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 from Custom Blinds South Africa: 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 Shutters & Awnings 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, 18 years experience across the Garden Route
What are the best motorised blind systems available in South Africa?
- Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings supplies two professional-grade motorisation systems: Somfy (RTS and io-homecontrol protocols) and MotionBlinds by Coulisse (native Apple HomeKit via Eve, Matter compatible).
- Motorisation is available on roller blinds, zebra blinds, outdoor blinds, and awnings. Battery-powered motors require no wiring and retrofit to existing blinds.
- Both systems work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. MotionBlinds offers native Apple HomeKit. Somfy connects via TaHoma hub.
- Garden Route: full specification and installation by Duncan. Nationwide: motorised-ready blinds ship from shop.customblinds.co.za with battery motors pre-installed.
Garden Route: WhatsApp Duncan · National: shop online
Why homeowners trust Custom Blinds for automation
Why choose an accredited motorised blinds installer?
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.
How do Somfy and MotionBlinds compare?
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 and awnings can be motorised in South Africa?
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
How do voice control, apps and smart home integration work with motorised blinds?
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.
Somfy wire-free motorisation. See how battery-powered motors work with no electrician required.
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.
Can outdoor blinds be automated with weather sensors?
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 do you order motorised blinds from Custom 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-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 choose 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.
What power options are available for motorised blinds?
Power source is one of the first decisions in any motorisation project, and in South Africa it carries a practical question: what happens when the power goes out?
Mains (220V)
Hard-wired motors draw power from a standard electrical outlet or a dedicated feed behind the pelmet. This is the most reliable option for large, heavy blinds and outdoor awnings where the motor needs consistent torque. The trade-off is that mains wiring must be planned, ideally before building or during renovation. Retrofitting mains wiring into existing walls adds cost and disruption.
Battery (rechargeable lithium)
No wiring required. Battery motors fit inside the blind tube or mount behind the headrail, and recharge via USB-C every 6 to 12 months depending on daily use and blind size. This is the fastest path to motorisation for existing homes. Remove the old blind, install the new motorised one, pair it with your phone. Battery motors operate independently of the mains grid, so they work through any power interruption.
Solar
A small solar panel, typically mounted on the window frame or nearby wall, continuously charges the battery motor. Good for hard-to-reach outdoor blinds or windows where you do not want to think about recharging. Solar-powered motors work through any power interruption as long as the battery has charge.
What happens during a power outage?
Battery and solar motors are unaffected. They operate independently of the grid. Mains motors stop during the outage but hold their position and resume normal operation when power returns. The TaHoma hub and MotionBlinds Wi-Fi bridge both need power, so a small UPS (uninterruptible power supply) on your internet router and hub keeps app and voice control working through any interruption. Alternatively, battery motors with Bluetooth control (no hub needed) continue working even without Wi-Fi.
| Power source | Best for | Power outage | Retrofit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mains 220V | Large outdoor blinds, heavy awnings | Motor stops, resumes after | Needs electrical work |
| Battery (lithium) | Indoor rollers, honeycomb, venetians | ✓ Unaffected | ✓ Easy, no wiring |
| Solar panel | Hard-to-reach outdoor, remote locations | ✓ Unaffected | ✓ Panel mount only |
Planning a new build or renovation? Ask your architect or builder to run electrical conduit to each window head before the walls close up. Even if you do not motorise immediately, the wiring is there when you are ready, and it costs almost nothing during construction.
“The first thing I ask a client is: new build or existing house? If it is new build, we wire every window head. If it is existing, we go battery. Simple decision, and both work beautifully. The technology has reached the point where there is no wrong answer.”
Duncan, Custom Blinds. 20 years experience across the Garden Route
How do you control motorised blinds?
How you interact with motorised blinds day to day depends on what you install and how far you want to go. Every option below works independently. You do not need all of them.
Remotes and wall switches
The simplest control. A handheld remote or a wall-mounted switch sends a signal to the motor. No Wi-Fi needed, no app, no setup. Press up, press down, press the favourite position. Many clients with a single motorised blind in the bedroom use nothing more than this.
