Over the past few months, we’ve been exploring a variety of retrofit smart blinds. These are an excellent solution if you already have high-quality or custom blinds and don’t mind a bit of drilling or hardware installation on your window frame. Retrofit systems like these allow you to modernise your existing window coverings without the need for a full replacement. Our latest step in this journey is the introduction of a dedicated smart blind from the aptly named Motionblinds, powered by Eve Home.
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Our Motionblinds experience has been thoroughly impressive. The blinds stand out for their exceptional material and build quality. Powered and controlled by Eve Home, a leader in smart home technology, the Motionblinds system offers seamless integration with Apple HomeKit, delivering outstanding control and automation.
Why Consider Dedicated Smart Blinds?
While dedicated smart blinds are generally more expensive than retrofit kits, they offer a premium, custom-built solution. One of their key advantages is their discreet design with motors and controllers being hidden from view.
Additionally, the motor is specifically engineered to operate the blind, eliminating the need for complex gearing systems or exposed moving parts. This makes Motionblinds a safer and more reliable choice, especially in households with young children.
Motionblinds: First Impressions and Setup
The Motionblinds (blind) arrived well-packaged in a sturdy cardboard box. My main concern was whether I had measured the window recess accurately. Fortunately, in a lucky twist, the existing holes from my old blind perfectly aligned with the new mounting hardware. Within five minutes, the blind was securely installed, a huge relief, especially given how precisely it fit.
Even before powering it on, the difference in quality was immediately noticeable. Compared to my original blinds (which were not inexpensive), the Motionblinds product feels significantly more luxurious.
The materials, finish, and overall design clearly reflect thoughtful craftsmanship. I also appreciated the small detail of the HomeKit QR code being discreetly housed inside the pull handle, an elegant touch that keeps the aesthetics clean and uncluttered.
To prepare for setup, I connected a USB-C power bank to the blind using the included, generously long USB cable to ensure a full charge before configuration.
Powered by Eve Home
In terms of technology, the blinds are powered and controlled by Eve Home. These blinds use Matter-over-Thread technology, enabling seamless integration with platforms such as Apple Home, Home Assistant, Google Home, Alexa, and more. Easy to install and operate, they enhance comfort, energy efficiency, and privacy.
Thanks to Thread support, Eve Motionblinds offer faster response times and greater reliability compared to traditional Wi-Fi-based systems. With sleek designs and whisper-quiet motors, they are ideally suited for modern smart homes, delivering convenience, precise control, and contributing to a more sustainable, connected living environment.
As a longtime user of Eve products, I’m already very familiar with their HomeKit ecosystem. You can add your blinds to your smart home network using either the Apple Home app or the Eve Home app, both of which ultimately rely on the same underlying interface for device setup.
Motionblinds : Setting up in Apple HomeKit
The first step is to add your blinds to your smart home using either the Apple Home or Eve app. Simply scan the Matter QR code and follow the in-app instructions.
HomeKit will also allow firmware updates to be installed directly via the Home App. You can see below the Eve Motionblinds update being applied via the Apple Home App.
Motionblinds Orientation via the Eve App
The next step is to configure the orientation of the blinds. This part can be a bit tricky, I initially got confused and needed a couple of attempts to get it right. It’s important to set the rotation correctly so that the Up and Down buttons function as expected.
Motionblinds Calibration via Eve App
You’ll now need to calibrate the open and closed positions of the blinds. This can be done in one of two ways:
- Using a series of manual hardware steps, or
- Through the Eve App, which is by far the easier option.
Once the blinds are successfully installed and calibrated, you can control them using Siri, set scenes, and create automation rules, delivering a seamless and smarter home experience.
Motionblinds : Eve App Control
There are several advantages to using the Eve app to manage your Motionblinds. The Eve app functions as an extension of Apple Home, and any scenes you create within the Eve app are seamlessly stored in Apple Home.
One of the top features is how easy it is to set schedules using the Eve app. A key benefit here is that these schedules are stored directly on the Eve Motionblinds device itself.
This means your blinds will operate according to schedule even without an iPhone nearby or an active internet connection, offering greater reliability and independence.
Adaptive Shading
The Eve system also offers Adaptive shading that automatically adjusts your window coverings based on time of day, sunlight intensity, or room temperature. Integrated with Apple HomeKit and Thread, they respond dynamically to environmental changes, reducing glare and heat while maintaining privacy. This intelligent automation helps create a balanced indoor climate and supports sustainable energy use without manual intervention.
I look forward to exploring how devices like Eve Weather or HomeKit based light meters can inform the action of the Motionblinds.
The Eve app also offers the ability to adjust the transmission power level. This gets around any signal issue should the device be a large distance to its nearest home hub.
Motionblinds in Home Assistant
Adding Motionblinds to Home Assistant is a straightforward process. Start by putting the Motionblinds into pairing mode via the Apple Home app. To do this, navigate to the device settings within the app, where you’ll find the pairing option.
Follow the steps provided, this process may take a minute or two to complete. Once finished, your Motionblinds will be accessible through both Apple HomeKit and Home Assistant.
The screenshot below shows the Motionblinds device from within Home Assistant.
I run my home automations via Home Assistant. You can see two very simple automations, the first keeps
We run our home automations through Home Assistant. Below are two simple yet effective automations:
- The first automation actively monitors the battery level of the blinds and sends a notification if it drops below 20%. The MotionBlinds can we powered to up to a year on a single charge.
- The second automation opens the blinds at 8:00 AM.
While we have other blinds set to open 45 minutes after sunrise, we specifically want this blind to open at a fixed time 8:00 AM) or consistency in our morning routine.
Conclusion
Motionblinds, powered by Eve Home, delivers a top-tier smart window blinds solution that combines modern elegance with cutting edge technology. From their sleek, high quality design to their seamless integration with leading smart home platforms like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, and Home Assistant, the system offers both style and substance.
Motionblinds offer a wide range of customisable options from colour, style, blackout, motor location. You have full control over the style and look of your blinds.
Installation is refreshingly straightforward, even for those without professional help. Advanced features such as Matter-over-Thread connectivity ensure faster response times, local control, and improved reliability over traditional WiFi based systems.
Whether you’re looking to automate a single window or outfitting your entire home, Motionblinds offers a scalable, secure, and future ready solution. With its thoughtful design, robust feature set, and strong emphasis on privacy and sustainability, Motionblinds products are a smart investment in both comfort and convenience, one that truly enhances the modern smart home experience. With a year of use on a single charge the blinds are exceptional quality. Highly recommended : Motionblinds.
Use the Store Locator on the Motionblinds website to find your regional supplier.
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Other Relevant Reviews
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Getting Started with Apple HomeKit
Our Favourite Smart Home Devices
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