Are Motorized Window Treatments Worth It?

When most people see motorized window treatments in action, they're impressed. Immediately after that, they might think: Are automated window treatments worth it? The Discount Best Blinds and Shutters design team gets that. The systems work seamlessly, and, truth be told, they're pretty amazing. But since they're an investment in your home, we recommend looking beyond their initial appeal.

Motorization Benefits, Explained

The convenience factor alone convinces many homeowners to upgrade to these systems. You can open, close, adjust, and program your window coverings with a remote control, app, or voice commands. That's especially valuable for hard-to-reach windows above bathtubs, behind furniture, or on high walls.

These benefits also make motorized blinds worth it:

• It adds value for households with people who have mobility challenges. The ability to control window treatments without physical effort enhances independence and accessibility.
• These systems contribute to energy efficiency. You can program them to close during peak sunlight hours in summer to reduce cooling costs; open them to bring in warm sun rays during the winter. Over time, these energy savings can offset the initial investment.
• Since motorization systems are cordless, they reduce choking hazards for children and pets.
• Programming your blinds to open and close when you're away makes it look like someone's home, which is a fine safety feature.

Hunter Douglas offers PowerView® Automation on most of their window coverings, including horizontal and vertical blinds, cellular shades, Roman shades, and more.

Are Motorized Shades Worth It? Read About These Features

Hunter Douglas offers different motorization options for their shades, blinds, and shutters:

PowerView® Automation

This premium system offers basic operations and more. You can create custom "scenes" for different times of day or activities. In the morning, blinds can rise with the sun; evening settings add privacy as darkness falls. You can also use wall-mounted controls to activate predefined settings.

PowerView® Automation is compatible with the Hunter Douglas Pebble Remote Control and the PowerView® App. Use Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit for voice commands. It also works with high-end smart home systems, like Control4®, Crestron®, Elan®, RTI, URC®, and Savant®.

SoftTouch™ Motorization

For a more hands-on approach, SoftTouch™ gives you motorization without connectivity. Activate the motor with a gentle pull on the wand.

Manual Control Options

If motorization isn't possible in the future, Hunter Douglas has manual operating systems for its window treatments. The available options depend on the chosen style.

• Wand Control: Eliminates pull cords with a wand for enhanced child and pet safety.
• Combination Wand/Cord Control. A single wand that can travel across and rotate the vanes or louvers.
• LiteRise®: Lets you operate your window coverings by pushing up or pulling down with your hand.
• UltraGlide®: A retractable system; the cord remains at one length when raising and lowering window treatments.
• EasyRise™: A continuous cord loop engineered for smooth, easy operation.

Are Automated Window Treatments Worth It? It’s An Absolute Yes!

Discount Best Blinds and Shutters features Hunter Douglas Window Treatments and Carole Fabrics™, with custom designs for modern homes. We can show you the motorized and manual operation systems and their compatible styles. We proudly serve clients in the Santa Rosa area, including Windsor, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Occidental, Cotati, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Novato, San Rafael, Saint Helena, Calistoga, and Kenwood, California. Contact us today to request a consultation.