Overview
Looking to get into the Smart Blinds game but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars like the ones seen in those multimillion dollar homes on TV? Look no further as I review the new budget “friendlier” IKEA Fyrtur Smart Blinds that just hit the US market recently after several delays and supply shortages. At around $159 per unit, these are not the cheapest window treatment option out there but they are significantly less expensive than some of the other smart enabled blind options that usually go 4-5x this price.
While being able to open and close the blinds with your voice is somewhat gimmicky, what I find most convenient with these blinds is the ability to create blind groups and schedule those blind groups to automatically open/close for sunrise/sunset. The below video shows us activating this cool party trick via Google Hub, but what it doesn’t show is how the simple scheduling automation we configured opens/closes multiple Fyrtur blinds around the house automatically every day at sunrise/sunset.
Installation
Before you begin installation, it’s important to note the following:
- Select the correct size blinds (34×76 ¾” seems to be the most common size for most windows, but measure your windows accordingly).
- Must purchase bracket screws for wall/ceiling as they are not included (like these #4 x 3/4″ pan head wood screws).
- Must also purchase the IKEA TRADFRI gateway if you want use the IKEA home smart app and have access to firmware updates for the blinds.
- Recommended to use an electric drill/screwdriver for mounting the brackets.
Step 1: Install Mounting Brackets
First decide on whether these will be installed inside the window frame or outside the window frame. We went with inside frame mounting for the majority of our windows for a cleaner, more modern look. The blinds for the quad sliding doors however would only fit mounted outside the door frame.
Next measure 16 inches from each side of the window frame and mark with a pencil.
Place one of the mounting brackets inside the frame aligned with the left 16 inch mark and drill pilot holes through the bracket followed by 2 screws to secure the bracket. Repeat for the other bracket.
Now insert the blind unit into the 2 brackets at a slight angle until you hear them click securely into place.
Step 2: Set Maximum Blind Length
Once the blind unit is mounted, press the bottom button on the blind unit to unravel the blind to the max length, then press the top button to wind it back up. This will ensure the blind isn’t wrapped crooked around the blind roller.
Next press the bottom button to unwind the blind and press it again to stop unwinding once you reach the length that you’d like to set as the maximum length and fine-tune as needed.
Pro-tip: if you configure the IKEA smart home app first, then it’s easier to set the maximum length with the app because you have more granular control with a slider to set the % of the length.
Now double tap the bottom button to set the the blind maximum length. If done correctly, you’ll see the blind roll up about an inch, then roll down an inch.
Step 3: Configure IKEA Smart Home App
As mentioned above, you must purchase IKEA TRADFRI gateway in order to connect to the app and activate all the smart features: create blinds groups, automation schedules, integrate with other smart home apps (Alexa, Google, HomeKit).
Setup Tradfri Gateway – Plug the device into your router via included ethernet cable and power. Next download the free IKEA Home Smart app in the Apple App Store or Google Pay Store and follow the setup instructions.
Setup Blinds – In the IKEA Home Smart app click Settings -> Add New Device -> Blind. Then follow the instructions to pair the blind.
Setup Signal Repeater – Plug the included device into a power outlet that is within 32 feet from the blind. In the IKEA Home Smart app click Settings -> Add New Device -> Signal Repeater. Follow the instructions to pair the signal repeater. Note: If you have multiple blinds around the house, setup additional signal repeaters to increase coverage.
Setup Remote – In the IKEA Home Smart app click Settings -> Add New Device -> Open/close remote. Then follow the instructions to pair the remote with blind(s). Note: You can pair 1 remote with multiple blinds.
Create Blind Groups – In the IKEA Home Smart app click Settings -> Manage -> All Groups -> Add New Group. Name the group then drag over the blinds you want in that group (ie. living room blinds). Here you can also add the paired remotes to control these blinds groups.
Create Automation Schedules – In the IKEA Home Smart app click Schedule -> Add -> On/Off. Then select your time, days, and devices. Example: For all Living Room Blinds each day at Sunset trigger the blinds ON (down) and at Sunrise trigger the blinds OFF (up).
Setup Alexa, Google, HomeKit – In the IKEA Home Smart app click Settings -> Integrations then click on the integration(s) you’d like to connect to. Next go into the integration app(s) and fine tune the devices groups and automations as needed.
Final Thoughts
Based on the below Pros and Cons, you won’t find a more budget friendly smart blind solution out there with all these features. Just as long as you like dark grey (the only color they currently come in).
Pros
- Easy installation
- Low price compared to other smart blinds
- Multiple controls via included remote, physical device buttons, IKEA home smart app and other home automation apps (Alexa, Google, HomeKit, etc)
- 5 year limited warranty (convenient if you live close to an IKEA store)
Cons
- Rechargeable Battery powered only (lasting anywhere from 2 – 5 months on a full charge depending on usage)
- Must purchase IKEA TRADFRI gateway to use IKEA home smart app (setup can be challenging for non-technical people)
- Only 1 color currently available (dark grey blackout shades)
- Limited sizes and cannot easily modify/cut blinds
Are you ready to step up your Smart Blinds game?