Motorized Blinds

What are Motorized Blinds?

Can Existing Blinds Be Motorized?
One of the biggest fads sweeping homes in recent years has been smart home and automation technology. Homeowners everywhere are enjoying lower energy bills, better security, improved energy efficiency, and a whole lot of convenience thanks to improvements that tie together almost every aspect of our homes under one easy-to-control banner. SAVVY homeowners have noticed the trend and adopted it for their window treatments, especially blinds. Motorized blinds offer all the styling and beauty of blinds, combined with all the convenience of remote control and smart technology. But if you have blinds that you already love, can your existing blinds be motorized?

Update Your Old Blinds

The good news for homeowners that want to add automation to their existing blinds is that they can be motorized. In fact, adding a motor is a great way to extend the life of your existing blinds and make them more useful.

Trust the Experts

At Southwest Blinds & Shutters, we’re an experienced custom window treatment team with over 18 years of helping homeowners improve their homes. Our installation team has years of expertise with window treatment automation and motorization, so you can trust us with your existing blinds. We’ll carefully upgrade them with motors, letting you enjoy the benefits of motorized blinds on a design that you already love.

What to Look For

The main thing to consider when choosing a motor is the size of the motor and the type of material your blinds are made of. For example, a large motor will be a problem if you have wood blinds, but it would be fine if you have vinyl blinds. The other consideration is how the motor will be mounted. Most blinds are hung from the top and the motor will be mounted to the bottom. When in doubt, call the professionals at Southwest Blinds

Why Homeowners Choose Motorized Blinds

If you’re not familiar with motorized blinds, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about, but if you ask any homeowner in the know, they’ll tell you how great their automated and motorized window treatments are. A motorized shade can be programmed to raise and lower at certain times of the day, which is helpful if you have a busy schedule. It can be programmed to raise when the sun is at its hottest and lower when the sun has set. Some of the areas of your home that can be improved by making your existing blinds motorized include:

Energy Efficiency

Keeping your blinds closed during the hottest and coldest parts of the day can have a huge impact on your entire home’s energy efficiency. Since windows are often one of the biggest offenders when it comes to poor energy efficiency, your blinds play an important part in regulating energy waste.

Motorized blinds make it incredibly simple, since you can open and close your blinds from almost anywhere, enabling you to keep your home at peak energy efficiency, even if you’re not home. Plus, when you are home, remotely controlling your blinds can help you make better use of natural light and keep electric lights turned off.

Security

Motorized blinds offer the convenience of controlling your window treatments with a smart device, or setting them to a predetermined schedule. That means that you can open and close your blinds from almost anywhere, which can help give the appearance that somebody is home, even when you aren’t.

Safety

The dangling cords of traditional blinds pose a danger to small children and animals. Motorized blinds are completely cordless, eliminating a potential hazard from every room they’re installed in. This invention involves a simple design for an operating system, consisting of a motor, gears, a battery, a control unit and a remote.

UV Protection

The sun’s rays aren’t just raising the temperature in your home, they’re also broadcasting damaging UV light throughout its interior. UV light can visibly damage your carpeting, furniture, wall art, and more, prematurely aging your belongings. Blocking UV light with motorized blinds is convenient and can help prolong the life of your valuables.

Rely on Expert Installation

If you’re interested in making your existing blinds motorized, you can contact Southwest Blinds & Shutters to find out more about the options available for your home. We can walk you through all of your choices and schedule a design consultation with a member of our team. Contact us today to learn more.