App control
Somfy’s TaHoma app lets you control every Somfy device in the house from your phone. Set schedules, create scenes, check blind positions. MotionBlinds app does the same for MotionBlinds motors. Apple users with Eve MotionBlinds control everything through the Apple Home app alongside their lights, locks and thermostat.
Voice control
“Alexa, close the living room blinds.” “Hey Google, open bedroom blinds to fifty percent.” “Hey Siri, good night.” All three voice assistants work with motorised blinds. Alexa and Google through Somfy TaHoma or MotionBlinds bridge, Siri through Eve MotionBlinds natively via Apple Home.
Sensors
Somfy’s sensor range is where outdoor automation becomes hands-free. A sun sensor extends the awning or closes blinds when UV reaches your set threshold. A wind sensor retracts the awning automatically when gusts exceed safe limits, critical on the Garden Route where a southeaster can arrive in minutes. A rain sensor closes outdoor blinds or retracts awnings at the first drops. These sensors protect your investment without you needing to be home.
Scenes and schedules
This is where motorisation becomes genuinely useful beyond convenience. Set a “Morning” scene that opens bedroom blinds at 6:30 and raises the kitchen roller to half. Set “Movie Night” to close the living room and dim the lights. Set “Away” to randomise blind movements through the day so the house looks occupied. Scenes run automatically, on schedule, every day.
Retrofit vs New Blinds: Can You Motorise What You Have?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the honest answer is: sometimes, but not always cost-effectively.
Some existing roller blinds can accept a retrofit motor if the tube diameter matches the motor shaft, typically 38mm or 45mm tubes. The existing fabric stays, the manual mechanism comes out, the motor goes in. This works well when the blind is in good condition and the fabric is worth keeping.
Most venetian blinds cannot be economically retrofitted. The lifting and tilting mechanisms in manual venetians are not designed for motor integration, and the cost of adaptation often exceeds the cost of a new motorised venetian built to purpose.
Honeycomb blinds with MotionBlinds motors are almost always supplied as complete new units. The motor, battery and fabric are engineered as one integrated system.
Our recommendation: if you are motorising one or two existing rollers in good condition, retrofit makes sense. If you are motorising a room or a whole house, start fresh with motorised-ready blinds built to the correct specifications. The result is more reliable, the finish is cleaner, and the per-window cost difference is smaller than you expect.
Custom Blinds assesses on site throughout the Garden Route, or advises remotely with photos and measurements for national delivery to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein and everywhere in between. If you are starting fresh with new blinds that accept motorisation, the online shop lets you configure and order roller blinds, honeycomb and venetians made to your measurements.
What six questions should you ask before buying motorised blinds?
Motorised blinds are a considered purchase. The questions below are the ones that separate a system you are still using and enjoying in five years from one that has been quietly frustrating you for three. Ask them before you commit to any installer or supplier.
1. Does the installer work with one platform or multiple?
Most blind companies in South Africa supply either Somfy or MotionBlinds but not both. If your installer only works with one system, their recommendation will always be that system, regardless of whether it suits your home. The correct answer depends on your device ecosystem, your window types, and whether your project includes outdoor applications. Custom Blinds supplies and installs both Somfy and MotionBlinds because the right choice is genuinely different depending on the household. Apple heavy homes often benefit most from Eve MotionBlinds with native HomeKit. Outdoor automation and whole home control typically favours Somfy with TaHoma.
2. What happens during a power outage?
Battery and solar powered motors are completely unaffected by power outages. They operate independently of the mains grid. Mains powered motors stop during an outage but hold their current position and resume normal operation when power returns. For app and voice control to continue working through any interruption, a small UPS on your home router and any Somfy TaHoma hub or MotionBlinds bridge maintains connectivity. If mains independence is a priority, battery motors are the recommended choice for indoor applications.
