4 Ways Motorized Window Treatments Can Give Your Home a Major Upgrade

By: Theo Jamieson

Updated: 8/14/2023

The Next Big Thing in Home Automation

If you’re in the market for window treatments, you might have stumbled upon motorized options. But what are motorized shades and blinds, and are they right for you?

Well, that depends. Adding motorized window treatments increases the day-to-day functionality of your window treatments, maximizing both privacy and views throughout your home. If you’re looking to modernize your home and make your window treatments work harder for you (while operating effortlessly on your end), motorized window treatments are definitely something you should consider.

There’s a lot of information out there, so don’t get overwhelmed. We’ll answer all your questions about how motorized window treatments work, how they can transform your home, and how to find the best option for you.

How do motorized window treatments work?

Motorized window treatments have come a long way, and with new technology, it’s possible to have the newest conveniences, the quietest motors, and an elevated look all wrapped up in one.

Motorized shades have a simple switch, remote, or app to open and close them.

Motorized shades are all about effortlessly creating a convenient space where you can focus on the important parts of life.

Check out these four ways motorized shades and blinds can give your home the upgrade it needs.

1. Motorized Shades are The Epitome of Convenience

Motorized shades offer a major upgrade in your home convenience. No more strings, cranks, or pulley systems that are traditionally attached to window treatments. Those features can end up as a hindrance, rather than a help. Opting for motorized shades means no more tangled strings or hand cranks only accessible by leaning over the back of the sofa.

Do you have children or pets in your home? You’re probably used to paying close attention whenever they’re near windows. Who wants the cat pulling down the blinds or children’s safety at risk?

Being in two places at once and seeing out of the back of your head is difficult for most people. So if you’re one of those people who doesn’t have eyes in the back of your head, opting for motorized shades is a great option for you. Worrying about child safety is no longer weighing on your mind, and you won’t be annoyed at the cat playing with those strings.

With motorized shades, you’ll be able to set up your custom window coverings to best suit your lifestyle. There are many different options for types of controls. If you know what best suits your needs, you can choose a window treatment that will be the perfect fit. Controls can be:

• A Home Automation Hub
• Smartphone
• Remote Control
• Wall Switch

These different control options can be paired with different window treatments. Be sure to check out all the combinations to see what will work best for your home.

Seem like a lot? Stoneside’s designers work with you to help you find the right choice for you, so you don’t have to do all the heavy lifting yourself.

Regardless of which method you choose it all means one thing: convenience.

You have the convenience of control at your fingertips — you don’t have to do anything manually.

This is what it’s all about. Making your life more convenient. Simpler. Smoother. No more making yourself get up off the couch to control the glare on the TV. No more getting up from the table to address the light blinding everyone. No more wrestling with a pulley system that gets caught every time you use it.

2. Create Your Ideal Level of Comfort

Even with AC and central heating, sunlight can have a dramatic effect on the temperature in your home. Working in your home office is productive until the sunlight streaming through distracts you from your work. Not only is it too bright, but it is hot.

More often than not, people leave their window treatments in a standard position because it’s too inconvenient to deal with opening and closing them every day. Motorized shades flawlessly combine convenience and comfort so you can feel comfortable no matter what.

If comfort is a key priority, opting for motorized shades that can be connected to your home automation system should be something you consider. Connecting them to your home automation system means you control when your window treatments open and close. Setting up your system to automatically open or close depending on the time of day is the ultimate way to optimize your space for comfort.

Home automated window treatments can be put on automatic timers, making your mornings the easiest part of your day. Imagine not having to remember to shut the blinds in the evening and sleeping soundly in the darkness. Even better, imagine the feeling of waking up peacefully from natural light.

Keep the temperature exactly where you want it to be. Wake up and go to sleep in optimum comfort.

Spend your days exactly how you want.

3. Motorized Window Treatments Pack a Style Punch

Outdated window treatments can ruin a space. You’ve probably seen some of them. Old shades and blinds can make a space feel dated, dingy, or cluttered.

In other words, not how you want your own home to feel.

Window treatments, much like flooring or lighting, have a huge impact on the appeal of a room.

Motorized shades give you a clean, updated look that transforms your home.

No more fumbling as strings getting stuck or knotted. No more cumbersome pulley system eyesores. With updated technology, motors are now quieter than ever, so no loud motor noise interrupting your peaceful morning. The motors in our treatments are hidden from sight so you’ll get quiet, motorized window treatments that elevate your home.

Stoneside offers many different motorized options to give you the streamlined look you’re going for. If you’re seeking a high-end feel that will last longer and give your home an elegant look, motorized treatments are a great way to go.

4. Comfort, Style, and Convenience Worth the Investment

Most window treatments are underutilized. But yours won’t be. The added ease with which you control your new motorized shades ensures you’ll use them often. Taking advantage of your window treatments enhances your energy efficiency.

