Window Covering Brands That Matter
Not all brands are created equal. The brand behind your blinds and shades determines how long they last, how easily they're repaired, and whether your motorized system will still work a decade from now.
Why Your Window Covering Brand Matters More Than You Think
Choosing the right brand isn't about prestige — it's about whether you can get a replacement part in 5 years, whether a technician can service your motor in 10 years, and whether your smart home integration still works in 15 years.
Parts Availability for Years to Come
Major brands maintain parts inventories for 10-20+ years after a product line launches. When a cord lock breaks on a Hunter Douglas Duette shade or a Somfy motor needs a new battery wand, those parts exist. With off-brand products, parts can become impossible to source within just a few years.
Standardized Motorization
This is where brand choice matters most. Somfy's RTS protocol is the de facto standard in the industry — one remote can control motors across dozens of shade brands. If your motor fails, any Somfy-compatible replacement drops right in. Proprietary or generic motors often mean replacing the entire shade when the motor dies.
Trained Service Technicians
Major brands certify technicians and provide detailed service documentation. When we troubleshoot a Somfy motor, we follow the same documented procedures used worldwide. With generic motors, every repair becomes a guessing game — and guessing costs you time and money.
Smart Home Compatibility
Somfy, Lutron, and Hunter Douglas all invest heavily in smart home integrations — Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Control4, and more. These integrations are maintained and updated. Generic motors might work with a no-name app today, but what happens when that app is abandoned?
Warranty You Can Actually Use
A warranty is only as good as the company behind it. Hunter Douglas, Lutron, and Norman have been around for decades — their warranties mean something. We've seen too many clients with 'lifetime warranty' products from brands that no longer exist.
Resale Value
Recognized brands add tangible value to your home. A buyer seeing Hunter Douglas PowerView shades or Lutron Serena shades in a listing knows exactly what they're getting. Unknown brands don't carry that same confidence.
How Somfy Became the Intel Inside of Motorized Shades
If you have motorized shades — from almost any brand — there's a strong chance a Somfy motor is doing the work. Somfy is to motorized window coverings what Intel is to computers: the component inside that makes everything run, even when another brand's name is on the outside.
Founded in 1969 in the French Alps, Somfy started by motorizing roller shutters in Europe and never stopped innovating. Today, they produce over 100 million motors per year and hold a dominant share of the global motorized window covering market. Their RTS (Radio Technology Somfy) wireless protocol became the industry standard — and later, their io-homecontrol protocol added two-way communication for smarter automation.
Here's why this matters to you as a homeowner: when your motorized shade needs repair in 5, 10, or even 20 years, a Somfy motor can be serviced by any certified technician, with parts that are universally available. We've repaired Somfy motors that were installed in the early 2000s — the programming tools and replacement parts still exist. Try that with a no-name motor from Amazon.
Industry Fact
Somfy produces over 100 million motors per year and is the OEM motor supplier for the majority of motorized window covering brands globally. Their motors are inside products from at least 50+ brands.
Brands Powered by Somfy Motors
This is just a partial list. Somfy motors are inside products from hundreds of manufacturers worldwide:
| Brand | Products Using Somfy |
|---|---|
| Graber / Springs Window Fashions | Roller shades, cellular shades, roman shades |
| Norman | Roller shades, shutters with motorized tilt |
| Mechoshade / MechoSystems | Commercial roller shades, solar shading |
| Bali (Springs Window Fashions) | Motorized blinds and shades |
| Mariak / Insolroll | Commercial and residential roller shades |
| Hartmann&Forbes | Natural woven shades with motorization |
| The Shade Store | Custom roller shades, roman shades, drapery |
| Coulisse | Designer roller and honeycomb shades |
| Silent Gliss | Premium curtain tracks and roller systems |
| Hundreds of custom fabricators | Local and regional shade manufacturers |
Major Window Covering Brands We Work With
We're not locked into a single manufacturer. We recommend the brand that best fits your windows, budget, and long-term needs — and we service all of them.
Somfy
Est. 1969Cluses, FranceThe motor inside almost every motorized shade
Somfy is the world's largest manufacturer of motors and controls for window coverings. What most homeowners don't realize is that Somfy doesn't sell shades directly — they manufacture the motors that power shades from dozens of other brands. When you buy motorized shades from Graber, Springs Window Fashions, Norman, or countless custom fabricators, there's a very good chance there's a Somfy motor inside. This matters enormously for repairs: a Somfy RTS or io motor uses standardized parts, standardized programming procedures, and standardized remotes — regardless of whose name is on the shade itself.
