There is no mistake that window coverings offer a home a more sophisticated and clean look. They provide a timeless appeal to any interior and come in a wide range of styles and finishings. Motorized blinds and shades are one of many available styles. However, you might be wondering whether or not they are worth the investment.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of motorized products, and how they differ from regular window treatments.
What Are Motorized Window Coverings?
Most of the products available to be motorized are shades. Shade fabrics are lightweight and easy to raise and lower with battery-operated or rechargeable motors. These can be controlled easily with a remote. Blinds can also be motorized, but the motors can only control the tilt of the slats and will not raise and lower the blind. Motorized window coverings are ideal for windows that are hard to reach or where you have furniture blocking your access to the window. They can be automated to work with a timer or remote control. Some homes have them set up as part of an automated system known as smart blinds.
Why Are Motorized Shades Better than Regular Window Coverings?
Traditional window coverings are suited to most homes: They provide light control and privacy as well as are decorative. They are ideal for any interior and come in several designs.
They require manual opening and closing and work well for easy-to-reach windows. However, motorized shades are better suited to windows where you can’t reach the controls or the window is blocked by furniture.
They offer ease of use and several benefits. To fully understand why these window treatments are growing in popularity, we must look at the pros and cons of these kinds of products.
Pros and Cons of Motorized Shades
There are several reasons why installing shades is an excellent idea for any home. While the standard benefits of a shade are also key to their popularity, motorized shades have a few added benefits.
Pros of Motorized Shades
Safety
Shade cords are often seen as a safety hazard for parents and pet owners. Parents sometimes avoid installing new window coverings out of fear their children might get hurt by the cords. Motorized shades remove the risk of pets and children being harmed by cords, making them an overall safer option.
Minor Wear & Tear
Tugging on the cords, winding mechanisms, or spring rollers can cause undue wear and tear on shades. When opting for a motorized option, shades are opened easily with more even pressure across the shade, allowing the shade to last longer. Motorized shades also reduce the need for deep cleaning as they will be less physically touched than manual shades.
Protection from Harsh UV Light
Exposure to harsh light can damage home furniture with continued exposure. Motorized shades placed on a solar sensor or preset timer can offer your home added protection from harsh sunlight. Smart shades can be set automatically to open and close at set times, while solar sensors work with sunlight.
Improved Quality of Life
Get a good night’s sleep with automated blinds. Roller shades of this kind can be set to open on a timer for a natural wakeup, often leading to better quality sleep. These shades also offer those who work irregular shifts to set their blinds to open and close at specific times to block out light.
A cardinal benefit of a motorized shade is the improved quality of life they can bring.
Ease of Use
Shades that manually adjust are not accessible to many people. Automated or motorized window treatments offer an easy way for people with disabilities or a reduced range of motion to open and close shades easily.
Motorization allows you to automatically close or open at set times for easy use. These systems can improve the quality of life for many people.
Home Security
Preset times and automated shades can offer a layer of protection for your home, especially if you are away from home. Shades that are drawn and opened at set times can afford the illusion that you’re home when away, a possible deterrent to home break-ins.
Reduced Energy Bills
Energy savings are a factor in many people’s decision to install motorized window treatments. Reducing sun exposure during the hottest part of the day can help reduce energy bills.
And closing the shades before the day (or night) becomes too cold can offer an added layer of insulation to reduce heating bills.
Cost Savings
Aside from saving on energy bills, motorized window coverings can save you money in the long run. Motorized shades are made to last and, with regular maintenance, can operate for an extended amount of time.
Since these blinds and shades are not physically handled as much as their manual counterparts, they are less likely to need frequent replacement.
Ideal for Unusual Windows
Tall, unusually large, or hard-to-reach windows benefit from motorized window treatments. Skylights and conservatories also benefit from a smart blind system or shades with remote control options.
