Motorized shades are one of those home upgrades you don’t know you needed, until you have them. But choosing the right ones? That’s where things get a little… well, shady. Between Lutron shade names like Triathlon and Palladiom and questions about wiring, power, and control systems, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you even get to the fabric swatches.

This guide is here to simplify that. Whether you’re remodeling a single room or building your dream home from the ground up, here’s what you need to know about Lutron’s shade lines and how to choose the right one for your space.

Serena: The smart starter

If you’re looking for smart shading without a full-blown control system, Serena is Lutron’s entry-level, DIY-friendly solution. These shades are battery-powered and work with Lutron’s Caséta system (or even just your phone), making them ideal for individual rooms or smaller setups.

• Best for: Retrofit rooms, small projects, budget-conscious homeowners
• Power: Battery-operated (no wiring)
• System compatibility: Caséta only
• Pro tip: Great for first-timers, but not compatible with Lutron’s higher-end control systems like RA3 or HomeWorks.

Triathlon: Wireless versatility

Part of Lutron’s Sivoia family, Triathlon shades offer the best of both worlds: long-lasting battery operation and seamless integration with Lutron’s advanced smart home systems. They’re perfect for existing homes where running new wires isn’t an option, but you still want premium control and coordination across your shades and lighting.

• Best for: Retrofit projects, whole-home wireless integration
• Power: Battery-operated or plug-in (wire-free)
• System compatibility: RA3, HomeWorks, RA2 Select, Caséta Pro
• Design options: Wide variety of roller, honeycomb, and wood blind styles

Sivoia QS: Hardwired precision

Sivoia QS shades are Lutron’s hardwired powerhouses, ideal for new construction or major renovations. These shades are ultra-quiet and capable of covering large windows. If you’re already pre-wiring your home for future automation, this is your go-to.

• Best for: New builds, full-home integration, large or specialty windows
• Power: Hardwired (low-voltage)
• System compatibility: HomeWorks or RadioRA (depending on model)
• Pro tip: Sivoia QS is often used in tandem with Lutron keypads and scene-based lighting for that sleek, one-touch lifestyle.

Palladiom: The design statement

When aesthetics matter as much as performance, Palladiom is the crown jewel of Lutron’s lineup. These shades feature exposed brackets in hand-finished metal—meant to be seen, not hidden. Available in both wired and wire-free options, Palladiom is built for luxury spaces where design, function, and precision all matter. Palladiom is also great when concealing shade hardware isn’t possible, or when the look of exposed hardware is preferred.

• Best for: Luxury homes, high-design spaces, large architectural windows
• Power: Available in wired and wire-free (battery-powered) versions
• System compatibility: HomeWorks and RA3 only
• Standout feature: Exposed hardware design and intelligent hembar alignment for synchronized movement across multiple windows

So, which one is right for you?

Here’s the quick breakdown:

Shade Line	Best For	Power Type	Works With
Serena	Simple smart upgrades	Battery	Caséta
Triathlon	Retrofits & wireless integration	Battery or plug-in	RA3, HomeWorks, RA2 Sel.
Sivoia QS	New builds, high customization	Wired (low-voltage)	HomeWorks, RA3
Palladiom	Luxe exposed hardware installations	Wired or battery	HomeWorks, RA3

What’s next?

Once you’ve narrowed in on the right shade line, the next step is to think through design choices – such as inside vs. outside mount, fabric openness, and hardware finishes. We’ll cover all of that (and more) in Part 2 of this blog series.

Need help now? Schedule a consultation with a TSP Smart Spaces specialist and let’s discuss the ideal shading solution for your home.