Buyers Guide: The Best Motorised Curtains To Make Your Life Easy

Curtains are a perfect accessory to accentuate the look of your space. I like how curtains are noticeable enough to add an aesthetic statement but do not overpower the area’s overall look. When I decided to renovate my home, I was sure to change the curtains to alter the general mood of my house. This time I decided to invest in motorised curtains and I had more than one reason for it.

Motorised curtains allow the opening and shutting of the curtain with a powered motor rather than hands. Though opening and shutting curtains is not a tedious task, automation may be a boon if you have an elderly or differently-abled person at home. However, the advantages of these curtains are beyond just reduced physical efforts. In my view, the actual value of these curtains lies in the fact that you can integrate these smart curtains into a smart home system. Imagine how amazingly futuristic a house would look if the curtains opened and shut with a command. I certainly love the idea!

The benefits and practical values of these curtains make them worth an investment. This article will discuss why you should go for an electric curtain opener. I will also list some of the best smart curtains I reviewed while selecting one for myself. 

How to Choose the best Smart Curtains

Why Should You Invest In Motorised Curtains?    

The main idea of having curtains is to provide privacy and security for your house and block sunlight. The task is done well by a regular curtain.

The question then arises, is it even worth investing in smart curtains? My answer to this question is ‘yes,’ and I am listing below the reasons for the same.  

Why Should You Invest In Motorised Curtains?    

Convenient To Use

The most apparent benefit of automatic curtains is convenience. You can simply let batteries or power open and shut the curtains for you rather than manually tugging the curtains.

Moreover, the comfort that these curtains offer is more functional. You can set the timer for the opening and shutting of the curtains and let automation handle this task for you. The users who have automatics window opener system installed at home will better understand the relief that automation provides.

Enhances Privacy And Security

Automatic curtain openers efficiently improve your space’s privacy and security.

Raising and lowering shades at preset times prevents the neighbors or unwanted people from peeping into your house. If you are away, controlling the blinds remotely can prevent people from knowing that your home has been sitting empty for days. With an auto curtain opener, it is possible to make your house appear occupied when you are away. 

Safe For Children And Pets

Curtains and blinds with cords can pose a suffocation hazard for your pets and children. An electric curtain opener gets you rid of the cords and makes your home a children-safe and pet-safe. If you are the parent of a pet or a child and spend time outdoors leaving your baby at home, this technology is something that you must look at if you haven’t as yet.

Energy Efficiency

With more and more people becoming aware of making their homes energy-efficient to save resources and money (of course), investing in a motorized curtain opener for your home makes more sense. Keeping the curtains or blinds shut in summer, blocks the sun from overheating your space. However, opening the curtains or blinds in winter allows natural light and heat in the house. In both cases, you can successfully reduce the load on your HVAC system, which saves you money and makes your home energy-efficient. Knowing how we have been deteriorating the planet, small steps towards saving energy make significant differences.

Integrate Into Smart Home

It wasn’t many years ago that we considered smart home systems futuristic. However, with more and more people making this technology a part of their lives, smart home automation is becoming a thing of the present. With our spaces becoming smarter and us investing in smart door locks and automatic window openers, it makes sense to install smart curtains in the house to take a step further in the smart home revolution.

Depending on the model of the motorised curtains that you choose, you can control your curtains through remote control, voice commands, or an app. 

A Quick Glance At The Best Picks

Quoya Smart Curtains SystemQuoya Smart Curtains System Compatible with voice command smart home system, consists of touch motion activation, easy to install 
SwitchBot Electric Curtain Opener RobotSwitchBot Electric Curtain Opener Robot
30 seconds installation without nuts, bolts, and screws, 24X7 customer support

Somfy Clever Motor Kit
Somfy Clever Motor Kit Easy to install, includes an installation guide, one-year warranty
Arcwares Smart CurtainsArcwares Smart Curtains Compatible with voice command smart home system, consists of touch motion activation

What To Look For While Choosing a Smart Curtain?

What To Look For While Choosing a Smart Curtain?

Evaluating the features will help you decide the best suitable option for yourself. Considering that smart curtains are an investment that goes a long way, it is crucial to understand what to look for while choosing the best automatic curtain opener.

Size, Weight, And Material Of The Curtain

It makes complete sense to look at the curtain’s height, weight, and material before investing in a motorized curtain opener. Measuring the window’s dimensions, so you have an appropriately sized curtain is a requisite. Considering that you are looking for curtains that run on a motor, ensure the weight and material of the curtain facilitate easy installation. You must be realistic about the weight of the motor and the demand that they put on it. Heavy curtains may result in a faulty motor as they stress the motor. 

