Lutron’s Caséta Smart Shade promises quality and HomeKit compatibility for $399

Lutron has earned a reputation for high-quality HomeKit-compatible window blinds, but with a very hefty price tag. The cost is something the company is seeking to address with the new Caséta Smart Shade.

Lutron says that you can expect the quality and performance it is known for, but at a more affordable price tag of $399 for most window sizes …

We reviewed the company’s Serena range way back in 2018, when we really liked the product, but not so much the price of almost $900 per window.

In terms of the build quality, I’m perfectly satisfied with both the overall look and the shade material. As for remote control, Serena Motorized Shades are responsive and operate smoothly. The motor is not so quiet that you would want to record audio in the room with them being operated, but it’s certainly not an issue in normal use.

The challenge is converting a whole home of windows to HomeKit-controlled windows using this solution. For a single window, the price can be impractical. For a whole home, you may want to roll the cost into the price of your house!

Indeed, when I costed up a Lutron system for my apartment (which has a lot of floor-to-ceiling windows), it came out at a terrifying $22,000!

The Caséta Smart Shade is intended to reduce the cost, while retaining a very high-quality product.

 Lutron’s shades––known around the world for quality and performance––are now available for under $400. To bring this product to life Lutron re-engineered core product technology, reimagined the supply chain, and streamlined operations, resulting in a smart shade with industry leading performance at a lower cost.

Caséta smart shades are priced at $399 for all shades up to 48 inches wide by 80 inches high, which covers most residential window needs. Blackout options are available for an additional $30. Larger custom sizes are available in widths up to 96 inches and lengths up to 104 inches at an additional cost […]

Go from inspiration to install with Lutron’s simplest design process, fast shipping time, and easy, wire-free set up. Caséta smart shades make selection easier by offering thoughtfully simple choices that fit the décor of any home. Choose from roller or honeycomb style shades, white or grey color, and light filtering or blackout fabric. The Caséta smart roller shade features an exposed roll, giving any window a sleek, modern aesthetic. Shades are shipped right to your home and can be installed in as little as 15 minutes with only four screws––making Caséta shades the smart choice for your next DIY home improvement project.

Currently the shades are US only, and begin shipping next month. They can be ordered only from the company’s own website.

Photos: Lutron