It’s a perfect morning. You’re stretching out, you call out, “Goodmorning, Alexa.” Alexa pleasantly responds while raising the smart shades, and within seconds the sun is beautifully shining through your bedroom. All that and you didn’t have to leave the bed.
Smart blinds extend and retract automatically on a set schedule or on voice commands. It was primarily designed as luxury products, but all that’s changing.
Besides being really convenient and giving you the privacy you deserve, smart blinds are proving a necessity since they also save energy and help keep your home safe. For instance, if you’re away, smart blinds can create the illusion that there are people at home even when you’re away.
Smart blinds also help homeowners save on the energy bill by letting in more light and keeping the heat turned down. Home Automation is a trend quickly picking pace, and smart blinds are definitely one of the most innovative designs.
The modern world is becoming less labour-intensive, even in running homes. Technology is fast evolving, and having a ‘smart home’ is slowly becoming a necessity. Like other internet-connected devices, smart blinds can be controlled remotely on-demand or at scheduled times.
Here are some of the top smart blinds that flawlessly work to give you that seamless service.
Best Smart Window Coverings
1. Redi Shade Easy Lift Trim-At-Home Cordless Pleated Blinds
- Trim at Home for a perfect fit, then install with No Tools – no...
- Trim your shade with a straight-edged kitchen knife using...
- Cordless lift mechanism for easy operation and clean appearance...
- Soft spun lace fabric gently filters light, with rounded bottom...
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee - We stand behind our products. If...
The Redi Shade is one of the best smart blinds, perfect for small apartments, dorm rooms and condos. At home, these smart blinds can be trimmed for a perfect fit.
It's an easy DIY installation since you don't require any tools to install. All you need is the kitchen knife, and the included trimming scale and guide to direct you. Note that you'll need to trim both ends if trimming is necessary.
Once you are done trimming, you'll only need to peel off the top strip and then place it on top of your window frame. The peel and place adhesive application should provide a permanent effortless installation that requires no drilling, no brackets, or screws. The permanent installation is ready in seconds with the simple no-tools peel-and-stick application.
Easy Lift Trim-at-Home Cordless Smart blinds offer a fit and look of custom-made pleated shades at an affordable price point. They are made of 1 1/4-inch spun lace fabric to give you an easy time cleaning, dusting or light vacuuming. Spot cleaning can also be done for stains.
These smart shades come in white and a variety of natural colours to street-side with colour coordinated rails for compatibility with whatever colour scheme you have in the house.
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2. Graywind Motorized Blackout Roller Smart Blinds
- FUNCTIONAL SHADES: 100% Blackout textured fabric with waterproof...
- 2.4G/5GHz AC32 MOTOR: Skip remote and program on mobile APP...
- 2.4GHz AC37 MOTOR: High quality and all time plug-in, can be...
- MADE-TO-ORDER: Click "Customize Now", custom dimensions and...
- AFTER-SERVICE: Mounting accessories, manuals included. Video...
Graywind smart blinds offer you several customisable options, which include the height, width, the number of remote control devices, and the inside or outside mount as required. These high-tech blackout shades are made from a double-layered polyester that helps provide privacy, block out UV rays, insulate the heat while ensuring light stays out.
The Smart Life app lets you control the shades remotely, set timers and schedule the opening and closing times. Graywind is a reputable brand, and you can be assured that you're getting one of the best smart blinds when you order a Graywind Motorized Zebra roller shade.
Rated as one of the best-hardwired options, the Graywind Roller shades are customisable blackout shades that can be controlled with a smart home system and are compatible with Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT programming. And what's even better, you don't need to purchase an additional tilt bridge.
After installing the shades, you'll need to download the Graywind app available on iOS and Android devices. Using the app, you can create automation routines and schedules for the beautiful new smart shades.
However, if you like to keep it simple, you can use the remote control for nine different pairs of Graywind shades or, better yet, purchase more Graywind remotes. To keep your settings consistent, you'll only need to copy the settings from one remote to another.
Initial programming can be a little tricky, so if you have any setup issues, Graywind has exceptional customer support to help.
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3. Yoolax Motorized Smart Blinds
- MATERIAL: It's durable Jacquard blended fabric, thicker and...
- SMART MOTOR: P412 Remote Battery motor (15 channel remote/Timing...
- MADE-TO-ORDER: Motorized Blackout Window Shades is customized,...
- SHIPPING & DELIVERY: Usually dispatched in 3-5 working days after...
- SERVICE: Yoolax offers end product a 2 year on motors and...
Yoolax has everything you'd want in blinds. These blackout shades are also breathable enough to let in cool air. You can customise, control, and schedule them to suit your taste.
The Yoolax smart blinds can be customised on order. The installation is relatively easy; however, the installation can take a little more time than usual. You need to fix them up on the window.
These blinds use both voice commands and have multiple remote control options to schedule the opening and closing times. It works well with smart home devices on voice commands through Google Assistant, Alexa and others on a stable Wi-fi network.
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4. SwitchBot Blind Tilt
- Makes Retrofitting Blinds Easy: SwitchBot Blind Tilt removes the...
- Endless Solar Battery Life: Our smart blinds feature a built-in...
- Precise Alignment Control: SwitchBot Blind Tilt uses a customized...
- Multiple Control Methods: Use our app or use timers to open and...
