It sounds like something we’d see in the Jetsons’ house: window shades that glide up and down at the mere touch of a button.
A row of three floor-to-ceiling Lutron shades gives this Brooklyn Heights room by Platt Dana Architects cord-free privacy.
Photograph by Joe Kitchen.
Being able to open and close a shade by remote control is especially useful when a window is hard to reach—perhaps in a stairwell, or behind bulky furniture. But there are other scenarios where a smart window shade comes in handy.
Why should I buy a smart window shade?
Hope Dana, of New York–based Platt Dana Architects, just installed them in all 18 windows of her own apartment in Dumbo, Brooklyn, and enjoys being able to use her smartphone to close the shades when she’s not home.
How do I choose the best smart window shades?
Take some time to read up on what’s available, including reviews on tech sites and customer feedback. However, these options can only be bought from an authorized dealer and lack a wide range of integration options; several must be custom-installed.
And after weighing various options, a CNET reviewer comes down in favor of Lutron, noting the Serena shades’ quiet motor, responsiveness, and superior app interface.
In a recent Brooklyn Heights project, Dana installed two sets of Lutron shades in the dining room—one sheer, to filter light, and an opaque set for privacy.
Photograph by Joe Kitchen.
Can I integrate other smart-home devices with my smart window shades?
If you already have a smart-home system, that will influence which smart shades you choose. If you opt for Lutron shades, you’ll be able to ask Siri or Alexa to operate your shades.
Be prepared to make a lot of choices. Many manufacturers provide in-home shopping assistance: Pella, for example, offers a consultation to help you choose the right product and installation method.
What should I consider when choosing my smart window shades?
Not all smart window shades are DIY; Pella and Hunter Douglas require custom installation.
Can I install the smart window shades myself?
But while some reviewers gripe about Lutron shades Gearbrain calls it a strenuous install others claim it s incredibly easy Customers in New York New Jersey and Pennsylvania can get Lutron...
...to do the installation up to 10 shades for 199 and if you ve used their in home consultation service beforehand you ll get a 99 rebate when the work is complete
Photograph by Joe Kitchen.
Smart window shades mean easy up and down for floor-to-ceiling windows in a Brooklyn townhouse by Platt Dana Architects.
Obviously, the price will depend on your selections and window sizes, and it’s hard to know the total until you’ve gone through the ordering process. By Gearbrain’s estimate, a single shade can cost at least $350, and the price can go up steeply from there.
How much do smart window shades cost?
For one thing, shades without cords are safer for households with young children—and for pets.
Are there other advantages to smart window shades?
Despite his critique of the selection and installation process it only took the Gearbrain reviewer a few weeks of use before he pronounced the Serena shades the smartest...
...smart home product I ve encountered And Hope Dana says They re synchronized and it s thrilling to watch them go up and down together George Jetson would agree