Choose manual
Good for reachable windows, lower-frequency use, and rooms where a direct control is more convenient than another remote or app group.
Spend automation where it helps
Manual vs Motorized Shade Cost: When the $100 Difference Makes Sense
The current difference between manual and motorized versions of eligible standard shades is generally $100. That makes the room and daily routine more important than a broad rule that every shade must use the same control.
A mixed plan can be the sensible plan
Motorize the openings that are tall, grouped, frequently adjusted, or hard to reach. Keep a reachable secondary window manual when direct operation is easy and predictable.
Choose motorized
Good for tall glass, furniture-blocked windows, daily schedules, grouped rooms, accessibility, and wide treatments.
Mix both
Good for keeping the project focused. Each treatment keeps its regular installed price, and the current project offer is checked separately.
Compare the practical differences
Use the room goal, daily control, and complete installed scope before choosing a product name.
| Treatment | Manual starting price | Motorized starting price |
|---|---|---|
| Light-filtering roller | $349 installed | $449 installed |
| Blackout roller | $399 installed | $499 installed |
| Zebra | $449 installed | $549 installed |
| Honeycomb | $499 installed | $599 installed |
| Roman or Shangri-La | $549 installed | $649 installed |
Before measurement
Bring the room problem into the plan.
- Count how often each opening will move.
- Check whether furniture blocks access.
- Group only shades that should move together.
- Compare the final installed total before the current offer.
- Confirm any offer benefit on the written project.
The current offer is checked at the project level
A qualifying South Bay residential project needs at least two customer-paid treatments totaling $1,500 before tax. It can add one eligible shade up to 48 by 48 inches at no charge, or use up to $499 off a different added treatment.
Questions to settle before approval
The final order should make the product, fabric, dimensions, controls, price, and installation scope clear.
Can a manual shade be part of the qualifying project?
Yes. Paid manual and motorized treatments can count when they otherwise meet the current offer requirements.
Does the offer include a smart-home device?
No. Compatible setup is part of the selected motorized treatment scope, but the current offer does not add a hub or cash substitute.
Is motorized always better for resale?
Not necessarily. Clear operation, accurate fit, useful controls, and a documented system matter more than adding automation to every reachable window.
Why not make manual $200 less?
The current installed price difference is based on the complete measured, manufactured, installed solution. Motor cost is only one part of the job.
Continue planning
Move from a broad comparison to the exact rooms, dimensions, and lower qualified price.
Useful estimate first
Plan the rooms online, then confirm them in the home.
The pricing planner gives a starting estimate. Exact measurements, fabrics, systems, controls, and installation conditions are confirmed in writing.