Motorized Shades Hard to Reach: Complete Guide for Windows

Quick Answer: Why Motorized Shades Are Best for Hard-to-Reach Windows

Motorized shades are the safest and most practical solution for controlling light and privacy on tall, high, or awkwardly positioned windows. Whether you’re dealing with a two-story foyer, a stairwell landing, clerestory windows near a vaulted ceiling, or windows positioned above a kitchen sink or bathtub, motorized window shades eliminate the need for ladders, step stools, or risky stretching. Motorized shades also eliminate the need for cords, making them a safer choice for homes with children and pets.

With motorized roller shades or solar shades, you can adjust hard to reach windows using a remote control, wall switch, or phone app from anywhere in the room. There are multiple ways to control and power motorized shades, including remote, app, and voice control. The motor is concealed inside the headrail, providing smooth operation at the touch of a button—no cords, no climbing, no hassle.

At World Wide Shades, we custom-build motorized shades in the USA to fit exact window dimensions, including oversized openings up to 120” wide x 120” high. Most customers receive their made-to-order motorized window treatments in under 7 days with free shipping, making the upgrade both fast and straightforward. Motorized shades can also be programmed to open and close at specific times, providing automated control for hard-to-reach windows.

The key benefits of motorized shades for hard-to-reach areas include enhanced safety (no ladder required), daily convenience, precise control of natural light, UV protection for furnishings and flooring, and seamless compatibility with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Motorized shades are available in a variety of styles, colors, and fabrics, allowing customization to match any home decor.

What Counts as a “Hard-to-Reach” Window?

A hard-to-reach window is any window where you cannot comfortably access the shade headrail or bottom rail without stretching, standing on furniture, or using a ladder. These windows typically exceed 7-8 feet in height or are positioned behind obstacles that make manual operation impractical.

Common examples of hard to reach windows include:

• Two-story foyer or great room windows above 10-12 feet

• Stairwell and landing windows where placing a step ladder is unsafe

• Clerestory windows near vaulted or cathedral ceilings

• Skylights positioned above 8 feet

• Large picture windows behind deep sofas, beds, or built-in cabinetry

• Transom windows above standard windows or entry doors

• Windows over kitchen sinks, bathtubs, or countertops

Traditional corded or manual window shades create significant problems in these situations. Dangling cords can extend 15-20 feet on tall windows, creating unsightly tangles and operational difficulties. Reaching up to pull a cord from an awkward angle often results in inconsistent shade positioning, and repeated strain can pull mounting brackets loose over time.

Motorized window coverings solve these access issues by relocating the controls to a handheld remote, wireless wall switch, or smartphone app. You operate your shades from floor level with precision, regardless of how high or awkwardly placed the window is.

Why Motorized Shades Are Ideal for Hard-to-Reach Windows

Motorized shades use a small, quiet motor concealed in the headrail, allowing you to raise, lower, or adjust your shade remotely—ideal when you cannot easily reach the window. The motor operates at noise levels typically under 45dB, often described as a barely noticeable hum. Motorized shades are ideal for hard-to-reach windows, such as skylights and oversized windows.

The core benefits specifically for hard-to-reach placements include:

• No climbing required. Adjust light and privacy without stepping on chairs, furniture, or ladders.

• Consistent, smooth movement. Motors provide even tension on tall or oversized shades, preventing the bunching or uneven rolling common with manual operation.

• Group control. Operate multiple high windows simultaneously—for example, a bank of 4-6 clerestory windows with a single button press.

Motorized shades feature a motorized lift system, which provides effortless operation and accessibility for even the highest or largest windows.

Safety and accessibility advantages are substantial. Motorized shades are better for older adults, people with mobility limitations, and families who want to avoid risky reaching in stairwells or over bathtubs. Industry data suggests aging-in-place trends are driving 15% annual growth in motorized shade adoption. Motorized shades are cordless, providing a clean and clutter-free look that is safer for homes with small children or pets. For expert guidance on finding the perfect shading solution, contact World Wide Shades.

Energy efficiency is another practical advantage. You can schedule upper-story shades to close during hot afternoon sun and open in the morning for passive heating, even if you never physically touch them. Automated shading can reduce HVAC costs by 20-30% through solar heat gain control. Additionally, motorized shades offer safer, child-friendly options compared to corded coverings, and can improve home security by making it appear as if someone is home when they are not.

Consider a typical use case: a 20-foot great room with a wall of windows. The top row of reach windows receives motorized solar shades to manage glare and heat, while the lower windows use motorized or manual blackout shades for TV viewing and room darkening. This combination provides total control over the entire space without ever needing a ladder.

