Automating Your Blinds and Drapes: Top 3 Things to Consider
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- By Trendy Blinds & Drapery
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With the increase popularity of Home Automation and the proliferation of various Smart gadgets like speakers, sensors, etc., automation/motorization of window coverings is a topic virtually every customer of ours ask. Here are the top 3 factors to consider.
1. Need for Automation

2. Window Covering Choices
A second factor to consider when deciding which windows to have automated shades or drapes is the type of product you plan to use for the windows.
Different products are used to achieve different set of light control, privacy, outside viewing and design aesthetics. In a room with multiple windows, there might be a need to simultaneously control multiple window coverings to achieve the desired end settings. Some window shades or drapery may need a 3rd position besides full open or full close. Also depending on the size and weight (especially of large drapery, certain power sources are required like hardwired or plug-in AC.
Manually operating 1 or 2 shades in a room might be faster and more practical, but when there are many windows in a room, it might be better to group control them with a push of a remote control button.
With the right advice from a motorization expert, you can get the results you want at the right price with long-term reliability in mind.
3. Integration
With the proliferation of competing Home Automation products in the market, there are currently no common standards. It becomes important that the technology used in automating the window coverings (blinds and drapery) is future proof, so that 1 common home automation app can be use to control lighting, music, security, garage door, and window covering, can be used if the homeowner desires.
We offer a broad range of control and interfaces that makes it easier than ever to integrate motorized shading and drapery with third-party control systems regardless of technology or brand. We have solutions to fit all project needs, regardless of shade specifications, power or technology requirements.
Integration Technologies
Our products integrate with many different third-party technologies:
- Radio Technology Somfy® (RTS): Allows wireless radio control of motorized applications via the RTS family of controls
- Somfy Digital NetworkTM (SDN) RS485 is a control method that uses a two-wired bus.
- Z-Wave® is an interoperable, 2-way RF mesh networking technology used for both residential and light commercial automation applications
- Zigbee® Protocol is a low-powered RF mesh networking technology which uses the reliable 2.4Ghz standard for both residential and commercial applications
- Internet Protocol Allows bidirectional shade integration over a local network.
- Dry Contact input for basic low voltage control that is compatible with most home automation systems.
Third-Party Automation Systems
Whether its high-end hardwired Home Automation systems like Crestron or Control4 or the latest wireless consumer grade solutions like Amazon Alexa, we can ensure that our motorized window covering products can integrate with the system of your choice.
[Savant, Crestron, Control4, Leviton, RTI, Vantage, Savant, Elan, AMX, URC, Wink, Nexia, Iris, SmartThings, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT – If This Then That]
How to future-proof my automation investment?
Every protocol and communication standards have their cheerleaders and advocates. But the truth is that no one can forecast which technology or standards will dominate.
Even if you choose to just use a physical remote control to control your shades, blinds or drapery it is important to consider how future-proof your motor choice is. In choosing the right motor for your blinds, shades or drapery, it is important to stick to large motor brands (disclosure: we are a Somfy Expert manufacturer and retailer) and also a brand that is interoperable with multiple third-party home automation systems and apps. Some high end brands have their own proprietary protocols which don’t work seamlessly across platforms.
For a more in-depth assessment: Book a FREE Smart Home and Window Coverings Automation Assessment. Click link or Fill contact form below.
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