Unsure if motorized shades are worth it? This article covers the pros and cons of motorized window treatments along with their types, the estimated costs, and the frequently asked question about motorized blinds.
Motorized blinds and shades take your window treatment’s ease of operation, functionality, child-safety, and aesthetic to the next level. They are available in a wide range of sizes, styles, colors, fabric qualities, prices and compatible smart home systems. The control options include push-button, wireless remote control, wifi control, and a compatible smartphone app.
Motorized window shades have a motorized lift for operating them, i.e., raising, lowering, and adjusting the slats or fabric vanes. There are different kinds of motorized shades, such as battery-powered, hard-wired, remote-controlled, and smart home integrated. Each of these types of motorized shades has its pros and cons.
It is important to know about the advantages and disadvantages of motorized shades before you choose them as your future window treatment.
What are the Pros and Cons of Motorized Shades?
Here are some common benefits and drawbacks of window shades with motorized lift.
Pros
Luxurious Operation
Motorized window shades can be operated with a wireless remote or through a smart home automation system, making it easy to adjust the amount of light and privacy in a room without physically moving the window treatments.
Increased Accessibility
Motorized shades for windows are a great option for those with mobility issues or some sort of disability, as they can be operated with the help of a motor.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Motorized window shades can help regulate the temperature in a room and reduce energy costs by automatically adjusting to the amount of light and heat entering the room.
Enhanced Security
Motorized shades for window treatments can be programmed to close automatically when no one is home, thus providing added security and privacy.
Cordless Design – Total Child Safety
There are no cords or strings attached to motorized blinds, totally eliminating the risk of strangulation for kids and pets. They are 100% child safe.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Motorized shades for windows offer a clean, streamlined appearance that adds to the overall look and feel of a room. They are also available in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors, so you can find a perfect match for your interior décor.
Cons
Higher Purchase and Installation Costs
Motorized window shades are typically more expensive than traditional window treatments, both in terms of initial cost and installation expenses.
Reliance on Technology
Motorized shades for windows rely on technology, which can be unreliable. If the operation mechanism fails, you’ll have no option to raise or lower them.
Higher Maintenance Costs
Motorized or automatic window treatments may require more frequent cleaning, requiring higher maintenance costs.
Complicated Installation
Installing motorized shades can be more complex than installing traditional shades or other window treatments. So, you may require the services of a professional.
High Maintenance and Repair Cost
Motorized shades may involve high cost of maintenance and repair.
Pros and Cons of Battery-Operated Motorized Shades
Battery-operated motorized shades are usually preferred over their hard-wired counterparts. Here are some of the pros and cons of battery-powered motorized shades.
Pros
Easy to Install and Use
As battery-operated motorized shades do not require any wiring, you can easily install and use them.
Round-the-Clock Working
Battery-powered motorized shades keep working even during hours of a power blackout.
Energy Efficient
Battery-operated motorized shades for windows do not require a constant power source, so they don’t consume a lot of energy. This makes them environmentally friendly as well as cost-effective.
Versatile
Battery-operated motorized shades can be used in any room of your home or office, regardless of whether it has a power source or not. They are especially useful in rooms where there are no electrical outlets, like closets, bathrooms, and attics.
Cons
Limited Battery Life
The batteries in battery-operated motorized window shades have a limited lifespan and need to be periodically replaced. This can cause inconvenience, especially if you use your window shades frequently.
Expensive
Battery-operated motorized shades or blinds tend to be more expensive than traditional window treatments, especially if you choose a high-end model.
Maintenance
Motorized shades for windows require periodic maintenance, such as cleaning, lubrication, and repair, to keep them functioning properly. This can be time-consuming. Also, it can add to the cost of owning them.
Interference
If you are living in a densely populated area, your battery-operated shades or blinds may experience interference from other electronic devices using the same frequency as your motorized shades. This can cause your window shades to behave erratically and can be frustrating to resolve.
Types of Window Shades with Motorized Lift
There are several types of window shades with a motorization option, including Roman, roller, sheer, Venetian, and cellular shades.
How Much Do Motorized Blinds Cost on Average?
Motorized blinds do not cost that much. Some high-quality products, like Motorized Light Filtering Roller Shades are available for as low as $183! Typically, you can expect to pay somewhere between $200 and $1,000 for a single motorized shades. Many factors affect the overall price of motorized shades, especially size (12” W x 24” H to 72” W x 120” H), type (Zebra, Roman, Roller), quality of fabric, and the option to integrate them into your existing smart home system.
Below are different types of motorized shades with the average price ranges.
- Motorized Sheer Light Filtering Zebra Shades Elegance – $219 to $482 for 23” x 24” to 94” x 94” sizes
- Motorized Sheer Room Darkening Shades Zebra Elegance – $235 to $525 for 12” x 12” to 94” x 94” windows
- Motorized Sheer Horizontal Zehra Shades – $231 to $250 for 23” x 24” to 96” x 96” windows
- Motorized Plain Classic Pleated Roman Shade – Essential – $232 to $538 for 23” x 24” to 84” x 102” window sizes
FAQs
Are motorized shades worth it?
Yes, motorized shades are worth every penny you spend! In addition to luxurious operation, smart motorized shades help save you energy, improve security of your home, and regulate temperature in your room. They can block out sun at certain times of the day and let it in at other times, helping you cut down on the heating and cooling costs of your home. Also, you can operate motorized shades with the help of a smartphone app or set them to an automated schedule.
What are the disadvantages of motorized blinds?
- Motorized blinds can be crazy expensive.
- It’s a bit complicated to get motorized blinds installed.
- There’s no simple and cost-effective way to motorize your blinds if you don’t choose to motorize them at the start.
- There is a possibility of malfunction or damage to motorized blinds over time.
How long do motorized shades last?
Motorized shades typically last from a few months to several years. If your motorized shades are connected to your home’s main power supply system and operated with a smartphone will last forever if you avoid any physical damage to them. However, those powered by a battery will need battery replacements after every few years.
Are motorized blinds reliable?
The answer is yes! Motorized blinds are as reliable as standard window treatments. They usually come with a built-in battery for an uninterrupted, round-the-clock operation. However, keep in mind battery-operated motorized blinds will need to be charged periodically depending on how frequently you use the window treatments.
Need More Help?
Still unsure if Roman shades are a better choice for your window treatments? Get a free consultation now! Use 24/7 live chat or give us a call at (800) 863-6109 to contact our design experts for custom or DIY solutions.