How to choose
Choosing the right smart shades means finding the perfect balance between design, functionality, and smart control. This guide walks you through each key decision—shade style, motor type, remote control, and power options—so you can select a setup that fits your windows, your home, and your lifestyle.
Choose Your Smart Shade Type
Choosing the right shade type is the first step toward creating the perfect ambiance and functionality for your space. Each style offers unique features, light control, and aesthetic appeal. Explore the options below to find the shades that best fit your needs and lifestyle.
Roller Shades
Description: Roller Shades consist of a single piece of fabric that rolls smoothly around a tube when raised. They provide a sleek, minimalist look that blends well with any décor style.
Material: Available in a wide range of fabrics, from light-filtering linen blends to heavy-duty blackout materials.
Light Control: Options range from semi-sheer fabrics that softly diffuse daylight to 100% blackout fabrics that completely block light, perfect for bedrooms or media rooms.
Energy Efficiency: Some blackout fabrics feature insulating backing to reduce heat transfer.
Privacy: Excellent privacy when fully lowered, with opaque fabrics.
Installation: Simple mounting options for inside or outside window frames.
Smart Compatibility: Compatible with all motor types, including Zigbee, Alexa, Matter, and HomeKit-enabled motors, allowing app or voice control.
Zebra Shades
Description: Zebra Shades alternate sheer and solid fabric stripes, allowing you to align layers for varying degrees of light and privacy. This dual-layer construction offers a unique balance between openness and coverage.
Material: Typically polyester blends engineered for durability and smooth operation.
Light Control: Adjustable from filtered natural light when stripes are aligned with sheers exposed, to near blackout when solid stripes overlap.
Energy Efficiency: Moderate; helps reduce glare but not designed for heavy insulation.
Privacy: Adjustable levels; ideal for living rooms or offices where flexible light is preferred.
Installation: Fits inside or outside window frames; motorized options available.
Smart Compatibility: Works with all smart motors, including Alexa, SmartThings, and Google Home.
Sheer Shades
Description: Sheer Shades consist of two layers of soft, translucent fabric connected by fabric vanes. During operation, the layers remain closed to provide privacy while softly diffusing natural light. When fully lowered, the two fabric layers align parallel, allowing gentle, filtered light to enter the room, creating a bright and comfortable atmosphere without glare.
Material: Lightweight sheer and voile fabrics, layered with adjustable fabric vanes for versatile light control.
Light Control: Typically filters up to 85% of light; designed for soft light diffusion rather than complete blackout.
Energy Efficiency: Provides moderate insulation by reducing glare and heat while preserving daylight.
Privacy: Ensures daytime privacy while maintaining outward visibility.
Installation: Fits standard window sizes; available with motorized and smart motor options for convenient remote and voice control.
Cellular Shades
Description: Also known as honeycomb shades, these feature a unique cellular design that traps air within the cells, providing insulation and reducing energy costs. Day & Night Cellular Shades combine two layers for versatile light control.
Material: Lightweight, durable polyester or fabric blends with UV-resistant coatings.
Light Control: Ranges from sheer to full blackout, depending on fabric choice. Day & Night models allow switching between privacy and light filtering.
Energy Efficiency: Excellent insulation properties reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Privacy: Provides complete privacy with blackout fabrics; sheers allow filtered light while maintaining privacy.
Installation: Requires precise level mounting to ensure smooth operation; especially important for cellular shades due to their structure.
Smart Compatibility: Compatible with Zigbee, Alexa, and SmartLife motors using the battery stick. Note: currently, cellular shades do not support Matter or HomeKit motor options.
Outdoor Shades
Description: Specifically designed for outdoor use, Outdoor Shades provide shade, privacy, and protection against the elements. Made from weather-resistant fabrics with waterproof coatings, they are built to withstand wind and rain. Steel guide wires on both sides keep the shade stable, and a weighted bottom bar prevents flapping. The motor is rated IP44 for water resistance, ensuring safe operation in outdoor environments.
Material: Durable, weatherproof fabrics with protective waterproof coatings.
Light Control: Options range from semi-sheer fabrics that reduce glare to denser fabrics that block sunlight for increased comfort.
Energy Efficiency: Helps reduce heat buildup in outdoor areas by blocking direct sunlight.
Privacy: Provides daytime privacy and reduces visibility from outside.
Installation: Can be mounted to outdoor frames, patios, or decks; includes guide wires and weighted bottom bar for stability.
Smart Compatibility: Compatible with all smart motors, including Zigbee, Alexa, Matter, and HomeKit, for app and voice control.
Woven Wood Shades
Description: Woven Wood Shades, also known as bamboo or natural shades, are made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo, reeds, or grasses, bringing a warm, organic texture to any room. Their natural woven patterns softly filter light while adding a touch of rustic elegance. Optional liners can be added for more light control or privacy.
Material: Natural, renewable materials such as bamboo, jute, reeds, and grasses.
