How Much Do Motorized Window Shades Cost?

By: Theo Jamieson

Updated: 9/30/2024

TVs, speakers, washers and dryers, refrigerators—more and more of our everyday appliances are gaining smart functionality. With all the convenience and added functionality these innovations bring, it’s no surprise that smart, motorized window shades are on more people’s radars nowadays.

Since you can’t easily add motorization later on, deciding whether or not to go with motorized shades is one of the biggest decisions you need to make when buying new window treatments. The looming question, of course, is how much will motorized window shades cost?

There are a number of factors that determine their cost, both initially and ongoing. In this article, we’ll dive into the price of smart window shades to help you determine if they’re right for you.

What Are Motorized Window Shades?

Motorized window shades superficially look similar to regular window shades. Where they differ is in the inclusion of a small, hidden motor to raise and lower them. With the simple press of a button on a wall switch, remote, home automation hub, or even your smartphone, you can adjust them as you see fit.

The smart aspect of motorized window shades is fully realized when you connect them to a smartphone or tablet. This allows you to operate your blinds from anywhere in the world, set up an automation schedule, and even adjust your window shades with a voice assistant like Siri or Alexa.

Benefits of Motorized Shades

Before we break down the price of window shades, you should know what benefits you’ll be getting for the added costs.

• Convenience: Motorized shades let you operate your shades with the press of a button or tap on your phone from anywhere in the world. For many people, the convenience alone makes the cost of automatic shades worthwhile.
• Accessibility: If you have hard-to-reach windows or mobility issues, motorization will make your window treatments far more accessible.
• Safety: Choosing between cordless and corded blinds is an important decision for customers with small kids or pets. All motorized shades are cordless, helping keep your little ones safe from the hidden danger of dangling cords.
• Energy Savings: High-quality window shades are an excellent way to improve your windows’ insulation and save on your utility bill. But they’ll only be effective if you have them adjusted properly throughout the day. Motorization makes it easier to keep your shades in the perfect position throughout the day, saving you money on heating and cooling your home.
• Longer Lasting Shades: Daily wear and tear from yanking on cords is one of the most common ways that the lifespan of window treatments is shortened. Motorization ensures that your shades will never be pushed past their limit, keeping them in tip-top shape longer than traditional treatments.

Initial Cost of Motorized Window Shades

Motorized window shades’ cost is broken up into two categories: initial cost and ongoing costs. Let’s first look into the areas that will determine how much you will be paying upfront when you first purchase your motorized window shades.

Window Treatment Cost

The initial price of smart window shades will in large part be determined by the type of window treatment you select and the size of your windows. This price is the same for motorized and non-motorized treatments.

Window treatment costs can vary widely. Cost-effective roller shades start at sub-$200 prices, while top-of-the-line Roman shades for a large window can exceed $1,000. The only way to know exactly how much your window treatments will cost is to get a direct quote from Stoneside.

Motorization Cost

The cost for motorized shades will naturally include the added cost of the motor itself. Motor size and quality vary depending on the size of your window shades and brand of motor.

You may be able to find budget options from some retailers, but it’s recommended you shop from trusted, high-quality brands like Stoneside that will guarantee the motor’s quality and longevity.

Professional Installation Cost

If you’re especially handy, you may be inclined to install your shades yourself. However, we recommend that you employ a professional installer to make sure your window treatments will look and work perfectly for many years to come.

This is all the more true for motorized window shades. Motorization adds to the complexity of installation, making it all the more important that your motorized shades are installed and set up correctly.

Professional installation costs vary and will depend on the number and size of your windows, the window treatments you select, your location, and other factors.

Long-term Costs of Motorized Shades

Calculating motorized window shades costs must also take into account the electricity required to power your smart shades, along with repair or maintenance.

Ongoing Energy Costs

The ongoing energy costs for motorized shades will depend on how you power them. Options include:

• Battery-powered (replaceable or rechargeable)
• Battery-powered via solar recharging

In the case of traditional batteries, typically AA, window shade batteries will last about a year before needing to be replaced or recharged.

Repair and Maintenance Costs

We use high-quality motors in all our motorized shades at Stoneside to ensure your new motorized window treatments will work like new for years to come. Purchasing more budget options may save you money in the short run, but you’re more likely to have to repair or replace them prematurely.

Motorized Shades Save You Money

It’s not just the costs but also the savings you should consider when deciding whether or not motorized shades are for you. Depending on your situation, you may even find that motorization pays for itself.

Longer Lasting Shades

One of the biggest forms of wear and tear on window treatments comes from pulling on cords too hard. With motorized window shades, there are no cords and the motor will never push your shades beyond their operating limit. This means that motorized shades are more likely to last longer than traditional ones, saving you money in the long run.

Improved Energy Efficiency

High-quality window shades are a great way to cut down on your heating and cooling bills. But those custom window shades will only help if you have them adjusted to the correct position. Smart home motorization makes this task easier, or even automatic, ensuring your shades are always in the optimal position.

Improves Home’s Value

Motorized window shades improve your home’s curb appeal and overall value. If you’re thinking about selling your home sometime in the future, it’s worth investing in motorization.

Average Cost of Motorized Shades

The difference in costs between motorized shades and traditional ones will mostly be seen in the price of the motor and added installation costs. It’s impossible to say exactly how much motorized window shades will cost you, as that depends on the type of shades you select, the size and number of your windows, and the type of installation you select.

On average, however, most motorized shades range from an additional $200 to $1,000 per window treatment. Some of this will be offset by utility bill savings and, if you plan to sell your house eventually, improved home value.

Motorized Window Shades at Stoneside

So are motorized shades worth the added cost? Among all the smart home appliances available, motorized shades are one of the most functionally useful. We’re constantly adjusting our shades throughout the day, and smart motorization makes that experience more convenient than ever. Stoneside offers the best, longest-lasting motorized window shades on the market. Schedule a free design consultation today and get started on finding the best motorized shades for you.