There are two main ways motorized shades are powered; via battery or through a wired connection. If you’re adding motorized shades to an existing home where you don’t have the luxury of wiring along the windows, battery-powered is a great solution. The batteries usually last 3-5 years, depending on use, and are easily replaced. If you’re designing your home and have the luxury of prewiring, wired shades are a great option, as you never have to worry about batteries failing when you’re not around.

The motorized shades we work with connect to just about any third-party smart home system available, whether that’s a simple voice control like an Alexa or unit, or a full home smart system. The great thing about the integration is how you can pair your shades with your lighting, so both work in harmony together.

For a while, noise was definitely the biggest drawback for motorized window treatments. Even today, most have a distinct motorized sound or clicking noise when they’re in action. With Lutron shades though, the noise is always kept under 44 dBA (decibels) for honeycomb and wood blinds, and under 38 dBA for roller shades. That’s quieter than most refrigerators, and from 3 feet away, you shouldn’t hear much of anything.

While most for shades can be installed by someone handy with tools, they’re best left in the hands of the professionals. This is especially true for Lutron shades and blinds. Only dealers can get the programming software and set up automations for you. Additionally, Lutron will only honor warranties if a certified Lutron installer installed the shades.