Light Control: Softly diffuses light; with liners, options range from light filtering to room darkening.
Energy Efficiency: Provides moderate energy efficiency by reducing glare and diffusing sunlight.
Privacy: Daytime privacy with natural fabrics; liners can enhance nighttime privacy.
Installation: Fits most standard window sizes; easy to mount inside or outside window frames.
Smart Compatibility: Compatible with all smart motors, including Zigbee, Alexa, Matter, and HomeKit, for app and voice control.
Roman Shades
Description: Roman Shades feature elegant fabric folds that stack neatly when raised, blending timeless style with modern functionality. They are available in a wide range of fabrics, from soft sheers to blackout materials, allowing flexible control of light and privacy. Their tailored folds create a refined, sophisticated look suitable for any interior.
Material: Fabric options include lightweight sheers, textured linens, and heavy blackout fabrics.
Light Control: Choices range from soft, filtered daylight to full blackout, depending on fabric selection.
Energy Efficiency: Lined or blackout fabrics enhance insulation and energy savings.
Privacy: Provides excellent privacy when lowered; fabric choice determines level of coverage.
Installation: Easy to install on most window types; available with inside or outside mount options.
Smart Compatibility: Compatible with all smart motors, including Zigbee, Alexa, Matter, and HomeKit, for app and voice control.
Choose the Right Motor Type for Your Smart Shades
Selecting the appropriate motor for your smart shades is essential for achieving the best user experience. Below are the detailed descriptions of each motor type we offer:
Standard Motor
Control: Operated exclusively via remote control. No app or voice integration.
Compatibility: Ideal for users who prefer simple, reliable remote control without smart home connectivity.
Use Case: Perfect for those who want motorized convenience without needing smartphone control.
Zigbee Motor
Control: Supports remote control, app control via Zigbee-compatible hubs, and voice commands through Alexa and SmartThings.
Compatibility: Requires a Zigbee 3.0 hub such as Amazon Echo Plus or SmartThings Hub.
Features: Enables grouping, scheduling, and remote access through smart home ecosystems.
Use Case: Best for users with existing Zigbee smart home setups wanting seamless integration.
Alexa Motor
Control: Compatible with Alexa-enabled devices for voice control, plus remote and app control via Alexa ecosystem.
Compatibility: Works within Amazon Alexa smart home platform; may require compatible hub.
Features: Easy voice commands, routines, and automation with Alexa.
Use Case: Ideal for users fully invested in Amazon Alexa smart home environment.
Matter Motor
Control: Works with all major smart home platforms supporting Matter protocol, including Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings.
Compatibility: Provides broad compatibility and future-proof smart home integration.
Features: Unified control, voice commands, app scheduling across ecosystems.
Use Case: Recommended for users seeking maximum flexibility and cross-platform compatibility.
Homekit Motor
Control: Designed specifically for Apple HomeKit users, controlled via the Home app and Siri voice commands.
Compatibility: Seamlessly integrates into Apple ecosystem devices and automations.
Features: Secure, private control with Apple’s HomeKit encryption and automation support.
Use Case: Perfect for Apple users who prefer native HomeKit control and Siri integration.
Standard motor
Zigbee motor
Describe a key feature in detail.
Alexa Motor
Matter motor
Homekit Motor
Choose Your Accessories For Your Smart Shades
Selecting the right accessories can greatly enhance the functionality and convenience of your smart shades. Here are the key accessories to consider:
Remote Controls
6-Channel Remote Control
Controls all paired shades at once with one button. No group function.
16-Channel Remote Control
Features a display and supports grouping multiple channels for flexible control.
For first-time buyers of smart motors, we recommend purchasing at least one remote to assist with initial setup and as a backup for emergency control.
For detailed guidance on remote use, visit our YouTube channel.
Valances
Standard Roll: This is a minimalist design where the roller tube is fully exposed without any covering. It offers a clean and simple look, perfect for modern and understated interiors.
Cassette with Fabric: This valance features a fabric-covered cassette that matches your shade material, providing a seamless, uniform appearance. It adds a touch of elegance and helps conceal the roller mechanism.
White Aluminum: A sleek white aluminum cassette that fits well in minimalist or contemporary rooms. It offers a durable and modern finish while fully enclosing the roller for a polished look.
All valances are designed for easy installation and compatible with our smart motorized shades, ensuring both style and functionality.
Should I Choose Solar Panels
For those seeking a sustainable charging option, our solar panels provide continuous power by harnessing sunlight.
The solar panel plugs directly into the motor’s charging port, just like a regular charger.
Simply place the solar panel on a clean, sun-exposed window surface with the solar side facing outward, and secure it using the included adhesive.
Solar charging helps extend the battery life of your shades, reducing the frequency of manual charging.
Choosing a solar panel is optional but highly recommended for energy efficiency and convenience.
If your curtains are installed in high or hard-to-reach places, we recommend selecting the solar panel option to avoid manual charging.