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  Why You Need Skylight Shades
  
  
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  Room Darkening
  
  
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  Light Filtering
  
  
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  Control Options
  
  
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  Energy Efficiency
  
  
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  Manufacturers
  
  
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  Colors & Cell Count
  
  
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  How to Choose the Best
  
  
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  When to Install
  
  
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  Benefits

Control Options for Skylight Shades

Skylights are great for providing natural light year round, giving you warmer ambiance in any room. But light control is important and skylight shades are perfect for giving you total control over incoming light. Whether you've decided on light filtering or room darkening blinds, you need to consider skylight blind control options that are available on the market. Typically, most skylight shades come in two types of control options: manual and motorized. While both have their benefits, you'll need to determine which one is right for you prior to purchasing your skylight shades.

Since most skylights are mounted against the ceiling, they are typically out of reach and much more difficult to maneuver when compared to conventional window shades. Although the mechanical systems used to raise or lower your cellular skylight shades are the same as the ones used on traditional cellular shades, reaching the controls can be difficult. As a result, many manufacturers offer manual options for manipulating your skylight shades.

If your skylight blind is in a position where you can reach the shade, you may not need help. If your skylights are like most, however, you'll need an extension pole to help you manually raise and lower the blind. Most skylight blind manufacturers sell poles to help their consumers reach and control their skylight shades. These poles are sold separately from the skylight shades since households with more than one skylight may only need one pole. They are typically very affordable and easy to purchase separately if you misplace your extension pole or choose to purchase multiple poles.

But manual manipulation can be awkward and frustrating at times and extension poles can be misplaced and take up valuable storage space. To save effort, time, and energy, Hunter Douglas offers a motorized control option for cellular skylight shades. This battery-operated remote controlled unit is small and portable and the perfect option for very high skylights. Motorized and remote-controlled skylight shades are also ideal for media and living rooms where you have centralized locations for controlling all of the electronic equipment in the room.

Keep in mind that you need to purchase a separate housing for your cellular skylight blind that has a remote sensor in the head rail. You'll also need a specialized remote and Hunter Douglas offers the remote control as a separate item. Much like the extension poles, homeowners have the option of purchasing one remote control for multiple skylight shades or can replace a lost remote without having to purchase additional skylight shades.

Prices vary between skylight shades control options and between manufacturers. Be sure to compare options and prices prior to purchasing. Skylight shades are designed to last for years so choose carefully and consider your immediate needs as well as your skylight shades requirements years down the road.