Last month I shared a roundup of the smart home gear we use most, and I promised a deeper dive into our motorized blinds. They’ve become one of my favorite smart home upgrades, so here’s everything about where we got them, why we picked them, how they’re powered, the pros and cons, and what they cost.
Note: I keep calling them “blinds” even though they’re technically roller shades.
Even my partner was skeptical at first, but she’s a convert now. We went from manually adjusting multiple bedroom shades every morning and night to having them automated as part of our wake and bedtime routines. That convenience sold me.
Why Install Smart Blinds or Shades?
Motorized shades solved a repetitive little task for us and fit naturally into our existing routines. At our previous house we’d have needed to retrofit or replace many existing coverings, which was cost-prohibitive. At this house we had zero window coverings to start and only needed five bedroom shades, so the math worked in favor of automation.
We chose roller shades over slatted blinds because they disappear more neatly when open and keep the rooms bright and modern. Roller shades also tend to be fussier when manual, so automation eliminates the awkward re-rolling or sudden snaps that can happen with cheaper manual rollers.
After some persuasion—and because we only needed five windows—Sherry agreed to the install. Now it’s something we both love and use daily.
What Smart Shades Did We Choose?
We ordered Bali blackout roller shades with smart motorization through Blinds.com. They offer many motorized options—roman, cellular, sheers, and more—but for our needs the blackout roller with Z-Wave motorization fit best. We selected a textured neutral fabric called Acadia Vintage Veil that looks more refined than cheap vinyl.
When customizing choose the Lift option labeled “Z-Wave Motorization” if you want full smart control. You can also choose power type and roll direction—more on both below.
How Does The Smart Shade Get Power?
Motorized shades are usually powered by solar, batteries, or a plug. Solar is neat but depends on direct sun and can be visible from outside. Battery options are cord-free but need recharging or replacement, and packs can be bulky. Plug-in shades offer reliable power without bulky packs or panels but need a nearby outlet and a small visible cord.
Solar Powered Blinds Pros & Cons
- PRO: Cord-free and eco-friendly
- PRO: Recharges automatically in sun
- CON: Less effective without direct sunlight
- CON: Solar strip may be visible externally
Battery Powered Blinds Pros & Cons
- PRO: Cord-free and no outlet needed
- PRO: Rechargeable options reduce replacement cost
- CON: Packs can be bulky for some frames
- CON: Require periodic charging or battery swaps
Plug-in Blinds Pros & Cons
- PRO: Reliable power without recharging
- PRO: No bulky batteries or external solar components
- CON: Needs an outlet nearby
- CON: Small cord may be visible
We chose the plug-in option to avoid battery maintenance. The cord is very thin—about 1/8″—and runs down the trim into a nearby outlet. From a few feet away it’s barely noticeable; most visitors assume the shades are battery-powered.
Our trim projects about 3/4″ and the cord tucks neatly along the edge, which helps it blend in.
Do I Need Any Other Equipment To Make Them Smart?
Yes. To control the shades via app or voice you’ll need a gateway. Bali sells its own gateway, but because these shades use Z-Wave we connected them to a compatible Z-Wave hub instead. One gateway typically controls up to 15 devices, so check quantities before ordering. We used a SmartThings hub; similar Z-Wave hubs work too. After connecting the hub, use the manufacturer’s app or a hub app to set schedules, presets, and scenes.
For the best experience add a voice assistant like an Amazon Echo or Google Home so you can say commands like “Alexa, Good Morning” or “Hey Google, close the bedroom shades.” We grouped shades and hooked them into our morning and bedtime routines for seamless control.
How Much Did They Cost?
We paid about $300 per window for five blackout motorized shades, totaling $1,450. That price included the blackout fabric and motorization; motorization added roughly $145–$190 per shade depending on power type. Prices vary and sales are common, so shopping timing helps.
Were They Difficult To Install & Set-Up?
Installation was like any other roller shade: mount the brackets and snap the tube in. The only extra step was routing and plugging the thin power cord. Setup with the hub and app was straightforward; the exact steps depend on your hub. Each shade also has a manual control button for operation if the network or power hiccups.
How Did You Hide The Cord?
We ran the cord along the top corner seam of the trim and down the side, securing it with tiny finish nails. In most rooms the cord tucks behind furniture or behind curtain panels if you use curtains. Where the cord had to travel farther to reach an outlet, we used a slim cord cover along the baseboard and painted it to match the wall. In practice the cord is inconspicuous unless you’re looking closely.
Were They Worth It?
Yes. The convenience of automated morning and evening routines, voice control, easier use for kids, and added vacation security outweighs the cost for us. Highlights:
Automating Morning & Evening Routines
We say “Alexa, Good Morning” to raise all shades at once, and “Alexa, It’s Bedtime” to lower them. They’re part of our light and routine scenes, which feels efficient and satisfying.
Making Blinds Kid-Friendly
Voice control makes it easy for kids to operate their shades without tugging cords or touching the fabric, so the shades stay cleaner and are simpler for them to use independently.
Creating Quiet Kid “Alarm Clocks”
We created routines that raise kids’ shades partway at school-specific times so they wake gently to light rather than a loud alarm—an effective, less disruptive wake-up cue.
Added Security When We’re Away
Scheduled blind movements simulate occupancy while we’re on vacation, which adds a nice layer of security without extra effort.
Are There Any Downsides?
Aside from higher cost than non-motorized shades, the only recurring issue we’ve seen is an occasional Z-Wave connection drop on the shade farthest from the hub. It’s infrequent and resolves itself; manual control is available on each shade. If you’re concerned about outages, consider battery-operated shades or a local remote as recommended by the manufacturer.
Any Other Tips?
Order a single test shade before committing to the whole house. We did and caught a roll-direction mistake: we initially chose “Standard Roll” and saw the white blackout liner on the visible roll instead of the textured fabric. Choosing “Reverse Roll” showed the fabric across the top and made a big visual difference. Blinds.com replaced our test shade and helped us finalize the rest of the order.
What Else Should I Smart-ify In My House?
If you’re starting small, smart plugs and smart bulbs are inexpensive ways to add automation. For more ideas, look at simple automations that tie shades, lights, and voice assistants together—those combos deliver the most everyday value. We also added a wireless video doorbell and other small smart conveniences that together make the house feel more automated and comfortable.
So that’s our experience with smart roller shades: practical, reliable, and a nice quality-of-life upgrade. If you’re on the fence, try one test window first and see how it fits into your routine.
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