Motorized window treatments make it easier to control light, privacy, and comfort throughout your home. Instead of adjusting each shade by hand, motorized shades can be operated with a remote, app, or compatible smart-home system.
For homeowners in Lexington and Central Kentucky, motorization is especially useful for large windows, hard-to-reach windows, and rooms where direct sunlight changes throughout the day. At Miller’s Window Works, we offer custom motorized window treatments from Hunter Douglas® and Alta Window Fashions®, professionally measured and installed for your home.
What Are Automated Window Treatments?
Automated window treatments are blinds or shades with a motor built into the headrail or roller mechanism. Depending on the system, they can be operated individually or as a group.
Power options vary by product and window location. Battery and rechargeable systems work well in existing homes because they usually don’t require additional wiring. Hardwired systems can be an excellent choice during new construction or remodeling when electrical wiring can be planned in advance.
Motorization is available on many popular window treatment styles, including cellular shades, roller shades, Roman shades, woven shades, and other custom window coverings.
Why Homeowners Choose Motorized Shades
Convenience is usually the first reason people consider motorized shades, but there are several practical advantages.
Easy Control
Instead of walking from window to window, you can raise or lower multiple shades from a remote or compatible app. This is particularly helpful for tall windows, windows behind furniture, and other areas that are difficult to reach.
Better Light and Privacy Control
Motorized shades make it easier to adjust natural light throughout the day. Shades can be opened when you want more daylight and lowered when glare, heat, or privacy becomes a concern.
A Cleaner, Cord-Free Appearance
Because motorized shades do not require traditional operating cords, they provide a clean, uncluttered appearance. Cord-free operation is also useful in homes with children and pets.
Smart-Home Convenience
Depending on the motorization system you choose, your shades may be integrated with compatible smart-home technology. This can allow you to operate shades from an app, create schedules, or include them as part of other automated routines in your home.
Hunter Douglas PowerView® Automation
Hunter Douglas offers PowerView® Automation on many of its window treatment products. PowerView allows compatible shades to be controlled through several options, including remotes, the PowerView app, and compatible smart-home systems.
Homeowners can also create schedules so shades move automatically at selected times of the day. For example, shades can open in the morning and close later in the afternoon when direct sunlight becomes stronger.
More information about the system is available directly from Hunter Douglas PowerView® Automation.
Alta Window Fashions Motorization
Alta Window Fashions also offers motorized options for a variety of custom window treatments. Depending on the product and motor selected, shades can be operated with remotes and compatible automation controls.
This gives homeowners another option when selecting the combination of shade style, fabric, control system, and power source that works best for their windows.
You can learn more about available products and motorization directly from Alta Window Fashions.
Where Motorized Shades Make the Most Sense
Motorized shades can be used throughout the home, but there are certain locations where the convenience becomes especially noticeable.
Large living-room windows, two-story windows, windows behind furniture, bedrooms, home theaters, and rooms with strong afternoon sunlight are all good candidates. They can also be useful when several shades need to be operated together.
For bedrooms and media rooms where room darkening is important, consider our blackout shades in Lexington, KY.
Battery, Rechargeable, or Hardwired?
The right power source depends on the window treatment, window location, and how the home is constructed.
Battery and rechargeable systems are popular for existing homes because installation generally does not require opening walls or running new electrical wiring. Hardwired systems can make sense for new construction or major remodeling projects where power can be planned before the walls are finished.
During your consultation, we can review the available power options for the particular shades and windows in your home.
Professional Measuring and Installation
Motorized shades need to fit and operate correctly, which makes accurate measuring and installation especially important. The size and weight of the treatment, mounting location, power source, and control system all need to work together.
Miller’s Window Works provides professional measuring and installation for custom motorized window treatments throughout Lexington and Central Kentucky.
If you’re comparing different types of automated window coverings, you can also visit our motorized shades in Lexington, KY page for additional information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorized Shades
Can motorized shades be controlled with a phone?
Many motorized shade systems offer app-based control. The exact features depend on the manufacturer, motor, and control system selected.
Can motorized shades operate automatically?
Compatible systems can allow shades to operate according to schedules or automated routines. Available features vary by system.
Do motorized shades need electrical wiring?
Not necessarily. Many motorized window treatments are available with battery or rechargeable power options. Hardwired systems are also available for certain applications.
Are motorized shades good for hard-to-reach windows?
Yes. This is one of the most practical uses for motorization. Windows that are high on a wall, behind furniture, or otherwise difficult to reach can be operated without manually accessing the shade.
Choosing Motorized Window Treatments for Your Home
There isn’t one motorized shade that is right for every window. The best choice depends on the size and location of your windows, the amount of light you want to control, your preferred shade style, and how you want to operate the treatments.
The easiest way to decide is to see the systems operate and compare the options for your particular windows. Contact Miller’s Window Works to schedule a consultation or visit our showroom to see motorized window treatments in person.