How to Choose the Right Motorized Shades

Spring is the perfect time to spruce up your home with new styles. Whether you want to completely redesign your home or just rearrange the furniture, the small touches make a big difference. Shades, in particular, can have a dramatic impact on your interiors. But are your shades easy to control and are they versatile enough to work with the other smart devices you own? Motorized shades are not only convenient to use, but they also add beauty and style to your home. With so many options, how do you make the right choice? The first step is learning about all the different shade types and fabric types and how they will affect your smart home performance. Keep reading to learn more. 

SEE ALSO:  The Top 3 Benefits of Installing Smart Shades

Choosing a Shade Brand

The Integrated Home is your local Lutron-certified dealer, and there's a reason why we have chosen this brand over many of the others. While Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, Lutron practically invented lighting control. Their company has been innovating lighting and shading solutions for over 40 years. They've installed lighting and shading systems in the White House, Windsor Castle, and many other famous sites all over the world. As a leader in integration technology, we trust Lutron over all the other names.

Choosing a Color for Your Shades

If you had to choose between a light roller shade and a dark one, which one would you pick? According to Lutron representatives, most people go with the lighter shade, like white. But did you know it's actually more difficult to see outside when the material is in a lighter color? Your visibility increases with a darker shade, so we suggest you choose gray or navy blue. Lutron has more than 50 color options for you to pick from, so if you really want to go with a fun color like red or turquoise, you can!

Choosing the Material

Once you choose a color, then you have to choose a type of fabric. Lutron offers over 200 fabric types that can complement your interior design, maximize daylight, reduce glare, and preserve your view to the outside. The fabrics are organized into four categories: special-grade solar screens, sustainable solar screens, general purpose solar screens, and blackout shades. Each one blocks a percentage of light and UV rays.

For example, blackout shades would be the best choice for a bedroom or media room, while a sustainable solar screen would be ideal for a living room or kitchen. Solar screens help you save energy by blocking out the sun which takes pressure off your heating/cooling system. Alternatively, in the winter time you can let the sun in to warm the home naturally and save on heating costs but still maintain privacy. By installing a double roller application, you can get the best of both fabrics—use one type in the summer and the other in the winter so that you save all year round!

Choosing a Shade Style

You don’t have to stick with a roller shade when you upgrade to automation technology. If you love curtains, we can install motorized draperies. Or if you prefer venetian blinds, you’ll get to enjoy the natural look but still ensure your privacy and easily let the sunlight in at the same time. Lutron also manufactures pleated shades, honeycomb shades, roman shades, and sheer blinds. It doesn’t matter what style you decide on, all of them will be easy to control and save you money and energy throughout the year.

We hope this blog was informative for you on choosing the right shades for your home. To schedule a motorized shade installation, fill out this online form!