The desire of a person to create comfortable, practical and at the same time comfortable conditions in his home that allow him to relax and unwind after a hard day's work is understandable and justified. Not the last place in achieving the desired comfort is played by curtains or blinds, by closing the windows, you can move away from the world around you. By controlling the illumination, you can add sophistication and color saturation to rooms. However, walking around the rooms and manually pulling or opening the curtains is quite inconvenient and time-consuming. You can solve this problem by connecting the Smart Home to the curtain control. Almost any apartment can be equipped with smart roller blinds and electric eaves.
Types of smart curtains
There are several types of smart curtains, the applicability of which depends on the height of the ceilings and the size of the window openings:
- classic roller blinds;
- sliding system (smart curtains);
- system for winter gardens.
Classic roller blinds
Classic lifting mechanisms are designed for use with roller blinds, roman blinds and pleated blinds. Roller blinds are wound on a rotating roller, and Roman blinds are laid in neat folds. In the smart home system, pleated blinds fold into a tight accordion when the shaft rotates. The design of such lifting mechanisms is suitable for window openings of various shapes and allows you to adjust the height of the curtains. The buyer has the opportunity to choose an execution option:
- with a box;
- without box;
- with installation along the bay window;
Bay window - a glazed part of the room protruding from the wall of the building, which has a round, multifaceted or rectangular shape.
Sliding system
Sliding systems are used in conjunction with curtains and curtains that open window openings, moving horizontally. They are also used with Japanese panels and vertical blinds (fabric, multi-texture and plastic). Curtains in 6-8 rows are hung to the sliding cornice. The peculiarity of this option is the electric motor, which is hidden behind the system and is connected to the panels. The system allows you to organize the control of blinds or curtains in manual and automatic mode.
Conservatory system
The conservatory system is used for vertical, inclined and horizontal surfaces. One of its profiles can be up to 14 meters long, which makes it possible to use it in decorating verandas and gazebos. Thanks to the original and reliable design, the system is most often installed in public buildings and catering establishments. In some cases, it is suitable for individual country houses.
Connection and management
Smart curtains differ from each other in configuration, connection method and control.
Contents of delivery
The delivery set of each electric cornice includes:
- support rail (single or multi-row), made, depending on the version, of stainless steel, aluminum or plastic;
- an electric motor, which is fixed on the side of the carrier rail and ensures the reliable functioning of the entire system;
- control unit (controller);
- rose or chain for hanging curtains and curtains. They can be made from plastics, aluminum or stainless steel;
- necessary accessories.
Smart curtains are equipped with a remote control or a special dashboard. The latter is intended for installation on a wall, in a place convenient for the user.
Light, motion or temperature sensors built into the mechanism do not require additional installation.
Installation
The electric cornice, designed for Roman blinds, is completed with a special cassette, which, in addition to fastening, also serves as a decorative element. Such a cassette is much more convenient to use, it is easier to mount it. The installation of an electric curtain rod for Roman blinds requires the use of a special tool.
There is a combined mounting option that includes a cassette and side hooks. This option withstands heavy curtains and is reliable in operation.
Electric curtain rods with rotary blinds are less in demand. Their reliability in comparison with cassette designs leaves much to be desired.
Electric drive
The main design element of smart curtains is an electric motor. As a rule, to control curtains and blinds with an electric drive, it is necessary to have an electrical network with a voltage of 220-230 V and a frequency of 50 to 60 Hz. Electricity consumption is comparable to one light bulb.
Usually an electric drive is connected to all mechanisms installed on windows in one room. Installation in rooms with high humidity is allowed, as it is structurally protected from dust and moisture. In addition, the drive mechanism is equipped with fire protection.
Control
There are many ways to control smart curtains. Most often, control is used using:
- remote control (remote control);
- buttons;
- timer.
For remote control, in addition to the remote control, the Smart Curtains system includes a device that receives control signals (infrared or radio). Place it in close proximity to the electric motor.
The curtains are controlled from a special panel, which is fixed in a place convenient for the user. The panel has a built-in timer that allows you to program the opening and closing of the curtains by setting the appropriate time.
Technically more sophisticated management methods have also become widespread:
- voice;
- using a smartphone or tablet.
Voice control is carried out in the presence of a device capable of recording and then recognizing the user's voice. In this case, the automatics will carry out commands given only by this voice.
By installing the appropriate application on digital gadgets, you can control the curtains from anywhere in the world.
Advantages and disadvantages
Smart curtains, like any other device, have a number of advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage due to which they are widely used is their versatility. In addition, all models:
- noiseless in operation, which is why they can be installed in children's rooms, bedrooms, offices, etc.;
- have the ability to remotely control;
- extend the life of fabrics, which, in comparison with models opened and closed by hand, are less dirty and torn;
- due to the use of modern materials, they provide long service life and high reliability during operation;
- virtually maintenance-free.
Main disadvantages:
- the need to lay a separate power line for the supply of electricity;
- the need for a special tool that may not be available in a home workshop.
When installing and installing smart curtains, special knowledge and skills are not required, however, it is better to invite a specialist who has some experience in such work and has all the necessary set of tools to perform these works.
Popular models
There are a large number of various models of smart curtains on the market. Among them, the following systems are especially popular:
- Escar of Russian production. The models are equipped with silent electric motors and can withstand a weight of up to 50 kg. Fastening can be done in various ways.
- Xiaomi Aqara Smart Curtain Controller made in China. The kit includes a sliding electric cornice that allows you to attach it to the wall and ceiling. The system can be mounted in rounded window openings and is controlled from a smartphone.
- Dooya Smart Curtain is an original design solution that allows you to move the curtains vertically. When an obstacle appears, the device stops working.
- Somfy Glyde is a fully automated design that remembers the position set by the user and allows you to reset all settings.
- Novo is a model installed in arched or corner bay windows. The system works silently and can withstand a load of up to 60 kg. Control is carried out from the remote control or wall panel.
Smart curtains allow the user to adjust the lighting in the premises without getting up. At the same time, their use saves time and effort, and reduces electricity consumption.