3. Can existing blinds be retrofitted with motors?
In many cases, yes. Battery powered tube motors from both Somfy (WireFree range) and MotionBlinds can be retrofitted into existing roller blind and zebra double roller headrails by replacing the manual mechanism with a motorised tube. The key variable is tube diameter compatibility. Not all manufacturers use the same tube specifications, so your installer needs to confirm that the existing headrail accepts a retrofit motor. For outdoor blinds and awnings the motor is typically integrated at the point of manufacture, so a new installation is usually required.
4. Which control methods work with your existing smart home setup?
Eve MotionBlinds connects natively to Apple HomeKit via Thread with no bridge needed if you have a HomePod mini or Apple TV 4K acting as a Thread border router. For Google Home and Amazon Alexa, MotionBlinds requires the Wi-Fi bridge, or you can upgrade Eve MotionBlinds motors to Matter via a free firmware update, which enables direct integration with Google Home, Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings simultaneously. Somfy integrates with Alexa and Google Home via the TaHoma hub. Apple HomeKit is not natively supported in the Somfy ecosystem. If your household uses both Apple and Google or Amazon devices, clarify this with your installer before specifying a system.
5. Are there children in the home and is every blind in their reach cordless?
A motorised blind is inherently cordless. But if you are mixing motorised and manual blinds in the same home, ensure that every manual blind accessible to children uses a wand control or cordless mechanism rather than a looped chain or pull cord. South African child safety standards align with international guidance: looped cords should be fixed to the wall using a cord cleat at a height inaccessible to children. For rooms where children sleep or play, a motorised blockout blind with no cord whatsoever is the only specification we recommend.
6. What is the warranty and what does local support look like?
Somfy motors carry a five year manufacturer warranty. MotionBlinds battery motors carry a two year warranty. The more important question is what happens when something needs attention: can your installer diagnose and resolve a motor or pairing issue, or do you need to return the product to a distant service centre? Custom Blinds is an accredited Somfy Expert and supplies MotionBlinds through Coulisse. We provide ongoing support for every system we install across the Garden Route, and our national online customers have direct access to our team for troubleshooting. Ask any installer where the nearest service support is before committing.
Common Questions
What do South African conditions require from motorised outdoor blinds?
Outdoor motorised blinds operate in a fundamentally different environment to indoor systems. They face UV exposure, rain, coastal salt air, heat, and on the Garden Route, rapid changes in wind conditions that no manual operation can respond to quickly enough. The case for motorisation on outdoor blinds is not primarily about convenience. It is about protecting a substantial investment in fabric and mechanism from weather conditions that, left unattended, will cause damage.
Why Wind Sensors Are Not Optional on the Garden Route
A retractable awning or drop down outdoor blind left extended in a sudden wind event can suffer serious fabric and frame damage. On the Garden Route coast where weather conditions routinely change within minutes, particularly in spring and summer, the only reliable protection is a system that responds automatically, whether you are home or not.
Somfy’s Eolis 3D WireFree wind sensor is a wireless, battery powered device that mounts directly to the awning or outdoor blind frame. It uses patented three dimensional detection technology, sensing horizontal, vertical, and lateral movement simultaneously, so it identifies wind generated vibration from any direction, not just direct gusts. When the detected movement exceeds your preset threshold, the motor retracts the awning or raises the blind automatically. The system monitors conditions continuously and holds the blind retracted until the wind has dropped sufficiently and stabilised. A built in battery indicator alerts you when replacement is needed.
Somfy also offers the Sunis wireless sun sensor, which lowers outdoor blinds automatically when solar intensity exceeds a set level, protecting interiors from heat and UV damage. The rain sensor completes the weather response trio, raising outdoor blinds before water saturation becomes an issue. All three sensors integrate with the Somfy TaHoma hub, so you can monitor the current state of every outdoor screen and awning from the TaHoma app, anywhere in the world.
Garden Route recommendation: Every motorised outdoor blind and retractable awning we install on the coast is specified with at minimum a wind sensor. The cost of the sensor is a fraction of the cost of replacing awning fabric damaged in a single coastal squall. We do not consider a motorised outdoor blind properly installed without weather sensor protection.
