Originally posted 2025-06-28. Refreshed 2026-04-26.
Smart blinds dramatically improve comfort, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. Most clients don't actually want to write YAML to control them — they want a system that just works. This post is for the readers who DO want to write the automations themselves. If you'd rather we install and configure the lot, book a consultation instead.
Why automate blinds?
- Reduce summer heat by closing blinds before peak sun.
- Wake up naturally with morning light.
- Enhance privacy automatically at sunset.
- Save energy by reducing AC load.
What you need
- Smart blinds or motors — Zigbee, Matter, or Wi-Fi. We commonly install Aqara, Soma, Zemismart, and Somfy.
- A compatible hub — Akubela (turnkey) or Home Assistant (DIY).
- Optional sensors — temperature, light, occupancy, sunrise/sunset triggers.
Home Assistant integration
Most Zigbee or Wi-Fi blind motors integrate easily with Home Assistant. Once paired, you can:
- Create schedules
- Use sunrise / sunset triggers
- Add voice control via Apple Home, Google Home, or Alexa
- Combine with temperature sensors for thermal automation
Example automations
1. Close blinds after sunset
alias: Close blinds after sunset
trigger:
- platform: sun
event: sunset
action:
- service: cover.close_cover
target:
entity_id: cover.living_room_blinds
mode: single
2. Open blinds at 7:00 AM
alias: Open blinds in the morning
trigger:
- platform: time
at: "07:00:00"
action:
- service: cover.open_cover
target:
entity_id: cover.bedroom_blinds
mode: single
3. Open blinds halfway at sunrise
alias: Open blinds halfway at sunrise
trigger:
- platform: sun
event: sunrise
action:
- service: cover.set_cover_position
target:
entity_id: cover.kitchen_blinds
data:
position: 50
mode: single
4. Close blinds when room hits 26°C (Sydney summer)
alias: Auto-close blinds when room is hot
trigger:
- platform: numeric_state
entity_id: sensor.lounge_temperature
above: 26
condition:
- condition: sun
after: sunrise
before: sunset
action:
- service: cover.close_cover
target:
entity_id: cover.lounge_blinds
mode: single
Or — let us install it
If you'd rather skip the YAML and have it just work, we install motorised blinds and program the scenes for you, on Akubela or Home Assistant or Loxone — your choice. See Lighting Automation for what's involved.
Related reading
- Smart Lighting: benefits, brands, and pre-wiring
- Akubela vs Home Assistant: which is right for your home?
- Getting Started with Home Assistant Green
Book a Consultation · Lighting Automation · Call 1800 865 070