Hunter Douglas shades occupy a unique and authoritative position in the window treatment market, defined by their unparalleled aesthetic variety, advanced energy efficiency certification, and seamless integration with major smart home platforms, including Crestron PowerView Automation.
Their focus is on providing a product that simultaneously satisfies the stringent technical demands of the high-performance building sector and the uncompromising aesthetic requirements of interior designers and luxury clients.
I. Technical Performance and Energy Efficiency (The Builder & Architect Focus)
Hunter Douglas sets itself apart through its commitment to verifiable, third-party energy efficiency ratings, which is critical for architects and builders focusing on sustainable and high-performance projects.
Feature/SpecificationDetailBenefit to ProfessionalsAERC Certification
Hunter Douglas was the first manufacturer to earn a national energy performance rating and certification for interior window covering products through the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC).
Provides architects and builders with objective, third-party verified data (supported by the U.S. Department of Energy) to make informed decisions about energy savings and green building certifications.
Solar Heat Gain Control
Window coverings are engineered to control solar heat gain, which is the most significant factor in summer energy efficiency.3 Lower Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) values mean less heat enters the space.
Directly reduces a home's cooling load and operational energy costs, supporting high-performance standards like Net Zero and Passive House.3
Insulation (R-Value)
Products like Duette® and Applause® Cellular Shades (which are AERC certified) are specifically designed to trap air, providing high levels of insulation to help prevent heat loss in colder months.
Helps maintain comfortable interior temperatures and saves on heating costs in cold climates like Maine.3
Sustainable Materials
Offers solutions like GreenScreen® Roller Blind Fabrics (the first PVC-free solar shading fabric to meet international standards for Indoor Environmental Quality) and GreenScreen Sea-Tex® fabrics, which incorporate recovered shoreline plastic.
Supports projects seeking LEED or WELL certifications by providing documented, eco-conscious material options and contributing to a healthier indoor environment.
II. PowerView® Automation and Smart Home Integration (The Integrator Focus)
The PowerView® Automation system provides the digital backbone for motorization, designed for both standalone use and deep integration into sophisticated home control systems.
Feature/SpecificationDetailBenefit to ProfessionalsTwo-Way IP Control
PowerView® Automation utilizes two-way IP control to integrate seamlessly with major automation platforms, including Crestron Home, Control4®, Savant®, and Elan®.10
Allows the custom integrator to provide highly reliable, centralized control. Two-way communication provides critical real-time shade position and status feedback.1
Voice and Consumer Integration
Native integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant is available, and PowerView Gen 3 supports integration with Apple Home via Matter.10
Meets client demands for flexible, voice-controlled operation and ensures long-term compatibility with evolving consumer technology ecosystems.10
Precision Movement
PowerView Automation allows users to schedule shades to move automatically to a precise level at set times. PowerView Gen 3 offers an adjustable scene speed called "Discreet" for slower and quieter operation.12
Enhances the luxury user experience by eliminating jarring, loud motor movements and guaranteeing exact aesthetic alignment across multiple windows.12
Safety and Security
Motorized shades are inherently safer for children and pets as they lack exposed lift cords.13 The automation system also allows for
scheduling shades to raise and lower while the homeowner is away, enhancing security by giving the home a "lived-in" look.13
Provides crucial safety features and offers a marketable benefit to real estate agents and clients concerned with security.13
III. Aesthetic Variety and Installation Support (The Designer & Builder Focus)
Hunter Douglas’s primary market differentiator is its extensive portfolio of products that offer maximum design flexibility.
Feature/Specification Detail Benefit to Professionals Unparalleled Product Range
Hunter Douglas offers over 20 different styles of automated window treatments, including Duette® Cellular Shades, Pirouette® Window Shadings, Roman shades, and roller shades.
Provides designers and architects with a vast portfolio of materials, colors, patterns, and textures to perfectly match any interior design scheme—a key advantage over competitors who focus primarily on roller shades.
Solutions for Specialty Shapes
The product line includes solutions for common architectural challenges, such as arched windows.
Ensures visual uniformity and functional control can be maintained even over difficult or custom-shaped openings.15
HD Installation Services (HDIS)
The company offers access to a nationwide network of professional installers through its Custom Integrator Program.
Minimizes risk for builders and integrators by delegating professional measuring and installation, eliminating the possibility of costly mismeasures or mishandled installs.1
Broad Price Range
Hunter Douglas offers products across a wide price range, accommodating high-end luxury projects as well as more budget-conscious applications, making them a versatile choice for designers and builders working with varied budgets.