Motorised Blinds South Africa
Your blinds rise with the morning light. The outdoor screen drops when the sun shifts. The bedroom darkens at bedtime without anyone touching a switch. Motorised blinds remove the small daily frictions you stopped noticing, and once they are gone, you wonder how you lived without them.
What are the best motorised blind systems available in South Africa?
- Two professional-grade ecosystems are available nationally: Somfy (founded 1969, installed in over 100 million homes worldwide) and MotionBlinds by Coulisse (with Eve for native Apple HomeKit integration)
- Somfy uses RTS (one-way radio) and io-homecontrol (two-way feedback) protocols, with motors for roller blinds, outdoor blinds and awnings
- MotionBlinds uses Bluetooth and Thread protocols with native Apple HomeKit support via Eve and Matter compatibility for future-proofing
- Motorisation is available on roller blinds, zebra double roller blinds and outdoor blinds, the three product types most commonly automated in South African homes
- Both systems work with voice assistants including Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri
- Battery-powered motors require no wiring and can be retrofitted to existing blinds
- Custom Blinds is an accredited Somfy Expert and supplies both Somfy and MotionBlinds, one of the only South African companies working across both platforms
- Garden Route clients receive full installation. National buyers can order motorised-ready blinds online at shop.customblinds.co.za for delivery anywhere in South Africa
Need expert advice? Call Duncan on 079 523 5407 or order motorised blinds online
TLDR
South Africa has two serious motorised blind ecosystems: Somfy (established, strongest for outdoor blinds and whole-home hub control) and MotionBlinds (modern, strongest for Apple households and battery retrofits). Custom Blinds works across both, advises which suits each home, and installs throughout the Garden Route. Motorisation works on roller blinds, zebra double roller blinds and outdoor blinds. We ship motorised-ready blinds nationwide.
How it feels
Motorised blinds do not announce themselves. They simply remove the small daily frictions you stopped noticing years ago. The reach, the tug, the tangled cord, the walk across the room, the worry about what happens to your patio when you are not there.
Morning
Bedroom roller blinds rise gently at 6:30. The room fills with light before the alarm sounds. No cords. No effort. Just the start of a better day.
Evening
One tap on your phone and every blind in the house closes. The living room goes quiet. The bedrooms darken. Bedtime takes care of itself.
Weather
Wind sensor detects a gust. The outdoor blind retracts automatically. No ripped fabric. No running outside. The system protects itself while you stay inside.
Safety
No dangling cords or chains anywhere in the house. Motorised blinds are the safest option for nurseries, children’s rooms and homes with pets.
“People think motorised blinds are a luxury. Then they use them for a week and realise it is the cords and chains that were the problem all along.”
Duncan, Custom Blinds, 15 years installing across the Garden Route
Why homeowners trust Custom Blinds for automation
Accredited. Experienced. Honest.
We are one of a small number of accredited Somfy Experts in South Africa. We also supply and install MotionBlinds by Coulisse, including Eve MotionBlinds for Apple Home. That means we advise on both platforms, not because we sell everything, but because different homes need different systems.
Installations
Across the Garden Route and nationwide since 2010. We know what works.
Ecosystems
Somfy and MotionBlinds. We work across both so you get unbiased advice.
Google Rating
Perfect score from verified reviews. Our clients trust the work.
Two Systems, One Roof: Somfy and MotionBlinds
South Africa has two professional-grade motorisation ecosystems worth considering. Each has genuine strengths. Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on your household, your devices and how far you want to take automation.
Somfy
Founded 1969. Installed in over 100 million homes worldwide. The industry standard for motorised window coverings and outdoor blind automation.
- Two protocols: RTS (one-way, reliable, affordable) and io-homecontrol (two-way feedback, premium)
- Motor ranges: Sonesse (silent indoor rollers), WireFree (battery, no wiring needed)
- TaHoma hub connects everything: blinds, outdoor screens, lighting, heating
- Weather sensors: sun and wind sensors for automatic outdoor blind protection
- Voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant
- Strongest for: outdoor blind automation, whole-home hub control, large installations
MotionBlinds by Coulisse
Modern wireless-first platform using Bluetooth and Thread. Includes Eve MotionBlinds for native Apple HomeKit integration. Matter compatible for future-proofing.
