Skylight Cellular Shades Buying Guide

Skylight Cellular Shades Buying Guide

Bring Your Skylight to Life

Explore everything you need to know-choose the perfect skylight shades, from models to fabrics, smart control options, and easy installation tips.


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Skylight Collection

Get smart light control and energy efficiency for your skylights with SmartWings’ stylish window shades.

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Transform your overhead windows into beautifully functional features with our Skylight Cellular Shades. Whether you're dressing a flat skylight or an angled architectural highlight, this guide walks you through everything you need to know—from measurement and ordering to installation, operation, and care.

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1. Choosing the Right Skylight Shade Model

The right skylight shade doesn’t just block light—it shapes the way your space feels and functions. Whether you’re softening glare in a kitchen or darkening a bedroom for restful sleep, we offer three models—each crafted for a specific kind of space and purpose.

1.1 Models at a Glance

Each of our skylight shades is designed with a specific purpose in mind—from simple light blocking to full day-to-night versatility. All models feature the same insulated honeycomb design and smart motorized control. The difference lies in the structure and light management.

1.2 Which One Should You Choose?

Not sure which to choose?

Go with Standard for simplicity and value, Levitate for flexible positioning, or Day & Night for full-range light control.


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2. Fabric & Color Selection

The fabric you choose is more than just a surface — it transforms your space by controlling light, texture, and mood, making every moment in your home more meaningful.

2.1 Light Filtering vs. Blackout
  • Light Filtering
  • Picture sunlight softened into a warm, inviting glow that fills your living spaces without harsh glare. Light Filtering fabrics gently diffuse daylight, maintaining privacy while keeping your rooms bright and comfortable. Ideal for social areas like living rooms and kitchens, these fabrics in the Honeycomb Light Filtering Hazel collection come in soothing shades of White, Cream, Coffee Brown, Slate Blue, White Grey, Ash Grey, and Carbon Black — each designed to harmonize with your décor and lifestyle.

  • Blackout
  • Envision a sanctuary of restful darkness where outside distractions fade away. Blackout fabrics block nearly all light, offering maximum privacy and comfort — perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, or home theaters. The Honeycomb Blackout Hazel line features elegant colors like Coffee, Cream, White, and Grey, creating cozy retreats that also help insulate against heat and noise.

  • Day & Night
  • Combine the best of both worlds: effortless transitions from bright, airy days to serene, dark nights with our Day & Night shades. This smart design blends light filtering and blackout fabrics in one, giving you full control without compromising style.

2.2 Fabric Texture, Look & Choosing the Right Color

The way a fabric looks and feels can dramatically shape the mood of your space. Our shades feature a 1.50” single-cell honeycomb structure that offers a clean, sculpted appearance while improving insulation and absorbing sound—making your home feel quieter, cozier, and more refined.

Lighter colors help brighten a room and reflect daylight beautifully, creating a more open and airy feel. Deeper tones bring contrast and visual weight, ideal for adding depth or creating a more intimate setting. Since fabric color and texture can look different depending on the lighting in your home, we recommend ordering fabric swatches to explore your options in person—so you can feel confident in your final choice.

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3. Motor Type & Smart Home Compatibility

Skylight windows are often hard to reach, making motorized shades an ideal solution. With the touch of a button—or a simple voice command—you can adjust light, improve insulation, and maintain privacy without needing a ladder. All our skylight shades come motorized by default, but selecting the right motor type ensures seamless integration with your smart home system.

3.1 Standard Skylight Motors

We offer a variety of motor options designed to fit different smart home ecosystems and control preferences:

  • Standard Motor
  • Simple remote control only

  • Zigbee/Alexa Motor
  • Operates on the Zigbee protocol and is compatible with platforms such as Amazon Alexa (when using supported Echo devices), Google Home (via a Zigbee-compatible hub), SmartThings, Home Assistant, Hubitat, and Homey.

    ⚠️ Note: The "Alexa Motor" is technically a Zigbee motor, simply labeled for convenience. It requires an Alexa device with a built-in Zigbee hub to function—not all Echo devices are compatible. For details and a full list of supported models, visit: Work With Amazon Alexa.

  • HomeKit Motor
  • Integrates natively with Apple HomeKit, enabling Siri voice control, automations, and use in the Apple Home app.

  • Matter Motor
  • Works with the emerging Matter smart home standard, supporting broad compatibility including: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, Home Assistant, Hubitat, and Homey.

  • Z-Wave Motor
  • Compatible with advanced smart home hubs and ecosystems such as SmartThings, Hubitat, Home Assistant, and Homey that support Z-Wave.

📝 Smart platform compatibility varies—choose based on your existing devices and preferred home automation system.

3.2 Levitate & Day & Night Motors

These two models feature a dual motor system, allowing independent control of the middle and bottom rails. You can choose from the following motor options:

  • Standard Dual Motor
  • Remote control only

  • Matter Dual Motor
  • Enables smart control via Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home (requires a Matter-compatible hub).
    ⚠️ Not compatible with Samsung SmartThings due to current platform limitations.