Best Types of Motorized Shades for Hard-to-Reach Windows

Not every fabric and shade style performs equally on tall or out-of-reach windows. The simplicity and reliability of roller-style shades make them ideal for lofty installations—fewer moving parts mean fewer potential issues over a motor’s 10,000+ cycle lifespan. Motorized shades are available in a wide range of styles, including blackout, sheer, and translucent options, to suit different needs and preferences.

Motorized Solar Shades

Solar roller shades reduce glare and block UV rays while preserving outdoor views. They’re perfect for high windows in living rooms, home offices, and two-story spaces where you want to control light without sacrificing the connection to the outdoors. Popular openness factors like 3% or 5% work well for south-facing two-story glass, blocking heat while maintaining visibility.

Motorized Blackout Roller Shades

Blackout shades block 95-100% of incoming light, making them ideal for tall bedroom windows, media rooms, or east-facing double-height spaces. When installed on hard-to-reach windows, motorized blackout shades ensure you can create total darkness for sleep or screen viewing without climbing to adjust them.

Motorized Light-Filtering Shades

Light-filtering fabrics soften daylight while maintaining privacy, making them excellent choices for stairwells, bathrooms, and open-plan spaces. These shades diffuse harsh sun without completely blocking the light, creating a comfortable ambiance throughout the entire day.

Exterior Motorized Shades — Learn more about modern window roller shades and how they can stylishly enhance your space.

For the most effective heat management, exterior motorized shades installed outside upper-story windows reduce heat gain before sunlight even hits the glass. This approach is particularly effective for large expanses of west-facing glazing.

When selecting fabrics for lofty, sun-exposed windows, choose durable, UV-stable materials that will maintain their appearance and performance over years of exposure. World Wide Shades offers free swatches so you can test how each fabric looks from floor level—an important consideration since you cannot easily reach those high panes once installed. Motorized shades can also be customized with various styles, colors, and materials to match any home decor.

For enhanced convenience and automation, these motorized window coverings are often referred to as smart shades or smart blinds, as they can integrate with smart home systems for features like scheduling, voice control, and app-based management.

Control Options for Hard-to-Reach Motorized Shades

How you control your shades matters significantly when they’re installed out of reach. There are multiple ways to control motorized shades, including remote, app, and voice commands, so you can choose the method that best suits your preferences. You need reliable, simple access from ground level without searching for a device or climbing stairs.

Handheld Remote Control

A basic RF remote operates one or multiple high windows from anywhere in the room, with a typical range of 50-100 feet. This is the most straightforward control option and works well for great rooms and tall foyers where you want quick adjustments.

Multi-Channel Remote

For homes with multiple groups of high windows, a multi-channel remote (some supporting up to 16 channels) lets you assign different tall windows or zones to separate buttons. Control your east-facing clerestory shades independently from your south-facing stairwell shades with a single device. Users can also control multiple motorized shades simultaneously using a single remote or app, enhancing convenience.

Wall-Mounted Wireless Switch

Place a wireless wall switch at standard light-switch height so anyone can adjust the shades without needing to find the remote. This is particularly convenient for frequently adjusted windows and ensures guests can operate the shades intuitively.

App Control via Wi Fi Hub

A smart hub connects your motorized shades to your home network, enabling control from your phone. Adjust upper-story shades from anywhere—even when you’re not home—and create schedules that automate daily adjustments. This option integrates well with broader smart home automation.

Voice Control

Integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit allows voice command operation. This is ideal when your hands are full—carrying laundry upstairs, cooking in the kitchen, or relaxing on the couch. Simply say the command, and your hard-to-reach shades respond.

For purely hard-to-reach situations without broader smart home needs, a simple remote plus wall switch combination is often the most cost-effective approach. Our design experts can help you determine the right setup based on your existing ecosystem and control preferences.

Powering Motorized Shades in High or Awkward Locations

Power choice is especially important when shades are hard to reach—you don’t want to be climbing a ladder for frequent battery changes or maintenance.

Rechargeable Battery Motors

Battery powered motors are the best option for most homes, particularly retrofits where no wiring exists near the window. Modern lithium-ion battery packs typically last 6-12 months between charges, depending on usage frequency, and support several hundred up/down cycles per charge. Some models use lithium AA or D batteries, which can offer different longevity and may be sold separately depending on the manufacturer.

Recharging takes 2-6 hours via USB or wall outlet connection. Some systems feature a discrete charging port at the headrail or an accessible lead that can be routed to a nearby landing or side wall—critical for stairwell installations where the window itself is impossible to reach.

