It’s common to talk about all the ways that smart window shades can benefit you and your Fort Worth, Texas home—energy efficiency, beauty, convenience, and so on. But what’s less common is information on the ways that motorized shades bring about those benefits. If you’re interested in learning about the technology that makes regular window treatments smarter, then read on. 

SEE ALSO: 3 Reasons to Invest in Motorized Shades for Your Home

The “Motorized” Part of Motorized Shades

Instead of the standard curtain rod you’d typically find in a home, smart window shades have rods with tiny motors in them. These motors either run on a track (for drapery) or cause a circular motion for roller shades. These motors are connected to a central technology system so that you can easily control if the shades are open or closed. One of the key features of quality shading brands like Lutron and QMotion is that their motors are practically silent, so you don’t have to listen to an annoying buzz anytime you want to raise or lower the shades.

The Control Methods

Obviously, one of the biggest advantages of smart window shades is that you never have to manually draw the shades open or closed. Instead, you use one of the many smart control methods available. Choose just one or all of them to add to your smart home automation system:

• Remotes: A simple, elegant remote can be used to adjust the window treatments. Just add it to your coffee table or nightstand and then push the up or down button whenever you’d like the shades adjusted.
• Phone or Tablet: You can also get the same effect as a remote straight from your smartphone or tablet. Just open up the app and select whether you want the shades open or closed in one room, a few rooms, or the entire home.
• Wall Switch: We can easily swap out the standard light switches in each room with a version that includes options to control both the lights and the window shades. The control options are personalized, and the switches come in a variety of styles to match the room’s décor.
• Wall Console: For a more sophisticated control approach, we can replace the standard wall switch with an in-wall touchscreen console. From this touchscreen, you can easily set the right shading, lighting, temperature, etc.
• Voice: Nothing beats the effortlessness of controlling a room with just your voice. By adding in a voice control device like Amazon Echo, you can simply say “Alexa, close the window shades,” and it will happen.

The Automation Possibilities

As nice as it is to be able to open and close the shades at the push of the button, the real magic happens when you integrate other systems in your home, such as the lighting or HVAC systems. With smart home automation, you don’t have to worry about controlling the window treatments—they open and close automatically depending on factors like the lighting and temperature levels in the room.

Extraordinary floor-to-ceiling windows and glass walls have become the norm for modern homes these days.  The glass panes are optimal for scenic views and letting in the day’s natural lighting.  But often, they can be a hindrance for privacy and let in the sun’s ray that might damage your interior décor.   Motorized shades can easily solve the issue, and provide a comfortable and practical feel to your living area.  Read on to learn why smart window shades are the perfect fit for you Dallas, TX home.

SEE ALSO: WHICH TYPE OF MOTORIZED SHADES IS RIGHT FOR YOU HOME?

Motorized is the Way

Your lofty windows are stunning, but perhaps not when you’re attempting to manage their shades.  You want to lower them with ease when the sun is directly hitting your living room, or open them up without thinking twice in the morning.  With regular shades, the latter would be a tricky feat to accomplish without spilling your coffee.  But motorized shades take the difficulty out of the equation; all that’s required is the push of a button.  And if you know certain hours of the day you’d like the shades adjusted, then you can set them to work automatically without another thought to it.

Blend In or Stand Out

When enjoying the view from your glass walls or high window fixtures, normal blinds and shades can be distracting.  They don’t blend well with the rest of your interior, and often still prove a noticeable problem when you pull them out of the way.  Specific motorized shades, such as roller or honeycomb style, will ensure that when they are drawn up – you won’t realize they are there until you lower them back down.  These shades roll up into the wall above the window, disappearing completely until you are ready to have them back.  Want the added decoration that lovely patterns and fabrics motorize shades can offer?  That’s always an option too.  Whatever fits your home’s design and your taste, there is a window treatment style for you.

Doubling up

Often, we want the best that both worlds can deliver – and choosing for elegant glass windows shouldn’t be any different.  With motorized shading, you don’t have to compromise.  In one room, you might wish for privacy as you read or lounge about on the sofa.  But other days, you want to enjoy the view and the sun’s light.  Blackouts shades might be a great option for when your family is watching a film in the living room, but not when you have guests over the next day.  Double roller shades are the ideal solution.  Dual-shading means two shading styles and two options to always have on hand for your window treatments.  Choose between UV ray protection, view preservation, blackout, and more.  Now you can determine the lighting and ambiance of every room of the house with ease and without settling.