Putting shades on your windows is something that many people enjoy keeping out the bright sun or peeping toms.Window shades are a decorative way to keep your windows covered, and they are functional as well. However, before you jump in with a particular type of window shade, you should first look at the major differences between manual and motorized shades in order to choose the right kind for your needs. Here is what you need to know.
Motorized Window Shades
There are several pros to having motorized window shades in your home, and each positive provides many benefits to the home owner. One of the first things to consider is the way in which these window shades can help improve the security of your home. Those that travel quite a bit might enjoy these motorized shades since you can operate the shades from your phone. These shades also provide several different options when it comes to placement of the shades in the home. These are great for various length windows since you can easily adjust the length of the shade from a button remotely. There is another major positive to having motorized shades. Those with mobility issues can easily open and close their window shades whenever they want without having to move around too much. These are also great for those with lots of furniture over the windows, making the shades easier to adjust.
There are also several cons to having motorized shades. They tend to be rather expensive, which is one reason why many people choose not to purchase them. However, you should always remember that you get what is paid for, so if you are skimping on motorized shades, you’re probably not getting a great set, which could end up costing you more in the long run. These shades are also difficult to install, and some might have to be hard-wired. This can make it more expensive and difficult to install the shades, especially if electrical installations are required.
Manual Window Shades
Just like with motorized window shades, there are several positives to having manual window shades in your home. One of the largest factors is the price. Manual window shades are much cheaper to purchase than motorized shades, and they tend to fit better within a budget. Another positive about these shades is the variety of fabric styles you can use. In fact, you can easily choose shades that match your taste no matter what it might be, and you can purchase shades to match the current décor in your house. A final positive about manual shades is the functionality. These help filter light into the room at all times, or you can get something block the light out completely. Sometimes, they are as easy to adjust as just pulling a chain.
There, however, several cons to having manual shades. Installation is not easy. In fact, it requires quite a bit of measuring and adjustment before you can ever put the shades up. There is also a major con when it comes to durability. Since these shades tend to be a bit cheaper, they are often not as durable as motorized shades. They can easily break, the chain can break, and more. These are not ideal for kid’s rooms or areas with higher traffic.
Choosing Your Shade
Now that you know a little bit more about either shade, their pros, and their cons, you can make a wise decision about which shade is best for your home. You can either choose a single option for your entire home, or you can mix it up and add both according to the room. Your decision might also depend on your budget since manual window shades tend to be cheaper than motorized shades. The best advice would be to ask yourself which is better for your specific lifestyle and go from there.
Conclusion
Covering up your windows is an important part of keeping your home safe and preventing it from looking sloppy as well. Window shades come in a variety of styles and options to give you the best shade to meet your needs or match your style. When choosing the best window shades for your needs, consider the people in your home, what your needs are, and what kind of budget you have. With all of the information in mind, you can easily choose the window shades you want, either manual or motorized.
