Tried and tested: Installing a smart fabric roller blind with a Matter motor
The best way to know the quality of a product? Try it for yourself - or draw inspiration from someone else's experience. At ACCUBLIND, we believe that real references are the most valuable thing we can offer our customers. That's why we are happy to listen to the stories of people who have tried our products and pass on their experiences.
Today, we bring you the story of one of our customers who ordered and installed an ACCUBLIND fabric blind with a Matter motor by herself. Besides undertaking the installation without professional help, she also provided some practical tips that will be useful if you plan a similar project.
Why I switched from old blinds to a smart blind
"Originally, we had classic aluminum blinds in the bedroom –-a typical relic from the days when the main thing was for the shading to just work somehow. Over time, they began to lose their purpose. Design-wise, they no longer matched the modern interior; functionally, they didn’t fulfill their role - aluminum has great thermal conductivity, so sun and heat got inside almost without a fight. Moreover, their lifespan ended - the mechanism was jamming, slats bending, cords cracking.
It was high time for a change. I wanted a solution that would be elegant, functional, and could also be controlled via a smart home."
Original state – old aluminum blinds that no longer met their requirements. How I chose the fabric for the fabric blind
Our customer was looking for a compromise between functionality and design.
"I wanted the blind for the bedroom, where I need dimming during the day, but at the same time, I didn’t want full blackout. So, I chose a transparent fabric with the lowest possible visibility. I also matched the design - a natural shade that fits with the rest of the interior and gives a calm impression.
💡Not sure how to choose the fabric? Check out our complete guide How to choose the right fabric for your blind.
Fabric detail for a custom fabric blind - fine texture with low transparency, suitable for the bedroom. What you'll need for blind installation
"Before I started the actual installation, I prepared the following tools and equipment:
- Tape measure and pencil for precise location measurement
- Spirit level to ensure the brackets are level
- Drill with accessories - you simply can't drill into walls without it
- Wall anchors and screws - ideally with higher load capacity, especially if you have less quality walls
- The blind itself with brackets, covers, and Matter motor
- Smart hub (e.g., Apple HomePod) and mobile with Apple Home app."
Window before the installation of the smart fabric blind with Matter motor - ready for installation with basic tools. Installation step-by-step: How it actually went
Our customer embarked on installing the smart ACCUBLIND blind by herself and shared her process with us. From the first measurement to pairing with the smart home - this is how her installation looked:
Measurement and preparation
"First, I measured the space - before configuring the product and, of course, again before I started drilling. I had to be clear in advance whether I would mount the blind on the ceiling, wall, or in the recess. I chose wall mounting.”
Brackets fitting - the first challenge
"I precisely marked the points for fixing the brackets and used a spirit level to ensure the blind hangs straight. If you have older plaster, be prepared for potential hiccups in securing it - it cost us a few curses and extra screws.”
Attaching the blind with the motor
“I attached the blind to the brackets and ensured the motor was positioned so that I could easily see the diode, and access to the charging port was as simple as possible. This is helpful both during setup and future charging.”
Pairing with the smart home
“Connecting the blind to Apple Home via Matter was ultimately simple - I scanned the QR code on the motor. This is usually hidden after installation, so I recommend sticking it beforehand, for example on the remote control, so it's always at hand. It's also necessary to pair the remote control you get with the blind, useful for family members who aren't smart technology enthusiasts."
💡If you want to go through the installation in detail, check out our detailed installation guide step-by-step with photos and tips on what to check.
Finished installation of the fabric blind with Matter motor in the customer’s bedroom. Practical tips you'll appreciate after installation
"Practical tips I realized while using it:
- Motor placement: Position it so it's easily accessible for the charger, and the diode is visible.
- QR code: Stick it somewhere visible, ideally on the remote or in a nearby drawer.
- Older walls: If you have softer or crumbly plaster, expect to need more time and stronger anchoring.
- Automation: The ability to set the blind to close when the sun starts shining (protection against overheating) or open to 50% when waking up is invaluable.”
How the smart blind is practically controlled
Our customer told us what day-to-day life with her roller blind is really like - from first use through to daily automations:
"Blinds with a Matter motor are controlled either by a classic button remote or comfortably through a mobile app. The control is very intuitive –-one press lowers, the second raises. In the Home app, you can also set scenes or automation according to time or light conditions.
After a month of using, the most valuable for me are those automations - morning rising to half-way for gentle waking up or automatic lowering when the sun rises. Specifically, I might set the blind to automatically lower down when the sun rises, so the morning light doesn’t wake me, but it can stay up at night for fresh air circulation. Or when I know the sun starts shining into the room at 1:00 PM, I simply set automatic lowering for that time. It’s great - the blind does its job on its own, and I don’t have to worry about anything.”
Matter motor - the key component of the smart blind, ready to pair with the home network. Final thoughts?
“Purchasing and installing the ACCUBLIND fabric blind with a Matter motor sounded like a challenge to me, but it turned out not to be a big deal. With a handy partner, a few basic tools, and some patience, I managed without issues. Although I must admit, without my husband's assistance, I would probably be slower - I didn’t inherit installation talents, so his helping hand was useful. Installing this smart blind was a great way for me to connect practical shading with a modern smart home. It only required a bit of planning and choosing the right fabric and color - and now at home, I have coziness, comfort, and everything beautifully matches. And the feeling when the blind opens by itself in the morning and lets in daylight? That’s definitely worth it.”
Inspired by this experience? You can order fabric blinds with a Matter motor made exactly to your measurements and needs. Choose from a wide range of fabrics and create a home according to your vision.