Manual vs. Motorized Shades: What Homeowners Need to Know

The Art of Managing Natural Light & Privacy

Today’s window coverings can add immense beauty to a home, with many becoming the cornerstone of a home’s design. As essential aesthetic and functional elements, they play a significant role in a room’s ambiance, tying together the many design elements while also providing insulation, privacy, and control over natural light.

By consciously controlling this light, homeowners in Dayton, OH, can significantly reduce energy use while also protecting their home’s interior from harmful UV rays. But for many people, the time it takes to raise and lower their shades throughout the day manually feels like more effort than it’s worth. 

And that’s where motorized shades come in. Here, we’ll explore manual vs. motorized shades and why the latter are growing rapidly in popularity for their contemporary designs, energy-saving features, and integration into the emerging smart home ecosystem. 

SEE ALSO: Effortless, Elegant, and Beautiful: Lighting Control for Luxury Living

The Challenges of Manual Shades

According to a study by the US Department of Energy, 75% of window coverings remain in the same position every day, rarely adjusted after the initial installation. This action results in missed energy-saving opportunities achieved by closing certain shades in the summer to block heat and leaving them open in the winter to bring in the sun’s warmth. 

Until the 21st century, manual shades were the most popular type of window covering. But as technology advanced, more homeowners began to see the remarkable benefits automated shades could provide. It’s at this time that smart shades became mainstream, with many managed by smartphones.

The Luxury of Motorized Shades

Today, sensors and advanced programming enable smart shades to adjust based on the sun’s position, the temperature, and the time of day. In many homes, that translates to shades that automatically lift at sunrise and adjust throughout the day. In the summer, when sensors detect direct sunlight, these shades lower to reduce solar heat gain and UV damage.

Managed via remotes, touchscreens, and voice assistants, any shade can be adjusted from anywhere. Mobile devices enable remote monitoring and control. Did you rush out of your home on the way to a meeting? From your smartphone, you can check whether any shades are raised and then lower them for added security and privacy. 

Integrated Into the Smart Home Ecosystem

The magic happens when these shades become part of the smart home ecosystem. Programmed scenes allow multiple systems to be managed simultaneously. Here are some examples of what happens when you press a button: 

• “Movie Night” lowers the shades, dims the lights, and opens custom-made panels to reveal your 4K OLED TV. 
• “Entertain” opens the shades facing your backyard, turns on elegant landscape lighting, transitions lights throughout the home to ideal intensities and hues, and streams Sade through every room of your home and into your outdoor areas via your whole-home audio system.
• “Good Night” closes every shade, turns off the lights, locks the doors, and arms the alarm.

As you can see, it’s hard to compete with motorized shades. While manual shades are not quite obsolete, they are rapidly becoming outdated. 

If you’re ready for an upgrade, Beacon Audio Video Systems is here to help. To discover the limitless styles, fabrics, and benefits of motorized window coverings, or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Beacon today.