Automated Window Treatments
One of the most impressive features of an automated home can be motorized window treatments. You can turn a over-bright room into an easy-on-the-eyes environment within seconds of flipping a switch. Or you can turn a room into a cozy room by closing the rest of the world out. What is impressive is when you couple the motorized blinds together so that a single switch can work the blinds with little to no effort.
If you are looking to create excitement into your home, then installing motorized window treatments is a good way to achieve that. However, selecting the type of window treatment for each room is quite a task. Often, motorized window treatments are custom built and companies that build the window treatments are often not equipped or do not know much about central control of motorized treatments.
Home Toys have an excellent article "Selecting Automated Window Treatments" that is a good starting point in understanding the options at the various price points.
Motorized window treatments can be an exciting part of an integrated home. What it takes to install fully motorized treatments is a lot of homework, accurate measurements, and consultation with an electrician concerning the proper wiring and selection of control units. It can be done, and done well if you take the advice from the Home Toys article.
September 14th, 2007 at 10:26 am
Automated window treatments are really good especially because they give extra convenience to people who are looking for easier ways to control them.
May 5th, 2008 at 3:57 am
Gorgeous solar window shades…..!
March 12th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Motorized Window Shades – Why Choose?
1. Convenience. Raising and lowering a manual shade is easy enough if it is not too big. But if the shade is very large or there are 2, 3, 4 or more shades then it becomes more difficult and more time consuming. This convenience factor is important for several other benefits listed below.
a. Maximizing Views. The convenience of motorized shades can mean the difference between seeing a beautiful sunrise/sunset or missing it. Stunning vistas are rarely missed when opening or closing shades is as simple as pressing a button.
b. Security. Motorized shades can easily be set on a timer so that when guests are away from home for an extended period of time, shades are raised and lowered at various preset times. This gives the impression that someone is living in the house which deters would be thieves.
c. Conserving Energy. The heat gain from sunlight through windows during summer months is a major burden on air conditioning. The convenience of motorized shades makes saving energy much simpler. Preset timers obviate the need to remember to raise or lower shades for energy saving purposes.
d. Protecting Furniture, artwork and flooring. The sun’s rays can do damage to interior furnishings, causing fading, cracking or warping. The convenience of motorized shades makes protecting furniture, artwork and flooring much simpler. Preset timers are also useful in this regard.
e. Many Windows and/or Large Windows. As the number and size of windows increases, the case for motorization becomes increasingly compelling. Some walls of windows are 20, 30 or even 60 feet in length which makes motorization a practical necessity.
f. Hard to reach windows. These skylight windows, second story openings or windows blocked by furniture or other obstructions are why motorization of window shades was first conceived. Obviously, these factors are still relevant today.
2. Child Safety. A shocking number of injuries and deaths result each year due to cords from manual window shades. The window shade industry’s “Child Safety Month” is intended to address these hazards with safety clips and consumer awareness. The best solution is no cords at all, which is possible with motorized shades.
3. Unsightly Cords. Aesthetically, cords detract from the clean look of a window opening. Multiple shades mean multiple cords, pooling on the floor when fully open. Motorized window shades means no more unsightly control cords and open, clear views through windows.
4. Less Wear and Tear. Tangling and unfamiliar ‘user abuse’ to shades are the most common causes of service calls. The control mechanisms on manual shades, if used frequently (see convenience factor above), will break and can be costly to repair or replace.
5. They are cool! Functionally, motorized shades make a lot of sense and aesthetically, they are definitely preferable to manual shades. Let’s not forget that they also have an impressive WOW Factor!
Online at http://www.automatedshading.com
June 20th, 2009 at 7:15 am
It is amazing how far things have come. Great article! Here is a related post on the misconceptions of automated shades: http://www.improveyourhomeandgarden.com/made-in-the-automated-shade#more-1213