Which One Is Right for You?
Motorization has come a long way, and it’s now available across most of our shade lines — but manual control still makes sense for a lot of homes. Here’s how to think about the choice.
How Motorized Shades Work
Motorized shades use a battery-operated or plug-in motor controlled by a handheld remote. For a fully connected home, motorized shades can also integrate with smart home systems, including Bond Bridge Pro, WiFi Hub, and Zigbee Smart Home, so you can control them alongside your other smart devices or set them on a schedule.
Motorization is available across several of our product lines, including Cellular Shades, Soft Roman Shades, Roller Shades, Panel Tracks, and Solar Glide Shades.
- Best for: hard-to-reach windows (high transoms, large sliders), whole-home consistency, convenience, and homes already using smart home systems
- Also worth knowing: motorized shades have no cords at all, which makes them a strong option for homes with young children or pets
Manual Control Options
Manual doesn’t mean old-fashioned — we offer several cord-free and low-effort manual systems:
- Cordless: hand-operated, no dangling cord
- Cordless Top Down/Bottom Up: adjust from the top, bottom, or both
- Continuous Loop / Clutch Control: a smooth, controlled loop system rather than a loose cord
- Standard Control: traditional single-cord operation
Making the Decision
If you’re outfitting hard-to-reach windows, want smart home integration, or simply want the convenience of pressing a button, motorization is worth it. If you’re working with standard, easily-reached windows and want the simplest possible setup, our cordless manual options give you the same clean, safe look without the added mechanics.