Motorised blinds have transformed the way New Zealanders think about window coverings. Once seen as a luxury, they’re now a practical choice for both homes and businesses. With a simple remote, wall switch, or app, you can control light, privacy, and ambience without ever touching a cord.
These blinds don’t just look sleek; they also improve safety by eliminating dangling chains, making them ideal for homes with children, pets, or elderly residents. They integrate seamlessly with smart home systems, allowing you to adjust blinds from your phone or even through voice commands with Alexa, Google Home, or Siri.
As demand grows, customers are faced with a choice: wired or wireless motorised blinds. Both offer convenience and style, but the right option depends on your space, budget, and lifestyle. Let’s break down the differences.
Wired motorised blinds are connected directly to your property’s electrical system, which means they draw power continuously and never need to be recharged. Once installed, they are almost completely maintenance-free, giving you years of hassle-free operation. For busy homes and commercial buildings, this reliability is a major benefit.
These blinds are particularly well-suited to larger windows or heavy blinds where extra lifting power is needed. The Automate E Series, for example, has a high lifting capacity and advanced levelling technology, ensuring blinds rise and fall in perfect alignment even when operating in groups. This makes wired blinds a popular choice in offices, schools, hotels, and modern homes with floor-to-ceiling glass.
Because they run off the mains, wired blinds are also highly dependable. There is no risk of running flat, which can be frustrating in high-use spaces. They integrate seamlessly with smart building automation systems, too, so if you want to schedule blinds to adjust at certain times of day, or in response to the weather, wired systems are ideal.
The main consideration is installation. An electrician is required, and in existing homes, the process can be more disruptive if wiring needs to be concealed. That is why wired blinds are often recommended for new builds, large-scale renovations, or commercial projects where electrical planning is already underway. While the upfront effort is greater, the long-term benefits of zero maintenance and consistent power make wired blinds a reliable and future-proof option.
Wireless motorised blinds, sometimes called battery-powered blinds, provide the same sleek convenience as wired versions but without the need for any hardwiring. Instead, they’re powered by long-life lithium-ion batteries, which can operate for months before needing a simple recharge through USB. This makes them extremely versatile and easy to live with.
The absence of wiring makes installation straightforward and non-invasive. There is no need to cut into walls or bring in an electrician, which is why wireless blinds are particularly popular in existing homes, apartments, and rental properties. They are also easy to move or update in the future, making them a flexible option for people who do not want to commit to a permanent setup.
Modern wireless blinds are not just about convenience. They come with features such as ultra-quiet motors for discreet operation, strong brackets for stability, and Automate Reactive Technology that can respond to sunlight, wind, or temperature. For example, you can set blinds to close automatically during the hottest part of the afternoon, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs.
Wireless blinds also integrate smoothly with smart home systems, giving you control through an app or voice commands. They can be programmed to open in the morning with your alarm, or close at night when you lock the front door, all without lifting a finger.
The only real consideration is battery management. While it is not a demanding task, you will need to remember to recharge occasionally. For most users, the convenience, flexibility, and clean appearance of a wireless design more than make up for this minor upkeep.
Feature |
Wired Motorised Blinds |
Wireless Motorised Blinds |
Power Source |
Connected to mains electricity | Rechargeable lithium ion battery |
Best For |
New builds, renovations, large blinds, commercial use | Existing homes, rental properties, and flexible installation |
Reliability |
Always powered, no downtime | Reliable but requires occasional charging |
Installation |
Requires an electrician and planning | Quick, no hardwiring, minimal disruption |
Smart Home Integration |
Yes | Yes |
Maintenance |
Virtually none | Occasional recharging |
Both options deliver the same modern look, quiet motors, and smart home compatibility. The real difference lies in how you want to power them. If you value permanence, strength, and zero upkeep, wired blinds are the better option. If you prefer flexibility, simple installation, and the ability to retrofit with minimal disruption, wireless blinds are the more convenient choice.
Wired blinds are the dependable, long-term choice for large windows, new builds, and commercial spaces. Wireless blinds are flexible, quick to install, and perfect for retrofits or rentals. Both give you convenience, safety, and style that traditional blinds simply can’t match.
At Total Look Blinds, we’ll help you choose the right option for your space. Whether you’re upgrading your home or fitting out a workplace, our motorised blinds are designed to look great, perform flawlessly, and last for years.
Ready to explore motorised blinds in Auckland? Request your free measure and quote today.
Yes. Both wired and wireless blinds can integrate with systems like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Siri. This lets you control them with voice commands or set up automated schedules.
No. Modern motors are designed for quiet operation, making them suitable for bedrooms, offices, and living rooms where peace is important.
Most wireless blinds only need to be recharged every six to twelve months, depending on how often they are used. Recharging is simple with a standard USB cable and takes only a few hours.
Yes. Motorised blinds are popular in offices, schools, hotels, and retail stores. They provide reliable light and privacy control, improve safety in high traffic areas, and can be integrated into building management systems to operate automatically across large spaces.