Source Of Power

Evaluating the suitability, you can choose between a battery-operated automatic curtain opener, plug-in curtains, or less commonly available solar-powered curtains. 

Plug-in curtains require the user to hide the cables, but they are a great option if you do not prefer the hassle of battery replacement. Most battery-operated motors require battery replacement in around six months. If you do not have an electrical outlet near your curtain, battery-operated curtains are a savior for you.

There are a few options available for solar-powered automatic curtain openers if that is what you prefer. These options, however, are more expensive.

Connectivity

You must purchase a compatible product if you aim to operate your curtains using a remote control or voice command. If you are futuristic enough to integrate your curtains with a home automation system, look for an automatic curtain opener that supports the technology.

Opening Direction (Left, Right, Or Center)

Based upon your preference, decide whether you want to buy a curtain that opens from left, right, or center. I have had friends who overlooked this fundamental aspect and then struggled later. How your furniture is placed in your home may affect the direction you would like to have your curtain open.

Ease Of Installation

There are several smart curtain options available in the market. Some of these options are easy to install, while others require professional help due to the elaborated setup. While easy-to-install models are great for DIY, some elaborated designs offer a variety of features. 

Cost

With gaining popularity amongst the younger generation that prefers smarter homes, there are various curtains available in the market. While some of these may cost you around $100, some may have fancier prices. You can make a smart purchase if you balance your budget and the features you are looking for.

A Detailed Review Of The Best Motorised Curtains

While looking for motorised curtains for my home, I came across some great options. While everyone has different preferences in terms of features and budget, I am listing below a few options that may be suitable for you. I personally reviewed each one of the following products and none of the products on the list is endorsed.

Here is the list of my favorite picks with a detailed review.

1. Quoya Smart Curtain System

Quoya Smart Curtains System
Price$240
Product Dimensions125.98 x 157.48 x 66.93 inches
Weight11 pounds
Power SourcePlug-in
Connectivity with Home AssistantYes
Warranty3 Year Warranty

The smart curtains from Quoya are not only invariably in-trend but also are a winner in terms of features. These curtains are compatible with home assistants like Alexa and 

google assistant.

The customizable track of the curtain can fit any window size up to 118 inches. Also, the curtains come with all the installation accessories, so you don’t struggle with the installation process.

I was impressed with the motor of the curtain as it can effortlessly lift about 60 kg of weight. You can install the curtains to open sideways and from the center as per your preference.

Quoya boasts about their customer service, and I have heard they do it rightly. They offer  24X7 customer support via text, phone, email, and social media, and all their products come with a three-year warranty for complete peace of mind for the customer.

Imagine waking up the natural way by setting a scheduled opening with your curtains. Alternatively, synchronizing Quoya curtains with local sunset and sunrise times can create a truly automated curtain system. 

Pros
  • Compatible with voice command smart home system.
  • Consists of touch motion activation.
  • Easy to install
  • Includes an installation video
  • 24X7 customer support
  • A three-year warranty
  • Can be timed as per the local sunset and sunrise times
Cons
  • Not compatible with grommet curtains

2. SwitchBot Electric Curtain Opener

SwitchBot Electric Curtain Opener Robot
Price$99
Product Dimensions2.56 x 3.07 x 5.87 inches
Weight1.92 pounds
Power SourceBattery (Lithium Ion)
Connectivity with Home AssistantYes
Warranty1 Year Warranty

If you are looking for an easy-to-install auto curtain opener, then you must look at this one. I was impressed that I could install the curtains in just 30 seconds without any screws, nuts, or bolts. Just attach the Switchbot Curtain Motor to your curtain track, and you are done with installing your curtain. Yes, it is that easy! 

You can set the timer to close the curtains at night and open them with a Light Sensor to get better sleep and wake naturally to sunlight. I am a fan of the Light Sensor technology as it helps reduce the workload on HVAC systems. You can connect the electric curtain opener to almost all home security systems and voice assistants. So you simply need to say, ‘Hey Alexa, I need some sunlight,’ and Alexa will help you.

The SwitchBot Curtain can push up to 8 kg of the curtain, which, in my opinion, is too less but can be managed if your curtains are lightweight. The automatic curtain opener is chargeable with Solar Panel, sold separately. 

Pros
  • Compatible with voice command smart home system..
  • 30 seconds installation without nuts, bolts, and screws
  • 24X7 customer support
  • One-year warranty
  • Can be timed as per the local sunset and sunrise times
  • Light sensor technology
  • Can be charged via solar panel (sold separately)
Cons
  • Can push only up to 8 kg curtain
  • The motor cannot be attached on square rods

3. Yoolax Motorized Curtain Rod

Yoolax Motorized Curtain Rod
Price$147
Product Length88 to 157 inches
Weight1.92 pounds
Power SourcePlug-in
Connectivity with Home AssistantYes
WarrantyThree Year Warranty

The smart curtain rod from Yoolax is compatible with Alexa. It can be linked to a smart home control setup using either your phone or the remote control provided. The curtain rod is easy to install and requires a plug-in power source. 

