Over the past year, the experience of using Lutron’s Serena Shades can be described as a “set it and forget it” scenario, exemplifying the convenience expected from such a gadget. Lutron’s online platform, despite appearing somewhat outdated, provides a straightforward process for designing custom shades, available in Honeycomb, Wood Blinds, or Roller designs. The choice here was the roller design, utilizing the shade builder tool to input measurements for an inside window mount. Options include both battery-powered and wired shades; the preference in this instance was for battery operation, using eight D-cell alkaline batteries, due to the absence of nearby outlets and an aversion to managing a 15-foot cord. These batteries are estimated to last between three to five years with twice-daily use. A reduction in speed indicates low battery, alongside an alert from the Lutron app.
The shades can be installed as either inside or outside mounts, and the headrail selection can vary. Here, a fabric-wrapped Fascia was chosen for a neater finish compared to the basic roll design. The user further opted for translucent roller shades, which allow minimal light penetration during daylight, while at night from the outside, only a faint glow is visible, with no silhouettes discernible. The fabric weave and color selected were Luna <1% Collection in basalt gray.During the ordering process, control methods for the shades must be specified. The choice was made for the Remote & Connected Home option to enable control via phone, voice assistant, and remote. Acquiring a Lutron Smart Hub is necessary, as it connects to the router, facilitating the pairing of shades to a Wi-Fi connection. Setup was straightforward, enabling integration with Google Assistant through the Google Home app, along with compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, and other brands like Sonos, Ecobee, and Honeywell.Installation, taking less than an hour, was straightforward for those comfortable with drilling and mounting. Over close to a year, the shades have adhered to a schedule to open and close 30 minutes post-sunrise and sunset, functioning nearly silently. The slight whirr is barely noticeable unless observed directly, mostly blending into the background if a television is on. The shades deliver aesthetically pleasing and reliable performance without frequent battery concerns, providing peace of mind despite the higher cost.Source link
