Since the New Health Canada Window Coverings Regulations were implemented, there has been an increase in the popularity of automatic blinds. They are more expensive than the usual corded window coverings so you may contemplate if it is worth the price.
What’s with the new trend of smart blinds? Most importantly, how do you choose the best smart blind for your home? We’ll break down the information that surrounds remote control blinds.
What are smart blinds?
Smart blinds, such as Somfy are window coverings that can be opened and closed using a smartphone app or voice command.
Smart blinds are available in a variety of styles from cloth roller blinds, and blinds with wooden slats, to heat-trapping honeycomb-style blinds. It is also available in a variety of colors, fabrics, and finishes to complement your décor.
While these design considerations are important, there is one feature that should take precedence: the power source. Automated blinds can be hardwired or powered by solar, battery, or a power cord.
How are smart blinds different from vertical blinds?
Vertical blinds are fabric panels that are clipped to a sliding track at the top and operate with the help of a plastic wand or chain. Also known as louvers or slats, these fabric pieces are joined together by weights to ensure the louvers are evenly weighted across the length of the track, whether fully extended or nestled together to let extra light inside. To ensure the stability of the blinds, the louvers are also linked together at the bottom by a chain.
Looking closely, vertical blinds are straightforward. It is designed to allow most control over the light in all kinds of environments. Vertical blinds work best with larger windows. In an office, vertical blinds offer great flexibility because they can be adjusted to any length. If you want to ensure your area receives a good amount of natural light without having to worry about being exposed to outside, a vertical blind is a good option. Vertical remote control blinds are a designer’s first choice.
Meanwhile, smart blinds were a term developed later which is attributed to any device that connects to the internet. A lot of smart devices are designed to sync with a laptop or mobile phone and be controlled from anywhere. The same thing goes with smart blinds and shades. The primary key to their operation is that they can be operated via your smartphone.
What are the features of smart blinds?
There are three major features to look for when purchasing smart blinds. The first thing is the kind of light filtering you require. There are blinds that are just thick enough to block some light, while others are blackout shades that can completely darken a room.
Another feature you need to consider is voice automation. You must select a blind that is compatible with your preferred voice assistant. For instance, our smart blinds are compatible with both the App Store and Google Play.
You can also use the app to program when your blinds open and close during the day. For example, if your east-facing windows receive direct sunlight in the morning, you can program your electric blinds to close in the morning and open in the afternoon.
Finally, determine whether the motorized window blinds can be hardwired into your electrical system, run on batteries, or are solar-powered. Hardwired shades are convenient because you never have to worry about the batteries running out, while solar- or battery-powered shades will still function during a power outage.
What are the common types of smart blinds used at home?
There are different blinds in the market today. Each has its own strengths and advantages. Check out the most common types of smart blinds used at home:
Faux wood blinds
Faux Wood Blinds have the fashionable aesthetic of wood blinds but are resistant to moisture and warping, making them a better choice for high-humidity rooms such as kitchens or bathrooms. It is less expensive than wood blinds and available in a wide range of wood-like colors and stains.
Real wood blinds
Using Wooden blinds is a stylish way to dress up any window. They can be coordinated with other wood finishes in your home, such as furniture and floors. With the thickness of real wood and the tight closure of the slats, lightweight wood blinds provide superior privacy. It also works as a natural insular against cold and heat.
Vertical blinds
Vertical blinds work well for large windows and patio doors. They can also be used in place of curtains or drapes. To control light and privacy, vertical blinds have wide slats that can be angled or closed.
Cellular shades
Cellular shades are the best automated blinds that are environmentally friendly because they save energy in your home, office, or business. These shades keep heat inside during the colder months and cool air from escaping in the warmer months with their honeycomb design.
Roller shades
Roller shades are known for their versatility and work for any windows and doors in living rooms, homes, offices, basements, and more. You can choose from a variety of fabrics in almost any color. The options are endless.
What are the benefits of smart blinds?
There are many reasons why people opt for motorized window blinds or smart blinds. It has a lot of benefits, aside from it being the safest way to cover your window. Here are the most common benefits why smart blinds are worth the investment:
- Most of the foundation for smart roller blinds was already laid when remote control blinds were perfected. So smart blinds can do everything that remote control blinds can do.
- You can easily schedule and automate your smart blinds virtually anywhere as long as you have a functioning wi-fi connection. Do you know that you can even program your blinds to open and close at your leisure or in response to specific conditions?
- Even standard remote control shades or low-cost motorized window blinds can be activated with your phone.
Why are smart blinds so expensive?
There are many factors why smart blinds can be expensive. Firstly, motorized window blinds offer increased convenience. The regular corded blinds are not only illegal in Canada, but they’re also unsafe around children. The convenience it offers will make your life easy with just a click of a button, which is great for busy people, the disabled, and the elderly.
Despite using high-quality motors and communication systems, smart blinds can also help you save energy. For example, you can reduce your energy consumption by programming your smart blinds to open automatically on sunny days in the wintertime.
Another reason is that smart blinds are aesthetically pleasing. They are stylish and also available in all types of styles and colors. You don’t even have to deal with frustrating chains and the changing of the cords. Basically, owning smart blinds at home will add a lot of value.
Smart blinds offer comfort, elegance, and automatic features that are not available in any other type of blinds. Additionally, it’s also safe, and secured and can save you money. Lastly, and most importantly, they last a lifetime so you only need to spend this once.
How to choose the best smart blinds?
It is best to evaluate the area where you are going to put your smart blinds on. The questions you may need to ask are the size of the windows, your personal preference, and the purpose of putting the smart blinds.
Not only does it need to be aesthetically pleasing, but the electric blinds should serve their purpose. Knowing how you want it to automatically open or close can help with programming accordingly.
The reputation of the brand is also important. What you need is a reliable brand that offers the best automatic blinds and that’s where Wholesale Blind Factory comes in. Every member of our team is knowledgeable in handling design and installation. We also offer free in-home consultations! Contact us today for smart blinds.
