that they prefer in their homes. We are sharing a quick list of some top favorites in Hunter Douglas motorized shades, but almost all Hunter Douglas products are compatible with motorization.
Roller Shades
Motorized roller shades offer a sleek, modern look that fit nicely into any room. They are available in a range of fabric opacities, from sheer and light filtering, to room darkening and blackout. Dual roller shades is a dynamic feature that can be combined with motorization for incredible control.
Sheer Shades
Quite popular due to their elegant design of fabric vanes that change position, with sheers that filter light and reveal the view, both Pirouette shades and Silhouette shades are simple to control with automation. Vanes can be adjusted in an instant, or you can roll the entire shade up into the headrail to view the full window. Both collections offer a wide range of light control and privacy.
Cellular Honeycomb Shades
The energy efficient benefits of motorized cellular shades is ideal for controlling the temperature of Texas homes, especially during the hottest days of summer. With a wide range of fabric opacities, from sheer and light filtering, to room darkening and blackout shades, you’ll customize the look and feel of your home.
Woven Wood Shades
The stunning window shades of the Provenance Woven Wood collection offer unparalleled beauty at the window. Moving them with motorized control allows you to be “hands off,” keeping the natural fibers looking their best for years to come. An incredible innovation–available exclusively to woven woods–choose dual shades to pair a cellular shade behind your front woven wood shade, lowering it into position when the Texas heat needs to be stopped at the window.
Roman Shades
Always a timeless choice, roman shades bring beauty and character to the window. Adjusting motorized roman shades has never been easier. Choose additional features like top down bottom up and dual roman shades with PowerView automation to create the perfect style and atmosphere to your home.
Vertical Window Treatments
With large windows and sliding glass doors, you might be considering vertical shades and blinds for your home. Automation of these large treatments is the ideal way to gain access to the outdoors without a hassle. For incredible energy savings, Duette Vertiglide is a great choice–pairing beautifully with horizontal Duette shades. When smooth gliding and low profile form are important, Skyline Panel Track Blinds deliver–pairing with Designer Roller Shades for whole home coordination.
What Homeowners Can Expect
You’ve got questions about smart shades, and we have answers!
The Cost of Motorized Shades
This is one of the questions people ask most frequently: How much do smart blinds cost? And, you should ask! It’s an important factor when you determine which operating features work best for you. While investing in your home can be costly, budgeting for every project is advisable. Hunter Douglas window treatments are top quality and increase the value of your home if you ever decide to sell it. It increases even more when automated. While it can be difficult to give a specific price for the cost of motorized shades, we can give you an exact price with your free in-home consultation.
Here are some factors that add to the cost of automated shades:
- The amount of window coverings you need
- The type of window shades you select (and the fabric collection you choose)
- Which operating system you pick (individual window/wand, smart home integration, remote control)
- Added features like top-down or dual shades
Hunter Douglas has worked tirelessly to ensure that their automated shades are compatible with most home systems, such as Control4, Elan, Logitech, and more. You can easily control them using Alexa and Siri.
Window Shade Installation
Customized shades and blinds with motors are technical and challenging to install. Hunter Douglas Powerview shades are created for your home’s windows and can be quickly and efficiently put up by our team of certified window covering installers. With all the spaces in the home, from high-up windows to awkward spaces, power outlets and electrical wiring should be handled by a professional to avoid damaging the product or creating more challenges.
Whisper Quiet Operation
Not all motorized blinds are considered equal. Hunter Douglas works hard to offer the best in the business with whisper-quiet operation. This means shifting shades and blinds that don’t make lots of noise as they move into place. There is a low humming sound as your smart shades adjust to fit your schedule and lifestyle needs.
Which Rooms Need Automated Shades the Most?
As you’re selecting window coverings, you’ll want to go room-by-room to decide which features you’d like to experience with the benefits of motorized window treatments. It’s a personal preference, and we can help guide you through the selection process.
Bedrooms: With blackout automation, you can set schedules that improve your family’s sleeping patterns. Schedule them so the sun wakes you up during the week, but they’ll let you sleep in on the weekends.
Living Room: The biggest concern in this space is glare control. Instant adjustments make it possible to watch TV or use your devices without the constant glare. Windows that face direct light are a good candidate for energy efficient motorized shades to keep the temperature comfortable. If sliding doors are a part of your living room design, motorized vertical shades are the perfect option to cover those large expanses of glass, while making it easy to access your outdoor space.
Entryway: Hard-to-reach windows and street-facing windows are both a great choice for window shade automation, as you can schedule adjustments for light control or privacy.
Kitchen: You’re in the kitchen at different times throughout the day, so depending on the time of day, your needs will change. But one thing won’t–the kitchen is a great room to experience “hands-free” control of the light, temperature and privacy.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Stop by one of the window treatment showrooms in San Antonio or Marble Falls to explore motorized blinds in person. We offer free in-home design consultations that include professional measurements and guidance through all of the motorized window treatment options. Ask your window covering specialist about financing options. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.