This stylish window treatment offers your home a clean and sophisticated appearance that is timeless and suited to almost any interior design. Plus, these window treatments boast the benefits of standard shades and blinds too.
Cons of Motorized Shades:
- Initial standard cost. The upfront cost of installing a motorized shade can put some homeowners off. The cost of adding an automated system can make you wonder, “Is motorization worth the price?” It is important to remember the cost of these shades is an investment; they offer your home added value and include returns on investment generally in a few years’ time.
- Customization can cost more. Large windows or unusually angled skylights can sometimes cost more. The costs can vary depending on the customization level and whether you require a smart window treatment system to be installed.
- Repair and maintenance. Looking after your window treatment involves maintenance and the occasional repair; this can be a downside for some homeowners if they do not plan for it. Batteries will have to be replaced regularly or shades will have to be charged regularly.
Other cons that might impact your decision to install motorized blinds are based on several factors, including the number of windows you need to install in, the size of the windows, and the customization you require.
How Are Motorized Blinds Powered?
There are a few considerations when choosing the right motorized shade for your home or office. The power mechanism is one of many considerations and, perhaps, among the most important. Many people ask whether motorized shades use batteries or whether they are powered by an adaptor. There are, in fact, several power options available, including:
- Battery-powered. Battery-operated blinds use standard AA Lithium-ion batteries. Depending on how often you raise and lower your shade will determine how often you have to replace your batteries.
- Hardwired. Through this method, power is installed into your home’s main power supply. This is a popular option for many homeowners who want a seamless, wire-free installation.
- Rechargeable: This option required you to attach a charging cord to each shade and plug it into a wall. A full charge takes about 3-4 hours of being plugged in and will last for several months depending on how often you use the shade.
- Solar powered. This is an ideal option for buildings situated in sunny areas. These shades will offer you a cost-friendly solution. This power source can be a bit more unpredictable as it depends on the amount of sun the sensors receive.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Motorized Blinds
You might have several questions when researching whether motorized blinds are worth it for you. These are the most frequently asked questions we hear:
How Are Motorized Blinds Installed?
Whether you’re looking for the best smart blinds to suit your unusually shaped window frame, a retrofitted solution for hard-to-reach skylights, or a simple motorized solution, you should have your blinds installed by professional installers.
This will circumvent any installation issues and save money you might waste on poorly installed options.
Can Motorized Blinds Be Connected to My Smart Device?
Yes. Depending on the type of motor you have installed, you could add your blinds to your home automation system. Professionally installed motorized shades can be connected to your smart hub or other smart home devices. Typically a “hub” is required to help the shade communicate with the Google Home or Alexa device.
Are Motorized Shades Reliable?
Yes. These window treatments are an excellent choice for any home if professionally designed and installed. When custom-fitted and designed, they offer reliability and long-lasting use.
Are Motorized Shades Loud or Noisy?
No, most modern blinds are silent or make very little noise. They are designed to be seamless and quiet, no matter the style. While heavier window treatments might require a slightly bigger motor to raise them, they are generally quiet.
Are Motorized Blinds Hard to Install?
No. Motorized blinds are not hard to install. As these blinds are customized and fitted to your windows, they will be professionally installed with ease. It is essential to note that you should only use qualified, experienced designers to install your window treatment.
Are Motorized Shades Customizable?
Yes, absolutely! Motorized shades are like any other type of window covering. They can be custom-made to suit any interior design and come in various styles. Motorized shade window treatments are not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Their customizability is one of the many benefits of installation. Whether you are interested in roller shades or more sophisticated honeycomb styles, these motorized window coverings are fully customizable to your preferences.
Ready to Install Motorized Window Treatments? Contact Van Gogh Fashions Today
Whether you need advice on installing motorized shades in one room or your entire house, get in touch with the window treatment experts at Van Gogh Window Fashions. With 20+ years of experience in the window treatment industry, our experts can offer advice on the best-suited window coverings for your home. Contact us for a quote today!
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