More than 50% of the window coverings we install at One Stop Decorating are motorized. That number reflects a clear shift in what homeowners expect from their spaces. Motorized window coverings span a wide range of control systems, and not all of them require apps, hubs, or a smart home setup. Whether you want a simple upgrade or a fully automated solution, there is an option designed to fit your lifestyle and budget.
The Range of Motorized Window Coverings Available Today
Starting Simple with a Motorized Wand
The most approachable entry point into motorized shading is the motorized wand. This device hangs directly from your shade and features three controls: an up arrow, a down arrow, and a stop button. No internet connection is required, no hub, no gateway, no app to download.
The wand is battery-powered and can be paired with a solar panel for continuous recharging. It is a practical, low-cost solution for homeowners who want the convenience of motorized shading without committing to a full connected system.
Handheld Remote Control Shades
The next step up is handheld remote operation. All of the remotes we work with today are radio frequency, which means you do not have to aim the remote directly at your shade. You can operate shades from up to 30 to 40 feet away, and you can group multiple shades onto a single button.
With a handheld remote, you can:
- Control one shade at a time or several at once
- Assign entire rooms of shades to a single button
- Choose from alkaline, rechargeable, or solar-supported power options
This option works well for homeowners who want real flexibility and convenience without navigating apps, pairing devices, or programming a home automation system.
Pro Tip: A handheld remote is one of the most practical ways to experience full shade control without any complicated setup. It requires no pairing with a hub or gateway and is ready to use the moment it is installed.
App-Based and Smart Home Motorized Window Covering Systems
Controlling Your Shades from a Phone or Tablet
For homeowners who prefer managing everything from a device, app-based and gateway systems offer a significant upgrade. By connecting your shades to a hub or gateway, you gain full control through any iPhone, Android phone, iPad, or Android tablet.
Leading brands like Hunter Douglas offer dedicated apps that let you:
- Raise or lower individual shades remotely
- Monitor battery levels in real time
- Set schedules to automate shade movement throughout the day
Whether the shades are hardwired or battery-powered, solar panel support keeps everything running without interruption.
Need expert help choosing the right system for your home? Contact One Stop Decorating today for a free consultation and let our team find the right motorized solution for you.
Integration with Third-Party Home Automation Systems
At the highest level, your shades can be integrated with platforms like Lutron, Crestron, Savant, Elan, and Control4. This connects your window coverings with your lighting and audio-visual systems under one coordinated setup.
One of the most popular configurations we set up is a movie-watching mode. When you start a film, the lights dim and your room-darkening shades lower automatically. Your room responds the way you want it to without a single manual step.
Key Takeaway: Full home integration lets your shades, lighting, and AV systems work together as one. It is one of the most seamless upgrades a homeowner can make.
Reliability and Long-Term Value
Over 30 Years of Proven Motor Technology
Motorized shades have been in the marketplace since approximately 1994. That is over three decades of continuous improvement in quality and reliability. Costs have also come down considerably over time as the technology has become available to more people.
We compare this shift to garage door openers. Very rarely does anyone get out of their car to manually open a garage door today. Everyone uses an integrated button, a key fob, or a phone app. The window coverings industry is heading in the same direction, and we are already well into that transition.
Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Motorized Shades
The technology has been on the market long enough to prove itself. Motors are more reliable than ever, the range of control options continues to grow, and the price points have become accessible across a wide range of budgets. There has never been a better time to make the upgrade.
At One Stop Decorating, motorized window coverings now account for more than half of everything we sell, and that number continues to grow every year.
There is a motorized control option for every homeowner, regardless of how simple or advanced you want to go. From a single wand to a fully integrated smart home system, the right solution is the one that fits the way you use your home every day.
Ready to Upgrade Your Home?
Our team at One Stop Decorating has the experience and product knowledge to guide you through every option. Schedule your free consultation today and take the next step with motorized window coverings.
