Automated skylight shades
If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent some time staring at your windows, trying to decide the best window treatment to buy to dress them up. There’s no shortage of options available – curtains, drapes, blinds, shades – and materials to consider – opaque fabrics, sheers, wood, plastic and metal. Just for fun, I’m going to throw one more option into the mix: automated shades.
Did you know that just about any window treatment you desire can be automated? What it takes is a company knowledgeable about window treatment automation. In the Pittsburgh area, you’ll find the experts at Automated Shade located in Cranberry Township, Pa. Now, I know their name says “automated,” but they also sell non-automated window treatments. This means they’re a one-stop shop for all your window dressing needs.
Automated shades have come a long way since their introduction years ago. Unfortunately, some misconceptions still exist such as:
You have to tear up your walls: Most homeowners are not fond of exposed wire everywhere for the benefit of automated (or electronic) anything. In the past, you had to dig into walls to hide the wires that powered the motorized units. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to do that anymore. Now you can control your motorized window treatments with battery packs.
Screen shades let you enjoy the view but keep out the harsh rays of the sun.
Automated window treatments are too expensive: Automated Shade Co-owner Tim Snyder hears this one a lot. He says, “Most people are under the impression that a motorized shade costs thousands of dollars. Depending upon the size, however, a motorized unit can cost under $450.”
Since expensive is a relative thing, before deciding on automation, consider window placement, window accessibility, the problems that automated shades could solve and whether installing a motorized unit is preferable to living with said problems.
People who automate their window treatments are lazy: According to Tim, automated shades serve a number of purposes – and not always the obvious ones. “Some people have shades on their windows but can’t reach them. Physically handicapped or elderly people may not be physically capable of operating their shades.”
Safety may be a concern. Small children and curious pets can get tangled in window treatments with cords. Automated shades eliminate cording and a potentially dangerous situation.
Finally, it’s really expensive to replace perfectly good furniture ruined by too much UV sunlight. Now there’s an automated shade that protects your possessions from harsh sunlight with a wireless sensor that starts closing your window treatments as the sun’s rays become stronger during the day.
So, laziness isn’t the issue. (That’s my story, and I’m sticking with it!) Besides, you use a remote control for your television, right? Why shouldn’t shade operation be just as simple?
Automated shades can be used virtually anywhere you can think of, including:
- Over difficult-to-reach windows such as, skylights and windows behind sinks or tubs
- Covering large and/or tall windows often found in lofts or high-ceiled rooms
- As light blockers in home theaters and media rooms, and
- On oddly shaped windows.
Panel tracks - beautifully efficient, multiple uses
Now that I’ve opened your mind to affordable automated shades that won’t require digging into your walls to bury the wire or cause your neighbors to question your indoor aerobic activity, you need to see all your decorating options. Automation Shade works with the well-known window treatment manufacturer, Hunter Douglas, because Tom likes their quality construction, durability and beauty of their styles, fabrics and textures. With a custom design, you can create a look that’s uniquely yours. Here are some examples:
- Luminette Privacy Sheers go from sheer-to-opaque and have a drapery-like effect, making them perfect for large windows.
- Silhouette window coverings offer a horizontal fabric vane suspended between two sheers that when closed offer privacy, and when open, allow for an unobstructed view of the outside world.
- Screen Shades are designed to let in the view but keep out the harsh sunlight that damages artwork, carpeting, furniture, etc.
- Woven Wood Shades are ideal for casual settings and come in a variety of wood-types.
- Shutters provide a classic look in any setting.
- Panel Tracks, when closed, create a clean, smooth line, whether in front of windows, doors or used as a room divider. When open, they collapse into an unobtrusive stack.
When you decide it’s time to “do something with those windows,” remember you’ve got a more modern option than simply hanging some drapes. If you already have window treatments installed, it’s likely Automation Shade owners Tim and Phil Snyder and their team can find a way to automate them because among them they bring over 27 years of experience in the window treatment industry. They know what works and what doesn’t to create just the look you want in every room of your home.
