Manual vs Motorised Blinds

Manual blinds have a long history, dating back to a time before glass was even invented. The introduction of motorisation has brought them into the 21st century, revolutionising the home and giving occupants a range of benefits.

Read on to discover some of the many advantages of motorising your blinds with Somfy.

A Brief History of Manual Blinds

Surprisingly, blinds are an older concept than you’d believe! Before glass was invented, windows were simply bare holes that invited light and ventilation, and blinds were an important way to maintain the interior space of the home. While curtains and blinds have also been found in China and Persia, there are written records about how the Ancient Egyptians used thick strips and sheets of cloth as blinds to keep out the desert sand. These could even be soaked in water to cool air as it filtered in through the windows.

Though a form of Venetian blinds had been used in Persia for a while beforehand, they were only brought to Europe and popularised there in the 18th century. Similar to the bamboo of the ancient Chinese and reeds of the ancient Egyptians, early modern Europeans made blinds from thin slats of wood. A system of cords was added to the blinds, to adjust the slant of the slats, giving precise control over lighting and privacy. In fact, today’s Venetian blinds still use a similar system today.

Modernising and Motorising Blinds

Since Somfy’s invention of the first tubular motor in 1969, electric roller shutters, blinds, awnings and screens have become increasingly popular. With the introduction of motorised blinds, millions of users around the world have been able to experience convenience in a more comfortable and safe home. Motorised blinds are reliable, sustainable and can help to improve life and well-being.

A More Convenient Life

The biggest benefit of having motorised blinds is convenience. Everyday life is made easier and you can spend more time doing the things you love. All of the routine tasks of lowering roller blinds, turning off the lights and retracting your awning before you leave home can be taken care of with the touch of a single button.

Thanks to Somfy innovation, you also have the convenience of controlling your blinds exactly the way that suits you – via wall switch, remote, your smartphone, voice control, or automatically with sensors.

A Safer Way to Adjust the Blinds

Not only more convenient, but motorised blinds can be safer to adjust than manual ones. For windows that are very large or placed high, manual blinds may need extra ladders or poles to adjust their slats. Not only is this awkward, but it can lead to safety issues when precariously balancing on a ladder.

Another safety aspect is the fact that motorised blinds are cordless. For families with children or pets, this may be an important consideration to make sure no one gets tangled in the cords. Motorised blinds can safely be used in a play area, adding to the other benefits they offer.

Protecting Upholstery and Furniture

Automated blinds don’t only protect your eyes from the sun’s glare. By blocking the UV light when it is most fierce during the middle of the day, automated blinds can prevent sun damage to upholstery and rugs. External blinds fitted with a sun sensor can automatically lower during the peak of the day to protect the belongings inside your home from the harsh midday sun.

A Sustainable and Energy Efficient Home

A home that is dynamically insulated can relieve the pressure on your home’s heating and cooling systems and shave money off your energy bills.

Covering bare windows can maintain internal temperature and block heat or cold at the point of entry. Automating your window coverings with sensors or programming them with Connexoon Window RTS will ensure your home is the perfect temperature, all year-round.

Peace of Mind, Every Day

Enjoy peace of mind knowing the security and safety of your home is boosted with motorised blinds.

You can protect your home, even when you’re away by locking it down tight at night and giving it the appearance of activity during the day. Schedule your blinds, curtains and even lights to open/close or turn on/off at certain times of the day to simulate presence in your home and deter burglars.

Embrace the Benefits of the 21st Century