By the SightShield team · · 3 min read
Why motorise curtains?
- Large, heavy or double-height curtains are hard to draw by hand.
- Skylights and high windows are out of reach.
- West-facing rooms heat up in the afternoon; curtains that close automatically keep the room cooler and the AC working less.
- Privacy scenes close every curtain at once at night.
- Morning scenes open bedroom curtains gently with the lights.
Types of motor
| Type | Used for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Curtain track motor | Fabric curtains on a track, single or centre-opening | Motor at one end of the track; handles heavy drapes |
| Tubular motor | Roller, zebra and roman blinds | Motor hidden inside the roller tube |
| Battery motor | Retrofit blinds and curtains | No wiring; recharge every few months |
| Outdoor motor | Awnings and outdoor blinds | Weather-rated, often with wind sensors |
Which blind or curtain for which room
| Room | Common choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Living room | Double track: sheer plus heavy drape | Daylight with privacy, full darkness for films |
| Bedroom | Blackout curtain or roller blind | Sleep and morning light control |
| Home office | Roller or zebra blind | Glare control on screens |
| Double-height window | Motorised curtain or roller | Impossible to reach by hand |
| Skylight | Skylight blind with motor | Heat and glare from above |
| West-facing glass | Solar or blackout roller with sun automation | Afternoon heat and AC load |
Wired or battery?
Wired motors need a power point near the top of the window, ideally hidden in a pelmet or false ceiling. They never need charging and suit new builds and renovations. Battery motors are the practical choice for finished homes where adding a point would mean breaking walls; most run for months between charges, depending on use.
Sizing the motor
Curtain motors are rated by the weight of fabric they can pull and the track length. Heavy lined drapes on long tracks need a stronger motor than sheers. Roller blind motors are rated by torque and must suit the blind’s width, fabric weight and tube diameter. Give the installer the window sizes and fabric choices early so the right motor and track are ordered.
What to plan during construction
- A power point and, for wired control, a control cable to each window that will be motorised.
- A curtain pocket or pelmet deep enough for the track and motor.
- Enough clearance for heavy curtains to stack when open.
- Blackout fabric for bedrooms, sheers for living rooms, possibly both on a double track.
Control options
Motorised curtains can be controlled from a wall switch, remote, phone app, voice assistant or as part of a scene. Many motors also allow a gentle pull on the curtain to start the motor, which helps guests. Sun and temperature automations can close curtains when the room gets too warm.
Plan motorised curtains with us →Automations that save effort and energy
- Close west-facing curtains automatically in the afternoon to keep rooms cooler.
- Open bedroom curtains gradually as a wake-up routine.
- Close all curtains at sunset for privacy.
- Include curtains in “Movie” and “Away” scenes.
- Open curtains when the fire alarm sounds, where linked, to let in light for evacuation.
Quick answers
Can existing curtains be motorised?+
Often yes, by replacing the track with a motorised one and reusing the fabric. Battery motors avoid any wiring.
What if there is a power cut?+
Curtains can usually still be drawn by hand. Battery motors keep working through power cuts.
Are motorised curtains noisy?+
Quality motors are quiet enough for bedrooms. Ask for the noise rating when choosing a motor.
Can curtains close automatically in the afternoon sun?+
Yes, using a schedule, a sun-position automation or a temperature sensor in the room.
How long do curtain motor batteries last?+
Typically weeks to months per charge, depending on curtain weight and daily use.
Can motorised curtains work with Alexa or Google Home?+
Yes, through the motor brand’s hub or a compatible smart home platform.