Smart blinds—a.k.a—smart shades—are the door and window addition everyone is raving about nowadays. These coverings have built-in motors powered by electrical wires, batteries, or solar energy. By pushing a button on a remote control, a switch, or a smart home integration, you can lift or lower them to your liking.
Motorized door and window coverings ‘smartly’ follow your voice commands and preferred settings. Not only are they super functional and convenient, but they’re also great for regulating the light you’re allowing into your space. Replacing your existing blinds with smart shades could be your answer to regulating your indoor temperature.
To further pique your interest, we’ve prepared a round-up of the best smart shades on the market right now. Take a look at their qualities and perks in the list below:
1. Lutron Serena Shades
2. Ikea Fyrtur Smart Blinds
3. Yoolax Motorized Blinds
4. SmartWings Motorized Blinds
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔️ Multiple customizable options ✔️ Fit for covering windows and doors ✔️ Easy to install ✔️ Cordless option available ✔️ Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit | ❌ Expensive starting price ❌ Separate hub required for Wi-Fi control ❌ No variety in charging options |
The Lutron Serena Shades give you a myriad of customization options, including shade type, fabric, opacity, and more.
These roller shades cater to different sizes to accommodate all kinds of windows and doors in your home, giving you the privacy needed. They are easy to install, and also come with a cordless option for those who may appreciate it.
However, the Lutron Serena Shades are expensive: their price starts at around $300 and increases based on your customizations.
Additionally, these blinds require a Lutron Smart Bridge—a Wi-Fi bridge that allows you to integrate the coverings into a smart app. You may also need to frequently replace its batteries to keep the motor working.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔️ Affordable ✔️ Blackout shades ✔️ Control options for timers, privacy, and light levels ✔️ Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit ✔️ Comes with wall/ceiling brackets | ❌ Limited size customizations ❌ Requires a TRÅDFRI gateway and IKEA Home smart app to access Wi-Fi control ❌ No sunrise/sunset timer support |
Introducing the Ikea Fyrtur Smart Blinds! These window coverings block out all light and completely darken your room in a few seconds—for only $279.
If you have existing shades, don’t worry about drilling new holes because the Fyrtur Blinds offer compatibility. They’re installed via wall/ceiling brackets.
As for its control and connectivity, the blinds come with a remote and a signal repeater. You’ll need to use this and the Ikea Home smart app to manage the settings of the shades. They can then be linked to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
If there’s one thing you need to worry about the Fyrtur Blinds, it’s their inability to support sunrise and sunset timers. There’s no setting for changing when the blinds automatically rise or fall during the day. This is disappointing from a functionality limitation, especially given the many researched benefits of natural light.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔️ Affordable ✔️ Perfect for covering windows and doors ✔️ Offers a myriad of customization options ✔️ Plug-in, battery, and solar power options ✔️ Customizable smart bridge ✔️ Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit ✔️ 2-year warranty for blinds and motors | ❌ Additional customization can be expensive ❌ Remote sold separately |
Another option you can explore is the Yoolax Motorized Blinds. The starting price of these shades is $189, which can increase depending on additions.
These smart shades can accommodate windows of all sizes. As far as customization goes, this affordable option gives you a variety of options when it comes to aesthetic style, charging options, as well as smart bridges.
For blind installation, Yoolax provides detailed instructions that should prove relatively straightforward if followed correctly. Customers will also receive a 2-year warranty for motors and controls for all shades.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔️ Affordable ✔️ Variety of size options to fit all window and door dimensions ✔️ Powerful yet quiet motors ✔️ Motors are USB-C rechargeable ✔️ Easy installation ✔️ Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and Apple HomeKit | ❌ Requires a customized motor to access Wi-Fi, voice, and app control ❌ Limited design options ❌ Can get expensive depending on your customizations ❌ Remote sold separately |
With a price tag starting at $205.99, SmartWings Motorized Blinds are a popular option that offers quality at an affordable price.
The blackout linen fabrics of this covering will make your home look smarter and more elegant. These materials are thick enough to cover all sides of fenestration, providing a fantastic combination of style, insulation, and privacy.
SmartWings provides five motor remote types for you to choose from. Their default is only compatible with a remote control. You’ll need to upgrade to a Zigbee, Alexa, or HomeKit Smart Motor to enjoy the convenience of controlling all shades via an app or voice command.
Despite the price hike of customizations, the SmartWings blinds have a plethora of smart features. These coverings promise a comfortable indoor life by allowing you to manage shade levels and smart timing to let natural lighting flow through your home.
Assuming you appreciate the following benefits, then smart window treatments are absolutely worth your money:
Smart blinds can only do so much when put on low-quality windows. Specifically, as far as energy efficiency is concerned, ensure yours check out on the following:
Ontario Window Reviews provides a complete directory of recognized window manufacturers in the province. On our site, you’ll find their accolades, certifications, as well as customer reviews to help you make informed decisions.
Need advice on maximizing the energy efficiency of your windows or choosing smart roller shades and windows? Contact us now!
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