- Powers motorized shades across 50+ brands worldwide
- RTS and io protocols are industry standards
- Parts and remotes remain available for 15+ years
- Any Somfy-certified technician can service them
- Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit via Tahoma hub
Hunter Douglas
Est. 1919Rotterdam, Netherlands / Pearl River, NYThe world's largest window covering manufacturer
Hunter Douglas is the undisputed giant of the window coverings industry. They invented many of the product categories we take for granted today — Duette honeycomb shades (1985), Silhouette shadings (1991), and Luminette Privacy Sheers. Their PowerView Gen 3 motorization system is proprietary and well-supported, with a dedicated app and integration with major smart home platforms. Because of their market dominance, replacement parts, fabric options, and repair support remain available for years — even decades — after purchase.
- Largest window covering manufacturer globally
- Invented honeycomb shades, Silhouette, and Luminette categories
- PowerView Gen 3 motorization with dedicated app
- Extensive dealer network ensures long-term service
- Strong warranty program and parts availability
Lutron
Est. 1961Coopersburg, PennsylvaniaThe gold standard in smart home lighting and shading
Lutron started in lighting controls and expanded into motorized shades with their Serena and Palladiom lines. Their shading systems are deeply integrated with the broader Lutron ecosystem — Caseta, RadioRA, and HomeWorks QSX — making them the preferred choice for whole-home automation projects. Lutron's Clear Connect RF technology is exceptionally reliable, and their Pico remotes have become iconic. For high-end homes and commercial projects where absolute reliability is non-negotiable, Lutron is often the answer.
- Industry leader in home automation and smart lighting
- Serena shades work with Caseta and HomeWorks systems
- Clear Connect RF protocol — no WiFi dependency
- Pico remotes are simple, reliable, and beautiful
- Professional-grade reliability for homes and commercial
Norman
Est. 1982Shenzhen, China / Vernon Hills, ILPremium shutters and shades at a competitive price
Norman has built a strong reputation for high-quality plantation shutters and window treatments that compete directly with Hunter Douglas at a lower price point. Their PerfectTilt system for shutters is innovative, and their motorized products use Somfy motors — which means they inherit all the repairability and standardization benefits of the Somfy ecosystem. Norman shutters are particularly popular in San Diego homes for their clean lines and durable finish.
- Premium quality competing with Hunter Douglas pricing
- Plantation shutters are among the best in the industry
- Motorized products use standard Somfy motors
- PerfectTilt closure system for shutters
- Strong warranty and growing dealer network
Graber (Springs Window Fashions)
Est. 1939Middleton, WisconsinQuality craftsmanship backed by a century-old legacy
Graber is part of Springs Window Fashions, one of the largest window covering manufacturers in North America. Their product line covers virtually every category — blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery hardware. Graber's motorized products use Somfy motors, and their manual products use standardized components that are easy to source for repairs. They offer an excellent balance of quality, variety, and value that makes them a go-to recommendation for many of our installations.
- Part of Springs Window Fashions — massive scale
- Full product line covering all window treatment types
- Motorized options powered by Somfy motors
- Standardized cord locks, tilt mechanisms, and hardware
- Excellent value for quality-conscious homeowners
Rollease Acmeda
Est. 2015 (merger)Stamford, CT / Melbourne, AustraliaThe commercial-grade motor alternative to Somfy
Rollease Acmeda emerged from the merger of Rollease (US) and Acmeda (Australia) and has become a serious alternative to Somfy in the motorized shade market. Their Automate line of motors is used by many custom shade fabricators, and the Automate Pulse hub provides smart home integration. While not as ubiquitous as Somfy, Rollease Acmeda motors use standardized protocols and parts are increasingly available through a growing dealer network.
- Strong presence in commercial and custom residential
- Automate motor line rivals Somfy in quality
- Pulse hub for smart home integration
- Growing dealer and parts network
- Popular with custom shade fabricators
Major Brand vs. No-Name: What Happens When You Need a Repair?
The true cost of a window covering isn't just the purchase price — it includes every repair, replacement part, and service call over its lifetime. Here's the real-world difference.
| Scenario | Major Brand (Somfy / Lutron / HD) | Generic / Off-Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Motor stops responding | Replace Somfy/Lutron motor module — $150-$300. Usually same-week. | Entire shade may need replacement — $400-$1,200+. Motor not available separately. |
| Remote lost or broken | Order new Somfy/Lutron remote — $40-$80. Pair in minutes. | May not be able to find compatible remote. Shade becomes manual-only or unusable. |
| Smart hub fails | Replace Somfy Tahoma or Lutron bridge — $100-$200. Re-pair existing shades. | App may be discontinued. No replacement hub available. Lose all smart features. |
| Fabric needs replacing | Re-fabric using same motor and brackets. $100-$250 for fabric only. | Non-standard tube sizes may not accept replacement fabric rolls. |
| Battery pack dies | Standard Somfy/Lutron battery wand — $30-$60. Universal fit. | Proprietary battery pack may be discontinued. No universal replacement. |
Based on our 18+ years of service experience in San Diego County. Actual repair costs vary by product and condition.
