Lighting control companies focus on one thing: building systems that could automate the home’s lights for better efficiency and convenience. They’ve done a great job at this, continually incorporating new functions and features into their systems. One of the most recent additions to the lighting system has been the integration of motorized window shades. The same keypad that’s used to brighten and dim groups of lights can also open and shut motorized window shades and draperies. Moreover, the lights and shades can work in concert, allowing homeowner to utilize sunlight as a lighting source.

Lutron, however, believes that its shading solutions should encompass more than just control. The shades should also be used as a key element of the room decor. With the introduction of 41 new fabrics, the company has doubled its line of residential fabrics for its Sivoia shading systems. The collection offers a wide variety of designs, colors and textures, giving you another place to shop for window treatments. According to Melissa Andresko, media relations manager, Lutron built its fabric line around input from interior designers. All the trendy styles are represented, including burnout fabrics, textured and dim-out fabrics. Burnout fabrics have removed pigment from the fabric to create a pattern while dispersing light in a unique way. Textured fabrics add depth and dimension. Dim-out fabrics reduce the view to shapes and shadow. As a bonus, many of the fabrics are free of harmful chemicals.

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.