The smart home revolution is in full swing. Homeowners today live life to the fullest, and with the help of automation, the sky’s the limit. From smart phones to smart TVs, smart home innovation is here to stay. Why not smart blinds too? If you’re ready to add motorization to your window treatments, One Stop Decorating can help. Our response to FAQs make the process of adding smart blinds to your home a no brainer. Check it out!
Which Window Coverings Can Be Automated?
All of them! Now is the perfect time to add automated window treatments to your home, since they are available in all the styles you love. Blinds, shades, shutters and drapery–yes, even smart shutters–will improve the look and function of your home. The line-up of motorized treatments is so large, they go by many names, including smart shades, motorized blinds, automated drapes and many more.

What’s the Difference Between Them All?
The professionals at One Stop Decorating wrote a great article articulating the differences in more detail. But smart blinds have a lot in common too–they all have motors that operate their adjustments and cannot be manually adjusted. For a better understanding of the specifics, pay close attention to their features. The manner in which they are controlled is the largest distinction. It can range from a simple push button all the way to voice commands and smart home integration.
How Does the App Work?
The Hunter Douglas Power View Automated Shades app is incredible, its user-friendly set up has some of the highest ratings in the industry. Continually updating the app allows you to easily access the features of your shades in a simple and effective way. Check out how easy it can be:
Are They Plug In?
They can be! There are two ways for smart shades to be powered up, by hardwiring them or using batteries. Hardwiring can be very convenient and recommended if you are remodeling or under-construction on your dream home. Running low voltage wiring is simple. But for everyone else, batteries are a practical choice.
What about Battery Powered Shades?
If you choose batteries to power your shades, you’re in the majority. Remote control blinds use very little power. Expect to change the batteries only every couple of years–even if you’re adjusting daily! To eliminate the need for disposable batteries, Hunter Douglas offers a more sustainable choice that was created with a rechargeable battery wand. This wand is made to fit with the headrail of motorized shades, and it quickly became a popular choice for clients.

How Long Can Motorized Shades Expect to Last?
Keep in mind, these are motorized shades and blinds–they aren’t handled by human hands as often as manually controlled treatments. In the end, they tend to stay in good condition longer. Who would have thought?
Are Remote Control Blinds Loud?
No. The sound of the motor is described as whisper quiet. You should expect to hear a low humming sound as your smart shades adjust–if you even notice at all.

How Much Do Motorized Shades Cost?
We are glad you asked. The cost of motorized shades is an important factor when considering all the operating features available to you. It’s always best to evaluate your wants and needs and set a budget when tackling any home improvement project. The good news is that investing in your home with top brands like Hunter Douglas will only increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell-especially with automated blinds. Here’s a list of factors to consider that may contribute to the cost of automated shades:
- The amount of windows you plan to cover
- Which type of automation (individual window/wand, remote control, smart home integration)
- The type of window shades you choose
- Added features (top down, dual shades)
Hunter Douglas has worked hard to ensure their automated shades are compatible with the most common smart home systems, like Control4, Elan, Logitech and more. You can easily control them with Alexa and Siri. This is often where brands can differ–with other companies, you may need additional components if you choose smart home integration.
The “Hidden Savings” of Smart Blinds
Did you read that right? Yes, there are hidden savings to be considered when you choose to invest in motorized shades. This includes both time and money. Past clients mention that they don’t know how they lived without smart shades, crediting these valuable factors as to why:
- How easy it is to maintain interior temperatures with scheduled or instant adjustments
- The time they save adjusting multiple windows
- Hard-to-reach window shade adjustments are a breeze
- The increased security they feel at night or on vacation with automatic adjustments
- How simple it is to bring in natural light instead of using overhead lights
Duette® Honeycomb Shades with PowerView® Automation
Consider This…
In today’s world, it seems you can buy everything on the internet, remote control blinds included. Trust us, we’ve been in this business for a long time. If you’re investing in your home, make sure it’s with a brand you know, provided by a reputable company you can trust. Let’s be honest, dealing with any type of technology increases the chances that you might need help along the way. The professional installers from One Stop Decorating get you set up the day of installation with all of the features. We walk you through the process, but we are also here for you long after we leave. Get started today with a free in-home consultation today!