When people think about smart home technology, they picture voice-controlled lights, security cameras on their phone, or a theater room with a massive screen. Window coverings rarely make the highlight reel. But ask any homeowner who has lived with motorized shades for a few months, and they will tell you it is one of the best investments they have made.
We have installed hundreds of motorized shade systems across the Denver metro area, from compact downtown condos to sprawling homes in Castle Rock. The reaction is almost always the same: "Why did we not do this sooner?"
What Makes Motorized Shades Different
At the most basic level, motorized shades are window coverings with a quiet motor inside the roller that lets you raise and lower them with a button press, a phone app, a voice command, or an automated schedule. No cords, no manual adjustment, no walking room to room pulling shades at sunset.
But the real value is in what happens when they are connected to your smart home. Shades that automatically lower when the afternoon sun hits your west-facing windows. Shades that rise gently in the morning as part of your wake-up routine. Shades that close across the entire house when you say "goodnight" or when you leave for work. That is the kind of comfort that becomes invisible, you stop thinking about it because it just happens.
Energy Savings Are Real
Colorado gets over 300 days of sunshine a year, which is wonderful until your south and west-facing rooms turn into greenhouses every afternoon. Motorized shades with sun-tracking automation can dramatically reduce solar heat gain. The shades adjust throughout the day based on the sun's position, keeping rooms comfortable and reducing the load on your AC.
In winter, the logic reverses. Shades open during the day to capture passive solar warmth and close at dusk to insulate against heat loss. This is not theoretical: homeowners routinely see meaningful reductions in energy costs, especially in homes with large windows or sunrooms.
Pro tip: Shades with honeycomb (cellular) fabrics add a layer of insulation to your windows. They trap air in the cells, reducing heat transfer. This makes a noticeable difference in Colorado's temperature extremes.
Lutron and Hunter Douglas: The Two Leaders
We work primarily with Lutron and Hunter Douglas, and for good reason. Both brands offer exceptional motors (whisper-quiet), a wide range of fabric and material options, and rock-solid reliability. The motors are battery-powered or hardwired, depending on the installation, and both integrate seamlessly with Control4 and other automation platforms.
- Lutron shades are the gold standard for reliability and smart home integration
- Hunter Douglas PowerView offers the widest variety of styles and fabrics
- Battery-powered options eliminate the need for electrical wiring to each window
- Both brands offer solar, blackout, sheer, and dual-shade options
- Custom sizing means a perfect fit for any window, including specialty shapes
Common Questions We Hear
"Are they loud?" No. Modern motorized shades are remarkably quiet. Lutron's motors in particular are nearly silent. You can lower shades in a nursery without waking a sleeping baby.
"How long do the batteries last?" Typically two to three years with normal use. When they get low, the system alerts you. Replacing them takes about two minutes.
"Can I still operate them manually?" Yes. Most motorized shades have a manual override, plus dedicated wall buttons, remote controls, and app control. They are designed so anyone can use them without pulling out a phone.
The Best Time to Install
Motorized shades can be installed at any time, but the ideal window (no pun intended) is during a build or remodel when hardwired power can be run to each window location. That said, battery-powered Lutron and Hunter Douglas shades install cleanly in existing homes with no wiring work at all.
If you are in the Denver metro area and curious about motorized shades, we offer free in-home consultations where we bring fabric samples, measure your windows, and show you exactly how the system would work in your space. It is the kind of upgrade you have to see to appreciate.