Thanks to the wide variety, choosing window blinds has become challenging nowadays. One of the hard decisions to make when looking for window blinds is whether to buy motorized or manual blinds. Since each option has advantages and disadvantages, your best choice will depend on your needs.
For example, while manual window blinds are cheaper, they will not provide the added comfort and convenience of motorized blinds. Here are some things to consider when comparing manual and motorized shades.
Cost-Effectiveness
Since motorized blinds come with a motor, you'll spend more buying and installing them. So, if you are on a budget, manual blinds could be the right pick.
However, if you have more money to spend, buying motorized blinds provides numerous long-term benefits, making every penny worth it. For example, if your motorized blinds have sensors, they'll automatically raise or lower themselves to control the amount of sunlight and heat they let into your house.
Also, since motorized blinds will open and close at specific times, you don't need to switch on the lights when you wake up.
Convenience
If you have manual blinds for all your windows, you'll spend several minutes opening the blinds every morning and closing them every evening. To avoid this tedious task, you can install motorized blinds. These blinds will open and close automatically at specific times of the day or depending on the amount of sunshine and heat.
Motorized blinds are essential in homes with designer windows in hard-to-reach places. Instead of using ladders to access your blinds, motorized shades will let you enjoy natural light without struggling.
Safety
Thanks to their automated lock system, motorized blinds are safer than manual blinds. For example, if you forget to lower your motorized blinds when leaving home, you can lower the shades and lock them from any location. This feature also allows you to open and close your blinds remotely, making it look like you are home.
Also, unlike manual blinds, motorized blinds don't come with cords or strings that are a safety hazard for pets and kids.
Aesthetics
Your window coverings determine your home's aesthetics, and blinds are no exception. In addition to color and design, blinds' alignment will contribute to your home's aesthetic appeal.
Since you can synchronize motorized windows to open and close in unison, the resulting alignment improves the aesthetics of your home. On the other hand, you need several trials to create a perfect alignment with your manual blinds.
Durability
Due to wear and tear in blinds' mechanical systems, like strings and chains, your manual blinds may not last long like their motorized counterparts. Also, since manual blinds are cheaper, the quality of the fabrics used may be lower than that of the highly-priced motorized blinds.
UV Protection
Harmful Ultraviolet Rays (UV) can cause damage to your interiors and furnishing. If you open your blinds in the morning and close them in the evening, harmful UV rays will find their way into your during sunny days.
However, if you have motorized blinds with sensors, the blinds will automatically adjust during extremely sunny days to block the harmful rays.
If you find it hard to determine the right blinds for your home, the above information will enable you to compare manual and motorized blinds and choose the right one for you. Though higher in price, motorized blinds offer more benefits than manual blinds. However, ensure that you've hired a professional to install your blinds for the best results.
At Sylvan's & Phillip's, we have partnered with some leading blinds manufacturers to offer quality services at competitive prices.
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