How many times have you wished you could ‘Hey Siri!’ things around your home and get stuff done without lifting a finger? If you’re anything like us, probably at least a couple of 100 times a day.
So when we say motorized shades in NYC are the thing of the present, you better believe your life’s just about to get a lot easier. Here’s why more homeowners are making the switch to motorized window shades and why you might want to join them.
1. Convenience
Look, we’re all busy. Who has time to walk around the house opening and closing every single blind twice a day? Motorized shades handle it.
You can program them to open gradually in the morning so you wake up naturally instead of to some jarring alarm. Or set them to close automatically at sunset.
You can control everything from your couch with your phone, or get really fancy and just yell, “Hey Siri, close all the shades!”
2. Your Energy Bills Will Go Down
The U.S. Department of Energy says properly managed window coverings can cut heat gain in summer by up to 77% and heat loss in winter by up to 25%.
When it comes to adjusting blinds manually for better energy efficiency, most people just don’t bother. Because who remembers to close the south-facing shades when the sun is blazing?
Program them to close during the hottest part of the afternoon in summer, or open them on sunny winter days to let that free solar heat in. Your HVAC system runs less, lasts longer, and your utility bills go down.
3. Security
When you’re away, your shades can make your home look occupied. They open in the morning, close in the evening, and maybe even randomize the timing a bit so it doesn’t look robotic.
Thieves look for homes that are obviously empty. But if your shades are doing their normal routine, your place looks lived-in, even when you’re away.
The best part is that you can check your shade status from anywhere.
4. No More Death Cords
Pull cords on traditional blinds are a legitimate safety hazard, especially if you have kids or pets.
Motorized shades eliminate that risk entirely. No cords, no loops, no strangling hazards. Just smooth, safe operation that doesn’t keep you up at night worrying. If you have young kids or are planning to, this alone might be worth the upgrade cost.
5. Smart Home Integration
If you’re already into the smart home thing, motorized shades fit right in. And if you’re not, they might be the gateway that gets you started.
Geofencing means your home knows when you’re coming and going. Shades close automatically when the last person leaves, open when someone comes home. Your thermostat and shades work together. It sounds excessive until you live with it for a week. Then, manual blinds feel prehistoric.
6. Privacy on Demand
Living in NYC means close neighbors. Sometimes, uncomfortably close neighbors.
With motorized shades, instant privacy is one button away. No scrambling to close blinds when you. Just tap your phone and problem solved.
Set different privacy schedules for different rooms. The living room stays open during the day, and the bedrooms automatically close at night. The bathroom is always private. It’s customizable to however you want it.
7. Accessibility
If you or anyone in your home has mobility issues, motorized shades are genuinely life-changing. No reaching, no pulling, no struggling with stuck blinds.
Voice control means people who can’t easily use phones or remotes can still adjust their environment. Automated schedules mean people who can’t physically operate blinds don’t have to rely on others to do it for them.
It’s independence and dignity all wrapped into one.
Also Read: How Do Motorized Shades Work? A Beginners Guide
How Much Will it Cost You?
Quality motorized shades run about $300-$800 per window, depending on size and features. For a whole apartment, you’re looking at a few thousand dollars.
That sounds like a lot until you consider that they last 10-15+ years and save you money on energy bills. Battery-powered ones cost about $20-40 per window per year for battery replacements. Hardwired ones have basically no ongoing costs.
You don’t have to do everything at once, either. Start with your bedroom and bathroom, the places where convenience and privacy matter most. Add other rooms over time as the budget allows.
Motorized Shades: Yes or No?
Are motorized shades essential? No.
Will your life fall apart without them? Obviously not.
But are they one of those upgrades that make daily life noticeably better in small ways that add up? Absolutely.
When you’re ready to join the motorized shades in NYC, give Manhattan Shades a call. We’ll show you exactly what motorized shades can actually do for your space!


