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Short answer
Smart curtains are motorised curtains you control by app, voice, schedule or sensor. Plan the motor, track and power first, then choose a fabric the motor is rated to carry, usually with an S-fold heading. Useful automations include closing west-facing curtains before the afternoon sun, opening bedroom curtains gently at wake-up time, and closing everything at sunset.
How do smart curtains work?
- Motorised track: a motor drives the curtain carriers along the track.
- Control: remote, wall switch, phone app, timer, or a voice assistant through a smart-home hub.
- Power: most motors need a power point near the track; plan it before the ceiling or curtain box is built. See Curtain Boxes for Condos.
- Double tracks: the sheer and the main curtain can each have their own motor and schedule.
For motorised tracks, blinds and smart motors, see JOTEX Sunshades.
Which automations are worth setting up?
| Automation | Why |
|---|---|
| Close west-facing curtains in the early afternoon | Cooler rooms, lower air-conditioning load, less fading |
| Open bedroom curtains slowly at wake-up time | Natural light helps you wake |
| Close all curtains at sunset | Privacy as soon as lights go on |
| Open the sheer, keep the main curtain closed | Daylight with privacy while you work |
| Away mode: open and close at set times | The home looks lived-in while you travel |
Tip
Pair the afternoon schedule with a blackout or blackout-lined curtain on sunny windows. See Curtains That Reduce Heat.
Which fabric works best on a motorised track?
- Weight first: the motor and track must be rated for the curtain's total weight, including lining. Give the installer the gsm, lining, fullness and size. See Fabric Weight (GSM) Explained.
- S-fold heading: even waves that open and close the same way every time. See S-Fold Curtains.
- Light to medium fabrics run most smoothly; heavy velvets and long lined curtains need a stronger motor.
- Extra-wide fabric avoids seams that can catch as the curtain stacks.
See Fabrics for Motorised Curtains for more.
Where do smart curtains help most?
- Tall and double-height windows you cannot reach. See Curtains for High Ceilings.
- Wide sliding doors with long, heavy curtains.
- Bedrooms for wake-up and blackout schedules.
- Elderly parents' rooms, where pulling curtains is hard. See Curtains for an Elderly Parent's Room.
- Home theatres, to close every curtain at once. See Home Theatre Curtains.
Frequently asked questions
What are smart curtains?
Motorised curtains you can control by app, voice, timer or sensor, often as part of a smart-home system.
Can I control curtains with a voice assistant?
Yes, with a motor that connects to your smart-home hub or app. Check compatibility before buying.
Do smart curtains need a power point?
Most motors do, near the track. Plan it before the ceiling or curtain box is finished.
What curtain heading is best for motorised tracks?
S-fold, because its even waves open and close the same way every time. French pleats work too.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.