Automatic Window Blinds

[Rob_D]

I've been looking at installing electric/automatic blinds in the bedrooms at home with some kind of scheduled opening.

Has anyone done this before and has any advice, recommendations, things to avoid?

No blinds up at the moment.

 

Thanks!

[mavhc]

Wait until ikea release their Matter compatible blinds this year

[DavonPotter]

I recently installed automatic blinds in my home, and they've been a game-changer! I went with a brand offering app control and integration with my smart home system so I can schedule them to open and close at specific times. One piece of advice is to ensure you have a reliable power source near your windows, whether batteries or wired. Also, check the compatibility with your existing smart home devices if you have any. I'd recommend avoiding cheaper options with poor customer support or durability. Overall, it's a great upgrade for convenience and energy efficiency.

[andy_b]

I recently installed automatic blinds in my home, and they've been a game-changer! I went with a brand offering app control and integration with my smart home system so I can schedule them to open and close at specific times. One piece of advice is to ensure you have a reliable power source near your windows, whether batteries or wired. Also, check the compatibility with your existing smart home devices if you have any. I'd recommend avoiding cheaper options with poor customer support or durability. Overall, it's a great upgrade for convenience and energy efficiency.

 

Which brand did you go with then? Or is it secret?

[howartp]

I recently installed automatic blinds in my home, and they've been a game-changer! I went with a brand offering app control and integration with my smart home system...

 

And that brand is…?

[synaesthesia]

And that brand is…?

 

probably Temu AI generated

[mavhc]

Yeah, check their other generic posts

[Davit2005]

Do something with open source i.e. Matter and use Home Assistant or similar will give you a lot of flexibility and options. The trouble with integrating with third parties is they might close their API like some have done already.

 

I use mostly ESP32 with Bluetooth or other sensors but expanding quite a bit. I have a remote control receiver on one that I can control any device that HomeAssistant integrates with and this includes fans made smart with ESP modules etc

Edited July 3, 2024 by Davit2005

[LeMarchand]

I recently installed automatic blinds in my home, and they've been a game-changer! I went with a brand offering app control and integration with my smart home system so I can schedule them to open and close at specific times. One piece of advice is to ensure you have a reliable power source near your windows, whether batteries or wired. Also, check the compatibility with your existing smart home devices if you have any. I'd recommend avoiding cheaper options with poor customer support or durability. Overall, it's a great upgrade for convenience and energy efficiency.

 

There seems to be a lot of choice in systems, and picking the wrong one could lead to difficulties with integration at a later date. Many people here seem keen on Matter - any thoughts? Or is it worth holding on for the forthcoming Dark Matter?

[bobsmith]

I'm using the IKEA automatic blackout blinds - the light blocking is very good and the rechargeable battery in the motor lasts over 6 months between charges for me.

 

Integration through their home smart system that links to Alexa.

[MatthewL]

You can get smart blind motors that you put your strings in and then use something like Home Assist to link it all together, will be the cheapest way and something I had considered but not done yet.

[mavhc]

Aren't they about £50 each? You can also replace the roller part of the blind with a motorised one for the same price

[FN-GM]

I'm using the IKEA automatic blackout blinds - the light blocking is very good and the rechargeable battery in the motor lasts over 6 months between charges for me.

 

Integration through their home smart system that links to Alexa.

 

Someone at work has these and rates them. Unfortunately my windows are too large for them. I ended up paying a small fortune for standard blinds.

[FN-GM]

Aren't they about £50 each? You can also replace the roller part of the blind with a motorised one for the same price

 

I hadn’t seen these before. Can you recommend any in particular please? They should be more appealing to the eye!

[mavhc]

Not specifically, search for [retrofit roller blind motor] and then add [smart] I suppose. What I want is Matter + solar panel to keep it charged