FAQ

A motorized roller shade is a window shade that moves up or down with a remote control without moving the shade by strings or by hand. The shade has batteries (purchased separately) or a plug-in wall adapter that powers a motor to operate the roller shade up or down when it receives a wireless signal from the remote control. The shade can also be controlled by a smart phone app through our Home Automation system. See below.

Leviosa Shades Company is an American registered and licensed company of designers, engineers, quality experts and marketers with a passion for innovating consumer products. With over 75 years of design and engineering experience, our commitment is to offer a beautiful, reliable motorized roller shade for far less than many market prices of $600 and upward. We use the best materials with our patented new technologies, and all of our products ship from our facilities in North Carolina and Florida.

We exclusively sell motorized roller shades because our customers love them. Roller shades are becoming the most popular window coverings, and can be reliably motorized. Leviosa Shades has a streamlined operation to provide beautiful, quality products at affordable prices. We are developing motorization options for other window coverings, but do not have them available for sale at this time.

With our years of engineering, design, and manufacturing experience, we can offer beautiful, high quality shades at a fair price.

- We redesigned the motorized roller shade system to include only the most important parts – fabric, valance, motor, and integrated power supply – and eliminated parts that complicate quality and installation, such as connecting small wires manually and external or rechargeable battery packs.

-  We have streamlined our product supply system and focused on the most popular products. This minimizes system complexity and overhead, which allows affordable prices that we can pass to our customers.

- Because of our simple and efficient installation process, our customers are able to easily install their Leviosa Shades by themselves, saving money.  Or you can use our service to find a PROFESSIONAL in your local area to measure and/or install your shades.  You agree on the work and prices with the Professionals, and pay them directly for their work.

- We source our shade materials from large, well known companies such as Mermet Solar Control Fabric Company USA, made in South Carolina, USA. With over 30 years in the sun control fabric business, Mermet offers innovative, functional fabrics designed for solar protection, energy savings, and pleasing visual aesthetics. Other fabrics are chosen from quality vendors that also take pride in their products.

- Our Valance (detachable cover over the uppermost part of the window that hides the power supply and motor) is a frame wrapped with the same fabric as the shade for a consistent, beautiful appearance. You can choose 1 of 5 frame colors to match your shade.

- Our shade motors are USA-engineered, ultra-low current (3 micro amp), and manufactured to strict quality control standards, tested for over 30,000 cycles – that is equivalent to over 40 years of opening and closing your shades every day.

- Our shades meet all US federal standards related to UL and FCC regulations.

- Our shade motors are USA-engineered, ultra-low current (3 micro amp), and manufactured to strict quality control standards, tested for over 30,000 cycles – that is equivalent to over 40 years of opening and closing your shades every day.

- Our motors meet all US federal standards related to UL and FCC regulations.

- Our Shades are covered by a 5 year warranty - the best in the category.

Yes!  We have several warranties and policies to give you confidence.

- If you mis-measure your shade, we can re-size some shades for free, or we allow you to replace your shade at a fraction of the cost of a new order. Nobody is as generous in this industry.

- We provide a 5 year product warranty. If your product does not perform to standards within 5 years under normal use, we replace it. Nobody has a better warranty.

See all our Terms and Conditions.

We do not directly install shades, but we help you:

• Do-it-Yourself:  Our customers have used our detailed Measuring and  installation instructions (Leviosa brackets or Square brackets) to successfully install their own shades. Window shades – and motorized shades – are one the easiest projects for a home owner to complete. Most customers choose to install shades themselves, and can install easily 5-10 shades in a single day.
• Use our service to find a PROFESSIONAL in your local area to measure and/or install your shades.  You agree on the work and prices with the Professionals, and pay them directly for their work.  Their services are guaranteed.

Our custom shades are unable to be returned. Please understand that when we cut our products to specific measurements, we cannot re-use that product. However, we offer FREE fabric swatch samples (up to 5 FREE samples in first mailing, then $2 each) so you can have confidence that what you order is what you will receive. Also, we have a generous policy in the case of mis-measurements. Leviosa Shades is dedicated to quality products and we will replace any defective product.

We provide a chance to enjoy motorized shades - with the highest quality fabrics and looks available from manufacturers such as Mermet Solar Control Textiles – at a fraction of the price of others. See why we are Superior.

Our shades are customized to your windows, so we do not sell them in stores. We sell exclusively through this website.

Yes! While we specialize in motorized shades, we also sell non-motorized shades so you can match fabrics for the different types of shades. We offer both cordless shades, and corded shades.  Please CONTACT US for a quotation.

