We can’t deny that we have witnessed incredible leaps in technology over the last few decades. We have certainly seen this within our homes. If you’re keen on embracing the latest innovations or just curious to learn more, the world of smart blinds and automated window coverings might be your perfect starting point! It’s one of the most frequently discussed topics among our clients. Therefore, the Aero Drapery & Blind team is eager to share the top questions and answers with you!
What Are Smart Blinds?
Smart blinds, also known as smart shades, automated blinds, or smart window coverings, bring modern convenience to everyday living by combining quiet motorization with connected technology. Instead of adjusting your shades manually, you can control them from an app, a handheld remote, or a smart home hub like Google Home, Alexa, or other smart platforms. This makes it easy to manage light, privacy, and energy from anywhere, even when you’re not home.
Voice control adds another layer of convenience, letting you say “Alexa, close the bedroom blinds” or “Hey Google, open the kitchen shades halfway” for instant, hands-free adjustments. Many homeowners also love the scheduling features, which allow blinds to open with your morning alarm or close at sunset. Smart blinds come in both battery-powered and hardwired options, giving you flexibility whether you’re upgrading an existing space or building new. Altogether, smart window coverings offer a seamless blend of design and technology, transforming your home into a more comfortable place to live.
Smart Blinds vs. Motorized Blinds: What’s the Difference?
Let’s dive into a couple of the key differences between motorization and automation. When you hear “motorization,” these treatments all have a motor in their headrail that allow them to be controlled. With a simple tap of a button on a remote or handheld device–or a nudge on an included wand–these treatments will adjust exactly to where you want them to be to maximize light control, interior temperature control, energy efficiency, privacy, and more.
“Automation” is the other term we use when talking about smart treatments. Automated shades have the same basic functions as motorized ones, but they take it a whole bunch of steps further. Think: Automatic. You can create settings to match your, and the sun’s, schedules, control multiple windows/rooms at one time, and control them from anywhere with your smart device. For even more added convenience, a simple voice command to Alexa or Siri can make adjustments all throughout your home.
| Feature | Motorized Blinds | Smart Blinds |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Motorized Only | Motor + Smart Home Integration |
| Control | Remote, App Control | Remote, App, Voice, Automation |
| Best For | Simplicity, 1–4 Shades | Smart Home Features, 3+ Windows |
Benefits of Smart Blinds
The benefits smart blinds bring to your home is undeniable.; Many homeowners are unlocking the potential of a worry free lifestyle.
- Convenience: Open and close effortlessly with remotes, apps, voice command, or schedules.
- Energy savings: They’ll adjust by themselves to reduce heat gain or loss. Thus, lowering your energy bills.
- Child safety: Eliminating those dangerous dangling cords, smart blinds create a safe environment for both pets and children.
- Privacy: Ensure privacy is achieved because automated shades can close on demand or at a scheduled time.
- Glare control: Tilt or lower automatically to reduce the glare on screens without making the whole room dark.
- Hard-to-reach windows: Those awkward windows that are hard to reach can be conveniently controlled with a tap.
If you’re ready to upgrade schedule a free in-home design consultation with one of our experts.
How Smart Shades Work with Smart Home Systems
An enormous luxury that can be offered with smart shades is how they connect with your whole home. Connected to your home’s smart hub or wifi you can control Alexa, Google Home, or other smart home systems for handsfree, voice control, and seamless integration. This can all be connected together with your smart lighting, thermostat, or home security system.
Types of Smart Window Coverings
In essence, all window-covering categories can be designed with automation in mind: Blinds, shutters, shades, and drapery. Yes, this even includes smart shutters. There are different names for these automated window coverings that you might hear. Specifically, it ranges from motorized drapes to smart shades.
We carry the complete Hunter Douglas lineup, and nearly every style can be motorized, including roller shades, roman shades, woven woods, cellular shades, drapery, vertical solutions, and more.
Power Options for Smart Blinds
There are three different ways to power motorized window coverings. Batteries, hardwiring, and solar.
Battery-Powered Shades
Battery-powered shades are very convenient, which is why many homeowners prefer them. Remote-control blinds use minimal power, and you can expect to change the batteries every year or two if adjusted daily.
Rechargeable Battery Wands
For a more environmentally friendly choice, the Hunter Douglas rechargeable battery wand might be perfect for you. It fits within the headrail of motorized shades, staying out of sight and eliminating the need for disposable batteries.
Hardwired
New homes and remodeling spaces are the ideal situation for hardwiring your smart blinds. They are setup so the wiring can be run in the walls for a clean look.
Solar Charge
For a really eco-friendly and low maintenance option there is solar charging. As long as you have natural light in your space it will work with no effort from you.
How Does the App Work?
One of the best things about Hunter Douglas PowerView Automated shades is that they are highly rated for their user-friendly setup. The app is continuously updated to ensure easy and effective access to your shades’ features. Check it out to see how simple it is!
Are Remote Control Blinds Loud?
The motor’s sound is often described as a low humming noise. It only produces this sound as you adjust your smart blinds throughout the day.
Motorized Shades Cost?
At Aero Drapery & Blind, we know that cost is a big factor when deciding which features suit you and your home best. Home investments can be expensive, so it’s wise to budget for each project. Hunter Douglas window treatments are top quality and effortlessly increase your home’s value, especially when automated. However, there are some factors that affect the cost:
- The number of window coverings needed
- The type of window shades selected
- The chosen automation (individual window/wand, smart home integration, remote control)
- Additional features (top-down or dual shades)
Smart home integration may require additional components depending on the brand. Furthermore, Hunter Douglas ensures that their smart blinds are compatible with most home systems, such as Control4, Elan, and Logitech. They are easily controlled using Alexa and Siri.
Best Rooms for Smart Blinds
Although we can honestly say all rooms are candidates for smart blinds, we’ll share some of our favorites. In the living room they reduce glare and protect furniture. The quiet motor allows shades to close at night and gently open in the morning for the bedroom. Kitchen and dining rooms benefit from hands-free control to manage heat and ambiance. The rooms with hard to reach windows reduce use of ladders and no hassle!
Don’t Miss “Hidden Savings” for Smart Blinds
When discussing the cost of motorized blinds, we highlight significant savings, whether you save time or money. Past clients often find automated shades essential, citing many benefits such as:
- Effortless temperature maintenance with scheduled or instant adjustments
- Time saved from adjusting multiple windows
- Easy adjustments for those hard-to-reach shades
- Enhanced security through automatic adjustments while away on vacation or at work
- The convenience of natural light over overhead lights
These advantages make motorized blinds a valuable investment for any homeowner.
Final Considerations
You can easily purchase remote control blinds from different places and different brands. However, we advise investing in a brand that you know–with a company that you trust. We have been in this business for a long time, and we know that navigating new technology can be challenging. The good news is that we are always here to help. Whether you have questions, need more information, or come across issues, you can rely on the support of our team. Aero Drapery & Blind experts set up all features on installation day and guide you through the entire process. Plus, our support continues long after installation. Contact us today to schedule your FREE consultation.