Motorized shades — especially ones which are home automation compatible — are some of the newest trends in home design. Currently, there are over 250 million smart homes in the world, and that number is only increasing. By upgrading now, you’ll be embracing the future of home design.

Motorized shades are a solid investment for your home with or without home automation. You’re upgrading your space, and you’re also improving the quality and functionality of your home.

If you plan to resell at some future point, having electronic shades or blinds will only help your home’s value.

I want automatic window treatments. How do I get them?

Automatic window treatments are motorized shades or blinds that have been connected to a home automation system. This allows you to automatically adjust your window coverings at specific times, as well as remotely.

Read on to find out what styles are available, and how home automation works.

So What is Home Automation?

By now you may be wondering, “What do they mean, exactly, when you say ‘home automation?’”

You’ve probably heard of “smart homes,” right? Home automation is just that—connecting your appliances and different parts of your home to create a smart home that runs automatically. This can include a centralized hub, such as Google Home or Amazon Echo (Alexa). From that hub or from your smartphone app, you’ll have control over appliances, lights, and more. Things like home security, temperature control, and music can now be remotely controlled.

And now, your window treatments can be as well.

Our motorized window treatments available for home automation are compatible with the following systems:

• Amazon Echo
• Android
• Apple iOS
• Control4
• Crestron®
• Google Home
• Lutron®
• Samsung SmartThings
• Savant
• Wink
• Zigbee
• Z-Wave®

What else can I pair with home automation?

The home automation world is gaining traction and evolving to include many different parts of the home.

• Lighting: Remotely control when your lights turn on and off, adjust brightness, and set your lights on an automatic timer. Now you can get smart bulbs that even change color!
• Climate control: Set specific temperatures for different parts of the house, specific times of day, and days of the week.
• Entertainments systems: Control sound systems, television, and even video game systems from one centralized app.
• Home Security: Smart locks and home security/surveillance systems give you reassurance from anywhere.
• Appliances: Cleaning robots, dishwashers, refrigerators, and more— smart home appliances will help you manage your home with ease.

If you’ve begun the process of optimizing your home with smart home automation, including window treatments delivers added convenience to your home.

On the other hand, if complete home automation feels like a lot, you don’t have to jump in with both feet. Dip your toes in the water by adding automated window treatments to see what home automation is all about. Starting small will give you the confidence to move forward with other automation options when the time is right.

Is there a difference between motorized window treatments and home automation window treatments?

All home automated window treatments are motorized. However, not every motorized window treatment is compatible with home automation. This means that some motorized shades and blinds can only be controlled via a wall switch, auto wand, handheld remote, or an app.

Window treatments that are compatible with home automation can be controlled via a smart home hub. This allows for remote control, and saved settings to adjust your window treatments automatically.

Would I need to replace the batteries in my motorized window treatment, or are they rechargeable?

Power options for motorized window treatments include rechargeable batteries, replacement batteries, and even solar. Rechargeable batteries are available in all our smart blinds and shades, and only need to be recharged every 9-12 months, on average. Here are the details on all power options available.

Can I connect my motorized solar shades to my home automation system?

Absolutely! Solar shades are an excellent way to control the amount of light in your home. They’re the perfect window treatment to allow some sunlight, while still being effective for controlling glare and UV rays.

What other smart shades and blinds are available for home automation?

We have many different smart shades and blinds available for you, including:

• Roller Shades
• Solar Shades
• Cellular Shades
• Transitional Shades
• Wood/Faux Wood Blinds

Check out our full list for more details on all our motorized shades and blinds.

Can I add this feature later?

Unfortunately, we don’t recommend adding a motor to previously installed window treatments. If motorized window treatments are something you’re interested in we recommend installing them now.

How do I get motorized shades?

To begin, reach out to your nearest Stoneside office, and our team will guide you through the process.

Your Stoneside designer will come to your home, where you’ll receive expert advice and tips on finding exactly what you’re looking for. Our team is prepared with all the specifications and options for all our motorized window treatments. We’ll help you work through all your wants, and discuss what features you’re looking for. Together, you and our team will find a window treatment that takes your home to the next level — improving the aesthetics, functionality, and comfort of each space.

After you’ve chosen the best option for your home with your designer, it’s time for you to sit back and relax. Our team takes care of all measurements, order fulfillment, and installation. If you’ve chosen to connect your new window treatments to your home automation hub, we’ll show you exactly what to expect, and how to use your new treatments effectively.

The whole process is open and thorough, as we ensure everything goes smoothly.

You’re kept updated and informed throughout the entire process, start to finish. Our goal? That you love your home’s transformation. And we will provide you with the highest levels of personal service to achieve that goal.

That’s why our clients have rated us the #1 window covering company in America — with 4.9/5 stars for customer service and overall satisfaction.

We care about you, and we care about your home. Let’s work together to find your perfect motorized window treatment upgrade.

Ready to see if motorized window treatments are right for you? Contact us at 303.872.7462 or fill out the form below to schedule your free design consultation.