While shade colors are enlarged online, computer pictures are not the same as matching real material in your specific location. We encourage color swatch ordering as we want our customers to be satisfied in their choices. We make this easy by providing FREE swatches/samples (up to 5 FREE samples in first mailing, then $2 each). Swatches are LARGE fabric sizes (8x10 inches)so you can see how they match your space.

Yes! We offer FREE fabric swatch samples (up to 5 FREE samples in first mailing, then $2 each).  Do not simply trust your device screen before you order - please order samples for FREE.

First, order color swatches so you feel confident you are getting what you order. We offer FREE fabric swatch samples (up to 5 FREE samples in first mailing, then $2 each).  You have these options:

1. For Do-it-Yourselfers:  Please see our MEASURING INSTRUCTIONS.
2. Use our service to find a PROFESSIONAL in your local area to measure and/or install your shades.  You agree on the work and prices with the Professionals, and pay them directly for their work.  Their services are guaranteed. 

If you find your measurements are slightly off and your shade is not fitting properly, please CONTACT US for help. If your shade is too long, we will cut the shade and valance down to size for $35 - $65 (depends on shade width; customer pays shipping costs). If the shade is too short, we will remake the product in the right size and give you a discount on the replacement after you send the mis-measured product back to us. The discount depends on your fabric type and measurements, but is nearly always less than half the cost of new, similar shade.  We are committed to 100% customer satisfaction and are available to help you when you need it. Please refer to our TERMS and CONDITIONS.

While only 1.5" of depth is necessary to mount the brackets, your window space needs to be 4.0" deep to fully recess the shade for battery power shades (though the center of the curved front will extend 0.25" more).  Non-battery power systems (hard-wire, power adapter) have options for smaller, flat front valances of 3" or 4". See details.

Most customers choose a valance because they add beauty to the window shade. Also, our patented design requires the valance for roller shades that use power from batteries. If you choose to power your shade with our plug-in wall adapter or hardwire your shades, then a ‘No-valance’ option can be selected.

Our Standard Valance is 4.5" high (4" horizontal depth), is wrapped with matching shade fabric, and is available with every shade type. Non-battery power systems (hard-wire, power adapter, manual) have options for smaller valances of 3" or 4". See details.

Yes! And very easily. We even sell materials for recessed ceiling pockets/coves and associated covers. See here.

Total-Block shade are designed to block all visible light - but only through the material. And they do a very good job of blocking the vast majority of light through a window. But to block nearly 100% of light, Leviosa can provide side channels that block the small gaps between the shade and the sides of the window that can allow some light through. Since channels are installed separately from shades, most users try the shades first to see if they really need channels or not (and can avoid extra time and expense), and most decide they do not need them – enough light (99%+) is blocked.  Some do still want them, and you can easily order them from Leviosa Shades.

You also may need additional strips of fabric (or opaque paper works well) to attach (tape works well) at the top of the valance to seal any custom installation gaps, and possibly for the back of the shade bracket area (opposite the valance) that has no cover. Leviosa can provide matching opaque fabric strips to cover gaps - please Contact us.

Light through your window can be managed in different ways.

• Fabrics: Clear view and Diffused view fabrics block from 90% to 99% of light through the material, and allow some visibility outward and inward. Privacy Glow fabric blocks 100% view for privacy, but allows some light for one to differentiate day and night. Total-Block fabric is designed to block all visible light - but only through the material. And they do a very good job of blocking the vast majority of light through a window.
• Outside mount vs. Inside Mount:  When you mount shades inside the window frame, you can expect ~5/8" light gap on each side between the fabric and window frame to allow the shade to travel properly.  Larger shades (>96" width) will have larger light gaps up to 1".  This gap is avoided with outside mount, and extending the mount 2-4" past the window sides blocks the most, but not all light, which most customers find  acceptable.
• Side channels:  These block the light gap between the fabric and window frame (or wall for outside mount).  Since channels are installed separately from shades, most users try the shades first to see if they really need channels or not (and can avoid extra time and expense), and most decide they do not need them – enough light (99%+) is blocked. Some do still want them, and you can easily order them from Leviosa Shades.
• Top of shade:  Some light can leak through the shade header, and options to block this light include adding a back valance, or fabric strips (or opaque paper works well) to attach (tape works well) at the top of the valance to seal any custom installation gaps. Leviosa can provide matching opaque fabric strips to cover gaps - please Contact us.

Yes. Customers choose to design their shades this way to create a clean valance appearance over several windows. You would enter measurements of the sizes of shades you need as normal, and then note that you wish to create a single valance span in the 'Special instructions for seller' box in the cart. The maximum valance length is 196 inches. Extra shipping fees apply to some long valances - please contact us for exact pricing. 

Another option (avoids extra shipping fees) is choosing separate valances for adjacent windows, where only a hairline seam is observed between valances.