Power for Outdoor Motorised Blinds
Outdoor blinds use heavier fabrics, PVC, openweave screen, blockout canvas, and operate over larger spans than indoor blinds. This weight and span requires a higher torque motor than a bedroom roller, which means mains powered (220V) motors are standard for outdoor applications. The motor connects to a dedicated electrical feed, ideally planned at the building or renovation stage when cabling can be run cleanly through the structure. Retrofitting mains wiring to an existing patio is still practical but adds cost and typically requires a qualified electrician.
For smaller outdoor blinds and screens where the fabric weight is modest, Somfy’s WireFree battery motors can be used, eliminating the need for mains wiring. This makes motorisation possible on existing installations without structural disruption. A solar panel option is available for hard to reach outdoor locations where regular charging would be impractical. The panel mounts to the blind frame or nearby wall and trickle charges the motor continuously, making it effectively self sustaining with no maintenance required.
Retractable Awnings
Somfy motors in retractable folding arm awnings extend and retract the full canopy by remote, app, or voice command. The motor sits inside the sealed cassette housing where it is protected from weather. The Eolis wind sensor pairs directly with the RTS motor without requiring a hub, so the awning retracts automatically when wind is detected even if the TaHoma system is offline. Add the TaHoma hub and the awning joins your whole home automation: extend it automatically at a set time each morning, create a sun scene that deploys it when solar intensity reaches your threshold, or build a “leaving home” routine that retracts it along with closing every indoor blind.
Louvred Awnings
Aluminium louvred awnings represent the highest level of motorised outdoor control. The louvre blades tilt by remote to any angle, controlling exactly how much sun and rain penetrates the covered area. Open for airflow, close for full rain protection, or set to a partially open position that lets warm winter sun in while blocking direct glare. Add a rain sensor and the louvres close automatically when precipitation is detected. These are permanently fixed structures that provide year round outdoor living. Motorised control makes them genuinely usable in every weather condition the Garden Route produces.
Restaurant and Commercial Outdoor Blinds
For restaurant and commercial applications, motorised outdoor blinds with weather sensors provide operational continuity that manual systems cannot. A restaurant cannot have staff manually raising and lowering heavy PVC screens between tables during service every time the wind picks up. Motorised systems with wind and rain sensors handle this automatically, protecting guests, equipment, and furniture without interrupting service. Somfy’s heavy duty outdoor motors are rated for commercial cycling frequencies significantly higher than residential use, and the specification reflects that.
“On the coast, a wind sensor on an awning is not a luxury add on. It is the component that means the awning is still there when you come home. I have seen folding arm awnings badly damaged in twenty minutes of coastal wind. The sensor costs a fraction of what a new canopy costs.”
Duncan Kane, Custom Blinds. Garden Route installation specialist since 2010. Over 8,000 installations across Knysna, George, Plettenberg Bay, Sedgefield and Mossel Bay.
Buying Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorised Blinds in South Africa
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 Shutters & Awnings 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.
Where to next
Not sure what you need? Start here.
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.
Custom Blinds® is a registered South African window covering specialist and accredited Somfy Expert, established in 2010, serving Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, and surrounding areas. We supply Somfy and MotionBlinds motorisation systems, manufacture Custom Lifestyle Shutters™ and Custom Lifestyle Awnings™ locally, and ship motorised-ready roller blinds, honeycomb blinds, and zebra blinds nationally via shop.customblinds.co.za. Our Custom Fit Guarantee covers every order.
Custom Blinds South Africa — South Africa’s trusted window covering specialists since 2010.
Custom Blinds South Africa — South Africa’s trusted window covering specialists since 2010.
Custom Blinds South Africa — South Africa’s trusted window covering specialists since 2010.
Custom Blinds South Africa — South Africa’s trusted window covering specialists since 2010.
Custom Blinds South Africa — South Africa’s trusted window covering specialists since 2010.
Custom Blinds South Africa — South Africa’s trusted window covering specialists since 2010.
Custom Blinds South Africa — South Africa’s trusted window covering specialists since 2010.
