A Smart Upgrade That Doesn’t Break the Bank
In over ten years of living and working in the smart home world, I’ve tested my fair share of automated blinds—some pushing into the thousands per window. So, when IKEA dropped their TREDANSEN blackout and PRAKTLYSING light-filtering cellular blinds, I was curious. Could these budget-friendly options really hold up?
Turns out, yes. IKEA’s smart blinds punch well above their weight. They’re affordable, reliable, and accessible for everyday homeowners—not just tech enthusiasts or luxury buyers. Whether you're trying to block out glare in the living room, create a darker bedroom, or make life easier for an aging parent or someone with special needs, these blinds deliver.
Aging in Place & Accessibility
Smart home tech isn’t just about convenience—it’s about dignity and independence. For seniors or individuals with mobility or cognitive challenges, not having to reach or struggle with cords is a big win.
Automated blinds that work on a schedule or via app, remote, or even voice can reduce daily friction and improve safety. No more climbing over furniture or forgetting to close the blinds at night. It’s a simple upgrade that supports long-term independence in the home.
Surprisingly Good Build for the Price
I expected compromises, but I was pleasantly surprised. The TREDANSEN blackout version does a solid job darkening rooms, while the PRAKTLYSING light-filtering variant creates a soft, diffused glow that actually makes a space feel brighter.
They’re not custom-fit, so you will notice some light bleed on the sides—more so with the blackout version. A pair of curtains solves that if total darkness is your goal.
Install in Under 15 Minutes
Four screws. That’s it. Mount them inside or outside the window frame. I prefer inside mounts for the cleaner look, but either works. Just be aware: the screw-mount design means they’re not ideal for renters (though heavy-duty Command strips might work for exterior mounts).
Setup is simple. Pop in the rechargeable battery, and you’re good to go. Manual controls on the blind work out of the box. You’ll also get a remote (yes, included!) and a Zigbee repeater with a USB charger. Even if you skip the smart integration, this is a solid package for the price.
How They Work Day-to-Day
I’ve had these installed for over a year. They’ve worked 99% of the time with no real issues. In low-use areas like the dining room, I get nearly a year on a charge. In the bedroom—where they get used for naps, privacy, and sunrise control—battery life is closer to 6 months. Totally reasonable.
Pros
- Affordability: Luxurious feel, budget price.
- Dependable: Works as expected—just keep those batteries charged.
- Friendly Returns: IKEA’s return policy is top-tier. Wrong size? No stress.
Additional Considerations
- Watch That Cord: If you remove the blinds for any reason (cleaning, window work, painting), remove the battery. If the blinds try to move while off the mount, it can foul the cord system and damage the unit. I learned that the hard way.
- Delicate Fabric: These aren’t pet-proof. A curious cat or a kid with a toy can rip the material. Just something to keep in mind.
- Not Whisper-Quiet: The sound isn’t obnoxious, but in a quiet bedroom, you’ll notice them. If you’re a light sleeper, consider scheduling them after you wake up.
- Movement Sync Isn’t Perfect: If you have two blinds side-by-side, expect a little desynchronization. They’ll start and stop together, but during motion, one may be an inch ahead. Not a deal-breaker, but worth noting.
- HomeKit Support (with Hub): Pair these with IKEA’s Dirigera hub and you’ll unlock HomeKit and Siri support, along with more reliable automations.
Smart Home Integration
These blinds are surprisingly flexible across ecosystems:
- Home Assistant: Zigbee pairing is smooth, and response times are excellent. Automations, scenes, and voice control work beautifully. Just know they won’t move in perfect sync.
- IKEA App & Dirigera Hub: Great for non-tech users. Simple scheduling, group control, and mobile access.
- Apple HomeKit: With the IKEA hub, they integrate well into Apple’s ecosystem. “Hey Siri, close the blinds” is a reality.
Power Tip: Want to set a custom stop point (say, halfway)? Just double-press the direction button while the blind is moving. It’ll remember that height.
Cons
- Limited Sizes: IKEA is IKEA. What you see is what you get.
- Color Options: White. Or white. Unless your room is pitch black—then it might look like a soft gray.
Conclusion
After more than a decade of testing, installing, and living with smart home tech, I’ve come to appreciate when something delivers real-world value at an accessible price point—and IKEA's TREDANSEN and PRAKTLYSING blinds absolutely hit that mark.
They’re not perfect, but they make life more comfortable, accessible, and just a little more fun. They’ve definitely earned a permanent spot in my home.
And if you’re wondering how to bring this kind of functionality to your own space—or a loved one's—Heritage Home Technologies (HHT) is here to help. We offer smart home solutions for every budget, from entry-level automations like these IKEA blinds to fully integrated whole-home systems.
For families supporting aging loved ones or individuals with special needs, we specialize in custom automations that enhance safety, independence, and peace of mind—all without sacrificing comfort or style. Whether it’s voice-controlled lighting, automated window coverings, or smart sensors to simplify daily routines, we’re here to guide you through every step.
Because making your home smarter shouldn’t be complicated. With HHT, it’s just common sense—made smarter.
If you're looking for affordable, functional, and accessible smart blinds, IKEA's options are absolutely worth considering.