WIDTH:

          // Maximum is 180 inches, depending on fabric - contact us for exact limits.

Please note:  Fabric rolls are very long, but range in width from 78 inches to 122 inches.  Many can be turned sideways to accommodate shade widths to 180 inches, but some cannot as the fabric is not stable in that direction over time.  Shades that can be turned sideways and exceed their roll width require a horizontal seam (~1 inch wide, near the top of the shade).  Maximum valance width is 192".   Large shades (>96" width and/or >96" height) will need XL battery tube or should be powered by available plug-in wall adapter, or hardwired (Leviosa offers power supplies).

          // Minimum: 14 inches.  For battery powered shades 14-21 inches width, a special C-cell pack is required ($30) - please contact us so we get the correct parts to you.

HEIGHT:

         // Maximum is unlimited, depending on shade width

         // No minimum

Yes, you can order "dual shades" to meet your needs at different times of the day. Please see specifications.

Fabric swatch samples ship the next day and most customers receive them a few days after they order. For shade orders, since all of our products are custom made and ship from the USA, customers receive their shades within 2-3 weeks.

Yes. Customers can order 'Reverse Roll' as a personal preference, or when window obstructions (cranks, locks, or sash lift lips) might hinder normal shade up/down operations. This moves the shade operation path back 2 1/2 inches from the back ends of the brackets (compared to normal 1/2 inch). To order this, please add a note in the 'Special instructions for seller' box on the Cart page. No extra charge to change the roll direction.

We offer discounts with 5 or more shade purchases at the same time. We offer higher discounts when you purchase even larger number of shades at the same time. Please CONTACT US for large orders.

We offer FREE ground shipping on nearly all shade orders to customers in the continental US. Very wide shade orders (>86") may incur shipping surcharges, depending on destination.  Other locations pay actual charges. We also provide express shipping. Please CONTACT US to learn specific charges to your destination or special requests.

Leviosa Shades is a North Carolina based business with manufacturing in Florida, and by law we must collect sales tax on all orders delivered to North Carolina and Florida addresses. However, all orders shipped outside of North Carolina and Florida will not be charged for sales tax, with the exception of any sales tax that is imposed on Internet sales by law.

CONTACT US and we will send you details from any orders. We have been keeping records for our customers for over 10 years without issue.

All online inquiries or emails will receive a response within 1 business day. CONTACT US for prearranged phone calls for your convenience.

Please refer to our installation instructions (Leviosa brackets or Square brackets) and our programming instructions (PDF).  The Video for Programming Leviosa Shades is particularly helpful.  We have a record of nearly 100% satisfaction from our customers on ease of installation and remote programming.  Or you can use our service to find a PROFESSIONAL in your local area to measure and/or install your shades.  You agree on the work and prices with the Professionals, and pay them directly for their work.

Generally, Leviosa Motor Shades are powered with Hidden Battery pack or Plug-in Wall Adapter.  Either is included in the price of the shades.

Some customers want the option of hard-wiring their shades to a power source, usually hidden inside the wall or ceiling, which has benefits of unlimited power with the sophisticated appearance of no wires showing.  The power source is installed separately and can be purchased here, and may require professional electrical installation.

We have special brackets (no extra charge) that install the same as regular brackets, but have wire leads that easily connect directly to your power source. See Specifications for Hardwiring. 

And yes! if you start with battery power, you can switch over to hardwiring with your same shades - just use some common electrical connectors.

Please let us know when ordering if you want the special brackets (use "Notes to Seller" in the cart).

Yes. Our system utilizes 12V DC, the same energy source used in outdoor lighting and other safe household applications. Power is provided by 8 or 10 common D-cell size alkaline batteries that you supply (Duracell recommended), or via a wall adapter. The 10 battery option provides 50% more battery life because of higher voltage.  DC energy is recognized as much safer than AC energy, yet still provides sufficient energy for years of motor shade operation.

For battery powered shades, you need to provide 8 or 10 D-cell size alkaline batteries to power a single shade. These are common, inexpensive, and readily available for purchase at many stores. Batteries are included for the Remote controls (portable and wall-mount).

Good news!  Programming links and limits are retained in the motor memory when you change batteries or disconnect power, so no extra programming is necessary after a battery change.

Batteries for the motor shades last up to 2-3 years under normal conditions. Batteries in the remote controls last about 1 year. When batteries for the motor shades are nearly drained, the shades will usually "beep" during operation to indicate low battery power and time to replace the batteries. If the shades no longer respond to control input, please first check the batteries in the remote control.

Good news!  Programming links and limits are retained in the motor memory when you change batteries or disconnect power, so no extra programming is necessary after a battery change.