It comes with an instruction manual and video that will help you with the DIY installation. The noteworthy part about the rod is the 100V-240V noiseless motor. You don’t have to worry in case you receive a damaged product. Yoolax is a customer-friendly brand that allows you to replace the damaged product within 30 days. All you have to do is take photographs and write to them. 

One downside about the product is that you can open and shut it only from the center. So, if this direction of opening the curtains does not suit you, you have no luck here.

Pros
  • Compatible with the smart home system.
  • Easy to install
  • Includes an installation video
  • 30-day replacement against damaged product
  • A three-year warranty
Cons
  • Opens only from the center

4. Somfy Clever Motor Kit

Somfy Clever Motor Kit
Price$239
Product Dimensions14.74 x 10.17 x 3.82 inches
Weight2.55 pounds
Power SourceBattery (Lithium Ion)
Connectivity with Home AssistantYes
Warranty1 Year Warranty

If you are not looking to replace your existing curtains, you must have a look at Somfy Clever Motor Kit as a solution. Apart from the fact that it does not require any significant changes in your existing setup, the installation process of the motorized curtain opener makes it a winner. You just simply need to attach the device to existing curtain rods and set up the system on your app.

The motor kit comes with remote control, rechargeable battery pack, charger, and a comprehensive setup instruction guide to walk you through the simple process of installing the automatic curtain openers. You can easily integrate the curtain with your voice assistant.

In my view, this curtain is a great option if you are looking for an easy-to-install curtain. However, it is not equipped with modern technologies like touch sensors, light sensors, etc.

Pros
  • Compatible with voice command smart home system.
  • Easy to install
  • Includes an installation guide
  • One-year warranty
Cons
  • Not compatible with vinyl or aluminum blinds
  • Cannot be timed as per the local sunset and sunrise times

5. Arcwares Smart Curtain Motor Track System

Arcwares Smart Curtains
Price$189
Product Dimensions2.56 x 3.07 x 5.87 inches
Weight1.92 pounds
Power SourcePlug-in
Connectivity with Home AssistantYes
Warranty3 Year Warranty

The Arcware Smart Motor System is on the list of my best picks. It can be connected to your smart home setup using either the remote control provided or your phone. The curtain system is compatible with Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, and IFTTT and can also be voice-activated.

What drew my attention to this auto curtain opener is the noiseless motor. The curtain motor almost makes no noise while opening or closing the curtains. You need a power outlet nearby to install the Arcware automatic curtain openers.

I was impressed that the curtain is equipped with modern technologies like touch sensors, light sensors, timer control, etc. To reduce the installation time for customers, Arcware provides a specific length of track to simplify the installation process for the customers. You need a few screws, and you are good to install the curtain opener robot.

Arcware is great with their services and provides free replacement for any damaged product if you write to them with photographs to support. I would any day prefer a brand with a good customer experience, and Arcware has an excellent reputation at it.

Pros
  • Compatible with voice command smart home system.
  • Consists of touch motion activation.
  • Easy to install
  • A three-year warranty
  • Can be timed as per the local sunset and sunrise times
Cons
  • Not compatible with vinyl blinds
  • Instruction manual not included in the kit

6. Foiresoft Basic Zebra Roller Blinds

Foiresoft Basic Zebra Roller Blinds
Price$49
Product Dimensions2 x 20 x 72 inches
Weight2.2 pounds
Power SourcePlug-in
Connectivity with Home AssistantYes
Warranty6-Month Warranty

Despite the comparatively lower price tag, the automatic curtain openers by Foiresoft are packed with all the features and accessories that you need for your smart home.

These curtains have a reliable and efficient remote control, a wall switch, a smartphone app, and voice control compatibility. I found it interesting that if you want to check the colors and quality of the curtain first, you can order a fabric swatch. If you buy at least one curtain from them, they give you a refund for the fabric sample cost. Also, if you cannot find a blind that suits your window size, you can order a custom piece.

Foiresoft also offers a 30-day replacement service if you receive a damaged product and a 6-month warranty on their products. Their reputation in terms of customer service is praiseworthy. 

In my opinion, these curtains are the best option in this price bracket. But if you are looking for cordless blinds, you have no luck here.

