Have questions about motorization?
Browse our general motorization FAQs below.
FAQs - OPERATION
What is the remote control? How does it work?
TThe remote control is a small wireless handheld controller that operates your motorized shades, blinds or drapes. It can control multiple individual shades or groups of shades, and has an easy-to-use interface.
How many shades can I operate with my remote control?
Remote controls for Roller Shades, Solar Shades, Sheer Shades and Cellular Shades can operate up to fourteen shades or groups of shades, plus it has an option to operate all shades simultaneously.
Roman Shades, Woven Wood Shades, Wood Blinds and Drapery Hardware can operate up to fifteen shades or groups of shades, with an option to operate all shades simultaneously.
Are the remotes for shades and blinds the same?
Roller Shades, Solar Shades, Sheer Shades and Cellular Shades operate using a fourteen-channel remote.
Roman Shades, Woven Wood Shades, Wood Blinds and Drapery Hardware operate using a fifteen-channel remote.
All blinds, shades and drapes can be operated together using our Smart Shades app.
How many remotes do I need?
We suggest you order one remote per room of motorized treatments. A single remote can control individual or multiple blinds or shades, or multiple groups of blinds or shades. If you plan to operate your shades using the Smith & Noble Smart Shades app, a remote is still required as it is needed if you need to reset limits or reprogram the shade settings.
What is the range of the remote control?
Remote controls for Roller Shades, Solar Shades, Sheer Shades and Cellular Shades are effective up to 230 feet from the shade they are operating.
Remote controls for Roman Shades, Woven Wood Shades, Wood Blinds and Drapery Hardware are effective up to 65 feet from the motorized treatment they are operating.
Can I control groups of shades or blinds with a single remote?
Yes. You can use the multi-channel remote control to operate individual or groups of window treatments. You can program each channel on the remote to operate a single treatment, or to a select group of treatments that you wish to control simultaneously.
Can I program my shades to open to a particular height?
Yes. You can tailor your motorized shades to open (or close) to your desired height. Each motorized shade comes with pre-programmed height limits, which you can reset using your remote control. Please download and review the motorization guide for the type of shade you purchased at smithandnoble.com/installing.
How does tilt & lift motorization work on Wood Blinds?
The motor lifts (raises and lowers) the blind and rotates the blind slats open or closed.
Will I damage my motorized treatment if I try to operate it manually?
Shades and blinds cannot be operated manually. Attempting to operate these treatments manually could cause permanent damage to the product.
Drapery Hardware can be operated manually. Gently pull on the drapery and it will operate without remote.
Will Wi-Fi interfere with the operation of my motorized treatments?
No. Wi-Fi and other wireless devices should not interfere with your motorized window treatments. While other motorized shade brands have experienced interference issues, ours have not.
I have two identical shades next to each other. Will they move at the same speed?
Because each shade motor functions independently, it’s possible that they may operate at slightly different speeds. Their speed will depend on many factors, including friction forces, battery type and charge strength.
FAQs - POWER
What is the power source for my product?
Motorized shades and blinds are powered by a rechargeable motor. Motorized Drapery Hardware is powered by a 15 foot DC power cord only.
How do I know when it’s time to charge my treatment?
Your treatments will begin moving at half speed, or beep when operated. This is your indication that it’s time to charge your shade.
What kind of batteries does my remote require?
Our remote controls require one 3V battery (CR2450 for Roller Shades, Solar Shades, Sheer Shades and Cellular Shades; CR2430 for Roman Shades, Woven Wood Shades and Wood Blinds).
Where is the charge port for my shade?
The charging port will be located on the headrail.
How long is the cord for the charger?
The charger cord is 13 feet long.
How many charger cords do I need?
We recommend one charger cord for every three treatments in a room.
How long does it take to recharge my treatment?
If your treatment’s battery is completely drained, it takes about 5 hours to charge completely.
How does the Solar Panel work?
The solar panel provides a constant trickle chart to the rechargeable battery. It performs best in regular direct sunlight.
Will I still need to charge my shade if I have a Solar Panel?
You may still need to charge your shade even when using a Solar Panel. The Solar Panel provides a trickle charge to the battery and helps to prolong the lift of the charge. In some cases and applications, it will maintain the charge indefinitely. The life of the charge is subject to variables such as size of shade, frequency of use, amount of direct sunlight exposure, etc.
