Which types of window treatments work with motorization?

Here we break down a full list of the types of window treatments that are compatible with motorized blinds.

Cellular Blinds

If maximum privacy is your chief concern, cellular blinds are just what the designer ordered. With their unique honeycomb design, cellular blinds are highly effective at sound absorption and light filtration. They’re also great for energy efficient homes, as they are specifically designed to keep the cold out and the heat in. They are available in a variety of shades and colors and they serve a variety of purposes, such as light filtering if you still want a fair amount of light to come through, or blackout for sleeping in.

Because cellular blinds make such a great option for windows requiring maximum privacy, they are often far more convenient when motorized. This is because many windows that require privacy are located in tough to reach areas, like behind a tub in a downstairs bathroom or close to the ceiling. The lack of cords also makes motorized cellular blinds a great option for children's rooms, as there’s nothing to get tangled up.

Pleated Shades

Available in a wide variety of colors, styles, and fabric types, pleated shades can add texture to an otherwise sedate room, or blend in more fluidly with the room’s style. Pleated shades can be found in both light filtering and room darkening varieties, allowing you to control the light in your room with accuracy. These are among the more cost-efficient options for window treatments.

Because they will work in just about any room, opting for motorized pleated shades is a great way to go. Darken your media room or filter light through those elegant big living room windows, all without leaving the couch or struggling with unwieldy cords.

Roller Shades

For a classic look to suit living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms, roller shades are a great option. Even when they aren’t motorized, the simple spring loaded roller of a roller shade requires no cords; just pull down on the base of the shade to unroll. However, opting for a roller shade that is motorized is an even better choice, as doing so will allow you to choose (with more precision) the exact point to which you’d like to lower it. They are effective at blocking out light and protecting against glare, and come in a variety of colors and fabrics.

Solar Shades

Another excellent option in terms of simplicity and affordability - solar shades are designed specifically to prevent glare and the infiltration of UV rays, protecting both you and your possessions. The higher the quality you purchase, the better this protection will be -- all without blocking out the light you would actually like to filter through. Solar shades come in a wide variety of fabrics and colors based on the amount of protection you’re looking for, and as such are the best options for large windows that receive a lot of sun. Because they are of a roller design, going motorized also makes it easier to find the precise stopping point you’d like them to be in when unrolling them.

Exterior Solar Shades

Want to relax on your porch, patio, deck, or by a south-facing window, but don’t want all of that sun in your eyes? Then exterior solar shades are just right for you. With these shades, you’ll keep the inside of your home or patio cool while still seeing your beautiful view without a hitch. Because you’ll install them on the outside of your window or patio they are all the more convenient when motorized so that you don’t have to walk outside or reach over a railing to pull them down. Exterior solar shades are available in a number of different styles to match the surrounding decor.

Roman Shades

Roman shades are a fantastic minimalist option for covering windows throughout the house, but they’ll look especially great in a kitchen, living room, or work room. These shades fold up neatly, are smooth when unrolled, and can be found in both light filtering and room-darkening varieties based on your needed function and decorating style. Motorized Roman Shades are safer than corded options and more convenient, especially when the shades cover hard-to-reach or large windows.

Horizontal Blinds

When you’d like to vary the amount of light that can filter through your windows throughout the day, horizontal blinds are the perfect choice. With tiltable horizontal slats, horizontal blinds can be opened or shut fully as you so choose, making them an excellent option for any window in the house. A set of motorized horizontal blinds will let you control this tilting with extra precision, as well as allowing for complete raising up or lowering down. Horizontal blinds are available in an incredibly diverse range of colors and textures to match your decorating preferences, whether rustic or modern.

Drapes

From the soft and billowy, to a more modern ripple folded style, drapes are both a tried and true classic approach to window treatments, while also being distinctly contemporary. Thick drapes can black out a room entirely, while thinner drapes will provide a window or door with privacy while still feeling light and airy. Air circulation is at its maximum with the latter, and is often reminiscent of days at the beach. Motorized drapes are convenient and safe, allowing you to choose just how far you’d like them to part without having to tug the drapes every which way.

Wood Blinds

There are few things that calm the soul quite like the rustic elegance of wood blinds. Though the simplest of all blind materials, wood blinds come in a variety of stains and wood types, which vary in price and style to fit your needs. Hardwood blinds are especially popular, and though often expensive, also come in affordable options. Wood blinds can be opened or closed fully and tilted to allow for maximum control over how much -- or how little -- light you’d like to filter. Wood blinds will add a natural touch to any room. A motorized set will provide maximum convenience, especially in the bedroom or media room, where you may not want to get up to adjust them.

Faux Wood Blinds

Another popular and more affordable option are faux wood blinds. These blinds feature the same look as wood blinds, but are generally moisture proof, making them a practical option for places like the bathroom and the kitchen, where water levels are high. Faux wood blinds are as durable as their wood counterparts.

Which ones should you choose?

Because most types of window treatments can be motorized, the answer to this question depends on your desired style. With so many design options for each type of treatment, there are many types that will fit the bill. When you go the motorized route, you can combine style, function and convenience. What’s not to like?