  • Z-Wave Dual Motor
  • Designed for advanced home automation.
    ⚠️ Currently only compatible with Home Assistant. Support for other Z-Wave hubs (e.g., SmartThings, Hubitat) is under testing.

3.3 Smart Solution (Optional Upgrade)

Smart Link Pro connects your shade to the Connector+ App, where you can set scenes or timers.

✔️ Compatible with all motor types, including Dual Motor systems—giving you flexibility without needing to upgrade your motor.

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4. Power Options

There are two types of power sources available for your shade.

  • Battery-powered
  • Features motors with a built-in Li-ion rechargeable battery, not hardwired. Each shade includes a magnetic Type-C charging cable, ideal for hard-to-reach skylights.

Optional upgrade: Solar Panel — continuously charges the battery-powered shade by mounting discreetly behind the top rail. Perfect for skylights in bright or hard-to-access locations, extending battery life and minimizing maintenance.

  • DC 12V
  • Wired power option with a DC motor equipped with an 11.81-inch (30cm) wire and JST connector.

(Note: The DC 12V Power Supply that plugs into an outlet must be purchased separately. This option requires selecting the DC-compatible motor and provides always-on power.)

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5. Measurement & Installation

Accurate measurement is the first step toward a seamless fit. Our skylight shades are designed for easy, DIY-friendly installation, but selecting the suitable mount and measuring properly is essential.

5.1 Measuring Tips
  • Measure the width and height in three places.
  • Use the narrowest width and shortest height to ensure the shade fits within the frame without obstruction.
  • For angled ceilings, be sure to measure the frame, not the ceiling slope.

Still unsure? Feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help with measuring.

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5.2 Inside vs. Outside Mount
  • Inside Mount (default option): Offers a clean, built-in look by fitting the shade within the skylight frame. Requires a minimum depth of 1 3/4" (4.5 cm).
  • Outside Mount (please specify if needed): Ideal for shallow or irregularly shaped frames. This option covers the entire skylight opening and provides full coverage.
5.3 Installation Overview

Installation is quick and easy. Simply assemble the four rails, secure them together, and mount the assembled shade into your skylight frame—no special tools or professional help needed.

Watch the installation video for a step-by-step guide:


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6. Operation & Control

After assembly, it’s recommended to first use the remote for programming and smart pairing (standard motors can skip sections 6.2-6.3).

6.1 First-Time Setup
  • Fully charge your shade using the included magnetic cable
  • Pair your shade with the remote
  • Set the upper and lower limits according to the manual
6.2 Smart Pairing
  • Ensure the hub is compatible with the motor protocol (check compatibility on the hub’s official website)
  • Place the hub in the same room as the shade
  • Follow the manual to put the shades into smart pairing mode
  • Pair via the app (either “Add Devices” or scan the QR code)
6.3 Smart Scene Ideas
  • Morning Routine: Automatically open the shades at sunrise to let natural light in
  • Afternoon Cool-Down: Close blackout shades in peak heat to keep rooms cool
  • Movie Mode: One click to lower your Day & Night shade to blackout

(Note: Different smart home platforms may have different automation settings.)

6.4 Group Control
  • Control multiple skylights at once with a multi-channel remote or app grouping
  • Assign names or rooms to each shade in the app for easy management

(Note: A single channel cannot pair with more than three shades. It’s recommended to assign one shade per channel and use group control for multiple shades.)

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7. Care & Maintenance

Your skylight shade is made to last, with minimal upkeep required.

7.1 Cleaning Tips
  • Dust lightly using a feather duster or vacuum with a brush attachment
  • For stains, spot-clean gently with a damp cloth and mild detergent
7.2 Battery & Charging
  • Charge every 4–6 months depending on usage
  • Solar panel users may not need to recharge manually at all
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FAQ: Common Questions from Skylight Shade Buyers

Find quick answers to the most common skylight shade questions—from installation and charging to smart home compatibility and special window shapes.

Can I install the skylight shade myself, or do I need a professional?
Our skylight shades are designed for easy DIY installation with clear instructions.
However, if your skylight is unusually shaped or difficult to access, professional installation is recommended.
How often do I need to charge the battery?
Typically, you should charge your shade every 4 to 6 months depending on usage.
If you choose the solar panel option, charging may be handled automatically.
Are the motors compatible with all smart home platforms?
Most motors support popular platforms like Alexa and Google Home.
However, dual-motor Matter motors are not currently compatible with Samsung SmartThings.
Always check compatibility before purchase.
What if my skylight has an unusual shape or angle?
Please send a photo to customer service for assistance.
Can I control multiple shades at once?
Yes! Use a multi-channel remote or the app to group and control several shades simultaneously.

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