Make Your Skylight Smarter

Kurlax motorized skylight shades turn skylights into fully controllable shading systems—improving comfort, energy efficiency, and everyday convenience.

This buying guide covers models, fabrics, motor options, smart controls, installation, and care.

In This Guide

  1. Types of Motorized Skylight Shades
  2. Advanced Motorized Drive System
  3. Compatible Skylight & Window Types
  4. Fabrics & Color Options
  5. Motor & Power Options
  6. Smart Home Integration (Optional)
  7. Control Options
  8. Measuring & Installation
  9. Care, Maintenance & Warranty

Types of Motorized Skylight Shades

The ideal shade model depends on your specific needs and the skylight's dimensions.

Standard Skylight Shades

Standard Skylight Shades

Features a single motor and one cellular fabric panel, opening and closing in one direction.

Best for: Living Room, Bedroom, Kitchens, attics, hallways, bathrooms, and standard-sized skylights.

Extended (Dual-Panel) Skylight Shades

Extended (Dual-Panel) Skylight Shades

Utilizes two motors, each controlling a separate cellular fabric panel. The panels meet in the middle to close and retract to both ends to open.

Best for: Extra-long skylights, glass roofs, sunrooms, patios, corridors, and conservatories.

Explore Dual Motor Systems for Large Skylights

Advanced Motorized Drive System

Thanks to our precision-engineered drive system, Kurlax motorized skylight shades operate smoothly, quietly, and reliably—while maintaining a clean, tensioned appearance.

Technical diagram of Kurlax active gear-belt transmission system for anti-sagging skylight blinds.

Power Shaft

Transfers power from the motor to the
transmission box.

Transmission Box

Drives the guide rails and moves the shade evenly during opening and closing.

Rope Winder

For skylight shades wider than 31 1/2 inches (80 cm), an integrated rope winder is added.

  • Uses high-quality tension cords
  • Prevents fabric sagging
  • Keeps the shade perfectly aligned from 0° (horizontal) to 90° (vertical)

This ensures consistent performance across sloped, horizontal, and vertical installations.

While most generic brands struggle with fabric fatigue, Kurlax solves this through mechanical tension. Read our expert analysis on Why Most Skylight Blinds Sag (and How to Fix It).

Compatible Skylight & Window Types

Kurlax motorized skylight shades are suitable for multiple window orientations:

Motorized skylight shade installed on a pitched skylight for hands-free remote and voice control.

Sloped Skylights

Ideal for angled roof windows with direct or prolonged sunlight exposure.

Motorized skylight shade on a flat roof skylight using track-guided movement where regular shades cannot work.

Horizontal Skylights

Perfect for flat glass roofs, atriums, and overhead skylight structures.

Motorized skylight shade installed on a standard vertical window with full-frame blackout performance.

Vertical Windows

Can also be installed on standard vertical windows when a tensioned cellular system is required.

Fabrics & Color Options

Shades are typically made with cellular (honeycomb) fabric, which traps air for insulation and helps regulate indoor temperatures, boosting energy efficiency.

Light Filtering vs. Blackout Skylight Shades

Choosing between light-filtering and blackout skylight shades depends on how much light control, privacy, and insulation you need in your space.

Light filtering skylight cellular shades

Light Filtering

  • Best for natural daylight with glare control
  • Allows soft, diffused daylight to enter the room
  • Reduces glare without completely darkening the space
  • Maintains an open, airy feeling
  • Provides UV protection and basic thermal insulation

Recommended for:
Kitchens, living areas, hallways, sunrooms, and spaces where natural light is desired during the day.

Blackout skylight cellular shades

Blackout

  • Best for total light control and privacy
  • Blocks 100% of incoming light
  • Ideal for sleep, media viewing, or temperature control
  • Enhances privacy, even at night
  • Improves insulation and energy efficiency

Recommended for:
Bedrooms, home theaters, nurseries, lofts, and any space where complete darkness is required.

Fabric Materials and Colors

Our shades are made with a 1" (26 mm) single-cell honeycomb structure fabric that traps air for insulation, helping regulate indoor temperatures and improve energy efficiency.

60% blackout light filtering skylight shades providing soft diffused natural light and anti-glare protection.

Light Filtering Fabric

  • 60% Blackout Cellular Fabric
  • Non-woven fabric
  • Waterproof and UV-resistant
  • Soft daylight filtering with reduced glare

Available colors:
White, Beige, Khaki, Mocha, Blue

Explore Light Filtering Motorized Skylight Shades

Microscopic view of cellular fabric with 99.5% purity aluminum foil core for maximum R-value insulation.

100% Blackout Cellular Fabric

  • Non-woven outer surface
  • Aluminum foil coating inside the honeycomb structure
  • Ensures complete light blockage
  • Waterproof and UV-resistant

Available colors:
White, Beige, Khaki, Mocha, Gray, Black, Blue

Explore 100% Blackout Motorized Skylight Shades

Motor & Power Options

Selecting the right power source impacts installation complexity and maintenance. See our guide on comparing skylight motor power options.

