How do motorised blinds work?

If you're thinking about installing motorised blinds in your home, you're probably wondering how they work, and if they can make your home smarter, more energy efficient, and even safer for smaller children and pets.

The truth is, motorised blinds help with all of the above, and can even offer enhanced security for your home.

In the following guide, we're going to go over everything you need to know about motorised blinds: from how they work, to how they can bring down energy costs in your home. Let's take a look!

What are motorised blinds?

Motorised blinds Windsor - also known as smart blinds, automatic blinds, or electric blinds - are window coverings that can be opened and closed automatically, either via the push of a button or more recently, through voice command or app control. Often integrated into new homes as a form of smart technology, motorised blinds can be incredibly useful when it comes to improving your home security, making your property energy efficient, and even improving your home's market value.

How do motorised blinds work?

So, how do motorised blinds work? It's simple - the blinds are powered by a small motor that is installed inside the window frame, which is connected directly to the blinds. Depending on the type of blind you choose, the motor can be controlled with either a remote control, voice command, or can even be programmed to automatically open or close depending on the time of day or season. When activated, the motor will automatically lift or close the blinds, without any manual intervention necessary.

• App control blinds are ideal for the tech-savvy; app-controlled blinds can be opened and closed from anywhere in the world, so perfect for frequent travellers.

• Voice command blinds are ideally suited to homes with inaccessible windows (such as roof windows or Velux windows), as well as those who have mobility limitations.

• Remote control blinds are convenient, efficient, and ideal for medium-sized homes.

• Button or switch blinds are just as effective as other forms of motorised blinds, and best suited to those who often find themselves losing their remote controls. (It happens to the best of us).

When motorised blinds are installed, any connecting wires are usually hidden within the window frame, so there's no need to worry about unsightly cords or cables hanging around your window. Plus, the battery of a motorised window blind will usually last for around 1-2 years before needing replaced, although this will largely depend on how often you use your blinds, how heavy they are, the size of your window, and the type of blind you opt for (as certain fabrics are heavier than others).

What are the benefits of motorised blinds?

Motorised blinds offer a wide-ranging list of benefits that can not only improve your home's energy efficiency and comfort levels, but can even make it more secure, temperature-regulated, and safer for small children and pets. Here are just some of the advantages you can expect from installing motorised blinds in your home:

Automation

Motorised blinds can be programmed to open and close at certain times, so you don't have to worry about manually opening them every morning. In fact, these blinds can double in function as an efficient (and less annoying!) alarm clock; what's more appealing, to be woken by rays of soft sunlight or a loud, ringing alarm clock? We know which one we'd prefer!

Protect home furnishings

Did you know that continued sun exposure can damage your soft furnishings and even your hardwood flooring? Sunlight exposure can cause fading and discolouration over time, especially if your furniture pieces are older antiques. With the help of motorised blinds (which can offer black-out capabilities), you can protect your furniture and flooring from costly and irreparable damage.

Convenience

One major benefit of motorised blinds is the convenience angle: the blinds can be easily opened and closed either via the push of a button, or through voice command or app control; this can make it easier for those who are elderly - or those with mobility restrictions - to operate their blinds with ease. It's also convenient for other members of your household; who wants to get up and close their blinds while they're in the middle of a gripping film or TV show?

Energy efficient

Another benefit of motorised blinds is energy-efficiency: by having the ability to program your blinds to open and close at certain times of the day, you can bring down your energy bills by maximising the flow of natural light into your home. The same goes for the hotter months; you can close your blinds on particularly hot days and keep the heat out of your home; this means that you won't need to rely on running a fan or your air conditioning system all summer, resulting in considerable long-term cost savings.

Safety

The automated nature of motorised blinds eliminates the need for potentially hazardous cords and strings associated with traditional blinds and curtains, which can decrease the likelihood of falls and injury in your home. Motorised blinds are also inherently child and pet-friendly; you won't need to worry about your little ones (nor your furry friends) getting tangled up in cords when unsupervised.

Security

When it comes to adding an extra layer of security to your home, motorised blinds can be set up to open and close automatically, even when you're not at your property. By simulating activity even when your home is empty, you can help to deter intruders or burglars who may observe properties for signs of vulnerability; this means that if you travel frequently for work, or even simply go away on holiday, you can rest easy knowing that your home is that little bit more secure.

Smart tech integration

What's great about motorised blinds is that they can be used as a stepping stone for further smart technology in your home; not only does smart technology make your home more efficient and modern, it can even increase your property value by around £2000. When coupled with the cost-savings that you'll inevitably make on your energy and utility bills, motorised blinds represent both a handy and cost-effective investment.

How are motorised blinds installed?

Depending on your own DIY skills, you can either install your motorised blinds at home yourself or hire a professional to carry out the installation for you. The option you choose will largely depend on your own capabilities, budget, and the nature of the blinds themselves; if you're installing blinds at height, a professional installation expert might be the best option.