Yes, in many cases you can motorize your existing blinds. There are retrofit kits available that can turn manual blinds into motorized ones, with the installation process usually involving mounting the motor and control system onto the existing blinds. However, it's important to note that not all types of blinds can be motorized, and the retrofit kits may not work with all types of blinds. It's best to consult with a professional to determine if your existing blinds are suitable for motorization and to ensure that the retrofit kit is installed correctly.
Motorized blinds are window coverings that can be opened and closed using an electric motor instead of manually. They can be controlled using a variety of methods, such as a remote control, smartphone app, or voice commands. Motorized blinds can be made from various materials, such as wood, faux wood, aluminum, or fabric, and can be customized to fit any window size and shape.
Motorized blinds work by using an electric motor to control the movement of the blinds. The motor is typically installed inside the headrail of the blinds and is connected to a power source. The blinds can be controlled using a remote control, wall switch, smartphone app, or voice commands, depending on the type of motorized blinds and the control options available. Some motorized blinds also have sensors that can adjust the blinds automatically based on the amount of sunlight, temperature, or time of day.
Motorized blinds offer several benefits, including convenience, energy efficiency, and increased home security. With motorized blinds, you can easily open and close your blinds with the touch of a button or a voice command, without having to manually adjust each blind individually. Motorized blinds can also be programmed to open and close at specific times of the day or in response to changes in the weather, which can help to reduce energy costs and improve home security by making it look like someone is at home.
The cost of motorized blinds can vary widely depending on the type of blinds, the size of the windows, the control options, and the brand. On average, motorized blinds can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per window, including installation. Custom-made motorized blinds or those with advanced features can be more expensive. It's best to get a quote from a professional installer to get an accurate estimate for your specific needs.
Motorized blinds can be easy or difficult to install depending on the type of blinds and the level of expertise required. Some motorized blinds can be installed by homeowners using simple tools, while others require professional installation to ensure proper functioning and safety. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and to consult with a professional installer if you're unsure about the installation process.
Yes, motorized blinds require electricity to operate. The electric motor that controls the movement of the blinds is typically powered by a plug-in transformer or a battery. The power source can be located inside or outside the window frame, depending on the type of motorized blinds and the installation method used.
Yes, many motorized blinds can be controlled using a smartphone app. The app allows you to open and close your blinds remotely, set schedules, and control multiple blinds at once. Some motorized blinds can also be integrated with smart home systems, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing you to control your blinds using voice commands.
There are several types of motorized blinds, including roller blinds, cellular shades, Roman shades, venetian blinds, and vertical blinds. Roller blinds are made of a single piece of fabric that rolls up and down, while cellular shades are made of a honeycomb structure that traps air for better insulation. Roman shades are made of fabric and fold up when raised, while venetian blinds have horizontal slats that can be tilted to control light and privacy. Vertical blinds have vertical slats that can be opened and closed like a curtain.
Most modern motorized blinds are designed to be quiet and operate smoothly, but some older models or low-quality motors may produce noise when in operation. It's important to choose high-quality motorized blinds and have them installed properly to minimize noise and ensure optimal functioning.
There are many reputable brands of motorized blinds, including Hunter Douglas, Lutron, Somfy, Bali, and Graber. The best brand for you will depend on your specific needs and budget, as well as the features and design you prefer.
Yes, motorized blinds can be customized to fit any window size and shape, as well as to match your decor and style preferences. You can choose from a variety of materials, colors, and patterns, as well as control options and additional features, such as sensors or timers.
Most motorized blinds come with a warranty that covers defects in materials or workmanship. The length and terms of the warranty can vary depending on the brand and type of blinds. It's important to read the warranty carefully and follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that the warranty remains valid.
Motorized blinds require minimal maintenance, but it's important to keep them clean and free of dust and debris to ensure optimal functioning. You can use a soft cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean the blinds, and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the blinds or the motor.
Yes, many motorized blinds can be integrated with smart home systems, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing you to control your blinds using voice commands or a smartphone app. Some motorized blinds can also be programmed to work with other smart devices, such as lighting or thermostats, to create a fully automated home.
The lifespan of motorized blinds can vary depending on the type of blinds, the quality of the motor and components, and the frequency of use. On average, motorized blinds can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more with proper care and maintenance.
Yes, motorized blinds can be more energy-efficient than manual blinds, as they can be programmed to open and close based on the amount of sunlight or temperature. This can help to reduce energy costs by keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Motorized blinds can add value to your home by enhancing its functionality, convenience, and energy efficiency. However, the actual increase in home value will depend on various factors, such as the type and quality of the motorized blinds, the local housing market, and the preferences of potential buyers.
Yes, many motorized blinds can be controlled with voice commands using smart home systems, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This allows you to open and close your blinds, set schedules, and control multiple blinds at once using simple voice commands. Overall, motorized blinds offer convenience, energy efficiency, and increased home security. They can be customized to fit any window size and shape and can be controlled using a variety of methods, such as a remote control, smartphone app, or voice commands. Motorized blinds come in various types and designs, including roller blinds, cellular shades, Roman shades, venetian blinds, and vertical blinds. While the cost of motorized blinds can vary depending on the type and brand, they can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more with proper care and maintenance. Additionally, motorized blinds can add value to your home by enhancing its functionality, convenience, and energy efficiency.

