Looking into the future with high tech window dressings
Without doubt, homes are more technologically advanced than ever before. With so many advancements in home automation systems and “smart” products, it’s now easy to incorporate smart window treatments to add a touch of everyday luxury, functionality, and privacy to a home.
The high-tech features of the latest automated shades and curtains can help control your room’s temperature, lighting, and overall home security. There’s a wide range of internal and external window dressing products that can be controlled from a central hub, in which a smartphone or tablet can operate, set scenes and schedules, that your shades will remember, and even operate remotely when away from home. They also offer intelligent home support for digital assistants like Amazon®, Alexa®, and Google® Assistant, which means they can be operated with voice commands.
With this clever technology becoming increasingly affordable, more and more people are looking at integrated solutions such as PowerView® Motorisation which gives homeowners the ultimate control. Here are our top five reasons why you should consider high-tech window dressings.
Managing Energy Efficiency
With proper window covering management, you can save money on electricity and heating bills. Window coverings are an extra layer of insulation to keep outside temperatures out of a home.
“Installing the right window coverings, such as Luxaflex® Duette® Architella® Shades, can reduce your heating costs by up to 43 percent 1 ,” says Vera Meharg, Marketing Communications Manager, Luxaflex® Window Fashions.
As well as preventing heat from getting out, insulating window coverings can help regulate the warmer temperatures of the day.
“During the day, your windows let in more radiant energy than out; sunlight can enter through the glass, but the window is opaque to the infrared radiation trying to escape,” continues Meharg. “Our award-winning PowerView® Motorisation uses clever technology so homeowners can schedule their blinds to lower immediately after dusk – the optimum time to close them to help prevent heat loss,” she says.
Savings are based on the installation of fully-recessed, reveal-mounted Duette® Architella® Shades with 20mm blockout fabric in an average home in Sydney, compared with the House Energy Rating standard of Holland Blinds from AccuRate, in that home. These calculations have been modelled by an independent third party. Savings will vary based on the window type and installation.
Everyday Luxury Inside and Out
The largest advantage of smart window coverings is how much easier they make your day-to-day life.
Remote control operation provides convenience and comfort allowing complete control of your internal blinds or external awnings without having to physically operate them yourself. Adjusting the light in your room is as easy as switching a light on and off when using a remote or App. Similarly, it is perfect for those hard-to-reach windows, such as skylights. Sensors can prevent damage to awnings by retracting them when winds exceed a certain speed and can control light by closing/opening an awning based on a customised light intensity setting of your choice.
Smart Security
As an extra security measure, automated shades can be adjusted while you are away via your smartphone or tablet. “You can configure the home automation system to give the illusion someone is home, by having your window furnishings move with a day and night schedule while on holidays. The Luxaflex® PowerView® app allows you to set customised settings for window coverings that respond to the changing light throughout the day. It can even control them from a distance when away,” says Vera.
Personalising your Space
Personalisation of areas within the home is just one of the many benefits when it comes to having smart window dressings. Using clever technology can help provide the perfect room ambiance day or night – Schedule your theatre room with a single button press, in which lights will dim, blinds come down, the air conditioner will turn on to your preferred temperature and your projector & AV system switches on.
While the functionality is crucial when it comes to smart window coverings, ensuring that they complement your home design is equally important. An essential point to consider when
buying your smart window coverings is to make sure they look good in your home. There is a long-standing idea that every room should have the same type of window covering to create a consistent look, which is not necessarily the case. Consistency can be achieved by using different products in the same fabric and colour. The versatility of the Luxaflex® product range and the extensive fabrics available means you can use the most suitable products per application without compromising on the overall finished look.
Safety Counts
Child and pet safety concerns are reduced when choosing motorised products. The Luxaflex range of motorised window coverings have no cords and are a good choice for families of all sizes.
Luxaflex® PowerView® Motorisation is available in a range of Soft Shades, blinds, curtains and awnings and can be controlled via the PowerView® App or via a remote. PowerView® Shades can
also be voice activated, using the PowerView® Scenes using Apple® HomeKit® technology, Amazon® Alexa® or the Google® Assistant.
For an obligation free consultation, or to view the entire Luxaflex product ranges you can visit the impressive A Style A Shade showrooms located in Double Bay and Balmain.
