Sombra Shades Launches Industry-First Native PoE Drapery Motor at CEDIA Expo

True PoE Drapery Motor features local RF control and easily integrates with third-party control systems, completes full offering of roller shades

CARROLLTON, TX, UNITED STATES, September 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Sombra Shades, the leader in luxury-grade motorized shade solutions, today announced the launch of its Native Power over Ethernet (PoE) Drapery Motor, a first-of-its-kind solution designed to bring direct PoE operation to motorized drapery. The new motor expands Sombra Shades’ broader offering of PoE roller shade motors and shade applications, giving dealers, fabricators and integration professionals a path to deliver unified, luxury-grade window-covering systems.

This motor was developed to address a gap in the motorized drapery market. Traditionally, installers had to choose between battery-operated systems and hardwired systems that require separate wires for power and data and add installation complexity. The Sombra Native PoE Drapery Motor uses Power over Ethernet to combine power and network connectivity through a single low-voltage cable, supporting a cleaner installation while eliminating batteries.

Sombra’s design features a local RF remote control allowing the motor to be operated and programmed directly through its RF remote. This provides responsive everyday control and a practical local-control option independent of a network connection. Additionally, integrators can use its local IP control interface and JSON-based API to integrate the motor with leading third-party control systems, including Control4 and Crestron Home. In partnership with integration companies, Sombra Shades plans to expand to operators.

Key features include:

- Simplified installation: One Ethernet cable delivers both power and connectivity, helping reduce wiring clutter.
- Battery-free operation: Direct PoE eliminates battery charging cycles, battery replacement and related service demands.
- Local-control reliability: Direct RF remote control and programming provide a responsive local-control option independent of a network connection.
Integration flexibility: A local JSON API supports integration with leading third-party automation platforms.
- Cleaner long-term ownership: The absence of an onboard power buffer removes a component category that can age, lose capacity and eventually require service.
- A complete PoE full offering: The drapery motor complements Sombra Shades’ roller shade motors and broader motorized shade portfolio.

“Drapery was the missing piece of a complete PoE offering,” said Rick Rizner, CTO and Managing Partner at Sombra Shades. “With this motor, we’re giving dealers and integrators a refined solution that brings dual-protocol control together in one product: simple local RF control and programming, along with straightforward integration into the leading control systems their clients already love. It gives them the flexibility of advanced automation without requiring complex software to configure or enjoy it.”

Unlike motor designs that use onboard power reserves, Sombra’s Native PoE Drapery Motor is designed to operate directly from PoE infrastructure without an onboard battery or power buffer. This approach removes a potential long-term maintenance and replacement consideration while providing predictable power from the installed Ethernet network whenever the system is energized.

For dealers and installers, the direct-PoE architecture can simplify troubleshooting by focusing diagnostics on familiar infrastructure components, including the Ethernet run, PoE switch or injector, network connection and motor.

“Dealers want to offer a PoE shading solution without creating extra steps between the shade installer and the integration team,” said Chris Taylor, Executive Sales Officer and General Manager at Sombra Shades. “This motor gives dealers a direct path from installation and setup to control-system integration. The result is a more seamless project experience and a polished, fully integrated luxury solution clients can see and enjoy every day.”

For more information on the Native PoE Drapery Motor, visit https://www.sombrashades.com/.

About Sombra Shades
Sombra Shades delivers luxury-grade motorized shading and drapery solutions designed to simplify installation, support flexible control and help dealers and integrators create refined client experiences. With a dealer-first approach, Sombra Shades combines performance, clean aesthetics and partner support across its expanding lineup of motor and shade applications. For more information, visit https://www.sombrashades.com/.

Sarah Thorson
Sombra Shades
email us here
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn