We’re always looking for the newest technology to make our lives easier and more convenient. From smartphones to wireless headphones, even your average home product can be automated. As the demand for smarter, safer, and accessible devices grows, various industries are upgrading their technology to offer modern accessories, and the window fashion industry is no exception. Motorized blinds are window treatments that are operated with a motor which eliminates all the heavy lifting. Opening and closing your blinds or shades has never been easier!
There are many benefits to installing motorized blinds into your home or office, but before you make your purchase let’s go through some of the questions associated with motorized window treatments. By the end of this blog, you should feel confident that motorized window blinds are worth it.
How Do Motorized Blinds Work?
Motorized roller blinds are powered by a tubular motor inserted in the roller tube. Rather than a clutch and pull system, motorized blinds are adjusted through a remote control. There are various ways to operate motorized blinds, though each has the same ultimate function of adjusting your window treatments remotely. Let’s break down the 5 ways to automate your blinds:
The most basic motorization option is a remote control. With a touch of a button, raise or lower your shades with ease. Remote controls are available with one or multiple channels which allow you to adjust more than one window blind simultaneously. This is handy for rooms with many windows. With one touch you could control up to 16 window treatments at once! Talk about convenience.
- Sleek and durable
- User friendly
- Control up to 16 window treatments or 16 groups of window treatments
- 65 foot range
Wall switches are essentially a centralized remote control installed on your wall similarly to a light switch. This allows you to adjust up to 15 shades or blinds from one central location. With a sleek design, wall switches are the perfect choice for those who misplace their remote controls.
- Contemporary look
- Wireless installation
- Control up to 15 window treatments or 15 groups of window treatments
- 100 foot range (depending on walls and floor plans)
This small device plugs into your outlet and transforms your smartphone or tablet into a remote control through the use of a free app. Rather than have a separate remote control to keep track of to adjust your window treatments, the Somfy MyLink app raises or lowers your motorized blinds from anywhere. With IFTTT (If This, Then That) integration, you can even pair your smart home devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control.
- Plugs directly into your outlet
- Free MyLink app
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- WiFi enabled
- 35 foot range
Somfy’s TaHoma device and app take automation a step further. The free smartphone app allows you to directly integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart home devices. Simply use your voice to adjust your blinds. You can even set schedules for when specific shades should be lowered or raised during the day. With a range of 200 meters, Somfy TaHoma can control multiple window treatments within your home.
- Easy setup
- Free TaHoma app
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- WiFi enabled
- 656 foot range
ShadeMonster’s smart hub turns remote controlled blinds, ceiling fans, and even fireplaces into smart devices. It’s sleek design and small size keeps it from detracting from your home decor. Pair it with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to use voice commands to adjust your blinds easily. With its easy setup, this smart hub acts as a bridge between your blinds and the Wifi.
- Easy setup
- Free smartphone app
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings
- WiFi enabled
- 2500 sq ft range
Motorized Window Blinds Benefits
Motorization grants you complete remote control of your window blinds. By eliminating all cords, chains, or tilt wands, this alleviates the need to manually pull or adjust your blinds. Motorized blinds allow you to raise or lower your blinds without being home, let alone in the room. Set schedules for your blinds to be adjusted at specific times of the day so your home is always protected from harmful UV rays and excessive sunlight and heat. Not only does motorization make controlling your blinds easier, it can benefit your life in many ways:
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Motorized Blinds Connect to Smart Devices for Extra Convenience
Pair your motorized blinds with smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to adjust your blinds via voice commands. Simply ask “Alexa, lower the living room blinds” and sit back and relax. You can even say “Google, raise bedroom blinds at 7:00 am during the weekdays”. No need to search for a remote or get up from the couch. When you connect your motorized blinds to a smart device, you’re in control from any location.