Plug-In Low-Voltage Power

When there’s an outlet near the top of the window or in the ceiling, a plug in low-voltage motor provides continuous power without battery concerns. This eliminates any maintenance for high-use windows and ensures consistent operation indefinitely.

Hardwired Low-Voltage Installation

The most permanent solution for new builds or major remodels, hardwired motors connect directly to your home’s electrical system. This is ideal for a large bank of two-story windows where running individual power to each shade during construction makes long-term sense.

Motorized shades can be powered by either a direct connection or a battery pack concealed within the headrail, and most motorized shades are available in both battery-powered and hardwired options.

When planning your installation, consider where charging access or outlet placement will be most convenient. For extremely tall stairwells, routing a charging lead to an accessible landing or adjacent wall prevents future ladder work. World Wide Shades supplies the correct power components and can provide guidance on outlet placement or wiring discussions with your electrician.

Measuring Hard-to-Reach Windows for Motorized Shades

Accurate measurement is crucial for made-to-order shades, especially on tall or angled surfaces. The process is manageable with clear steps and the right tools.

Essential Measurement Guidelines:

1. Use a sturdy metal measuring tape for widths and heights under 10 feet. For very high windows, a laser distance measurer provides accurate readings without requiring a tall ladder.

2. Measure width at three points—top, middle, and bottom of the window opening. Record the smallest measurement.

3. Measure height at three points—left, center, and right. Record the largest measurement.

4. For tall or wide openings, have a second person hold the tape, particularly in stairwells or two-story spaces where stretching is awkward.

When you install motorized blinds, installation typically requires drilling and may benefit from having a second person assist, especially for tall or hard-to-reach windows.

Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount:

• Inside mount fits within the window frame opening, creating a clean, built-in appearance. This requires perfectly square openings with adequate depth for the headrail.

• Outside mount covers the window opening and mounts to the wall or trim surrounding the window. This is preferable for slightly uneven or out-of-square framing common in older homes, and it maximizes light blockage by eliminating gaps at the edges.

World Wide Shades provides step-by-step online measuring guides and offers measurement review by email or virtual consultation before you place an order. Send photos of your high windows so our team can recommend mounting positions and confirm feasibility—this simple step prevents costly errors on custom orders.

Installing Motorized Shades on Hard-to-Reach Windows

Installation difficulty depends on window height and access. Some tall windows are straightforward with a tall ladder, while others—like stairwells with angled ceilings—may require professional help for safety reasons.

Realistic Installation Guidance:

Window Height/Location	Recommended Approach
Up to 9-10 feet	DIY with step ladder and helper
10-14 feet with floor access	DIY with extension ladder and helper, or professional
Stairwells, balconies, vaulted spaces	Professional installer recommended

For DIY installation, ensure the headrail is level—this is critical for smooth motor operation, especially on wide or heavy fabric panels. Even a slight tilt can cause uneven rolling and premature wear.

Basic Installation Steps:

1. Mark bracket locations according to the provided template or your measurements

2. Secure brackets into studs or use appropriate wall anchors for heavy or wide shades

3. Click or screw the motorized shade headrail into the mounted brackets

4. Pair the motor with your remote or hub following the included instructions

5. Set upper and lower travel limits from ground level using the remote

Our motorized shades ship with detailed, illustrated instructions, and we provide online videos plus phone and email support for DIY installers. If professional installation makes more sense for your space, our team can help you understand what to communicate to a local installer or contractor.

Motorized Shade Maintenance for Hard-to-Reach Windows

Keeping your motorized shades in top shape is key to enjoying their smooth operation, convenience, and energy efficiency—especially when they’re installed on hard-to-reach windows. With just a little regular care, your motorized window shades, motorized blinds, and motorized roller shades will continue to deliver effortless control and stylish performance for years to come.

Smart Home Integration for Hard-to-Reach Motorized Shades

High windows benefit enormously from smart home automation since you’re less likely to manually adjust them throughout the day. Automating these shades ensures they work for you without any thought, and motorized shades can be integrated with a variety of smart devices and smart home systems for enhanced control and automation.

Practical Automation Scenarios:

• Morning routine: Schedule tall east-facing shades to lower automatically at sunrise, preventing early glare in bedrooms and lofts while you’re still sleeping.

• Afternoon heat management: Set upper-story solar shades to close during peak afternoon sun (typically 2-5 PM in summer), reducing cooling costs and protecting furnishings from UV damage.

• Away mode: Create scenes that close all shades—including hard-to-reach windows—when you leave home, enhancing privacy and security.

• Evening transition: Program shades to lower at sunset for privacy without manually adjusting every window.

