The Chinese New Lunar Year is arriving. I was in Singapore for a business meeting regarding green building project and the decoration has started. Seeing so many red lanterns hanging around the cities brings the celebration mood. Just when we had ushered into the new 2018, we will have another great festival to celebrate.
While I was window shopping at the Chinatown, there is this shop selling traditional curtains. I was flipping around the curtain catalog when there was this page showing "Smart Curtain: the next IoT". I was surprised that they are also selling the latest technology for curtains as well. Talk about competition. So I am planning to share what I've learned so far in this post and hope it can help some other people to make decision about their homes and curtains.
What Is Smart Curtain?
Basically a smart curtain is just making it autonomous. A single controller unit works with one set of horizontal curtains. Using an associated smartphone app, you can schedule or immediately close or open one or multiple sets of curtains. You will also be able to configure how far curtains should be opened or closed for partial or gradual movement. The controller components attach behind the curtain at each end of the rod or rails and to the middle curtain hooks. A wire extends between the sides and middle of the window to physically pull the curtains open or closed.
Usually a full complement of multiple smart curtain controllers (usually 15 units) can be installed on a home network. The curtains can be controlled with a smartphone app or with If This Then That (IFTTT) recipes, the standard for integrating and controlling internet-connected smart home devices.
Some of the application for a smart curtain control system include connecting bedroom curtains to a smart phone alarm clock, automatically opening and closing curtains at sunrise and sunset, and closing curtains automatically when everyone leaves the house to conserve cooling and heating energy. The latter works with geo-fencing, which detects people’s locations via their smartphones. Another application of smart curtains is to have them open and close at random times within defined ranges to give the impression the house is occupied while you’re traveling or on vacation.
Where Can We Get It?
Imagine there's a way to automate your existing horizontal curtains in the blink of an eye. There's no need to purchase an entirely new and expensive rails system and there's no complicated and time-consuming installation. Some brands are a retrofit smart curtain system that works with your existing curtains. It only takes two minutes to set up. Thanks to its wireless connectivity and integration with smart home platforms, we can install it ourselves or get the help of the professionals. We can still move our curtains by hand manually. We can order it online or by visiting some shops such as the one I mentioned in Singapore.
Is It Worth The Investment?
There are a few advantages and disadvantages in using smart curtains. I have listed some of them, so you may have a look and add-on if you have more ideas.
Advantages:
- Convenience. The smart curtains feature will be programmed to your needs.
- Customization. You can include as many or as few of these products as you choose.
- Ease. It’s quick and simple to install these systems.
- Environmentally friendly. Curtains can be controlled for optimal energy efficiency.
Disadvantages:
- Cost. Smart curtains can be fairly expensive.
- Learning. There may be some learning curve for non-tech savvy people.
- Reliability. Smart curtains are reliant on your internet connection.
In the end, it's all boil down to the end-user such as us whether we want to put some some features into our homes or leave it as it is.
