Motorized Window Treatments: The Smart Home Upgrade for 2026

Find Out Why Remote Control Window Shades Are A Smart Trend For A New Year

As we move into 2026, homeowners across New England are looking for stylish, energy-efficient upgrades that also offer modern convenience. One of the most elegant and future-forward solutions? Motorized window treatments. These smart blinds and shades are more than just window coverings—they're part of an integrated, intelligent home design strategy.

From remote control functionality to voice-activated automation, motorized shades add value, comfort, and sophistication to your space. Here’s why they’re one of the top home upgrades to consider for 2026.

A bedroom with a chandelier had roller shades operated by a smart device - simply windows

What Are Motorized Window Treatments?

Motorized window treatments are an innovative solution that replaces traditional manual cords, chains, or wands with quiet, built-in motors. These high-tech systems allow you to open or close your shades, blinds, or drapery panels using remote controls, smartphone apps, or even voice commands—all without leaving your seat.


Whether you're looking for greater convenience, improved safety, or a sleek modern aesthetic, motorized shades and blinds offer a smart, stylish solution for any room in your home.


How They Work


At the heart of every motorized window covering is a small, powerful motor—either battery-powered, plug-in, or hardwired—concealed within the headrail or shade mechanism. These motors drive the motion of your blinds or shades, enabling smooth, controlled movement with minimal effort.


With programmable features and smart integrations, motorized treatments can be scheduled to adjust at specific times of day—rising with the sunrise or lowering at sunset to conserve energy.


Control Options from Simply Windows


At Simply Windows, we offer a range of motorized window treatments with flexible control options to fit your lifestyle:


  • Remote Control Window Shades – Operate individual or grouped windows with an intuitive handheld remote.
  • Smartphone & Tablet App Integration – Use your phone to manage light, privacy, and ambiance from anywhere.
  • Wall-Mounted Keypads or Switches – Discreetly mounted for easy, hardwired control at your fingertips.
  • Voice Activation via Smart Home Devices – Sync your treatments with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri for hands-free operation.


Whether you’re retrofitting a single window or integrating automation throughout your home, Simply Windows provides tailored guidance, expert installation, and smart shade systems designed for real New England living.



A sage green living room with beige furniture in a NE home with a bay window - simply windows

Smart Home Integrations: Control with

Alexa, Google Home, Siri & More

Motorized window treatments are more than a luxury—they’re a functional part of the modern smart home ecosystem. At Simply Windows, we proudly offer motorization solutions that sync effortlessly with your existing smart home devices, making light control hands-free, intuitive, and fully automated.


Voice Control That Fits Your Lifestyle


Imagine adjusting your shades without lifting a finger. With smart integrations, that’s your new everyday experience:


  • Amazon Alexa – Use simple voice commands like “Alexa, close the bedroom shades” or “Alexa, lower the blinds to 50%.” You can also create routines that adjust your shades alongside lights and thermostat.
  • Google Home / Google Assistant – Perfect for Android households, Google Assistant lets you operate your shades with natural voice prompts. Set schedules, group window treatments by room, and connect them to your daily routines.
  • Apple Siri / HomeKit – Apple users enjoy the seamless integration of Siri and Apple HomeKit, enabling automation across multiple Apple devices. Set up scenes like “Good Morning” to open shades and turn on lights in one smooth command.


Intelligent Automation for Comfort & Efficiency


These integrations offer more than just convenience—they can boost energy savings and enhance home ambiance. With compatible platforms, you can:


  • Create Timers & Schedules – Raise shades in the morning and lower them at dusk automatically.
  • Build Custom Scenes – Coordinate your window treatments with lighting and HVAC for events like Movie Night, Dinner Party, or Vacation Mode.
  • Remote Control from Anywhere – Not home? Use your phone or tablet to check or adjust your shades for privacy, security, or UV protection.


At Simply Windows, we’ll walk you through setup options and help you choose the best smart motorized window treatments for your home’s needs—whether you’re in a sleek city condo or a classic New England colonial.


Our Favorite Automation Brand: PowerView® By Hunter Douglas

Simply Windows proudly offers cutting-edge motorization technology, including:



This system is designed to offer privacy, security, and energy savings—all in a sleek, whisper-quiet package.


A comfortable media room has black out shades to darken the room for movie nights - simply windows

Best Rooms for Motorized Window Treatments

Motorized blinds and shades are ideal for rooms where convenience, safety, or reach is a concern. Popular spaces include:


  • Tall or hard-to-reach windows (two-story foyers, over bathtubs, skylights)
  • Bedrooms – Create blackout conditions at the touch of a button
  • Media rooms – Dim the lights and close the shades for movie nights
  • Nurseries or kids’ rooms – Enjoy peace of mind with cordless operation



No matter where you use them, smart window treatments add modern polish and everyday practicality.


Ready to Automate Your Windows?

With showrooms in Boston’s SoWa design district and Westborough, MA, our Simply Windows team is ready to guide you through the possibilities of motorized window treatments. Whether you're updating one room or outfitting your entire home, we’ll help you select the right fabrics, hardware, and control systems.


Contact us today for a personalized in-home consultation or stop by our showroom for a live demo.