Ratings & Reviews

Trusted By Over 20,000 Homeowners Across the Southwest

We are extremely pleased with our whole experience with this company. From sales to installation, everyone we dealt with was courteous and professional. They delivered exactly as promised from the quote, to the installation and did a great job! The shutters took our house from beautiful to stunning! Highly recommend this company!
Jodi R.
Contact Us
Blinds look awesome! The install was quick and lacked any drama. Just like I want. :-) We will definitely be buying from them again once we redo a couple areas in the house first.
Mike M.
Contact Us
The entire experience was excellent. We had roller shades installed throughout our home. The online notification system after your order is great. We received regular email updates regarding the status of the fabrication of our order, delivery, and installation.
Kevin S.
Contact Us
Southwest Blinds was wonderful to work with. The communication was excellent. All the employees from sales to the installers were professional and kind. Answered all our questions. I highly recommend them.
Kathy P.
Contact Us
Southwest Blinds and Shutters provided a remarkable product for a great value! We are extremely pleased with the job done. James is a true professional who stands behind his company on all levels. We would highly recommend Southwest Blinds & Shutters and are looking forward to having the rest of our windows done with them.
Elaine M.
Contact Us
Fast and professional. Super efficient and detail-oriented. Very pleased with the service they provided. Don’t hesitate to schedule them for your blind and shutter needs.
Daniel G.
Contact Us
They did a great job installing my shutters. Very polite and went the extra mile to do some minor adjustments that I requested. He identified a couple of things that were incorrect on my order and made sure new items were ordered. He came back to reinstall the corrected pieces and did a great job.
Mary B.
Contact Us
This is one top notch company! They provided a wonderful variety of samples when they came to my home and were able to patiently answer all my questions about their products. Very professional! I felt like they really cared about my satisfaction with my choices all the way to the final installation. The installer was on time, pleasant, very neat, and did a wonderful job. I absolutely love my new shutters and would highly recommend Southwest Blinds and Shutters to anyone in the Valley. You will not be disappointed!
Jackie O.
Contact Us
The technician who measured our windows and eventually installed them did a professional job and was done very quickly. Got our rebate form promptly and would do business again if we are ever in need.
Nathan T.
Contact Us
James was doing a job across the street and we asked him to come over for an estimate. We hired on the spot and were genuinely pleased with the quality and service we received. He worked fast and clean and on time. Very pleased with the outcome.
Nancy J C.
Contact Us

Areas We Serve

Arizona
Arizona
Showroom Locations:
  • Gilbert, Arizona
  • Peoria, Arizona
Office:
  • Mesa, Arizona
California
California
Serving the Following Cities:
  • Folsom
  • Roseville
  • Tracy
  • Modesto
  • Manteca
  • Turlock
Nevada
Nevada
Servicing the Following Cities:
  • Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Reno, Nevada
Utah
Utah
Serving the Following Cities:
  • South Jordan, Utah
SEE ALL SERVICE AREAS

Inspiration Gallery

Our Products

Our Company

Our Locations

Phoenix:
480-562-3010
Las Vegas:
702-344-0318
Reno:
775-234-3484
Folsom:
1-800-479-2332
Salt Lake:
801-477-4561

"*" indicates required fields

1451 E. Williams Field Road, Suite 105, Gilbert, AZ 85295AZ ROC #232500 | CA LIC #1017557
Copyright Southwest Blinds & Shutters | Privacy Policy | Developed by Big Marlin Group