May 8, 2025

As the smart home and commercial automation markets continue to evolve, one category is rapidly gaining traction: smart blinds. No longer a luxury afterthought, automated shading is becoming an essential component of modern AV and smart building solutions. For custom installers, this shift presents a unique opportunity - one that can drive profit, secure early project influence, and future-proof their businesses.

Smart blinds are no longer a niche product. Rising consumer demand for smart, comfortable homes and increasing energy efficiency requirements in commercial spaces have accelerated their adoption. Whether it’s a new build, retrofit, or multi-dwelling unit (MDU) project, shading is becoming a standard expectation.

And custom installers are perfectly positioned to lead this conversation. As the first on-site, they can influence the specification, design, and installation of shading solutions before architects or designers are even involved. This early access means:

✓ Stronger client relationships

✓ Enhanced ability to future-proof spaces

✓ A clear path to return for the profitable shading phase

Here’s why 2024 is the tipping point for smart shading:

1. Consumer Awareness: Smart home technology is mainstream, and customers now expect intelligent control over lighting, privacy, and energy efficiency.
2. Energy Regulations: Stricter efficiency standards mean smart blinds are a practical solution for reducing solar gain and cutting HVAC costs.
3. Easy Integration: Solutions like Umbra smart blinds are designed for seamless integration with leading control systems — simplifying installation.

Smart blinds aren’t commoditised like televisions or speakers. They are a design-driven, customisable solution, making them less price-sensitive and more profitable. With Umbra, custom installers benefit from:

• Robust margins.
• Fast, tidy installations.
• Scalable solutions (single rooms to full buildings).
• Upsell potential (demo kits, future upgrades).
• Long-term client loyalty through a complete solution.

As a family-owned, third-generation UK-based brand, Umbra is a trusted name in window shading solutions. Their smart blinds offer precise light control, enhanced privacy, energy savings, and seamless integration with major control systems like Control4, Crestron, and Lutron.

At OneAV, we have partnered with Umbra to empower installers with:

✓ Live training and webinars

✓ Access to Umbra demo kits

✓ Hands-on training

✓ Expert guidance on specification, quoting, and sales

Many installers admit they’ve been "thinking about blinds" for a while. But by the time the conversation starts, it’s often too late. Ceilings are closed, electricals are finished, and design decisions are locked in.

Starting the conversation early helps you:

• Secure greater project control.
• Lock in future revenue.
• Strengthen your reputation as a complete AV and smart building expert.

The 2024 CEDIA Professional Smart Home Market Analysis highlights lighting and shading as one of the fastest-growing categories in the UK smart home sector. This trend signals the increasing importance of smart shading solutions for custom installers.

By offering solutions like Umbra’s smart blinds - designed for seamless integration - you can capitalise on this demand, secure more projects, and drive long-term profitability.

If you’re ready to lead with smart shading, contact OneAV to discover how Umbra can enhance your service offering, boost your margins, and position you as a complete solution provider in the AV industry.