Is the time right for automated blinds or curtains in your home or office?  It depends on your resources and desires, but there have been huge strides made through improved technology and manufacturing upgrades that have resulted in lower pricing and much improved products.  “Curtains and blind systems lend themselves easily to automation. The technology is well proven, simple, and more importantly, the price points have come down dramatically over recent years” says Samantha Shervill of Silent Gliss in the UK.  They are easily integrated into a C-Bus control system  (a complete household control system that’s integration compatible by computer) and even operational by smart phone app if desired.

At lower price points there are battery powered units and one or two battery powered blinds should be fine for smaller windows, but I highly recommend larger blind systems be hard wired instead of plug in or battery mode.  They’re more reliable, durable, discreet systems that are usually wired into the ceiling, which eliminates the possibility of a battery failure.  The hard wired designs are much more versatile, and powerful enough to operate as many shades as you want with as many custom programs as you need.

Hunter Douglas Concept

If you decide to take the leap after further investigation, extensive planning is necessary since there are so many different options:  how will the blinds will be controlled (in groups, individually, all together, combinations), material, textures and colors?  I’m assuming a household control system here, so if you don’t have one, then we’re back to simple battery powered systems for your blinds unless you’re planning a new home.  Installing a whole new system into an existing home is cost prohibitive because of the destruction and renovation necessary unless you’re already planning a bare bones project.  There are some instances where plug in or battery remote control systems make sense:  hard to reach windows, remote control, pre-programmed wall timers, no dangerous hanging cords (small children die every year from them).

Once the systems are installed you won’t be able to switch motors in most cases, so be sure you have the right control system, color and style desired.  Normally there will be plenty of colors and textures to choose from, and get samples before ordering your selections.  Directions need to be explicit when it comes to measuring windows for automated blinds and followed closely.  If you’re getting a wired in system,  get the directions to your electrician before you place your order and have him survey your wiring scheme.  Don’t get caught with an order that’s not even compatible with your wiring capacity and licensed electricians are required for wired installations.

Automated curtain and blinds systems are in a fast growth trend for modern homes, and for plenty of good reasons.  A complete wired in system is a big step, but with lots of thought and pre-planning it’s a great investment in added convenience, security, safety, insulation, efficiency and high décor value.  Automated blind systems can have warranties from one year up to a lifetime guarantee, so keep that in mind when weighing your options.  Don’t forget the value of customer service.  One company I reviewed even assigns a representative to each purchaser to help you through the installation, programming and operating phase.

Conversely, the wired in systems have almost no limits in convenience and value to the modern home.  So if you’re planning a new home, or a bare bones remodel I highly recommend considering this option if your budget can handle it.  There will be a day when up to date homes are expected to have wired in, computer controlled, curtain / blind systems.  How would you view the value and convenience of an automobile without power windows?  We haven’t always had them!

Battery Powered Shade & Remote

My opinion in regard to the battery powered blind?  I’m not sold on the value at present pricing (e.g., 24” x 36,” $301.21 on sale) unless there’s an issue of child safety or hard to reach smaller blinds.  If you have a physical challenge and can’t reach a window blind, or have a skylight that needs a blind system it’s going to be a great convenience.  The plug-in style would be better if it weren’t for unsightly power cords and outlet requirements. I did find a company that uses a compact 3 year battery which could be very worthwhile for lighter blind systems.  It’s illustrated in the professionally done informative video below along with various systems and options available.

Reading this short article about another specific company should be useful as well.  Don’t forget the decorative designs that go with a modern decor theme, no matter your style.  We have high value decor accents inside and out for the modern home at Silky Flower Store.

My Best, Billy Goldmark

Your Home Decoration Pro