Hardwired (AC-Powered) Motor

Powered by 110V–240V AC

Pros

  • Provides a continuous and reliable power supply
  • Eliminates the need for battery charging
  • Ideal for new construction or major renovation projects where wiring can be planned in advance

Cons

  • Requires professional installation and pre-wiring

Included

  • 31.5" (80 cm) power cord with two-prong plug
  • Custom cable lengths available upon request

Battery-Powered Motor

Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Includes a 118" (300 cm) USB-C charging cable

Pros

  • Wire-free design for easy installation
  • Ideal for existing homes and hard-to-reach skylights
  • One full charge (4–6 hours) lasts approximately 4–6 months with regular use

Cons

  • Requires periodic recharging

Upgrade Option

  • Can be paired with an optional solar panel for continuous charging
  • Extends battery life and minimizes maintenance
  • Especially suitable for skylights with good sun exposure

💡 Technical Deep-Dive: Not sure which power source fits your skylight's geometry? Read our comprehensive analysis:
Comparing Power Options: Solar vs. Battery vs. AC

Smart Home Integration (Optional)

Our motors use a stable 868 MHz protocol and connect via the Tuya Smart Bridge, enabling seamless smart home control with platforms such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Amazon Alexa

  • Compatible with all Amazon Echo voice devices
  • Voice commands for open, close

Google Home

  • Compatible with all Google Nest devices
  • Hands-free operation and automation

Control Options

Remote Control

  • Included 6-channel remote
  • One channel can control 10–15 motors simultaneously
  • Ideal for group control

Voice Control

  • Works with Alexa and Google Assistant after smart integration

App Control

  • Control shades via the Tuya App
  • Set schedules, timers, and automation

Group & Scene Control

  • Create rooms and scenes in the app
  • Control multiple skylight shades at once

To learn how to set up customized scenes and schedules, check out The Beginner’s Guide to Smart Skylight Automation.

Smart Scheduling

  • Sunrise: Automatically open to welcome daylight
  • Afternoon:Summer: Close shades to reduce heat
  • Winter: Open to allow passive solar warmth
  • Sunset: Close automatically for privacy, insulation, and comfort

Measuring & Installation

Measuring Tips

  1. Measure width and height at three different points
  2. Use the smallest width and shortest height
  3. Minimum installation depth: 1 1/2 inches

Need help? Our team is happy to assist, and detailed measuring and installation guides are available.

Pre-installation Prep

  • Organize Components: Lay out all hardware and parts according to their serial numbers. This ensures a smooth workflow and helps you familiarize yourself with the product before starting.
  • Solar Panel First: If your order includes a solar panel, install it before mounting the shade.
  • Smart Bridge Pairing: If you are using a Smart Bridge, pair it with the motor before installation to avoid the hassle of accessing the motor once it's mounted.

Installation

A quick guide to getting your shade up and running:

  1. Secure the Bottom Rail: Position the bottom rail at the base of the skylight and fix it in place.
  2. Mount Side Rails: Install the two side rails on either side of the frame.
  3. Insert & Position the Shade: Snap both ends of the shade tube into the sliders on the side rails. Slide the shade to the top of the skylight and lock the ends into the top of the rails.
  4. Install Motor & Drive Shaft: Fit the motor and drive shaft into their designated positions.
  5. Connect Power: Plug the Solar Panel’s Type-C cable into the motor charging port.
  6. Finalize: Attach the top cover plate and secure it to complete the installation.

Care, Maintenance & Warranty

Our skylight shades are designed for durability and require minimal upkeep.

Cleaning

  • Dusting: Use a feather duster, a hair dryer (cool setting), or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently remove surface dust.
  • Spot Cleaning: For stains, gently wipe the fabric with a damp cloth and a mild, non-abrasive detergent.

Battery & Charging

Our battery-powered motors are engineered for long-lasting performance:

  • Quick Charging: A full charge takes only 4–6 hours.
  • Extended Battery Life: One full charge lasts 4–6 months under normal use.
  • Low Maintenance: You typically only need to recharge the unit 2–3 times per year.

Warranty

We stand behind the quality of our products. Our skylight shades come with a 3-year limited warranty covering the motor and fabric. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A: A full charge takes approximately 4–6 hours and provides 4–6 months of typical use.

A: Yes, absolutely. You can use a single remote control to operate multiple shades together. Alternatively, by purchasing the Smart Bridge, you can use the Tuya App to control all your skylight shades simultaneously from your smartphone.

A: Yes. When you integrate the optional Smart Bridge, you can link the system via the Tuya App to major smart home platforms such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This enables convenient voice control using devices like your Amazon Echo or Google Nest.

A: Our products are primarily designed for easy DIY installation. For battery-powered or plug-in models, you can typically install them yourself using the provided guide. However, for hardwired motors that require electrical wiring within the wall/ceiling, we recommend seeking help from a qualified electrician or professional installer.

A: Yes, you can certainly retrofit a solar panel after the initial installation. Be aware, however, that it may be less convenient to install the panel after the shade is already in place.