- Bluetooth and Thread protocols, no Wi-Fi hub required for basic control
- Eve MotionBlinds: native Apple HomeKit via the Home app and Siri
- Wi-Fi bridge available for Google Home and Amazon Alexa integration
- Matter compatible, works with future smart home standards
- Strong battery-powered motors ideal for retrofits without rewiring
- Strongest for: Apple households, battery retrofits, modern wireless setups
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Somfy | MotionBlinds / Eve |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1969 (France) | 2014 (Netherlands) |
| Protocol | RTS + io-homecontrol | Bluetooth + Thread |
| Hub Required | TaHoma (for app/voice/scenes) | No (Bluetooth direct) or Wi-Fi bridge |
| Apple HomeKit | Via TaHoma (limited) | ✓ Native via Eve |
| Google Home | ✓ Via TaHoma | ✓ Via Wi-Fi bridge |
| Amazon Alexa | ✓ Via TaHoma | ✓ Via Wi-Fi bridge |
| Siri Voice Control | Limited | ✓ Native |
| Matter Compatible | Planned | ✓ Yes |
| Battery Motors | ✓ WireFree range | ✓ Standard |
| Solar Charging | ✓ Available | ✓ Available |
| Outdoor Blind Motors | ✓ Industry leading | ✗ Indoor focus |
| Weather Sensors | ✓ Sun and wind | ✗ Not available |
| Best For | Outdoor blinds, whole-home, large installs | Apple homes, retrofits, wireless setups |
Not sure which system suits your home? Custom Blinds works across both Somfy and MotionBlinds. We advise based on your devices, your home and your budget, not which brand pays us more. Call Duncan on 079 523 5407.
Which Blinds Can Be Motorised
Three product types account for the vast majority of motorised blind installations in South African homes. Each works with both Somfy and MotionBlinds (with one exception for outdoor blinds).
| Product | Motor Type | Power Option | Best System | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roller Blinds | Tube motor (inside headrail) | Battery or hardwired | Both Somfy and MotionBlinds | Order online |
| Zebra Double Roller Blinds | Tube motor (inside headrail) | Battery or hardwired | Both Somfy and MotionBlinds | Order online |
| Outdoor Blinds | Tube motor | Hardwired or solar | Somfy (weather sensors) | Order online |
Roller blinds are the most commonly motorised indoor product. The motor sits inside the headrail tube and is completely hidden. Zebra double roller blinds work the same way, with the motor controlling the alternating sheer and opaque fabric layers. For outdoor blinds, Somfy motors paired with wind sensors provide automatic protection when conditions change.
“I always recommend battery motors for bedrooms and nurseries. No wiring needed, they run silently, and there are zero cords for children to reach. It is the safest option and the easiest to install.”
Duncan, Custom Blinds, accredited Somfy Expert
Voice Control, Apps and Smart Home Integration
Both Somfy and MotionBlinds integrate with the major voice assistants and smart home platforms. The question is which ecosystem your household already uses.
Apple Household (iPhone, iPad, HomePod, Apple TV)
Choose Eve MotionBlinds. Native HomeKit integration means your blinds appear directly in the Apple Home app alongside lights, locks and cameras. Siri voice control works without any additional hub. Automations run locally on your Apple TV or HomePod, no cloud dependency.
Google or Alexa Household
Either system works well. Somfy TaHoma provides the deepest integration for whole-home automation including outdoor blinds with weather sensors. MotionBlinds with a Wi-Fi bridge also connects to Google Home and Alexa for voice and app control.
Mixed Household
Somfy TaHoma connects to both Alexa and Google. MotionBlinds with the Wi-Fi bridge does the same plus adds Apple HomeKit via Eve. For households with a mix of devices, MotionBlinds offers the broadest compatibility.
Outdoor Blind Automation
This is where Somfy leads the market, and where Custom Blinds’ manufacturing expertise matters most. We build and install outdoor blinds with integrated Somfy motors and weather sensors across the Garden Route.
