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Finally, smart blinds that actually match my home's decor - here's why they're worth it
SelectBlinds smart shades and blinds
pros and cons
- Lots of shade styles in tons of colors, designs, and patterns.
- Installation is easy and Bluetooth pairing is simple.
- Choose between drill or no-drill installs, and control from your phone or a remote.
- The shades are custom, so they may take a while to ship.
- Different shade styles use different apps and remotes; You need SelectConnect Bridge for smart home integration.
- They're battery operated and require periodic charging to maintain function.
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We've tested a wide range of smart home products this year, spanning from the highly specialized to uber-functional gadgets many of us couldn't live without ever again. Case in point: when I moved into my new home (on a busy corner in my neighborhood), smart blinds were among the first things on my mind.
Also: I installed these smart window shades in 10 minutes - now I want them all over my house
When I looked at my options, however, it was clear that full-service blind companies would be out of my budget, and I was adamant about not installing traditional manual blinds. Not only do I loathe cleaning them, but manually opening and closing them in multiple main-floor windows on a daily basis was not feasible.
So I went out on a limb and tried SelectBlinds' smart blinds and shades, which come in both motorized and basic blinds and shades. Plus, blind options are customizable and made to order, with a "fit guarantee" that offers replacement custom blinds if your measurements are wrong upon delivery.
SelectBlinds offer a wide variety of options from different colors, patterns, materials, and styles, as well as components like lift type, roll position, headrails on select shades, and even no-drill options. I was impressed by the sheer number of choices available, including classic vinyl blackout roller shades with smart automation (what you need if you want your shades to sync in a room) for $121 per shade.
Also: 7 simple gadgets that can make your home smarter for under $100
Plus, 66 shade styles are compatible with the SelectConnect Bridge, which connects your compatible motorized window treatments to a smart home hub such as Alexa or Google Home. This connection lets you control your blinds and shades using your smartphone, voice commands, automated schedules, and personalized routines, making the blinds truly smart and not just motorized.
My home's setup (so far)
SelectBlinds let me test two totally custom motorized blind setups, each for different spaces and window sizes in my home. In my eat-in kitchen, I installed two motorized Roman-style shades on each of my two windows. Not only did I want to see the sizing, fit, and installation for this shade style, but I was excited to select the William Morris Strawberry Thief pattern, which is the pattern most of my house is designed around. Smart products are at their best when they look like intentional design choices.
Near my entryway, I have two windows that share a single casing, so they require a single large smart shade. This was no problem for SelectBlinds. A perfectly sized, blackout roller shade was delivered, also in a William Morris print (William Morris does not sponsor this article; I just have a problem).
Also: 5 smart home gadgets I consider completely non-negotiable - and why
Since these shades are on different floors, we wanted two remotes, but because my blinds are set up with the SelectConnect Bridge, I can also control them individually from my phone. I have also added two classic motorized blackout roller shades in my street-facing bedroom and five motorized light-filtering roller shades in my main living area, each set up with my SelectConnect, too.
Installation
The installation isn't difficult, but it goes faster with two people. My partner and I found the single-window roller shades the easiest to set up, with the individual Roman shades not too far behind. The double-window roller shade was the toughest install, both because of the more awkward proportion and the stubbornness of the notches that needed to be pressed in to secure the rod.
This task required two people, a ladder, one barstool, and a whole lot of collaboration, but the installation experience differs tremendously from room to room depending on the shade size. Each blind I installed required drilling and measuring, but no specialized skills beyond that were needed.
Syncing to the remotes can also be tricky. Sometimes I found the remote wouldn't read the shade, but most of the issue was resolved by bringing the remote closer to the rod itself. The SelectConnect Bridge also required a close connection, but the tech makes it easy to integrate a home automation system like Alexa.
The SelectConnect Bridge uses the Bond Home app, where I can control all my shades, name them, group them, and schedule them. The app even differentiates between roller shades and Roman blinds.
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The Roman shades, however, prompted me to download the Tuiss SmartView app, which lets me manually adjust where the shade falls on the window by percentage and an image rather than with an open-and-close button. I seldom use this app, however, as I have full control with Bond Home, but it is nice for obtaining a visual of the Roman shades as they open and close.
It's also the only way to create custom routines related to the Roman shade's length, but I found that once I created one favorite setting I rarely moved them. The different remotes and apps can be confusing and I do wish it was all truly streamlined, but the Bond Home app comes close.
Why smart shades make sense
If you're already interested in motorized shades, making them smart is the next step. The big benefits of this include voice control and hub integration.
Also: I automated my home's most unexpected electronics - here are 5 ingenious results
Functionally, smart shades can be the best options for apartments or small spaces, where squeezing between furniture to open blinds isn't feasible. They're also great if you're looking to create daily routines that streamline your day. My bedroom and living room blinds all operate on a custom schedule designed perfectly for my lifestyle -- and the best part is I can set it and forget it. I've even created alternative blind routines to account for my habit of sleeping in on the weekends.
ZDNET's buying advice
If you want motorized blinds with advanced smart features like voice control, smart hub integration and app control, SelectBlinds' smart blind and shade options are an option I recommend.
Compared to other smart blinds, like SmartWings, there are more patterns, prints, designs, and styles to choose from, which could be ideal for the individual looking for style and function. You can select blinds with designer patterns or for a specific use case (blackout, light-filtering) without sacrificing mobility. Plus, shade samples are free, so you can test blinds in your space before committing to a purchase.