Everything You Need to Know About Motorised Blinds

In this modern world that keeps going forward when it comes to technology, people are leaning towards automatic blinds more and more every day. They’re becoming very popular not just in offices, but in homes as well. They’re great when you need to cover awkward spaces or if you or someone in your family has mobility issues.

What to Consider when Buying

Types of Blinds

Roller Shades

Roller shades are one of the most popular blinds. They’re among the favourites because they’re very simple and versatile. All they consist of is a single piece of fabric. When you want to control the amount of light that comes in, they just roll up or down. They come in many different colours and can be made of a lot of materials. Being like this makes them suitable for almost any interior design and style. Plus, they don’t require a lot of maintenance which is perfect for busy families that don’t have a lot of time for cleaning.

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are also known as honeycomb shades. These practical, high-quality automatic window blinds are made of two or more layers of fabric that when placed on top of each other form a honeycomb pattern. They’re great for insulation because the air gets trapped between the fabric layers and you can regulate the room’s temperature easily. If you’re an eco-conscious homeowner, they’re the right choice for your household.

Roman Shades

If you want something stylish and elegant, you should buy Roman shades. Instead of rolling up like the roller shades, they fold like an accordion. The single sheet of fabric gives a very sleek and elegant look to the space. You can find them in darker and lighter fabric shades depending on your preference. There are also heavier fabrics that will help with privacy, insulation and heavy light control.

Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds have become one of the classics. They have horizontal slats that turn up or down so you can control the light intensity inside the room. They can be made of different materials such as aluminium, wood and vinyl and can have plenty of finishes. This makes them a very versatile option for any household. Plus, they’re very durable and have moisture-resistant properties.

Vertical Blinds

If you want to cover larger windows or sliding glass doors you should invest in vertical blinds. As their name implies, they feature vertical slats that can be rotated to either side to manage the amount of light entering the room. They can be made from aluminium, wood or some type of fabric and match any room in the house from the bathroom, and kitchen to the living room.

Outdoor Blinds

Motorised blinds aren’t made just for the inside. They can be used outdoors as well. They’ll keep your house cool and insulate it from the sun’s heat while looking amazing. You can have them customised to meet your specific requirements and provide the utmost protection. They’re made of strong, durable, weather-resistant materials so they can stand up to the elements and a lot of wear and tear.

Power Source Options

Battery-Operated Varieties

One thing that makes these very convenient is their ease of installation and simplicity. The batteries they use can be replaced easily and you get a clean look with no wires or cord hanging around. They’re easy to control and move and are very cost-effective. 
Battery-operated models are perfect for houses that don’t have the necessary electrical wiring for motorised blinds. Their only disadvantage is that they’re not as powerful as the other power options.

Hardwired Motorised Models

These automatic window blinds are a more permanent solution. During installation they’re directly connected to your electrical wiring, there’s no batteries involved. They’re great for covering larger windows and doors because they’re more powerful than the battery-operated ones. Just keep in mind that cords and wires may be visible and you’ll need to hire professionals to install them.

Solar-Powered Motorised Options

If you want something that’s very eco-friendly and kind to the environment, you should buy solar-powered automatic blinds. They use the power of the sun and convert it into energy through solar panels. You get fully functional window treatments without spending any electrical energy.
This is becoming a very popular option and more and more people are incorporating it every day. Just keep in mind that it won’t work as well on cloudy days. So, if you live in an area where the sun doesn’t shine as much, solar-powered models might not be the best option.

Control Options

Remote Control

When it comes to operating and controlling your blinds, there are a few ways you can do it. The first one is by a remote. This is a very common option and you can control them anywhere in the room. Some remotes can even control different setups in different rooms.

Wall Switch

Wall switches work the same way as light switches. They’re simple to operate, anyone can use them. The switch is always at the same location you won’t lose it inside the house, but every time you need to open or close them, you’ll have to walk to the switch.

Smartphone App & Voice Commands

Some options come with their own app. You install it on your smartphone and you can control them no matter where you are. You can even schedule their movement at a specific time. Voice Commands are very convenient, you don’t need your phone or a remote, you simply use your voice.

Benefits of Motorised Blinds

1. Convenience – easy to control, no manual labour, good for hard-to-reach windows;
2. Thermal control – better temperature control, additional layer of insulation;
3. Energy efficient – reduce the need for cooling or heating, lower the energy bills;
4. Security – scheduling opening and closing can make your home more secure;
5. Safety – there are no cords which adds to the safety especially if you have small children and pets;
6. Customisation – you can choose the material, colour, and style, and can have them custom-made to fit the windows and doors.