Six Types of People Who Are Ideal Candidates for Smart Automated Shades
There has never been a better time to be in the business of selling home automation systems. Smart home adoption continues to climb year after year, with virtually every industry report projecting sustained growth well into the next decade.
Within this broader boom, the automated shade category is making its own impressive gains. According to Mordor Intelligence, the global automated blinds and shades market is valued at USD 2.52 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 3.84 billion in 2030, advancing at an 8.79% CAGR.
So what’s driving this momentum? More importantly for dealers: who is buying automated shades, and why?
1. People Who Crave Convenience (In Other Words…Everyone). Convenience is consistently ranked as the top reason consumers invest in smart home devices, whether it’s cameras, lighting, thermostats, or automated shades. Automated shades deliver that convenience in spades. The ability to raise or lower shades with a quick tap on a smartphone -- or even from halfway around the world via cloud connectivity -- feels luxurious, intuitive, and instantly habit-forming. No matter the customer segment, framing automated shades as the ultimate “comfort at your fingertips” device is always a winning approach.
2. People Who Work From Home. With hybrid and home-based work now firmly established, millions of homeowners are making serious investments in their home offices. Automated shades are a natural fit for this audience. Smart shades can be scheduled to rise and lower throughout the day, optimizing natural light, reducing glare on screens, creating consistent temperatures, and providing the perfect Zoom-friendly lighting. For those who cherish the perks of remote work (including the ability to sleep past sunrise), light-blocking automated shades can help deliver the uninterrupted rest that makes for a more productive day.
3. People Who Take Vacations. Frequent travelers and vacationers want peace of mind while they’re away. Automated shades offer an effortless layer of home security and control. Homeowners can adjust their shades remotely to make a property look occupied, reducing vulnerability to break-ins. Automated schedules can also keep houseplants healthy by letting in just the right amount of sunlight each day. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended overseas trip, the ability to “be home” from afar is a compelling selling point.
4. People Who Love Tech. Every market has its tech enthusiasts: the gadget lovers who track the latest smart home advancements and can’t wait to integrate new devices into their systems. These millennial and Gen-Y early adopters are prime candidates for automated shades. They appreciate features like smartphone control, automation schedules, and integration with voice assistants. They especially love PoE (Power over Ethernet) systems, which deliver power and data using a single network cable, reducing the need for proprietary wiring and improving energy efficiency.
5. People Who Are Style-Conscious. Interior design-minded consumers value products that elevate their home’s aesthetic, and automated shades do exactly that. With no cords, pull-strings, or dangling components, smart shades provide a clean, modern look that complements any style of décor. Today’s automated shades are available in an ever-expanding range of fabrics, from sheer and semi-sheer to full blackout. This appeals not only to homeowners who want a polished, cohesive look but also to professional designers seeking versatile, beautiful window-treatment options.
6. People Who Want Lower Energy Bills. Energy-conscious consumers appreciate how automated shades can passively reduce heating and cooling costs. By scheduling shades to close during cold winter nights or to rise during warm sunny days, homeowners can reduce energy consumption by up to 30% without lifting a finger. The combination of comfort, sustainability, and savings is a powerful motivator.
A Growing Market With Expanding Opportunities
`While these six groups represent the most common buyers of smart automated shades, the potential customer base is expanding rapidly. As connected living becomes the norm (and as consumers continue searching for comfort, efficiency, security, and style) the demand for automated shades will only grow. For dealers, integrators, and smart-home professionals, understanding who these buyers are -- and what motivates them -- will be key to capturing the full potential of this rising market.