Scheduling motorized shades to open and close at specific times using an app can save time and effort, and also enhance energy efficiency by helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs.

World Wide Shades motorization systems connect to common smart platforms including Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings through compatible hubs. This enables voice commands like “Alexa, close the upstairs shades” and integration with broader home routines. Some motorized shades offer Bluetooth compatibility, allowing users to control them via a smartphone app without needing an additional hub.

Consider grouping all high windows into a single “High Windows” scene or room within your smart home device app. This provides one-tap control over every hard-to-reach shade in your house, making daily management effortless. Many motorized shades can be integrated with smart home systems, enabling control through voice commands and mobile apps.

While emerging standards like Matter and Thread promise universal compatibility, many reliable systems still use Wi Fi or dedicated RF hubs. Our team helps match shade motors to your existing smart ecosystem so everything works together seamlessly.

Common Use Cases: Where Our Customers Install Motorized Shades on Hard-to-Reach Windows

Understanding how others have solved similar challenges can help you visualize the right approach for your space.

Two-Story Living Room

A family in a 2020-built suburban home had a west-facing wall of windows in their great room—beautiful views, but brutal afternoon glare, heat and glare. The solution: motorized solar shades with 5% openness on the top row (inaccessible at 16 feet) and motorized blackout shades on the bottom row for TV viewing. Both rows operate independently via app, with afternoon schedules that lower automatically during peak sun hours.

Stairwell Window

A townhome owner struggled with a 14-foot stairwell window that required an awkward ladder placement on the stairs to adjust. A motorized blackout shade with battery powered motor now provides nighttime privacy with a bedside remote command—no climbing, no safety risk.

Kitchen Transom Windows

High transom windows above a 72” sliding door in a remodeled kitchen created harsh afternoon glare on the countertops. Motorized light-filtering shades soften the sun while maintaining views of the backyard. A wall-mounted switch near the main kitchen light allows quick adjustments while cooking.

Urban Loft

A modern condo with floor-to-ceiling glass at the mezzanine level needed glare control for a work-from-home setup. Motorized roller shades with a solar fabric now adjust via voice control, keeping the screen visible throughout the workday without manual intervention.

Designers and architects frequently specify our motorized solutions for tall windows in new builds and remodels, avoiding retrofit challenges later. Regardless of your home’s style—historic, contemporary, or brand new—we customize shade size, fabric, and motor type to fit your particular window requirements.

How World Wide Shades Helps You Choose the Right Motorized Solution

World Wide Shades designs and manufactures custom motorized roller, solar, blackout, and light-filtering shades in the USA, with options specifically engineered for tall and oversized windows. Our expertise extends beyond selling products—we help you configure the right solution for your unique situation.

Our Support Process:

Service	What You Get
Free fabric swatches	Real samples shipped quickly so you can evaluate textures, colors, and light filtration at home
Online measuring guides	Step-by-step instructions with diagrams for accurate window measurement
Virtual consultation	One-on-one review of your photos and plans to recommend motorization, control, and power options
Phone and email support	Direct access to design experts who understand hard-to-reach window challenges

Custom motorized shades are typically fabricated and shipped within 7 days, even for large or motorized orders. This fast turnaround means you’re not waiting weeks for your solution to arrive.

We provide clear warranties on motors and fabrics, plus guidance that helps prevent measurement or selection mistakes before you order. For designers, architects, and contractors working on multi-window or whole-house projects involving high or complex glazing, our team provides project-level support and coordination.

Our goal is to make life easier—helping you customize the perfect solution for your space without the guesswork or uncertainty that often accompanies complex window treatment decisions.

Conclusion: Make Hard-to-Reach Windows Effortless

Motorized shades transform previously frustrating or unusable windows—those above staircases, in two-story rooms, or behind deep furniture—into assets you can actually control every day. The convenience of remote, app control, or voice command access eliminates the safety risks and hassles that manual shades create in hard-to-reach locations.

The benefits for hard-to-reach windows are substantial: enhanced safety without ladders or climbing, daily convenience with ground-level operation, precise light management throughout the entire day, UV protection for furnishings, and seamless integration with smart home routines that automate adjustments you’d otherwise skip.

Consider identifying the 2-3 hardest-to-reach windows in your home or project—these are where motorized shades deliver the biggest impact on your daily life. Starting there lets you experience the convenience firsthand before expanding to other windows.

Explore World Wide Shades’ custom motorized options, order free swatches to see fabrics in your space, and reach out to our team for guidance on designing the right solution for your specific high or awkward windows. With stylish designs, expert support, and fast delivery, upgrading your hard-to-reach windows is simpler than you might expect.