Pros
  • Budget-friendly
  • Compatible with voice command smart home system.
  • Easy to install
  • A 6-month warranty
Cons
  • Not cordless
  • Instruction manual not included in the kit
  • Cannot be timed as per the local sunset and sunrise times

7. Graywind Motorized Shades

Graywind Motorized Shades
Price$159
Product Dimensions60 x 3 x 3 inches
Weight8.8 pounds
Power SourcePlug-in
Connectivity with Home AssistantYes
Warranty2 Year Warranty

Graywind Motorised shades are impressive smart curtains that have almost all the must have features.. The curtains are equipped with light sensors, touch sensors, and smart home automation. Additionally, the blinds are insulated on one side providing extra energy efficiency which means both your HVAC system and pocket are happier. 

Decently priced, these motorised shades require a plug-in power source to operate. The blinds come with a remote control but you can also operate them through a mobile app or voice assistants. The kit also includes an easy-to-install installation guide and video link.

For customer support, Graywind offers a 2-year warranty on all their products which can be extended at a fixed cost. I loved everything about the blind but the fact that these are not available in many color variants. If you are somebody who prefers basic and sober colors, they have got you covered. However, if your choice is more towards pastel colors, you may struggle with the options.

Pros
  • Compatible with voice command smart home system.
  • Easy to install
  • Layer of insulation for energy efficiency
  • A 2-year warranty
  • Instruction manual included in the kit
Cons
  • Not many color variants available
  • Cannot be installed on pre-existing curtains

Common Misconceptions About Motorised Curtains

Common Misconceptions About Motorised Curtains

I have often heard people having several misconceptions about them which, in my view, is entirely understandable. The curtains are more expensive than regular curtains and are quite a new trend. So, having apprehensions is valid and justified. But honestly, if these apprehensions are stopping you from investing in these curtains, then it’s time you should get your facts right.

Let me bust some of these myths for you.

  • Motorised curtains cannot be wired in finished homes.
    Motorised curtain wiring can still be done in finished houses. However, if you cannot get or do not prefer motorised curtains wired into your home, you can still get smart curtains installed by choosing a battery-operated automatic curtain opener.
  • Motorised curtains are bulky and full of wiring.
    With innovations, the size of the motor has become much smaller. The present-day motors can be easily hidden behind the curtain if you do not prefer them visible. Also, if you do not prefer wiring at all, battery-operated varieties may suit you well.
  • Motorised curtains create a lot of noise.
    Since the beginning of the home revolution, motorised curtains have come a long way. There have been a series of innovations in both smart experiences and motor working. Nowadays, you will find that most automatic curtain openers make either no or minimal sound.
  • Motorised curtains cannot be closed in case of power failure.
    Motorised curtains are still curtains. This means you can operate them like regular curtains as well. If there is a power failure or your wifi is not working, you can still open and shut your curtains by hand.
  • Motorised curtains have limited styles.
    With gaining popularity, especially in new homes and hotels, more designs have started surfacing in the market. There are a variety of options available in terms of design and functionality. Moreover, automatic curtain openers are available that can be attached to your existing curtains. However, I would admit that with most brands, the more modern the curtain is, the higher the price.

FAQs

Q1. Can I turn my existing curtains into smart curtains?

Answer – An automatic curtain opener motor can be attached to any set of curtains and turn it into smart curtains. But if you do not have a cylindrical rod for your curtains, check whether the curtain opener robot you intend to purchase is compatible with your rod. You must check the same if you have grommet curtains, vinyl blinds, or aluminum blinds.

Q2. Can I operate my smart curtain through Alexa?

Answer – Yes, most smart curtains can be integrated with your voice assistant and let you operate your curtains via Alexa or Google Voice Assistant. The curtains have sensors attached to the curtain track that catches the internet signal.

Q3. How do motorised curtains work through voice assistants?

Answer – The curtain track of an auto curtain opener is connected to a motor and has sensors to detect the internet signal. This allows the motor to be operated remotely via a remote, mobile app, or voice assistant. Hence, you can open or shut the curtains with a touch or a command.

Q4. Are motorised curtains safe to install if you have children at home?

Answer – Motorised curtains have no cords or cables attached that can pose a threat to children. In-fact they are safer than regular curtains if you have children or pets at home.

Conclusion

Smart home automation is gaining popularity day by day. If you are a fan of technology in home decor, like me, buying smart curtains is a smart choice. They will not only provide enough convenience to make you lazy but also are safer to use when there are kids or pets at home. These will also help you have an energy-efficient home by reducing the stress on your HVAC system.

However, since smart curtains are more expensive than regular ones, it is totally understandable if you are still in a limbo about whether to go for them or not. But if you do, then do let me know which one you chose and how the experience has been.

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