How Do You Install Motorised Blinds?

If you’re thinking about giving your home a tech makeover with some motorised blinds, you might be wondering how to install them correctly. Or, you might even be wondering if you have to install them yourself, or whether it’s possible to pay for someone to come and install them for you.

In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at how to install motorised blinds, who can install motorised blinds for you, and how to prepare your home if you’re going to be installing these new tech gadgets any time soon.

So, how do you install motorised blinds? Let’s take a look.

What are motorised blinds?

Motorised blinds are a popular form of smart technology: they’re remote-controlled power blinds or curtains that can be controlled or automated according to your needs.

Benefits of motorised blinds

Motorised blinds are great for the earth’s environment, as well as your home environment. Here are just a few benefits of installing motorised blinds in your home:

• Eco-friendly

• Enhanced security

• Protect your belongings

Installing Motorised Blinds Yourself: What you Need to Know

If you want to install motorised blinds yourself, you’ll need to make sure you’re familiar with the installation process before getting started. A poor or faulty installation can end up costing more than simply hiring an installation expert, so you’ll want to ensure that you know everything before proceeding.

Top fixing vs. Face Fixing

Before installing your motorised blinds, you’ll need to decide whether you want to perform a top-fixing installation or a face-fixing installation.

Top Fixing: this method involves screwing the brackets into the recess’ ceiling. The top fixing method is the most common method for installing motorised blinds, and will typically produce a secure, snug fit around your chosen window.

Face Fixing: with this method, you’ll screw the brackets onto the wall above the window or door, and is a great option if you want to create a total blackout option (as the blinds will cover the window entirely, they won’t be able to let in any light).

Put your blinds into the brackets

Fix your motorised blinds into the end of each bracket, and place them in the position you’d like your blinds to be. Once you’re set on a position, mark the position (as you’re going to be using a drill to fix the brackets in place).

Screw in the blinds

Placing your blind brackets in the position you’ve already marked out, screw in the brackets using the screws provided. Next, holding your blinds in parallel to the brackets, secure the end of the blinds (the end opposing the motor end) and fixing the + sign plunger into the + sign bracket. The plunger should make a popping sound as it snaps into place. Next, manoeuvre the motor head side of the blinds into the bracket. And there you have it! Your motorised blinds are installed.

How to prepare your home for motorised blinds installation

Whether you’re going to be installing your blinds yourself or hiring an installation expert to do it for you, you’ll still need to consider the following points before having your new smart blinds installed:

Choose where the blinds will be installed

Before ordering motorised blinds, it’s important to take measurements and decide on the locations in your home where the blinds will be installed. Go around your home with a measuring tape and analyse where motorised blinds would work best in your home; keep in mind that smart blinds can help to protect your soft furnishings, so it might be a good idea to place them close to belongings or furniture that you’d like to protect from sun damage.

Complete any painting or DIY needed beforehand

If you’re renovating your home, make sure that you complete beforehand any painting, wallpapering or other DIY that you wish to carry out on the wall or window where you’ll be installing your motorised blinds. It can be time-consuming and expensive if you need to uninstall your blinds in the near future due to DIY issues.

Consider sizing

Motorised blinds will obviously change the aesthetics of your home, so it’s up to you to manage how the blinds look - in particular when it comes to sizing. Many smart-home enthusiasts opt for motorised blinds due to their compactness, so when taking measurements, make sure to take into account whether or not you want your blinds to cover your window completely, or touch the floor when rolled out.

DIY installation vs. hiring an installation expert: which is best?

If you’re a DIY enthusiast, there’s no reason you can’t install motorised blinds at home yourself. Installing motorised blinds is a fairly simple process, and doing it yourself could shave off around £100 of the total costs of your electric blinds. If you’ve never installed blinds before, speak to your provider for tips and advice before attempting installation.

However, if you’re unsure about the installation process, or not particularly handy when it comes to home repairs or DIY, it might be a good idea to hire an expert to install the blinds for you. This is because an incorrect installation might actually end up costing you more to fix - more than it would have cost to simply install the blinds upfront.

If you’re in any doubt, it might be a good idea to simply opt for an expert installation - you’ll get to enjoy your new motorised blinds without having to worry about brackets, screws, and top fixing.

FAQs

How much does motorised blind installation cost?

Depending on your location, motorised blind installation will typically cost you around £20-£30 per hour for a professional installation, and the time taken to install the blinds shouldn’t be more than a few hours (although this obviously depends on the size of your windows and how many blinds you’re installing).

Can I install motorised blinds at home myself?

In most cases, you’ll be able to install your motorised blinds yourself at home. However, some blinds companies might include installation in the final price, so make sure to make use of this if you’ve paid for it.