Motorized Roller Shades: An Instant Favorite

The popularity of roller shades is no secret. From the contemporary design elements, to the low profile form, there’s something for everyone–and they can fit almost anywhere. It’s motorized roller shades that have taken the design world by storm. Currently, they are one of the most sought-after window coverings, adding effortless ease to the already-simple operation. At Timan & Co., we offer a range of 7 types of roller shades from Hunter Douglas. You really just have to discover which collection fits you best.

 

Control YOUR Way

One of the things we love most about Hunter Douglas PowerView Automation is how you control the way you use your motorized shades, blinds, shutters and drapes. There’s the remote, a sleek, stylish way to open and close your shades in an instant. Choose hand-held or surface mount. You can also save favorite settings and control numerous windows.

smart phone opens and closes electric blinds
Powerview® app

Then, there’s the app control. With your smartphone or device, you can make instant adjustments, save settings for favorites or create schedules. Adjust your motorized roller shades whether you’re home, at the office, or on vacation. Finally, integrating your smart blinds means working with the smart system you already use. Use voice commands and triggered adjustments based on other smart home control.

woven window shades by window seat in northeast ohio home
Alustra® Woven Textures™ Roller Shades

 

Watch Motorized Roller Shades in Action

The beauty of motorized roller shades is that they can create the right atmosphere across the day without effort. Morning sun gently illuminates the living room to create a warm, cozy space? Maybe the shades are rolled up and out of the way to take in the morning light. Afternoon sunshine beats directly through one set of windows–heating up the space more than you’d like? Schedule those windows to close up before the sun can make contact.

motorized roller shades in action in Chagrin Falls OH living room
Designer Banded Shades

Even windows in the same room can move differently, based on how you want the light to interact with your life. These Designer Banded Shades allow you to create multiple scenes as they close, shift for view-through and lighting, or roll up out of the way.

The Benefits of Automated Rollers

In addition to the effortless control and lifestyle conveniences, the benefits of motorized roller shades are part of a valuable list.

Privacy & Security

Privacy is an important feature when it comes to any window treatments. But automated control offers even more security than normal privacy. Privacy is important when you’re home, but sometimes even more when you’re away. Motorized roller shades continue to adjust open and closed when you’re out of town, adding a level of security, as they give the impression that someone is still home.

Child Safety

We are on a mission to educate Northeastern Ohio homeowners (and everyone!) about the dangers of blind cords. There’s an innocent “we didn’t think it could happen to us” sentiment surrounding every preventable accident. Our team wants to be part of the prevention. Blinds cords are dangerous to children and pets. When you choose window treatment motorization, you’re choosing cordless, and you’re choosing to reduce worry in your home.

Energy Savings & Comfort

Blocking light is important, whether it’s to protect your interiors from damaging UV rays, or stopping the direct light from heating up your home. Energy savings lends to reducing your utility bills and improving the comfort of your home. When you have instant control–or scheduled adjustments–it makes creating the right environment an effortless reality.

roller shades with cellular shade pockets to insulate windows
Sonnette® Cellular Roller Shades

When it comes to roller shades, the Hunter Douglas collection of Sonnette Cellular Roller Shades offers a sleek, low profile version of the well-loved honeycomb shade insulation.

Are There Cons to Motorized Shades?

Let’s talk about your hesitations. What are the main reasons homeowners would choose to not have motorized roller shades installed in their homes? Typically, it comes down to installation, power source and cost. But, knowledge is power, and the more you know, the better off you are.

The Power Supply

Homeowners have questions about the power source for smart shades–as they should. And, we are always glad when someone asks, since we have multiple answers for you. Here are the ways Hunter Douglas motorized blinds, shades, shutters and drapery can be powered. You just have to choose which option is best for you.

Disposable Batteries: This is the traditional power source. AA batteries are used to power the shades, changing them out every 1-2 years. Depending on the usage, they can last longer. This becomes an issue for two reasons. Windows that are out of reach can be challenging. Battery cost is a concern when you have multiple windows to change.

Rechargeable Battery Wands: This innovation from Hunter Douglas features a battery wand that supplies power to the remote control blinds, capable of being recharged when necessary. Many homeowners are choosing this option, in addition to previous clients, as the rechargeable battery option is capable of being retro-fit to smart blinds clients have already purchased and installed.

rechargeable battery wand for motorized shades
Rechargeable Battery Wand for Automated Shades

 

Solar Power: This is the newest innovation to supply power to motorized blinds. Solar power is the way of the future, and so many clients are excited to hear how this option is available at the window to power their automated window coverings.

Hard-wired Power: This is obviously the most invasive option. While anyone can choose to hard-wire their automated shades, it’s typically only selected for new homes and remodels. This is due to the process of putting low-voltage electrical in place. For remodels and new home builds, it’s simple, and many homeowners are excited to learn about this choice.

The Installation

It’s no surprise that homeowners are looking into installation. Window treatments are an investment. With today’s innovations in operating systems and upscale design elements, the cost has increased over the entire industry. That often begs the question…is this something we can do ourselves? Of course, you CAN do it. But, the real question should be, “Is it wise to do it ourselves?” Now, we are at the real issue. Hard-to-reach windows can cause injury and irreparable damage to window coverings. Even with “reachable” windows, you run the risk of damaging the window coverings, or improperly installing them so they don’t work. Our team is made up of professionally trained installers who get everything set up for you so you can utilize all the features of your motorized roller shades from Day One!

The Cost

If cost is a concern, (and of course, why wouldn’t it be?), you should always ask. Don’t hesitate–just ask. Your design consultant would be happy to show you how adding motorization to your quote would affect the pricing. Most homeowners are pleasantly surprised–smart home features have gone down in price since the technology was introduced. The value that motorized roller shades contribute to your life when it comes to the benefits often outweigh the initial cost. This is an investment in your home–one that increases the value of your home, but also improves the quality of life you experience.

What’s Next? Just Get Started.

Would you like to schedule an in-home appointment? Or would you like to visit one of our three Northeastern Ohio window treatment showrooms to see exactly how motorized roller shades work in person? It’s easy to get started. Contact our Timan & Co. team to set up a free design consultation, or get answers to any questions you have. We look forward to working with you!