The Knowledge Library · 5 min read
Motorized Drapery vs. Motorized Shades
When the room is asking for motorized drapery, when it is asking for motorized shades, and when it is asking for both.
Motorized drapery and motorized shades answer different architectural questions. The studio specifies both regularly, often together, and the choice is room-driven.
When motorized drapery is correct
When the architecture asks for soft furnishings — living rooms, primary suites, dining rooms, great rooms with walls of glass.
When motorized shades are correct
When the window asks for clean inside-mount control — kitchens, baths, breakfast rooms, secondary bedrooms.
When both are correct
Almost any primary room. Shades handle daytime glare and UV; drapery handles evening privacy and acoustic warmth.
Written by Olga Rechdouni, ASID · House of Drapery