Motorised blinds are operated electronically with no chains or cords. They operate by the touch of a button and are powered by 240V or battery. Motorised blinds are frequently accessed via a remote control stored near by, or via a mobile phone app, enabling operation from almost anywhere in the world.
Motorised blinds come with many benefits:
How Do Motorised Blinds Work?
Motorised blinds can operate in several ways:
The most common and affordable product to be motorised. A hardwired motor can link up to 3 roller blinds on 1 motor (up to 10sqm). Linked blinds can only ever be operated together. If you prefer the flexibility of operating blinds independently then you would need separate motors.
Roman blind can be motorised when made on a larger headboard as the motor is placed at the top of the blind under the headboard. They can be hardwired or battery operated.
External awnings are frequently motorised for convenience and due to size. If awnings are motorised, they are often used more frequently as you don’t need to go outside to operate them. Some awnings must be motorised due to their size and weight, usually folding arm awnings. Awnings can be motorised by hardwired motors or solar powered motors.
Motorising curtain tracks is becoming increasingly popular. Eliminating the cords and operating a large expanse with the touch of a button is very appealing. We can motorise most curtain tracks and a single motor can power expanses well over 6 metres wide, so although curtain motors cost substantially more than roller blind motors, we need less over a large span.
Remote control sizes vary by brand, but are usually available in a 1 channel, 2 channel, 4 channel and 16 channel size. The number of products you are motorising and their location usually determines this requirement.
Adding a hub to your blinds purchase allows you to set timers and schedules. You can program your blinds to open or close at certain times of the day – handy if you need to close your blinds when the sun hits certain windows or if you are not going to be home until later that night, to ensure privacy and safety simply close the blinds from wherever you are. Set them up on timers when you go away on holiday to make it look like you are home.
Home automation technology has become so advanced you can now use a smart phone app to enable you to control your blinds from anywhere in the world. You can group blinds, set timers, create scenes all at the press of a button. The app can link to control not only your home, but also your office & your holiday home.
If you have selected hardwired motors, the Nicholls Interiors team will co-ordinate our installation time with the licensed electrician. Attending the installation together provides a neater finished result.
If you have battery controlled motors, we install and program the blinds at the installation.
Motorised blinds require very little maintenance – it’s a set and forget if you have hardwired your blinds, all you will need to do is change the batteries in your remote control every few years. If you have lithium batteries you will need to charge them every 6-12 months, depending on the frequency of use and size of the blind.
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best motorisation option for your space.
How difficult is it to get power to the location of the blind?
Do you want to link blinds together or do you need a motor per blind?
Are you physically capable to reach the top of the blind to charge it if you are considering lithium battery
We discuss all these with you at the time of measure to determine the best motorisation option.
Motorised blinds provide options for enhanced security. When used in conjunction with the hub you can operate your blinds from your mobile phone when you are not home. You can set schedules when you are on holidays to make it look like someone is home.
No, your blinds are either manual OR motorised and don’t have an override option.
A professional installer is usually required to install motorised blinds and if you are hardwiring then a licenced electrician will also be required.
You can also enjoy the benefits of voice control using digital assistants. They are all suited to different lifestyles and different levels of home automation capabilities. The three most popular systems are: Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple Homekit.
Amazon Alexa – is arguably tailored for smart home newbies. It is easy to set up, with the ability to be plugged in and used anywhere, and controlled via Android or Apple devices. Alexa is also the most widely supported hub, with many of compatible smart home apps (like MySmartBlinds).
Google Home – is much smarter than Amazon’s Alexa. It is powered by Google’s search engine technology, so it’s able to respond to a broader array of questions and commands. However, it has far less compatible smart home apps so check it covers everything you want to automate (blinds are compatible).
Apple Homekit – No home assistant is required for this option; it is used directly with your phone via Siri. Not all motors are compatible with this option so speak to us for advice first.
Electric blinds are extremely energy efficient. Not only do they use very little power to operate, but they can be used in various ways to help improve the energy efficiency of your home, whether it’s to retain heat, keep your home cool or let more warmth in.
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