The latest invention in window treatments is motorized blinds.  These are raised and lowered with a remote control and can be externally hung or enclosed between panes of glass.  Obviously, the latter type of motorized window blinds would be more expensive but they would also be more durable as the glass would protect them from everything but direct sun damage.

The actual motor in motorized blinds is not intrusive or detracting from the look at all because it is hidden within the headrail along the top of the window.  Also within the headrail is some sort of sensor that the remote will communicate with in order to control the blinds.  There are also versions which can be operated by a wall switch instead of remote but those are not nearly as popular since it rather defeats the purpose of convenience.  After all, the whole point is to not have to get up and adjust the blinds, right?

Just about any blind can be made to be automated like this, including motorized vertical blinds and motorized mini blinds.  The entire system can run on batteries, if you’d like, but most of the time the blinds will be tied into your home’s existing electrical system which is easier than dealing with batteries all the time.  Automating your blinds has several advantages.

One advantage is convenience, obviously.  It is much easier to raise, lower and level your blinds by remote than by hand.  Not only do you not have to get up and go around to each window, you also won’t have the hassle of adjusting multiple times to get them all level with each other.    This also ensures that your blinds will last a lot longer as most of the time breakage occurs from improper use of the cords or because the slats get bent or damaged.

Another major advantage is the safety factor.  For very high windows or sky lights, it is clearly much safer to have a remote control than to have to use a chair or a ladder to adjust the blinds.  Also the cords on standard traditional blinds have proven to be a strangulation risk for small children.  Since the motorized blinds do not have any hanging cords, that concern is completely eliminated.

A final advantage is the “cool” factor. I’ve been to a friends home who has a huge city condo with floor to ceiling windows.  I have to say, that the first time they opened their motorized vertical blinds when I was over, was completely jaw dropping.  Its not like I was born in a cave or anything, but I have to tell you that I was literally mesmerized by watching those blinds open across the entire length of the room while sitting on the couch.  It was very cool for sure.  Yes I know its a little superficial, but still very impressive nonetheless. I wasn’t smart enough to take a picture when I was there, but this photo kind of gives you an idea of what a large window with motorized blinds might look like. Really its not that much different than regular window mini blinds.

Clearly motorized blinds have some advantages that traditional blinds do not.  While more expensive in the initial purchase, they should pay for themselves when you don’t have to replace them for many years.  Search online for deals, specials, and other motorized window blinds tips.