Where do I install the Solar Panel?
The Solar Panel is installed inside the window either on the glass or with brackets to the inner window frame. It performs best in regular direct sunlight and without obstructions.
Are there restrictions to where I can install the Solar Panel?
The Solar Panel performs best in regular direct sunlight and without obstructions. We do not recommend using the Solar Panel on windows with triple layered glass, tints, awnings, deep eves, insect screens or obstructions.
Will the Solar Panel be visible?
Yes. The Solar Panel will be visible from the outside or streetside view of the window. Depending on where the Solar Panel is installed, it may also be visible from the inside when the motorized treatment is raised all the way up.
APPLIES TO DRAPERY HARDWARE PURCHASED PRIOR TO 1/1/2020
What is the Drapery Hardware Remote control? How does it work?
The Drapery Hardware Remote control is a small wireless control that operates your motorized shade. It can control up to 15 double rod sets or 30 single rod sets and features an easy-to-use interface. It’s available on Wrought Iron Grand and Studio Hardware Collections.
How strong is the Drapery Hardware Remote control? Can I use it from great distances?
Drapery Hardware remote controls are effective up to 100 feet indoors with walls and obstructions or 650 feet outdoors with no obstructions.
How many Drapery rod sets can I operate with my Drapery Hardware Remote control?
Drapery Hardware Remote controls can operate up to 15 double rod sets, 30 single rod sets. There’s an option to operate treatments that you wish to control simultaneously.
Can I control groups of drapery hardware rod sets with a single remote?
Yes. You can use the multi-channel remote control to operate individual rod sets or a group of rod sets. You can program each button on the remote to correspond to a single rod set, or to select a group of rod sets that you wish to control simultaneously.
I have two identical draperies next to each other. Will they move at the same speed?
Because each drapery hardware motor functions independently, it’s possible that they may operate at slightly different speeds. Their speed will depend on many factors, including friction forces, battery type, charge strength and drapery weight.
What kind of batteries does my Drapery Hardware Remote require?
Our remote controls require one 3V battery (Shades: CR2450, Blinds & Drapery Hardware: CR2430).
My room is large. How strong is the Remote control?
Drapery Hardware Remote controls are effective up to 100 feet with obstructions or 650 feet without.
Will I damage my motorized shade if I try to operate it manually?
No, gently pull on the drapery and it will operate without remote.
What is the power source for my product?
Your treatments are powered by a 10 foot DC power cord only.
FOR SHADES WITH MOTORIZED WAND CONTROL PURCHASED PRIOR TO 1/1/2020
What is the Wand? How does it work?
The Wand is a narrow wand with a pendant that attaches to your shade. The pendant allows you to control the height of your shade with easy-to-use buttons for up/down operation.
Where is the charge port for my shade?
If your shade operates with a wand, the charge port is on the side of the wand.
FOR BLINDS, PLEATED SHADES AND OTHER SHADES PURCHASED PRIOR TO 8/16/17
What is the power source for my product?
Your treatments are powered by a battery pack, unless you upgraded to DC power (available from In-Home Design only).
How often will I need to replace the batteries in the battery pack?
Battery life is dependent on the size and type of treatment you’ve chosen, as well as how often it is operated every day.
I have a shade powered by an external battery pack. Can I switch to the rechargeable battery?
You may purchase an external rechargeable battery to replace the existing external battery pack. Simply plug it in to recharge. You can easily make this change yourself. Not available with Pleated Shades. For availability and pricing, please call us at 877.228.7675.
What kind of batteries does the battery pack require? Can I use rechargeable batteries?
The battery pack requires eight AA alkaline batteries. We do not recommend using rechargeable batteries in the battery pack. Rechargeable batteries have a high self-discharge current and therefore don’t hold a charge for very long. Most rechargeable batteries will be drained within a few months.
Can I switch a battery-powered treatment to a DC-powered treatment?
Yes. Simply unplug the battery pack and replace with the DC charger. The charger must be connected to a power outlet nearby. Call us at 877.228.7675 for more information.
FOR SHADES PURCHASED AFTER 8/16/17
What is the power source for my product?
Your treatments are powered by a rechargeable motor.