Smart Home Living with Motorized Shades

November 2, 2023

Motorized blinds and shades have revolutionized the way we control natural light and privacy in our homes and offices. These innovative window treatments are designed to enhance convenience and efficiency by allowing users to adjust them with the touch of a button or even through voice commands, thanks to integration with smart home systems like Alexa or Google Home. This automation not only adds a touch of luxury to any space but also promotes energy efficiency by enabling precise control over sunlight and heat levels. With motorized blinds and shades, you can effortlessly create the perfect ambiance in your room, whether it's by lowering the shades to block out harsh sunlight, raising them to enjoy a beautiful view, or adjusting the tilt of the slats for optimal privacy without leaving your seat.


In addition to their convenience and energy-saving benefits, motorized blinds and shades also offer enhanced safety and security. They eliminate the need for potentially hazardous cords and strings, making them an ideal choice for homes with children and pets. Moreover, these smart window treatments can be programmed to open and close at specific times, giving the illusion of an occupied home when you're away, which can be an effective deterrent against burglars. Overall, motorized blinds and shades represent a seamless fusion of technology and design, enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of any space while making daily life more convenient and secure.

pull down window shades

Embracing Energy Efficiency: The Power of Window Coverings in Reducing Utility Bills

August 2, 2023
In today's fast-paced world, where sustainability and cost-effectiveness are paramount concerns, homeowners are seeking innovative ways to minimize their energy consumption. Blinds, Shades, Shutters or tint, in their diverse forms, have emerged as a popular choice due to their exceptional energy-efficient properties, translating into significant reductions in utility bills. At River Valley Blinds Shades and Shutters, we take immense pride in curating the most effective collection of window coverings specially designed to reduce your utility bills, while adding to the unique style of your living or work space.. Window films, known for their ability to block harmful UV rays and regulate indoor temperatures, are a fantastic starting point for enhancing energy efficiency. By reducing the amount of heat entering or escaping through windows, these films enable you to rely less on heating and cooling systems, resulting in substantial energy savings. Another great benefit of the reduction of harmful UV rays, is the reduction of fading and damage to furniture, floors and wall art; as well as less glare on computer & television screens, creating not only a cooler, but more comfortable, living and work environment. Complementing this, Honeycomb / Cellular shades serve as insulating champions, creating a buffer of air between the window and the room. This clever design traps heat during colder months and repels it during warmer seasons, ensuring a comfortable living environment without excessive reliance on artificial climate control. Room darkening fabrics are great options in these shades, reducing heat from the sun even more. Automated / Motorized / Smart Home options in Shades enable them to be programmed to open or close at optimal times of day to boost their energy saving properties even more! Interior Plantation style Shutters also make a compelling case for energy efficiency. Their robust structure acts as a shield against temperature fluctuations, maintaining a stable indoor climate. By adjusting the slats, occupants can effortlessly control the amount of natural light and ventilation entering the room, reducing the need for electric lighting and air conditioning. Finally, pulldown Roller and Solar Shades complete the ensemble of energy-efficient window coverings, offering a simple yet effective way to regulate sunlight and heat. By wisely selecting blinds that suit their unique needs, homeowners can not only enhance the aesthetics of their spaces but also embrace an eco-conscious lifestyle that leaves a smaller carbon footprint while enjoying considerable savings on their utility bills. Again, room darkening fabrics, and motorized / automated options can increase Roller and Solar shades’ energy saving attributes even more. When it comes to optimizing your energy consumption and reducing utility costs, look no further than River Valley Blinds Shades and Shutters’ carefully curated collection - a true embodiment of style, functionality, and eco-conscious living.
baby with hands in blinds

Best Blinds for Child Safety

June 15, 2023
Creating a safe environment for our children is important, and one area that requires careful attention is the selection and use of interior blinds and shades. Window blind cords present a potential hazard, posing the risk of entanglement and strangulation for curious and playful children, and even household pets. However, by being aware of the dangers and implementing simple yet effective safety measures significantly reduces the risk of accidents. By implementing these easy tips, you can ensure a secure and child-friendly environment for your little ones and furry friends!  Position all furniture, cribs, beds and climbable surfaces away from windows. Install only cordless window coverings in homes with young children. Cordless alternatives include : cordless roller shades, cordless cellular shade or motorized blinds. Make sure tasseled pull cords are as short as possible, continuous-loop pull cords on draperies and vertical blinds should be pulled tight and anchored to the floor or wall. Keep all window cords well out of the reach of children. Tie up or use cord shorteners to secure any loose cords out of reach. While these are viable options for keeping children safe around blinds, we recommend upgrading your blinds to a cordless or motorized option. Not only are they stylish and modern, but they also provide safety features that traditional blinds do not. Motorized cordless blinds can be operated with the touch of a button, making them easier to use and more convenient than manual corded blinds. They also provide child safety features that can help protect your family from accidental strangulation or entanglement. With so many benefits, cordless blinds make a great choice for anyone looking to update their window treatments. To learn more about the child safe options we provide, visit our blinds page