Somfy’s outdoor automation includes wind sensors that retract blinds automatically when gusts exceed a set threshold, and sun sensors that extend shade when UV reaches a certain level. These sensors connect through io-homecontrol protocol for two-way communication. The motor confirms its position and the sensor confirms its reading.
For coastal properties on the Garden Route, outdoor automation is not a luxury. Salt air, south-easterly wind and sudden weather changes mean manual operation is often too late. Automated systems protect the product and your investment. Nationwide buyers can order motorised outdoor blinds from the online shop for delivery anywhere in South Africa.
How to Order Motorised Blinds
Garden Route: Full Installation
We measure, advise on the right system, manufacture (for outdoor blinds), install and commission. Service area covers George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Call Duncan on 079 523 5407 to book a consultation.
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Nationwide: Online Orders
Order motorised-ready blinds from our online shop for delivery anywhere in South Africa. Select your motor option during checkout. Battery motors are pre-installed in the headrail. You mount the blind and pair it with your phone. No electrician required for battery motors.
| Product | Shop Link |
|---|---|
| Roller Blinds (blockout and sheer) | shop.customblinds.co.za/no-drill-roller-blinds |
| Zebra Double Roller Blinds | shop.customblinds.co.za/double-roller-zebra |
| Outdoor Blinds | shop.customblinds.co.za/outdoor-blinds-online |
Garden Route: full installation by Duncan. Nationwide: order online at shop.customblinds.co.za with free delivery.
Why Custom Blinds for Motorisation
Both Platforms
We supply Somfy and MotionBlinds. Unbiased advice based on your home, not our margins.
Somfy Accredited
Official Somfy Expert status. Factory-trained. Full warranty support.
We Manufacture
Outdoor blinds built in-house. Motor integration from the start, not bolted on after.
Custom Fit Guarantee
Online orders: too big, we trim free. Too small, 5% off your replacement. No risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Somfy and MotionBlinds?
Somfy is the established industry leader with the strongest outdoor blind automation and whole-home hub control via TaHoma. MotionBlinds by Coulisse is a modern wireless-first system with native Apple HomeKit integration via Eve and strong battery-powered motors for retrofits. Custom Blinds supplies both and advises based on each home’s needs.
Which blinds can be motorised?
The three most commonly motorised products are roller blinds (blockout and sheer), zebra double roller blinds and outdoor blinds. The motor sits inside the headrail tube and is completely hidden from view.
Can I control motorised blinds with Siri, Alexa or Google?
Yes. MotionBlinds with Eve provides native Siri and Apple HomeKit control. Both Somfy (via TaHoma) and MotionBlinds (via Wi-Fi bridge) connect to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice operation.
How long do batteries last in motorised blinds?
Battery motors typically last six to twelve months on a single charge, depending on blind size and how often they are operated. Recharging takes a few hours via USB cable. Solar panels are available for outdoor installations where regular charging is impractical.
Can I motorise my existing blinds?
In most cases, yes. Battery-powered tube motors can be retrofitted into existing roller blind and zebra blind headrails without rewiring. The motor replaces the manual mechanism inside the tube. Contact Custom Blinds for advice on your specific setup.
Are motorised blinds safe for children and nurseries?
Motorised blinds are the safest window covering option for homes with children. There are no cords, chains or loops anywhere in the system. This eliminates strangulation hazards entirely. Read our guide to automated blinds for children.
Can outdoor blinds be automated on the Garden Route?
Yes. Custom Blinds manufactures and installs outdoor blinds with Somfy motors and weather sensors across George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Wind and sun sensors automate the blind to protect itself during Garden Route weather changes.
Do you deliver motorised blinds nationwide in South Africa?
Yes. Order motorised-ready blinds from shop.customblinds.co.za for delivery anywhere in South Africa. Battery motors arrive pre-installed in the headrail. Pair with your phone and mount, no electrician needed for battery-powered systems.
Ready to Automate Your Home?
Whether you need one motorised roller blind or a whole-home system, we can help.
Custom Blinds Shutters and Awnings is an accredited Somfy Expert and authorised MotionBlinds supplier. Product specifications and smart home compatibility are subject to manufacturer updates. Content reviewed February 2026.