An Honest Word About Cheap Motorized Shades
We get it — Amazon and AliExpress are full of motorized shade options at a fraction of the price. Some of them look identical to what we install. So why pay more?
Here's what we see in the field: those budget motors work fine for the first year or two. Then the motor starts hesitating. The app stops updating. The remote frequency drifts. And when you call for repair, nobody can source the parts because the manufacturer either rebranded, changed the motor design, or simply disappeared.
We're not saying every expensive brand is great or every affordable brand is bad. We're saying: check what motor is inside. If it's a Somfy motor in a mid-priced shade, that's an excellent value. If it's a proprietary motor with no markings in a premium-priced shade, that's a red flag.
We've been repairing window coverings in San Diego since 2007. The patterns are clear: products built with recognized, standardized components last longer and cost far less to maintain over their lifetime.
What to Ask Before You Buy Motorized Shades
- ?What brand and model is the motor? (Somfy, Lutron, and Nice/Rollease are safe bets)
- ?Are replacement parts available independently — or only as a full unit?
- ?What smart home protocol does it use? (RTS, io, Zigbee, Z-Wave — avoid WiFi-only with no-name apps)
- ?Can a local technician service it, or does it require the original installer?
- ?What happens to the warranty if the company is acquired or closes?
How We Choose Which Brands to Recommend
We're an independent dealer — not a franchise locked into one manufacturer. When we recommend a product, it's because we believe it's the right fit for your home, your windows, and your long-term service needs.
Our selection criteria is shaped by 18+ years of installs and repairs. We've seen which products hold up, which motors last, and which warranties actually get honored. That field experience is something no amount of marketing material can replace.
We inspect hardware, mechanisms, and fabric quality before adding any brand to our lineup.
We prioritize products using Somfy, Lutron, or other standardized motor platforms for long-term serviceability.
Every brand we carry has a proven track record of keeping parts in stock years after purchase.
We work with manufacturers who honor their warranties — not just on paper, but in practice.
Window Covering Brands — Common Questions
Answers from 18+ years of installing and repairing every major brand in San Diego.
Why does the brand of my window coverings matter?
The brand determines parts availability, motor compatibility, and long-term support. Major brands like Hunter Douglas, Somfy, and Lutron have global supply chains — meaning replacement parts, motors, and remotes are available for years after purchase. Obscure brands often disappear, leaving you with no repair options.
Is Somfy the same motor inside different brand names?
Yes, Somfy is an OEM motor manufacturer. Their motors power shades sold under dozens of brand names including Graber, Springs Window Fashions, Mechoshade, and many custom fabricators. This means even if your shade brand is discontinued, the Somfy motor inside can still be serviced with standard Somfy parts.
Can you repair motorized shades from any brand?
We repair all major brands and most lesser-known ones. However, shades built with Somfy, Lutron, or Hunter Douglas motors are significantly easier and cheaper to repair because parts are universally available. Generic imported motors often require full motor replacement since individual components can't be sourced.
Are Hunter Douglas products worth the premium price?
Hunter Douglas offers excellent build quality, innovative designs (like Silhouette and Pirouette), and strong warranty support. The premium is justified if you value long-term durability and want a product backed by the largest window coverings manufacturer in the world. That said, we also carry brands that deliver comparable quality at lower price points.
What if my shade brand went out of business?
This is more common than people think. If the brand used standard Somfy or Lutron motors, we can still repair the motorization. For the fabric or mechanical parts, we can often source compatible replacements. In worst-case scenarios, we can retrofit the existing brackets with a new shade from a current manufacturer.
What brands does Royal Window Coverings carry?
We work with Hunter Douglas, Somfy, Lutron, Norman, Graber, Bali, Levolor, Alta, Eclipse, Rollease Acmeda, and several premium custom fabricators. We're not locked into a single brand — we recommend what's best for your specific situation, budget, and long-term serviceability.
Should I choose battery or hardwired motorized shades?
Both options use the same Somfy or Lutron motors. Battery-powered shades are easier to install (no electrician needed) and work great for most homes. Hardwired is better for large commercial projects or homes under construction where you want zero maintenance. Either way, stick with a major motor brand for long-term reliability.
How long do motorized shade motors typically last?
Quality motors from Somfy and Lutron are rated for 10-15+ years of daily use. We've serviced Somfy motors that have been running for over 20 years. Generic motors typically last 3-7 years. The motor brand matters far more than the shade brand when it comes to longevity.
Need Help Choosing the Right Brand?
We'll walk you through the options, explain the trade-offs, and help you choose the brand that fits your home and budget — with long-term repairability in mind.
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