Can Existing Blinds & Shades Be Motorized
You love your window coverings; they really fit your style and design, but whether out of convenience or necessity, you can’t help thinking about motorized blinds. With the push of a button or a tap on your phone, they rise or lower, maybe even when you’re not home.
If you’ve found yourself in this conundrum, Window Blinds Direct has the answer to the question: Can existing blinds and shades be motorized? The answer is, of course, yes.
So, let’s take a look at what we can do and why motorized blinds are definitely worth the investment.
Motorize Existing Shades and Blinds
Determine Compatibility
The crucial first step is to determine whether your existing blinds or shades can be motorized in the first place. Generally, traditional blinds and shades made from wood, vinyl, or fabric can be retrofitted with motorization components.
That being said, sometimes the specific design or structure of the treatment, or sometimes the brand of your blinds, may affect if they are compatible with motorization models.
Considerations for Motorization
A few factors influence whether motorizing your existing blinds and shades is possible. One of them is the size and weight of the window treatment. If your blind is particularly large or heavy, a motor may struggle to operate it properly. This may also depend on the type of control mechanism you would be looking for, as not all retrofit kits offer the same options and control mechanisms.
Age and condition also can play a role, as older models may have worn components or structural issues that could affect the installation of motorization systems.
Professional Installation
While DIY motorization kits are available on the market, retrofitting existing blinds and shades can be complex and may need a professional installation. Experienced technicians will be able to determine if your existing blinds can be motorized and which options you have. They can also ensure a proper installation so you’ll be able to reap the full benefits by avoiding damaging your blinds during installation or misalignments.
Why Motorized Blinds Are Worth It
For many homeowners, motorized blinds only mean that they don’t have to pull cords to open and close them, but there is far more to them. That being said, of course, the convenience of just pressing a button, tapping an app or giving a voice command is wonderful and can help you avoid getting tangled up in cords or your blind staying stuck somewhere halfway.
Motorized blinds are also an investment in your home’s security. Especially if you have small children or pets, eliminating cords can significantly improve their safety because you don’t have to worry about them getting tangled in and potentially hurt by the cords. Also, if you have hard-to-reach windows, motorizing the blinds allows you to effortlessly open and close them without having to stretch or climb to reach them.
They are also an excellent option for people with mobility issues, allowing them to operate the blinds and shades without requiring help or putting them in potentially dangerous situations.
Depending on the model, you may also get access to programmable features that allow you to schedule the raising or lowering of the blinds, either by time of day to minimize the amount of sunlight coming in and improve climate control or if you’re not at home, you can give the impression that somebody is at home, deterring potential intruders.
Smart Shades and Blinds
Window Blinds Direct is proud to partner with Somfy, one of the premier smart home solutions providers. Whether you use smart devices such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant or third-party smart home services like Philips Hue, IFTTT, SmartThings, Brilliant, Control4, Crestron, and more, Somfy allows you to connect your Somfy-powered motorized window coverings for the ultimate convenience.
Find Out More About Motorization Your Existing Blinds and Shades
Many blinds and shades can be retrofitted with motorization kits to help you automate your home for convenience and safety. Depending on the model, you can even turn them into smart shades and smart blinds.
To find out if your blinds can be converted to an automatic window treatment, call Window Blinds Direct and speak to our experienced technicians. We’ll be able to consult you on your options and costs to allow you to make an informed decision.
Windows Blind Direct proudly offers 100% Canadian blinds and shades. With our long-standing business experience and expertise, we can match homeowners with the perfect blinds, whether they’re looking for something traditional or something a bit more exciting.
Contact us today at 647-503-4357 or fill out our convenient online form for a free consultation with one of our expert designers. Let us help you find the perfect blind for your home!