Motorized Blackout & Solar Shades in Sandpoint, ID | Smithwright Project
- Dan White
- 29 minutes ago
- 3 min read
A beautiful custom home deserves window coverings that feel just as intentional as the architecture. For this recently completed Smithwright home in Sandpoint ID, our team designed and installed a complete window covering package that included blackout shades, solar shades, and whole-house automated shade control.
The goal was simple: give the homeowners privacy, comfort, glare control, and room-by-room flexibility without sacrificing the clean design of the home.
Motorized Blackout Shades for Bedrooms and Private Spaces
The home owner’s priority for the two primary bedrooms was to completely darken the bedrooms as much as possible. For bedrooms and other areas where privacy and darkness mattered most, we installed motorized custom blackout honeycomb shades designed to completely block natural light and create a more restful space.
Blackout shades are a great choice for:
Sleep-friendly bedrooms
Media rooms and TV spaces
Nurseries or guest rooms
Street-facing windows, or rooms where privacy is a priority.
Custom blackout shades are becoming very popular in bedrooms across Sandpoint, because the sun rises early and sets late during North Idaho summers.
Motorized Solar Shades for Glare Control and Mountain Views
The great room and dining area featured oversized west facing windows with views of Schweitzer Mountain and Lake Pend Oreille so we selected 5% openness solar shades to preserve the view while minimizing afternoon heat and glare. Homes throughout North Idaho are increasingly using solar shades on west-facing windows to reduce glare and improve comfort without sacrificing views.
For lake and mountain homes in Sandpoint, ID, solar shades are one of the most practical options for large windows and modern open-concept spaces.
We also included black metal fascia so that the shades disappear into the black soffits and ceilings.
Whole-House Motorized Blackout & Solar Shade Automation in Sandpoint, ID
One of the standout features of this project was the whole-house automated shade system. Instead of adjusting each shade manually, the homeowners can control their window coverings by room, schedule, voice, or smart home integration.
Whole-house automation is especially helpful in new construction and luxury homes where there are multiple windows, tall glass, or hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, on this project, the builder prewired the home so that most of the shades are directly powered. This means that every shade has wire that was run before the drywall phase to the media closet, eliminating the need for charging.
Automated shades can be programmed for:
Morning light control
Evening privacy
Heat and glare reduction
Bedroom blackout routines
Away-from-home schedules
Smart home scenes
For homeowners looking for whole house automated shades in Sandpoint, ID, this project is a great example of how function and design can work together.
Motorized Blackout & Solar Shades in Sandpoint Designed for a Clean New Construction Finish
Because this was a Smithwright home, the window coverings needed to match the quality and detail of the build. We focused on precise measurements, clean lines, low-profile hardware, and shade selections that complemented the home rather than competing with it.
The final result was a complete window treatment package that feels built into the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between blackout shades and room-darkening shades?
Room darkening shades use fabric to block light from passing through. Blackout shades, on the other hand, include extra channels that prevent any light from entering around the edges of the shade.
Can motorized shades be added to an existing home?
Yes, there are rechargeable and plugin motorized shade options available if you do not prewire your home for motorized shades before the drywall phase.
Are automated shades worth it in new construction?
If the house has hard to reach windows or banks of larger windows then prewiring a new construction home can be well worth the cost. Shade automation is becoming more and more practical and not just a luxury.
Do solar shades reduce heat and glare?
Absolutely! Solar shades are a fantastic option for large windows that receive a lot of sunlight. Additionally, they allow you to maintain some of your view and preserve a more open atmosphere in your space.
What are the best shades for large windows in Sandpoint homes?
Both honeycomb shades and solar shades are great options for large windows in Sandpoint, ID homes. These fabrics can be manufactured wider and taller than most other window coverings.
Planning a New Construction Shade Package?
For homeowners, builders, and designers looking for Motorized Blackout & Solar Shades in Sandpoint, ID this Smithwright home is a great example of what is possible when the shades are planned with the home.
Contact Coeur Window Coverings to schedule a consultation for your custom shade project.
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