Knowledge
When do motorised curtains make sense?
Motorisation can improve comfort and operation, but requires coordination. See when the investment makes sense.
Short answer
Motorisation makes sense when manual operation is difficult or frequent: tall bays, heavy textiles, many units, hard-to-reach windows or fixed scenes. The decision should rest on total cost and the needs of the operations organisation — and the interfaces to power and control must be clarified before ceilings and walls close.
Relevant applications
Motorisation is particularly relevant for tall bays, heavy curtains, hard-to-reach windows, many repeated units, or rooms where the curtains form part of fixed scenes.
Conversely, manual operation can be the right choice in rooms with few, light curtains at normal height — here the simpler solution is often also the more robust one in operation.
Operation and integration
The solution can be operated with wall switches, remote control, app, schedules, sensors or building management. The choice should start from the users and the operations organisation, not just the technical possibility.
The more units, the greater the value of grouping and central control — for example so an entire facade or meeting centre can be set at once.
Clarify interfaces early
Power supply, cable routes, motor position, control, programming and service access often involve several disciplines. Responsibility and delivery boundaries must be described before ceilings and walls close.
Assess the total cost
Motorisation costs more to establish, but can give easier operation, more consistent use and less manual strain. The decision should weigh installation, operation, service and expected use together.
Decision factors
- Height, weight and accessibility of the bays
- Number of units and frequency of daily operation
- Need for scenes, grouping or central control
- Possibility of establishing power and cable routes in time
- The operations organisation's preferences for operation and service
- Total cost: installation, operation and expected lifetime
Frequently asked questions
Can manual and motorised curtains be mixed in one project?
Yes, and it is common. Motorisation is prioritised where the need is greatest — tall bays, meeting rooms with preset room settings, frequent use — while other rooms are operated manually.
What does motorisation require of the building?
Motorisation requires a compatible power and control arrangement. Whether the system uses mains power, low voltage or shared supplies depends on the selected equipment. Power, cable routes and service access should be coordinated while the electrical installation can still be adapted.
Who programs and services the control system?
It depends on the project. Responsibilities among the supplier, electrician, building-automation specialist and facilities team should be assigned clearly during design, so programming, commissioning, handover and service are agreed before completion.
Are motorised curtains noisy?
Not necessarily. Sound levels depend on the motor, track system, curtain weight and installation. In noise-sensitive spaces such as hotel rooms and meeting rooms, motor noise should be considered when selecting the system.
Do you have a specific project?
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