Which Motorized Shades Work Best for Your Home and Budget?

A Closer Look at Battery-Operated and Hardwired Shades

Lutron has been innovating how we see home lighting since they patented the first dimmer switch in 1959. Since then, they have revolutionized lighting design with not only enhanced dimmer technology but also automated lighting and shading solutions that integrate with your changing lifestyle needs. 

Now, Lutron is slowly making the manual shades we all grew up with feel obsolete. In 1993, the company patented its first shading offering, the base-model Serena. With one button, Serena’s “smart” microprocessor-controlled system scrolled from shade to shade, and early users marveled at the Quiet Electronic Drive technology. You could choose from four fabric options.

Fast forward nearly two decades, and you’ll see that Lutron’s motorized shades have come a long way, giving us almost too many design and fabric options to choose from. Though picking automated draperies for your Fayetteville, AR, home feels daunting at first, selecting between wired and wireless shades is an excellent launchpad. Which offering suits your home and budget needs better? We think you’ll know by the time you’ve finished reading. 

SEE ALSO: 4 Reasons Homeowners Shouldn’t Overlook Motorized Shades

Wireless Shades

Lutron didn’t stop with hardwired shades: They wanted to enhance their product line with more affordable, convenient options, minus the wiring. One of Lutron’s most popular shading solutions, the Sivoia Triathlon wireless system, uses Lutron’s proprietary radio-frequency technology, Clear Connect RF, to integrate with lighting controls and more on one interference-free frequency band. Their hembar alignment system ensures that all shades low and raise to the same level, within a small fraction of an inch, creating a harmonious look. You can choose from roller or Roman shades, horizontal sheer blinds, vertical draperies, and fashion honeycomb and pleated window treatments. 

Users love Lutron’s wireless options because of their long battery life, giving users 3-5 years of use, on average. We can’t neglect to mention that they’re much more affordable than wired shades, allowing first-time smart home users to try them. Homeowners who are renovating might face some electrical issues when integrating more wires and instead opt for Sivoia Triathlon shades, too.

The most significant drawback that customers notice is slightly more noise compared to wired options. While barely more than a whisper, users used to wired options might tell the difference. Wireless shades don’t have as much fabric design customization. 

Hardwired Shades

Lutron wired window treatments, like the Sivoia QED, are considered Lutron’s flagship motorized shading solutions. They give you the options listed above, plus extra customization and design options. The only drawbacks: We don’t recommend them for older homes because they might overload the electrical circuits or otherwise damage a home that can’t sustain advanced smart home technology. And the installation costs plus the devices rack up a much larger bill. 

Other than that, you’ll find nothing but perks. You won’t be surprised when you hear them (or don’t) that QED pays homage to the “Quiet Electronic Drive” technology that made Lutron famous. Hardwired window treatments are available in virtually endless styles, sizes and fabric options. Fayetteville-area homeowners favor these for new builds because we can customize them to meet any window’s needs while complementing your decor.

Contact Us Today!

Did one of these options stand out? If you’re ready to see what motorized shades can do for your home’s comfort, energy savings, design and more, call us today at (479) 365-2201, or go to our contact page.  You can also enter a message in the chatbox at the bottom of your browser. We look forward to hearing from you!