What is Swale Blinds?

Premium window treatment specialists offering bespoke blinds and plantation shutters with professional fitting services in Swale, Kent.

What is Somfy and why do you use their motors?

Somfy is the world's leading name in home automation and motorised window coverings, trusted by premium manufacturers and installers globally. We use Somfy rechargeable motor systems across our full powered blind range because they offer whisper-quiet operation, reliable durability with a 5-year warranty, and full smart home integration. When you choose powered blinds from Swale Blinds, you're getting the best motor technology available.

Do powered blinds need to be wired in by an electrician?

No. Our Somfy rechargeable systems have a built-in battery inside the motor tube that lasts 6-12 months on a single USB charge. You simply plug it in like a phone for a few hours once or twice a year. No wiring, no electrician, no mess, no decorating afterwards. Mains-powered and solar-powered options are also available for new builds and skylights respectively.

Can I control motorised blinds with my phone or voice?

Yes. Every Somfy system includes a dedicated remote. For app and voice control, upgrade to the Somfy TaHoma smart home hub — this gives you full control from your phone, voice activation with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, plus automated schedules and scenes. You can open and close your blinds from anywhere in the world.

Are motorised blinds child-safe?

Absolutely. Powered blinds have zero cords and zero chains, making them the safest window covering option available. There are no looped cords or chains that could pose a strangulation risk — this is why motorised blinds are increasingly recommended for nurseries, bedrooms, and family homes.

Can I motorise blinds I already have?

Motorised blinds need to be manufactured with the motor built in during production, so we can't retrofit motors to existing blinds. However, our Somfy rechargeable systems require no wiring, so installation is just as clean whether you're replacing existing blinds or fitting from scratch. Book a free home visit and we'll advise on the best approach.

Motorised powered blinds controlled by remote

Product Guide

Powered Blinds — Smart Control at the Touch of a Button

No more walking round the room pulling cords. Open, close, and adjust every blind from your phone, your voice, or a single remote.

Convenience Meets Luxury

Where Convenience Meets Luxury

Powered blinds are where convenience meets luxury. No more walking round the room pulling cords — with motorised blinds, you can open, close, and adjust every blind in your home from your phone, your voice, or a single remote. Whether it's hard-to-reach windows, a home cinema setup, or simply the desire for a smarter home, powered blinds transform how you interact with your windows.

Why Choose Powered

Why Choose Powered Blinds

Effortless Control

Adjust every blind simultaneously from one remote, app, or voice command.

Hard-to-Reach Windows

Perfect for skylights, tall windows, and conservatory roofs where manual operation is difficult.

Security & Routine

Set schedules so blinds open and close while you're out, making the house look occupied.

Child Safety

No cords or chains at all — the safest option available.

Energy Efficiency

Automated schedules can close blinds at dusk to retain heat and open at dawn to let warmth in.

UV Protection

Programmable to close during peak sunlight, protecting furniture and flooring from fading.

Control Options

How You Control Them

Remote Control

Simple handset operates individual blinds or groups. No smartphone needed.

App Control

Full control from your phone. Set schedules, create scenes, and operate from anywhere.

Voice Control

Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. "Alexa, close the bedroom blinds."

Home Automation

Integrate with smart home systems for sunrise/sunset triggers, temperature sensors, and lighting scenes.

Range

Available Blind Types

Powered Roller Blinds

The most popular motorised option. Slim, quiet motor concealed inside the tube.

Powered 50mm Venetian Blinds

Motorised slat tilt for precise light control. Perfect for larger windows where manual tilting is a reach.

Powered Vertical Blinds

Motorised louvre tilt and draw. Ideal for wide expanses and bi-fold doors.

Powered Skylight Blinds

Operate roof blinds that would otherwise be impossible to reach.

Power Options

Powering Your Blinds

Rechargeable Battery

No wiring required. USB-chargeable motor lasts 6-12 months between charges depending on usage. Ideal for retrofit.

Mains Powered

Hardwired into your electrics. No charging, no maintenance. Best for new builds and renovations where wiring is accessible.

Solar Powered

Small solar panel charges the battery during the day. Perfect for skylights and conservatory roofs.

Best Use Cases

Where Powered Blinds Add the Most Value

Conservatories

Motorise roof blinds you can't physically reach

Skylights

Operate loft and extension roof windows without climbing

Home Cinemas

One button closes everything for instant darkness

Bedrooms

Open blinds from bed via app or voice

Large Windows & Bi-fold Doors

No more heavy manual pulling

Our Motorised Standard

The Somfy System

We use the latest Somfy rechargeable motor systems across our full powered blind range. Somfy is the world's leading name in home automation and motorised window coverings — trusted by premium manufacturers and installers globally.

When you choose powered blinds from Swale Blinds, you're getting the best motor technology available, fitted by a local team who knows your area.

Why Somfy

Whisper-Quiet Operation

Somfy motors are engineered for near-silent movement, so blinds adjust without interrupting your day.

Rechargeable Convenience

No wiring, no electrician needed. The rechargeable battery lasts 6-12 months on a single USB charge depending on usage.

Full Remote Control

Each system includes a dedicated Somfy remote that can operate individual blinds or groups simultaneously.

Smart Home Ready

Upgrade to Somfy TaHoma for app control, voice activation (Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit), and automated schedules.

Reliable and Durable

Somfy motors are built to last, backed by a 5-year manufacturer warranty.

Child Safe by Design

Zero cords, zero chains, zero risk.

How It Works

Somfy Rechargeable Power — How It Works

No mains wiring required — the motor sits inside the blind tube with a built-in rechargeable battery

Simple USB charging — plug in like a phone, charge for a few hours once or twice a year

Low battery warning — the remote alerts you when it's time to recharge

No electrician, no mess, no decorating afterwards

Operation

Remote Control Operation

Single Blind Control

Operate one blind individually

Group Control

Raise or lower multiple blinds together with one button

Scene Setting

Create custom groups (e.g. "Living room" or "Upstairs") and control them all at once

Somfy TaHoma Upgrade

Add smart home hub for app, voice, and schedule-based control from anywhere

Full Range

Available Across Our Full Range

Somfy rechargeable motors can be fitted to:

Roller blinds — the most popular motorised option

50mm Venetian blinds — motorised slat tilt for precise light control

Vertical blinds — motorised louvre tilt and draw

Conservatory blinds — including hard-to-reach roof panels

Locally Fitted

Made to Measure, Locally Fitted

Expert Fitting

Fitted by our own team

Smart Setup

We help set up your integration

Swale & Kent

Sittingbourne, Faversham & Sheppey

Every powered blind is made to your exact measurements and professionally fitted by our team across Sittingbourne, Faversham, Sheppey, and wider Kent. We'll advise on the best motor, power source, and control system for your home and help you set up your smart integration.

FAQ

Powered Blinds — Frequently Asked Questions

Ready for Smart Blinds?

Book your free home visit today — we'll measure, demonstrate motorised options, and give you a no-obligation quote.

0800 6343 549