Motorised Blinds Guide

Why motorise?

People usually choose motorised blinds for convenience, for windows that are hard to reach, for child safety (there are no looped cords) or for accessibility. We use Somfy motors and controls — you can read more on our Somfy motorisation page.

Power options

There are two ways to power a motorised blind, and we'll help you decide which suits each window:

• Battery: no wiring is needed, but you'll need to recharge it every so often.
• Mains: this needs a power supply near the window, and suits large or heavily used blinds.

Control options

• Remote: the simplest way to control your blinds.
• Wall switch: a fixed control on the wall, handy for rooms you use every day.
• Timers, sensors and apps: Somfy also offers timers, sun and wind sensors and the Somfy TaHoma app.

Smart home

With the Somfy TaHoma app, you can also use voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. If you already use a smart home system, tell us what you have and we'll check how it fits in before you order — see smart blinds.

Which windows benefit most?

You can motorise almost any room, but some windows make a bigger difference than others:

• Roof windows and skylights: these are often out of reach, so a remote or switch saves fetching a pole or a ladder. See roof and skylight blinds.
• Tall and high windows: stairwells and double-height rooms are much easier with motorised blinds. Our guide to blinds for tall windows has more on this.
• Conservatories: with several blinds in one room, being able to move them all together is a real time-saver, and timers can help keep the room comfortable when you're out.
• Large or heavy blinds: wide blinds can be hard work to raise by hand, and a motor takes the effort away.
• Bedrooms: a timer can open the blinds in the morning and close them in the evening, which many people find helpful.

Curtains can be motorised too, if you'd like everything to work the same way — see motorised curtains.

Things people often don't think of

A few details are worth planning before you order:

• Getting power to the window: mains blinds need a supply nearby. If you're decorating or having building work done, that's a good time to plan it, as cables can be hidden before walls are finished.
• Charging battery blinds: think about how you'll reach the blind to recharge it. How often you'll need to depends on how much you use it and the size of the blind.
• Grouping: decide which blinds you'd like to move together and which on their own. One button for a whole room is handy, but you may still want separate control of individual windows.
• Who will use them: if older relatives or children use the room, a simple wall switch can be easier than an app.

Child safety

Blinds with cords or chains sold in the UK must meet the child safety standard BS EN 13120, and RoSPA advises keeping cords out of children's reach. Motorised blinds avoid operating cords altogether, which is why many families choose them for nurseries and children's bedrooms. Read more in our child safety guide.

What happens at your appointment

We'll look at each window, talk about how you'd like to control your blinds, and help you choose between battery and mains for each one. If you use a smart home system, let us know beforehand and we'll check how it fits in. We bring samples so you can choose fabrics at home too.

We fit motorised blinds across Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough and the surrounding areas, including Darlington and Hartlepool. Request a free home appointment and we'll call you to arrange a convenient time, or give us a call.

Common questions

Are motorised blinds worth it?

They're most worthwhile for windows that are hard to reach, large blinds, rooms with several blinds, and homes where cords are a concern. For a small, easy-to-reach window, a manual blind is often all you need.

Can I motorise my existing blinds?

It depends on the blind and how it was made. In many cases it's simpler to have a new motorised blind made to measure, but we'll look at what you have and give you an honest answer.

Do motorised blinds work with Alexa or Google?

Yes, through the Somfy TaHoma app. Tell us which assistant you use and we'll make sure your setup supports it.

What happens in a power cut?

Battery blinds carry on working as normal. Mains blinds won't move until the power comes back, but they'll stay in whatever position they were in.

Where to start

Have a look at our motorised blinds page, then request a free home appointment and we'll talk you through how they work in your own home.