IKEA Smart Blinds and 4 Clever Hacks to Make them Fit your Space
6 min read
Are you tired of fumbling with those cords? Imagine raising and lowering your blinds with a tap on your phone or even using your voice. That’s the magic of smart blinds, and IKEA’s got a line that’s been making waves. Their blinds, like the FYRTUR and PRAKTLYSING, are all about convenience and style without breaking the bank.
Here’s the deal: these IKEA smart blinds are affordable, easy to set up (no need for an engineering degree!), and work with many different smart home systems. You can control them with a remote, app, or even your voice, and they’ll automatically adjust to your lighting and privacy needs.
They’re the perfect way to add a touch of smart tech to your home without any hassle. So, if you’re looking for a way to upgrade your space without blowing your budget, IKEA’s got you covered with their fantastic smart blinds.
Tech for motorized blinds is continually evolving, and here’s what we know so far.
Jump straight to the electric blind hacks
How to shorten IKEA smart blinds
How to lengthen IKEA smart blinds
How to switch from battery to direct power
How to make a large motorized screen projector
The Guide to IKEA Smart Blinds
Design and Models
IKEA’s smart blinds merge functionality with a minimalist design. They provide wireless operation, privacy, and a cordless environment, enhancing home automation and safety.
FYRTUR Blinds: The IKEA FYRTUR collection is a series of roller blinds designed to offer privacy and a blackout effect for sound sleep or to prevent unwanted glare. These blinds boast a wireless design, eliminating the need for cords and providing a clean, uncluttered look. FYRTUR blinds run on battery and can be operated remotely. Their width and length cater to various window sizes, ensuring a fit for different room dimensions.
Specifications:
Type: Blackout roller shades
Operation: Wireless, remote-controlled
Battery: Rechargeable
Design: Minimalist, cordless
Width & Length Options: Various, to suit different window sizes
KADRILJ Shades: The KADRILJ line is made of sheer materials that filter rather than block out sunlight, allowing for diffused illumination while maintaining privacy. Like FYRTUR, these blinds are battery-operated and support a wireless, clutter-free setup. They offer the ease of a remote-controlled system and incorporate a rechargeable battery, promoting sustainable living.
Specifications:
Type: Filter roller blinds
Operation: Wireless, remote-controlled
Battery: Rechargeable
Design: Minimalist, cordless
Width & Length Options: Assorted, accommodating diverse window dimensions
PRAKTLYSING / TREDANSEN shades: The TREDANSEN blinds are smart, wireless, and battery-operated block-out cellular blinds. The PRAKTLYSING is the same, except for the sheer material. Cellular shades with honeycomb structures better insulate against window drafts and heat from the sun than roller blinds.
Specifications:
Type: Sheer/Blackout Cellular blinds
Operation: Wireless, remote-controlled
Battery: Rechargeable
Design: Minimalist, cordless
Width & Length Options: Various sizes for standard window dimensions
Smart Features and Connectivity
These blinds are all about making your life easier. Control these shades and blinds with your phone, voice commands, or even a remote control.
Home Smart App
The foundation of IKEA smart blinds’ functionality is the Home Smart App, which allows users to operate their blinds directly from the app on their phones. With the app, you can set the blinds to automatically open or close based on your wake-up and sleep times.
Voice Control Integration
Voice control is at the heart of smart home convenience. Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, IKEA smart blinds respond to voice commands for a hands-free experience. Whether one prefers to use Siri, Alexa, or another smart assistant, these blinds integrate smoothly for simple voice-activated control.
Remote Access and Control
With the included remote control and the option to use the IKEA Home Smart App, users can manage their smart blinds even when they’re not at home. The system uses a signal repeater to ensure commands are received reliably and activated from anywhere.
Compatibility with Smart Home Ecosystems
IKEA has designed its smart blinds to work within various smart home automation systems, making them a versatile choice for a connected home. With support for the TRÅDFRI Gateway and compatibility with the SmartThings Hub, integrating these smart shades into one’s existing setup is straightforward. These integrations allow users to weave smart blinds into automation routines for a fully automated living environment.
Setup and Operation
Installing and operating IKEA smart blinds is a straightforward process that anyone can manage without professional assistance. The simple wireless function is easy to initiate and maintain.
Step 1: Installation Process
To install IKEA smart blinds, first, ensure that the mounting brackets are securely attached to the wall or window frame using the provided screws. The blinds can easily be clicked into place on these brackets. The installation process is easy and no different from installing regular blinds.
Step 2: Pairing with Devices
Pairing the smart blinds with a controlling device requires the TRÅDFRI gateway or IKEA Home smart app. Follow the in-app instructions to pair your blinds with the app. This usually involves pressing a button on the blind and following the prompts on your phone. Users can follow IKEA’s quick guide on how to use smart blinds to connect multiple blinds with a single remote control or the app for unified operation, enabling timer functions and other settings for automated usage.
Step 3: Battery Replacement and Charging
Smart blinds operated by IKEA utilize a BRAUNIT battery pack that is rechargeable. When the battery life depletes, the pack can be removed and charged using the included USB cable. A full recharge ensures that the blinds continue functioning efficiently, with the battery typically lasting several months before needing another charge.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When users encounter problems, troubleshooting common issues involves checking battery levels or ensuring that repeaters and gateway connections are active and within range. If motorized blinds are defective or not responding, resetting the system or checking for loose connections can resolve many issues. More IKEA motorized shades troubleshooting tips here.
IKEA Smart Blind Hacks
While IKEA Smart Blinds offer a host of benefits, they might not always perfectly match the dimensions of your windows. They could be slightly too long or short for your specific needs. While IKEA discourages modifying the motorized blinds due to the complexity and potential risks, several DIY projects online detail successful attempts at customizing the length. However, please proceed with caution and only attempt such modifications if you’re comfortable with the potential risks and complexities involved.
1. How to shorten the width of a motorized blind
IKEA says the width of the curtains cannot be shortened, but that does not mean it can’t be done. Kees delved into shortening the width of his IKEA TREDASEN curtains with guidance from a Reddit post and a Medium article. Upon successfully shortening the first curtain, he proceeded to do the same with the second, meticulously documenting the process with notes and photos. Kee’s notes and photos are available for review on GitHub.
2. How to lengthen an IKEA electric blind
The windows were longer than the widest KADRILJ blind. Why not extend the KADRILJ blind to cover the windows? It’s possible with this blind extension tutorial.
3. Switching out the battery to direct power
Turn the battery-powered FYRTUR roller blind to an electric roller blind with a direct power supply. This hack can provide constant power to the blinds and eliminate the need to charge the batteries frequently, which could be beneficial in high-use areas. Learn more.
4. Transforming an electric blind to a large projector screen
A remote-controlled, motorized super large projector screen made from IKEA smart blind.
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