Motorized Shades: Beat the Heat, Glare and UV
Automated shades cut glare and solar heat, protect furnishings and add privacy at the touch of a button.
Automated shades
Motorized and automated shades for Bahamian homes
Cut heat, glare and UV without losing the view. We supply and install motorized shades that follow the sun, respond to scenes and integrate with your lighting and climate.
What we do
Big windows and sea views are the point of living here, and they are also the main source of heat, glare and faded furniture. Motorized shades give you the view when you want it and protection when you need it, automatically. A schedule can lower solar shades on the western glass each afternoon and raise them at sunset, without anyone thinking about it.
We specify fabrics, motors and power for each opening, coordinate with your builder on pockets and wiring, and integrate the shades with the rest of the home so a single scene controls lights, shades and climate together.
What’s included
- Fabric selection. Solar screens that preserve the view while cutting glare, blackout fabrics for bedrooms and cinemas, and dual shades that do both.
- Wired and battery motors. Hard-wired motors for new construction, rechargeable battery motors for retrofits.
- Recessed pockets and fascias. Hardware details coordinated with the architect so shades disappear when raised.
- Schedules and scenes. Sun-tracking schedules, Movie and Away scenes and keypad control alongside lighting.
- Integration. Shades as part of your Control4 system, working with climate control to reduce cooling load.
How we work
How we approach automated shades
Measure and specify
Every opening is measured, and fabric, motor and mounting are chosen for that window's orientation, size and purpose.
Plan power early
Wired shades need power at the head of the window. We provide the electrician with exact locations during construction, as described in our pre-wire checklist.
Install, align, program
Shades are installed, limits set so every shade in a row stops at the same height, and schedules programmed to the sun's path for your property.
Designed for the islands
Good to know in the Bahamas
- Sun and UV. Intense sun fades wood floors, art and fabric. Solar fabrics block most UV while keeping the view.
- Cooling costs. Shading west and south glass in the afternoon reduces the load on air conditioning. We cover this in cutting cooling costs.
- Storms. Interior shades are not storm protection. Follow your builder's guidance on shutters and impact glazing, and let the shades handle everyday comfort.
Frequently asked questions
Can shades be added to an existing home?
Yes. Battery-powered motors make retrofits straightforward, with no new wiring. Batteries typically need charging a few times a year depending on use.
Are motorized shades quiet?
Modern motors are quiet enough for bedrooms. We can demonstrate before you decide.
Can I still control them by hand or remote?
Shades can be operated from keypads, a handheld remote, the Control4 app or schedules. Most clients stop touching them once the schedules are right.
From the blog
Cutting Cooling Costs with Smart Climate Control
Smart thermostats, schedules and shading: practical ways to stay cool without wasting energy.
A Homeowner’s Guide to Whole-Home Lighting Control
Scenes, dimming and keypads: how a lighting control system changes how a home feels and works.
Let’s plan your project
Tell us about your property and goals, and we’ll recommend the right approach.