How Much Do Electric Curtains Cost

Electric curtains are a home improvement project that you may not realize you need until you’ve used them. However, the added cost compared to manual curtains can be a drawback for some can be a turnoff for some people. So, if you’re on a budget, here are some important considerations for calculating the total cost of this added extra. This article will help you find the electric curtains that best suit your needs and budget of electric curtains that’ll fit your needs and budget.

Understanding the Factors That Affect the Cost of Electric Curtains

As you’ve guessed, the cost doesn’t just depend on the curtain itself – several factors can influence the price, from the fabric you pick to the size of your windows and even all those extra bells and whistles. Let’s break it down:

Type of Fabric

When it comes to materials, you have a wide range of choices. A simple, lighter fabric might be easy on your pocket but remember, heavier, high-end materials like velvet or silk offer a plush look that’ll make your home the envy of the neighbourhood.

Lighter materials: Better for the budget and create a casual look.

Luxury fabrics: Costs more, but it gives a touch of class and quality to any room.

Window Size

Just like windows, curtain sizes aren’t all the same. The bigger the window, the more fabric you’ll need, which means a bigger hit to the wallet.

Small windows: Less material and less moving parts, so they’re more affordable.

Larger windows: Requires more fabric and a more robust electrical system to manage the extra weight.

Additional Features

Extra features are often overlooked. Things like integrating with your home automation system or having curtains that are motorised to open and close at different speeds can add to the cost.

Basic electric curtains: Basic electric curtains offer standard open and close functions via remote control..

Advanced features: Add-ons like timers, home automation integration, and different power options can bump up the price, but they make life so much easier!

Comparing Costs of Electric Curtain Types

Electric window treatments come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to know which one will suit your home and budget best. Let’s dive into the price differences, as well as the pros and cons of three popular types: motorised roller blinds, automated draperies, and smart curtain systems.

Motorised Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are typically more lightweight and have simpler mechanisms than curtains and drapes. So, a simple, lightweight, and battery-operated motor that you can attach to the roller blind chain can do the trick. These nifty little devices, such as the ZigBee Smart Roller Blinds, are often already compatible with all the latest mobile digital assistants, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.

Cost: Generally, these are the most budget-friendly of the three options. Depending on the material and brand, prices can range from a couple of hundred dollars to a pretty penny for larger windows.

Pros:

• Sleek and modern, perfect for open living spaces
• Great at blocking out the sun and keeping the heat at bay – perfect for an Aussie summer!
• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons:

• Limited designs and fabric choices compared to draperies

Automated Draperies

Next up, we’ve got the elegant, automated draperies, ideal for those who want to add a touch of class to their living spaces. The rails need to be able to handle the added weight and dimensions too. SimpleSmart’s Remote Control Smart Motorised Electric Curtain Tracks, for example, is an Amazon bestseller for a reason.

Cost: These beauties tend to be a bit pricier than roller blinds. Prices can vary wildly depending on the fabric, hardware, and mechanism. Typically, the weight limit and the size of the drapes play a huge part in the final price of an automated drapery project.

Pros:

• Available in a wide variety of fabrics, patterns, and colours
• Adds warmth and elegance to any room

Cons:

• Requires proper maintenance to keep tracking smooth

Smart Curtain Systems

As the creme de la creme of electric curtains, smart curtain systems are perfect for those tech-savvy folks who crave a modern home that’s well-integrated with all their smart gadgets.

Cost: These bad boys don’t come cheap, and you might have to part with a good proportion of the budget to get them installed. Because of its complicated nature, prices are usually determined by professional installers such as smart home specialists.

Pros:

• Integrates seamlessly with your smart home automation system.
• Can be controlled remotely through smartphones or voice assistants.
• Convenience at the touch of a button, or even by just speaking up!

Cons:

• High cost compared to other electric curtain options.
• May require professional installation and additional expenses for seamless integration.

The Average Cost of Electric Curtain Installation

Choosing professional installation from the start isn’t a poor decision – if you’re not fussed about stretching out the budget to get the job done right. After all, when it comes to electrical work, it’s always better to play it safe.

Connecting it to your existing smart home system can also be quite a challenging task.

However, if you’re looking for something a bit more DIY-friendly, then there are plenty of other options out there. The smart roller blinds, for example, are small and simple enough for even inexperienced DIYers.

Other Cost Considerations for Electric Curtains

To avoid being stung by some hidden expenses, let’s drill down into a few other crucial elements that might impact your overall costs.

Energy Efficiency

Some electric curtains are small enough that batteries can last for years. Others are much larger and require a constant supply of power, which can add up over time.

If you’re planning on making the switch from manual curtains to electric ones for energy efficiency reasons, then it’s worth taking into account how much this will cost you in terms of electricity bills down the line.

Additional Accessories

Sometimes, the basics just won’t cut it, and you’d like a few bells and whistles to go with your curtains. Think remote controls, wall switches, timers, or, for the tech-savvy ones among us, integrations with smart home systems such as Alexa or Google Home. These accessories can certainly make life easier (and cooler!), but keep in mind they’ll add to your initial cost.

Warranty

Sure, nobody wants to think about their shiny new curtains breaking down, but it’s smart to be prepared. Consider the cost of an extended warranty if it’s not included with your purchase. Prices for these can vary, but for peace of mind, it might be a small price to pay.

Ongoing Maintenance

Even the finest machinery needs a grease and oil change now and then, and your electric curtains are no different. Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure they continue to operate smoothly and look their best.

Here are some potential maintenance costs to consider:

Cleaning: While you can do basic cleaning yourself, professional curtain cleaning can give your curtains a new lease on life. Prices can start from around $20 per curtain.

Repairs: Over time, wear and tear can lead to occasional need for repair.

Replacement parts: Parts such as the motor or remote control might need replacing down the line.

Where to Buy Electric Curtains and How to Choose the Right Product

If you’re unsure where to begin your search for electric curtains, here are some great places you can consider:

Online Retailers: The vast ol’ internet is a goldmine with online stores like Amazon and eBay. A quick search, and you’ll find plenty of options to choose from, plus the convenience of getting them delivered right to your doorstep.

Specialised Stores: A bit more hands-on, you reckon? No problem! You can head straight to your local home improvement store, like Bunnings or your nearest curtain shop. These places often have a nice range of electric curtains, and you can have a chat with the staff if you need some extra help picking the right one.

Directly from Manufacturers: If you’re after the freshest stock, manufacturer websites might be the go. They generally have a wider range of products and, sometimes, exclusive deals you won’t find anywhere else.

Key Tips for Choosing the Right Electric Curtains

Alright, now that we’ve got that sorted, let’s move on to some tips to make sure you’re picking the right set of electric curtains for your home:

Start with some basic questions: what colour or pattern suits your style? Do you want sheer curtains or something more opaque? It’s all about ensuring they complement your home’s vibe just right.

Don’t forget about the budget: Let’s be honest, budget matters. Set a budget so you won’t be blindsided by fancy features you might not need. There are choices for all price ranges, so you’ll surely find something that won’t break the bank.

Consider the brand: While keeping your budget in mind, don’t overlook the brand! A name-brand set of electric curtains might cost a bit more, but they’ll likely last longer and be less of a headache to maintain.