October is Window Covering Safety Month, and every year it reminds me how far we’ve come in window treatment technology. When I first started Parkway Window Works more than 20 years ago, cords were everywhere. It was just how things were done. But now, with automation becoming mainstream, we can design safer, sleeker, and smarter spaces without a single dangling cord in sight.
This shift toward cordless, automated solutions isn’t just a trend. It’s a real, lasting change that reflects how people want to live. Interior designers across Rochester, the Finger Lakes, and Western New York receive increased requests from clients who want the convenience of smart home systems, including smart window treatments that they can control with their phone or voice. And yes, clients are even asking for these features in historic homes and cottage retreats, not just complex windows and modern new builds.
Why Cordless Window Coverings Are Essential in Today’s Homes
Safety is one of the main reasons we’re seeing this shift. For families with small children or pets, eliminating cords is a no-brainer. But even beyond safety, there’s an elegance to motorized shades and draperies that goes hand-in-hand with high-end design. There’s no fuss, no visual clutter — just beautiful window treatments that move when and how your clients want them to.
Automation also adds another unexpected layer of safety: home security. With scheduling or remote access through an app, shades can raise and lower at set times or adjust throughout the day, allowing your clients to make their home appear occupied even when they’re away.
The Technology Behind Smart Window Treatments Doesn’t Have to Be Intimidating
If you’ve ever felt a little overwhelmed by specifying motorized window treatments, you’re not alone. The wiring, the system compatibility, and the control options are a lot of technicalities to consider. And that’s where we come in.
Before launching Parkway Window Works, I worked as a chemical engineer, and I use that background every single day. Whether it’s calculating shade weights, working with AV installers on wiring plans, or configuring control systems to integrate with Alexa or Lutron — we live for this stuff. You don’t need to be an expert in automation. That’s what my team and I are here for.
We Help Interior Designers Specify Automated Shades With Confidence
We work with interior designers throughout the greater Rochester area and the Finger Lakes to simplify every part of the process. That includes smart shades from brands like Hunter Douglas and Somfy, as well as automated drapery systems on motorized tracks. We offer everything from battery-powered and plug-in options to fully hardwired solutions that integrate seamlessly into whole-home systems.
And yes, automation isn’t just for shades. One of our most exciting projects this year involved 18-foot tall ripplefold draperies installed on Lutron motorized tracks in a lakefront home. The drama of the space was undeniable, but the ease of control is what took it to the next level. The client can now open or close the draperies with the touch of a button or a voice command without ever leaving their seat.
Let’s Make Smart Window Treatments Easy and Beautiful
If you’re a designer looking to include more smart functionality in your window treatment projects, but don’t want to wade into the technical weeds, we’ve got you covered. We’ll handle the specs, the motor types, the control systems, and the installation.
You focus on the design. We’ll make sure the shades and draperies move as beautifully as they look.
If you’re working on a project where your client is asking about automated shades or smart window treatments, reach out. We’d love to help you bring their vision to life with solutions that are safe, stylish, and smart from every angle.