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Motorized Blinds for Hard-to-Reach Windows
For large or hard-to-reach windows, motorization takes all the heavy lifting out of adjusting your blinds. This makes it safer and easier to raise and lower your heavy window treatments with a touch of a button. Motorization is perfect for floor-to-ceiling windows, windows above the front door, and even skylights.
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Motorized Blinds are Accessible for Elderly and Physically Disabled
For households with elderly or physically disabled family members, motorization makes adjusting your window blinds accessible. With a remote control, smartphone app, or voice command, motorized blinds are user-friendly and easy to adjust.
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Motorized Blinds are Safe for Pets and Children
By eliminating all cords, chains, and tilt wands, motorized blinds are safer for homes with pets or small children. Accessible cords can be potential choking hazards and are best excluded around small children and pets.
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Motorized Blinds are Energy Efficient
Keeping your blinds lowered during the day helps conserve energy and insulate your home. Motorized blinds can be scheduled to raise and lower at specific times of the day. If your windows receive more direct sunlight during the morning, schedule them to remain lowered until the afternoon. By conserving energy with their insulating properties, motorized blinds can save you money on your electricity bill each month.
Motorized Blinds are Worth It
We’ve gone through the benefits of motorized blinds, but you might still be wondering if they’re worth installing in your home. We’re here to tell you they are! Motorized blinds are reliable and long lasting. Their durable motors can operate for years with proper maintenance and use. Depending on the brand, each motor comes with a warranty so if anything goes wrong you’re covered. Motorized blinds are not noisy. In fact, they are no louder than an electric powered coffee machine. Battery operated motorized blinds only need to be charged every few months. Depending on how frequent the use is, you may only need to charge your motors twice a year. Ditch hazardous and unsightly chains and go for motorized blinds.
What Factors Impact Motorized Blinds Cost?
The price of motorized shades can vary dramatically based on a number of variables. We advise getting a free consultation by a professional company, such as ShadeMonster. A common misbelief is that larger windows affect the cost of motorized blinds, which is not true. Adding a motor to a larger window blind is no more costly than adding a motor to a small blind.
It’s important to keep these key cost factors in mind when considering motorized blinds for your home.
- Number of windows: As the number of windows that you would like to add motorization to increases, so does the cost. To keep costs low, consider adding motorization to select windows that would benefit the most.
- Type of charger: Motorized blinds are either battery operated or hardwired through the wall. This changes the way the motors are charged. Hardwiring is the more expensive option. It does not require recharging but is recommended to be installed during construction or renovation as an electrician will need to run the wires through the wall. Battery operated motorized blinds are easy to charge and only require charging every six months or so.
- Brand of motor: Different brands offer higher quality motors and will cost you more. Keep in mind that a lower cost motor may not perform as well as higher cost ones and may require maintenance or replacement. Do your research and find the brand that works best for you.
- Type/Brand of control: Motorized blinds are always remote controlled, however you do have the option of upgrading your control system. Choose between multi-channel remotes, wall switches, and smart hub devices. Just be aware that each additional option will increase the upfront cost of your blinds.
There is no doubt that motorized blinds add comfort and convenience to your life. If you’re considering adding motorization to your home, make sure to keep in mind the factors we listed above. If you’re not sure where to start, give us a call to receive a free consultation and quote. ShadeMonster is here to help and make sure that your dream window treatments become a reality.
Located in South Florida?
ShadeMonster is your trusted custom window treatment company in Miami. Come visit our showroom, just 10 minutes north of the Design District, and see our fabric samples, how our window treatments work, and tour our factory where all our products are made. Our team of designers will help make customizing your window treatments easy and pain-free.
Why Trust ShadeMonster with your window treatment?
ShadeMonster boasts over 25 years of full service experience in commercial and home window treatments. Our products come directly from our local factory guaranteeing high quality customizable materials, competitive pricing, and quick turn around. Contact us today for your free estimate, and have your new shades in less than 7 business days!
Still need help deciding on a window treatment?
ShadeMonster’s team of experts are happy to assist. Call now for free consultation: 866-206-8056
