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Technology is now a huge part of our everyday home life; from heating systems you control from your phone to lighting that responds to voice command. Window coverings are no different and motorised blinds have become an increasingly popular upgrade for those who prefer convenience, safety and touch of luxury throughout their homes. But, how do motorised blinds work?
At All Kinds Of Blinds Curtains & Shutters (AKOB), we design and install motorised solutions for window coverings that integrate effortlessly into modern living. In this guide we’ll take you behind the scenes of how motorised blinds actually work and why they could be the perfect addition to your home.
Motorised blinds are fitted with a discreet electric motor inside the blind tube which allows the blind to open and close automatically. Instead of pulling a chain or cord, you simply operate your blinds using a remote control, wall switch, smartphone app or voice assistant. Some styles will also automatically close when a certain temperature is reached in order to keep your home warm during the colder months and cooler during Summer.
Motorisation can be installed with most blind styles including roller blinds, Roman blinds, Venetian blinds, vertical blinds and even blinds for dormer windows.
At the heart of motorised blinds is the motor itself, which is responsible for raising, lowering or tilting the blind. The movement is controlled with precision which helps to prevent uneven unrolling, unlike that of a manual chain which can sometimes reduce the life of the fabric and internal mechanics.
When you send a command using your chosen method:
There’s no one-size-fits-all power solution for motorised blinds, which is what helps to make them easy to adapt to personal preferences.
Battery Powered: This option is ideal for retrofitting motorisation into existing homes. Rechargeable batteries are discreetly housed and typically only need recharging twice a year.
Mains Powered: Perfect for new builds or major renovations, mains-powered blinds are wired directly into your home’s electrical system for a fully-permanent solution.
Solar Powered: Some systems offer solar-powered battery charging options, making them an energy-efficient choice for sun-facing windows.
You can easily control your motorised blinds via:
Remote Controls: Simple and user-friendly, remotes allow you to operate individual blinds or several rooms at once.
Smartphone and Tablet Control: By using an app you can operate your blinds even when you’re not at home. Heading away for the weekend? Close your blinds remotely for extra peace of mind.
Voice Control: Compatible with smart home platforms such as Alexa, Google Nest and Apple Home, voice activation allows you to control your blinds completely hands-free.
Wall Switches: Mounted neatly on the wall and ideal for main rooms and easy access. A more traditional option but you won’t need to worry about hunting for the remote or phone batteries dying.
Whilst motorised blinds are a popular choice, they’re not the only window covering that can benefit from smart technology. At AKOB we also offer motorisation for curtains, which can be an ideal alternative to manually moving heavy fabrics. Motorised curtain tracks are also extremely quiet in operation which makes them suitable for children’s bedrooms.
The biggest benefit of motorising curtains alongside blinds is unified control. With one system you can manage every window covering in your home from a one central point and programme:
One of the greatest advantages of motorised blinds is the elimination of dangling cords or chains. This makes them one of the safest choices for family homes. At AKOB all of our window coverings are child safe but if you have blinds from before the 2014 introduction of new safety regulations, then we highly recommend considering replacements. With no manual controls, motorised blinds completely remove a potential hazard; making them ideal for nurseries, bedrooms and play areas.
At AKOB we offer several industry-leading options to suit different properties and tastes:
Global leaders in motorisation, Somfy® motors are renowned for quiet operation, durability and seamless smart home compatibility.
A household name in the UK for blinds, Louvolite® offers dependable automated solutions that combine function with design.
Specialists in wire-free motorisation, QMotion® provides effortless control without the need for major electrical work, making them an excellent choice for existing homes.
When set up correctly, motorised blinds can contribute to energy efficiency. By programming blinds to close in strong sunlight, you can reduce heat build-up in summer. In winter, blinds can automatically close in the evening to reduce heat loss. This helps to not only create a more comfortable living environment but can also potentially lower heating and cooling costs.
At AKOB we combine design expertise with years of technical know-how. Our specialist team of designers and skilled fitters can advise you on the best motors, fabrics and control systems to suit your lifestyle and budget.
We offer:
Motorised blinds are no longer reserved for ‘the elite’, they’ve become a practical and increasingly affordable solution for modern, tech-savvy living. From easy operation, to improved safety and energy efficiency, they have the power to make daily life simpler with the touch of a button.
Whether you’re starting an entire smart home journey or would like to upgrade your main living space, motorised blinds from AKOB offer comfort and convenience in one neat package. Book a free home survey with one of our friendly team today or pop into one of our three stores to find out more.