Shades will always start and stop at programmed levels, but may travel at different speeds.  Inherent motor differences can impact travel speeds between shades, as well as shade size (fabric weight), and some large shades require larger diameter rollers, and/or more powerful motors that will rotate at different speeds.  Leviosa offers options to minimize (not eliminate) travel speed differences among shades in the same space with same roller and motor sizes.  And because the motors rotate quickly, though, most shades open/close in less than 20 seconds, so any travel speed differences between shades do not last long.

Our system is US designed and leads in the industry. No motor is silent, but we are proud of how quietly our motors operate. They measure ~ 37dB (decibels), which is comparable to sounds from a kitchen refrigerator. Our more powerful motors for larger shades are even quieter (and can be an option for smaller shades if desired).  Of course, this noise will only be heard as the shades are moving. Otherwise, the motor is off and completely silent. The motor turns at 30RPM, which will open/close a 6-foot roller shade in less than 30 seconds.

We have worked in major companies in the battery industry and know rechargeable batteries are a great solution when you regularly recharge them. But, as they self-drain a bit every day by their nature, they are not a good solution for long-term power that motorized shades require. Alkaline batteries do not have this self-drain issue, and so are a good choice for motorized shades.  Plus, they are inexpensive to replace and readily available in stores.  And, our system design uses such low energy that our shades do not need battery replacement for more than 2 years. Net: we choose not to charge you more money for rechargeable batteries when they are a poor energy choice for motorized shades.

Solar charging is a great energy alternative to power homes, but it does not work well to power shades. The reality is that many windows do not face in a favorable direction to capture sunlight, so the shades will not work to expectations, and owners generally do not want extra wires or solar panels covering their windows. Moreover, since we redesigned the whole system, Leviosa Shades do not need much power.

Leviosa provides several options to power your shades without batteries:

1. Wall adapter - plugs into a common US household outlet, and the 12VDC wires extend into the bracket, where they directly connect to the motor.  The wire length can be customized - please let us know. Also, you can power multiple shades (up to 4) from a single wall adapter. See here.
2. Common plug - 120V with a 3 foot cord.
3. Hardwiring - hiding the wires from the 12VDC power supply. Of course, please check your local government codes and regulations regarding in-wall wiring, specifically type of wire to use.

Yes, and so we offer one FREE remote control (handheld) with each order of shades, which will control ALL of your shades, no matter how many you purchase. You also have a choice to upgrade your remote controller so you can control more shades individually. For example, you may want to control shade groups separately in different parts of your home.
You can also control your shades through your phone/tablet with our FREE app connection through our Home Automation hub.

Our FREE remote control (1 with each order of shades) will control ALL of your shades, no matter how many you purchase. You also have a choice to upgrade your remote controller so you can control more shades individually. For example, you may want to control shade groups separately in different parts of your home.
You can also control your shades using your phone/tablet with our FREE app connection and our Home Automation hub. Each app controls a group of shades.

Your Leviosa shades are ready for home automation since they already have a receiver built with the motor. They have their own Free App (Google Play or iOS Apple store - search for "Leviosa"), that links directly to your home internet modem/router and will controls up to 6 groups of shades in an area.  After only a few minutes of setup (see instructions), you can control your Leviosa Shades from the app on your smart device as well as the regular remote control for the shades.

A single Zone can control up to 6 groups of shades in an area (generally ~25ft from Zone to shades, can be thru walls). The App can manage multiple Zones, such as for upstairs and downstairs. You simply setup a new Zone for new groups and the App will organize the Zones in groups.

Press and hold the Group name and a submenu will appear to edit the group name, or set the schedule. You can even set the schedule for all shades at the same time

Go to your Alexa command Console and search for "Leviosa Motor Shade". You will be able to link Leviosa shades to your account, and command Alexa with your voice. Example: "Alexa, tell Leviosa to close the kitchen shades." You say "tell Leviosa" to invoke Alexa, and then name an action (open, close, raise, lower, stop) and a room you have already assigned in the App.  You have the option here to simplify Alexa commands, such as avoid saying 'tell Leviosa' each time.
OPEN will fully open the group and skip all set midpoints.
CLOSE will fully close the group and skip all set midpoints.
RAISE will open the shade to the next set midpoint (if any).
LOWER will lower the shade to the next set midpoint (if any).
STOP will stop the shade

Yes, you press/hold the group name and can edit the group name and schedule. After you install the Free Alexa skill, you can command the shade by its unique name (some personal names excepted, per Alexa rules).

Yes, you setup each Zone within its own wifi network, and the App will group your shades by the Zone(s). Anywhere in the world you can receive data, you can control your shade by Zones and groups.