If you are renovating this winter, there is one window treatment decision you should make early: battery vs. hardwired motorized shades. Once the drywall is up and painted, running new wires gets messy and expensive.
Both options work well. Both connect to remotes, apps and voice assistants. The difference is how they get power, and that affects cost, maintenance and how the finished room looks.
Here is what you need to know before your contractor closes the walls.
How Each Power Option Works
Battery-Powered Shades
Battery shades have a rechargeable battery pack, usually hidden in or behind the headrail or inside the roller tube. You charge them with a cable every so often, or connect a small solar panel on the glass to keep them topped up.
Hardwired Shades
Hardwired shades get power from a low-voltage or line-voltage wire run to each window. An electrician places the wire during framing or rough-in. The motor never needs charging.
Battery vs. Hardwired Motorized Shades Compared
Upfront Cost
Battery shades usually cost less to install because no electrician is needed. Hardwired systems add wiring, labour and sometimes a power supply panel. During a renovation, the added cost is lower than it would be later, because the walls are already open.
Maintenance
Battery shades need charging. How often depends on use, shade size and the motor, but many homeowners charge a few times a year. Hardwired shades need nothing. For hard-to-reach windows, like two-storey great rooms or skylights, hardwired is often worth it.
Look and Finish
Both can look clean. Hardwired shades hide all power inside the wall. Battery shades may show a small charging port, wand or solar panel, though modern designs keep this discreet.
Smart Home Features
Both work with remotes, schedules and smart home hubs. Hardwired systems are a favourite for whole-home automation, where dozens of shades run on scenes tied to lighting and security.
Which Windows Should Get Which?
You do not have to pick one for the whole house. Many renovations use a mix:
- Hardwired: skylights, tall great-room windows, large patio doors, and any window where reaching to charge is a hassle
- Battery: bedroom and office windows, smaller windows, and rooms not being renovated right now
A smart move is to run wire to every window during the renovation, even if you start with battery shades. Pre-wiring is cheap now and gives you options later.
Planning Tips for Your Renovation
Bring Your Shade Supplier in Early
Talk to us before rough-in. We can tell your electrician where to place wires based on the shade style, mount type and motor side.
Plan for Pockets and Recesses
If you want shades hidden in a ceiling pocket, it has to be framed now. Pockets give a very clean look, especially for roller shades and blackout drapes on a motorized track.
Label Every Wire
Ask your electrician to label and photograph each wire before drywall. It saves time when shades are installed.
We work with homeowners, designers and contractors on renovations across the GTA. Our team provides clear wiring guidance, high-end motorized shades and competitive pricing, and we stay with you through programming and setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do shade batteries last between charges?
It varies by shade size, motor and how often it runs. Many homeowners recharge a few times a year. Solar panels can reduce or remove the need.
Can I add hardwired shades without a renovation?
Sometimes, but it often means opening walls or running surface wiring. Battery shades are usually easier in finished rooms.
Do hardwired shades work during a power outage?
Not without backup power. Battery shades keep working during an outage.
Can I control battery and hardwired shades together?
Yes, as long as they use a compatible motor system. We plan this for you.
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