Home automation and lighting control systems can make life much easier for you on a daily basis. One of the ways it can help is if you add your window treatments into the mix—you can motorize them and have them move at the touch of a button, or included on an automatic schedule.

Here are 10 reasons to motorize your window treatments:

Convenience. You’ll be able to open and close the draperies, blinds or shades by pressing a button on a remote or have them open and shut automatically based on the time of day, the position of the sun or whether you’re home.

Synchronization. The shades and drapes will all move and stop in synch—a neat and tidy appearance for your home.

Protection. You’ll be able to better protect your furniture upholstery and wall art from fading by having the shades close automatically during the sunniest part of the day.

Energy-efficiency. Or, you can tell your control system to keep the shades open when it’s sunny to help warm the house.

Privacy. A timer can tell your shades to lower right before you hit the shower or go to bed.

Security. You can make your home look occupied while you’re away by having the window treatments move randomly throughout the day.

Daylighting. The shades can open during certain times of the day to use natural light to illuminate a room, minimizing the need for artificial lighting.

Movie viewing. Create a dark viewing environment by blocking out the sunlight. Just press a button and the room fades to black.

Ambiance. Set the stage for a party or a romantic evening in a matter of seconds.

Ease of use. Hard-to-reach shades will be under your complete control.

Lisa Montgomery - Contributing Writer

Lisa Montgomery has been writing about home technology for 15 years, with a focus on the impact of electronics on a modern lifestyle.