- Control via Groups: When in Bluetooth range you can control up to...
SwitchBot Blind Tilt offers a seamless and cost-effective solution for transforming your existing blinds into smart and automated marvels. This tiny device easily attaches to the twisting wand of your horizontal blinds. It works by twisting the wand to open or close the blinds, and you can control it right from your phone or by simply using voice commands with Alexa or Google Home (hub required). SwitchBot App supports creating schedules, setting timers, and Sunrise & Sunset mode. It also includes a built-in light sensor, ensuring automatic adjustment of the blinds in response to strong sunlight or cloudy conditions.
Unlike motorized blinds, the SwitchBot Blind Tilt offers a simple and convenient solution. It features a built-in solar panel, eliminating the need for manual charging or searching for cables. Say goodbye to climbing chairs or dealing with messy wires—this plug-and-play device is always ready to use.
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5. Ikea Fyrtur Window Blinds
The Ikea Fyrtur smart blinds let you control the light in the house. As blackout curtains, they can completely block out external light to create that dark privacy for you to enjoy a movie. That aspect makes them most ideal for nurseries, bedrooms, or any place that you’d need minimal sunlight and utmost privacy.
The IKEA Home smart and TRADFRI gateway app are used to create collective control for all the blinds especially if you have more than one blind. The grey-coloured smart blinds come in a variety of different sizes you can choose. The package includes a charger, rechargeable battery, and remote control.
Ikea is a trusted brand, and the Fyrtur line is not any different. The blinds can be integrated with Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit and other smart home setups.
The installation is easy, but it requires a moderate level of DIY skills. The Ikea Fyrtur lineup comes in 10 different sizes, with different widths that range from 23 to 48 inches.
All the curtain heights come in a standard 76 inches at full length. The tiny rechargeable and replaceable Braunit battery pack powers these smart blinds that come in different shades.
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6. Lutron Serena Motorized Blinds
- CREATE YOUR COMFORT ZONE: Serena smart shades move in near...
- EFFORTLESS PRIVACY: for those moments when you need privacy,...
- CUSTOM, HIGH QUALITY DESIGN: Serena is dedicated to offering...
- MOST CONNECTED: Serena works with more smart home brands than any...
- EASY INSTALL: No need to run power wires to the windows, because...
These custom-made smart blinds are quiet, responsive, and of excellent quality. It connects to most leading smart home brands, including Apple HomeKit, Sonos, Samsung SmartThings, Logitech Harmony, Serena shades, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
It also connects to many other smart home lighting control brands that manage lights, temperature, shades, cameras, voice assistants, and music. The Lutron Smart Bridge is required for the Wi-Fi features.
The Lutron Serena Smart blinds come in a variety of widths with a maximum height of 60 inches. These smart blinds can be controlled using a Pico remote, included in the pack, your smartphone and the Caseta app.
Alternatively, you can use voice control to direct this smart home device. They can be controlled using automatic smart-home control systems such as Geofencing, Schedules, and Scenes. The free iOS and Android Lutron app lets homeowners create personalised mood scenes, set opening and closing schedules, geofencing based on daily routines.
For aesthetic purposes, the blinds come in either a roller style or honeycomb-style in over 150 fabric, opacity and colour options to easily blend with whatever wall colours you have. The easy installation provides an easy way to cover the hard-to-reach windows.
Furthermore, they help save on energy and add an extra layer of insulation to block out the sun’s UV rays. Since they run a regular, they feature a safe, user-friendly cordless design.
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Factors to Consider When You Buy the Best Smart Blinds
Motorized blinds that open and close on command, on a set schedule, or based on room occupancy are an ultimate touch ideal for your home. However, how can you tell what's worth your time and resources? Here's a buying guide for you.
A. Shade Type
Shades come in four categories: Roller, Roman, cellular, also known as honeycomb, and pleated. A roller shade operates on motorized roller spins to control the sheet of fabric that covers your window.
Roman shades are made from single sheets of fabric and open as the cords running through rings pull up and fold the fabric in a stack. Cellular shades come in multiple layers of fabric that forms honeycomb cells to trap air. Pleated shades have a similar make to cellular shades but are made of a single sheet of fabric, and the pleats are generally much wider.
B. Light Control and Privacy
These go hand in hand. The more the light passes through the smart blinds, the less private your home is. However, note that you can adjust the blinds' slats to let in more light while providing the privacy needed.
C. Insulation Value
Closing the smart blinds or shades during the day can save you a tremendous amount of energy that would be consumed by your air-conditioning and heating appliances. Additionally, smart blinds are automatic and can be closed during the hours there's direct sunlight. It can detect when the particular room is occupied or when it’s vacant using a motion sensor.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Smart Window Treatments
1. How are motorized window shades controlled?
Motorized smart blinds are controlled by radio frequency (RF) signals. The motor in the shade is used to move it up and down. It receives these signals from a remote control. Mainly, Graber motorized shades use a special Radio Technology Somfy (RTS) motor and the Z-wave.
2. Can I automate my existing blinds?
Most smart blinds replace your existing blinds; however, MySmartBlinds' Home Automation Kit is one way to solve this problem. It's an easy out-of-the-box kit that you can install to turn your existing pull blinds into automated cord motorized blinds. You can control these blinds from your phone.
