Motorized Shading
Somfy
Global Motorization Authority — The Engine Behind the World's Finest Shading
Request System DesignOverview
Somfy is the world's largest manufacturer of motorized shading systems, powering an estimated 50% of all motorized window treatments globally. Founded in France in 1969, Somfy engineers the motors, controls, and communication protocols that drive shading products from dozens of fabricators — making Somfy the hidden engine behind many of the industry's most respected shade brands.
Somfy's motor portfolio spans interior shading, exterior screens, awnings, pergola systems, and architectural façade controls. The platform supports multiple communication protocols — RTS (Radio Technology Somfy) for reliable RF control, io-homecontrol for bidirectional feedback, and RS485 for hardwired commercial integration. This protocol flexibility enables Somfy to serve everything from single-room renovations to multi-building estate installations.
At Peters Audio Video, Somfy motors power custom shade fabrications where clients require specific fabrics, header styles, or mounting configurations that go beyond standard manufacturer offerings. Somfy's universal motor compatibility means virtually any shade design can be motorized — giving our design team complete creative freedom.
Why We Specify
Why Peters Audio Video Installs Somfy
World's largest motorized shading manufacturer — 50%+ global market share with 55+ years of engineering heritage
Universal motor compatibility — virtually any shade, screen, awning, or blind design can be Somfy-motorized
Dual-protocol architecture: RTS for reliable RF, io-homecontrol for bidirectional status feedback
Glydea ultra-quiet drapery tracks for motorized curtains in bedrooms, media rooms, and formal spaces
Exterior-rated motors for pergola screens, retractable awnings, and hurricane shutters
Savant and Control4 integration through native drivers for whole-home automation coordination
Product Categories
Interior Roller Motors
Tubular motors in multiple diameters and torque ratings for roller shades, cellular shades, and Roman shades — whisper-quiet operation with precise positioning.
Glydea Drapery Tracks
Ultra-quiet motorized curtain tracks for residential and hospitality applications — supporting fabrics up to 100+ pounds per track.
Exterior Systems
Weather-rated motors for retractable awnings, pergola screens, exterior solar shades, and hurricane protection systems.
Sonesse & RS485
Ultra-quiet Sonesse motors for premium interior applications and RS485 hardwired motors for large-scale installations requiring centralized control.
Smart Home Integration
Somfy & Whole-Home Automation
Somfy myLink and URTSI interfaces bridge RTS motors to Savant, Control4, and other automation platforms.
io-homecontrol protocol provides bidirectional shade position feedback — the automation system knows exactly where each shade is.
RS485 hardwired integration enables direct motor control without RF — ideal for large estates with hundreds of shading zones.
Wind and sun sensors trigger automatic exterior shade deployment for protection and energy management.
Luxury Home Applications
Custom Shade Fabrication
When standard manufacturer shades don't fit the design vision, Somfy motors enable custom fabric, header, and mounting configurations from specialty fabricators.
Exterior Living Automation
Motorized pergola screens, retractable awnings, and exterior shades extend outdoor living seasons with automated weather response.
Drapery Automation
Glydea tracks motorize heavy drapery panels — enabling automated privacy and light control for formal rooms and master suites.
Multi-Building Estates
RS485 hardwired motors coordinate hundreds of shading zones across main residence, guest houses, and outbuildings.
Specification Review
Choosing Somfy for Your Home
Compare the specific equipment proposed for your rooms, not the brand name alone. Somfy families discussed on this page include Interior Roller Motors, Glydea Drapery Tracks, Exterior Systems, Sonesse & RS485. Availability, model specifications, firmware and third-party integration support need confirmation before a final design.
- Room fit: Request a model-level schedule showing where each component will be used, its mounting and power requirements, and any architectural compromises.
- Integration evidence: Identify the supported connection or driver for each required function. Separate physical compatibility from actual command support and test behavior when internet access is unavailable.
- Complete scope: Compare equipment, infrastructure, configuration, commissioning and documentation together. Confirm subscriptions, licenses, warranty terms and ongoing support separately in the proposal.
Useful project details: A window schedule, fabric priorities, ceiling and pocket details, and available power at each opening.
Request System DesignOur Process
How We Install Somfy
Discovery & Design
Every Somfy installation begins with a comprehensive consultation. We evaluate your home's architecture, existing infrastructure, and lifestyle needs to develop a detailed system proposal with room-by-room specifications and control interface design.
Architectural Coordination
For new builds and renovations, our team coordinates directly with architects and builders during the design phase — ensuring Somfy infrastructure (conduit runs, power, equipment closets) is properly planned before walls close.
Professional Installation
Installation requirements depend on the selected Somfy equipment: mounting, cabling, ventilation, power and configuration are coordinated with the project scope. Documentation records the installed components and relevant connections.
Calibration & Commissioning
After installation, we verify the specified Somfy functions and system connections. Applicable audio, video or control settings are commissioned for the room, with owner orientation and documentation appropriate to the equipment.
Why Choose Peters Audio Video for Somfy
Design-Led Specification
We recommend Somfy only where it suits the room, the architecture and how you live — and explain the alternatives we considered, so the choice is yours.
Long-Term Stewardship
Ongoing care for your Somfy system can include applicable updates, monitoring and planned changes. Services, response arrangements and eligibility depend on the written support agreement.
Charlotte-Based Expertise
Based in Charlotte and focused on luxury residential technology. Consultations and on-site work are scheduled around the agreed project scope; select larger projects are considered nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Somfy motors cost?
Somfy motors range $200-$800 per motor depending on type, torque, and protocol. Total shade cost including fabrication ranges $600-$3,000+ per window. Whole-estate installations typically range $20,000-$100,000+.
Somfy vs Lutron shading?
Somfy provides universal motors for custom fabrications — maximum design flexibility. Lutron provides complete shade systems with tighter automation integration. Many luxury estates use both: Lutron for primary living areas, Somfy for specialty applications.
RTS vs io-homecontrol?
RTS is one-directional RF — reliable and cost-effective. io-homecontrol is bidirectional — the system confirms shade positions. io is preferred for automation integration; RTS suffices for standalone motorization.
Does Somfy work with Savant?
Yes. Somfy integrates with Savant through myLink, URTSI, and RS485 interfaces — providing shade control within the whole-home automation platform.
Design Your Somfy System
Every Somfy installation begins with a conversation about your home, your lifestyle, and the experience you want technology to deliver.