The basics
Manual shades use a cord, chain or wand. Motorized shades open and close with a remote, wall button, app or automation. Both can look identical when closed. The difference is how you use them every day.
When motorized is worth it
Motorization shines on windows that are tall, wide, hard to reach or used every day. It also makes sense when you want shades to move on a schedule or as part of a scene.
- Tall windows and skylights
- Wide window groups that should move together
- Homes with kids or pets, where no cords is a safety plus
- Primary bedrooms for gentle morning wake-ups
- Homes with Control4 or other automation
When manual is fine
Small windows you rarely adjust, guest rooms and utility spaces are good places to save with manual shades.
Power choices
Motorized shades can run on rechargeable batteries or on low-voltage wiring. Wired power avoids battery charging and is ideal in new construction or renovations where walls are open. Battery shades are a great retrofit solution.
Control choices
You can control motorized shades with a remote, wall keypad, phone app, voice assistant or a Control4 scene. A Good Night scene can lower every shade in the house with one tap.
Plan the whole house together
Mixing controls creates confusion. A single plan for shades, lighting and automation keeps everything simple. That is why we design custom shades along with your lighting and control system.