Sun, Views, and the Case for Motorized Drapery

St. George homes are built to enjoy the outdoors. Big windows frame red rock ridges and long desert sunsets, and nobody wants to cover them up. The catch is the sun itself. Southern Utah light is intense for most of the year, and a west-facing living room can feel like an oven by late afternoon. Motorized drapery solves both problems at once. Panels open wide when the view is the point and close on cue when the heat and glare arrive, all without anyone crossing the room.

Choosing the right system comes down to four decisions. Here’s how to think through each one.

Step One: Match the Fabric to the Room

Fabric does most of the work, so start there. A few pairings that suit St. George homes:

· Great rooms and living areas: A light-filtering fabric softens glare while keeping the view. Add a lining if the room faces west.

· Bedrooms: A blackout lining blocks early sunrise light and keeps the room cooler for sleeping.

· Dining rooms and offices: A medium-weight fabric with some texture adds warmth and tames screen glare without going fully dark.

Weight matters as much as color. Heavier lined panels need a motor and track rated for the load, which is why fabric and hardware are chosen together when you browse custom motorized drapes.

Step Two: Pick the Motor and Power Source

Motors are either hardwired or battery powered. Hardwired motors are the quietest and never need charging, and they’re simple to plan if you’re building or remodeling. Battery motors install almost anywhere and are recharged a few times a year, which makes them a favorite for existing homes. If you have tall windows, note that Budget Blinds builds custom drapery up to 22 feet, and the motor is specified to match.

Step Three: Decide How You’ll Control It

A remote is the classic choice. An app lets you adjust the drapes from the office or from a weekend in Zion. Voice control through a smart speaker feels natural once you’ve tried it. A full smart home setup ties everything together so the drapery responds to schedules, sunlight, or a single “goodnight” command, the sort of pairing covered in ENERGY STAR’s smart home energy tips.

Budget Blinds offers full smart home automation, and the motorized window treatments and Smart Home Collection work with the popular assistants. Tell your consultant what you already own so the pieces fit from day one.

Step Four: Think About Comfort and Energy

Timed drapery isn’t only about convenience. Closing lined panels during the hottest hours keeps rooms comfortable and gives the air conditioner a break. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that window coverings can boost home energy performance, and drapery layered over shades multiplies the effect. For more local tips, see our post on managing the bright St. George sunlight.

Motorization also eliminates cords, which the Window Covering Safety Council recommends for homes with children and pets.

Work With a Local Team You Can Trust

Budget Blinds of St. George has been voted Best of Southern Utah every year from 2021 through 2026 and is BBB accredited. Every project starts with a free in-home consultation, followed by an on-site estimate and professional installation, and it’s backed by satisfaction guaranteed service and warranty coverage. Ready to see how motorized drapery would look in your home? Schedule your free in-home consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will motorized drapery block my view when I want it open?

No. Panels stack neatly to the side when open. Your consultant plans the track length so the stacked fabric clears the glass as much as possible.

How do I recharge a battery motor?

Most use a small charger that plugs in near the top of the window for a few hours. A charge typically lasts months, depending on how often the drapes move.

Can I add motorized drapery to just one room?

Absolutely. Many homeowners start with the primary bedroom or great room and expand later. The same controls can run additional windows as you add them.