The amount of natural light that enters through windows significantly influences the overall atmosphere of your living space. While sunlight can provide warmth and brightness, excessive exposure during certain times of the day can result in overheating. Curtains and manually operated blinds are still prevalent alternatives to shield against this, but smart motorized window shades are quickly gaining popularity as the preferred option. These modern alternatives can be conveniently controlled via remote, smartphone apps, or even voice commands.
So, a scenario where you can wake up to just the right amount of light or complete darkness, simply by tapping a button or using your voice, is possible with smart motorized shades that let you manage light, privacy, and indoor temperature effortlessly. Recently, our team has been testing smart home products, and as part of this effort, we received a sample of the Bringnox Blackout Motorized Roller Shades. Keep reading to learn more about our experience and how the shades performed.
First Impression and Unboxing
Upon unboxing the Bringnox roller shades, we were immediately struck by the premium build quality. The installation instructions were detailed and easy to follow, covering various mounting methods. Everything was securely packaged with polyethylene foam inserts to protect the shades during shipping.
Each shade is custom-built to the exact dimensions you enter on Bringnox’s official website. You can fully personalize your order with a wide range of customization options, such as fabric colors, mounts, valances, bottom rods, roll directions, motor types and positions, light blockers, and your preferred remote control style.
The blackout fabric is both OEKO-TEX and UL certified, featuring a textured cross-grain front and a smooth backing that appears to include a protective coating. This likely enhances durability while offering UV protection, wrinkle resistance, and easy maintenance. The shades come housed in a sleek aluminum cassette that adds a clean, modern look, with the motor discreetly built into the design. A remote control is included, so you can start using the shades right away, no need for a smart hub or app initially.
Installation Experience
We received our Bringnox smart shade in the exact size ordered, and installation turned out to be simpler than expected. Although we were initially concerned about complexity, the manual clearly guided us through the steps. Installing the three mounting brackets: two on the ends and one in the center for stability, took only a few minutes.
Once the brackets were in place, attaching the cassette was quick: just align, push, and lock it into position. Even after installation, the cassette can still slide slightly, allowing for easy alignment.
Also Read: Motorized Smart Blinds, Shades, and Retrofit Kits to Buy
Pairing the Motor and Remote
The shade’s housing features a discreet indicator light, a small on/off switch, and an “M” pairing button. However, once mounted – especially at higher positions – accessing these controls can be a bit tricky. We did wonder why the on/off switch was so small, given its importance.
Pairing is simple: press the “M” button to link the shade with the remote. However, using the same button for adding or removing channels may be inconvenient for windows mounted at greater heights. Larger shades, especially, can make reaching these controls more difficult.
Smart Integration & Automation
Beyond remote control, Bringnox shades support Matter integration, enabling seamless compatibility with smart home platforms like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, and Apple HomeKit. With the addition of a Matter-over-Thread hub, you can automate the shades based on schedules or environmental triggers, such as sunrise and sunset.
Charging & Battery Life
These smart blinds come equipped with a built-in battery rechargeable via a USB-C port. An optional solar panel is also included, allowing the battery to recharge using sunlight. However, since there’s only one USB-C port, switching between solar and wired charging requires unplugging one to connect the other. According to Bringnox, a full charge can last up to six months.
We charged our unit using the included USB-C cable and adapter. The red light indicated charging, which turned green once the battery was full. Pairing the motor with the remote was as simple as pressing the “M” button near the charging port. Within seconds, the shades were responsive.
When ordering, you can specify the side on which the USB-C port is located. This will be handy for matching your home’s wiring setup. Note: the solar panel cable is short, so positioning it for optimal sun exposure may require some planning.
Remote Control
The included remote is intuitive and well-designed. It features a small display that shows the current channel and buttons for switching channels, operating the shade, and pausing its movement at any position.
It supports two modes:
- User Mode for daily operation
- Admin Mode for advanced settings like speed, upper/lower limits, and remote-motor pairing
In Admin Mode, the shades move in small increments (inching mode), making it easy to set precise limits.
Our remote is the single-channel version, capable of controlling up to 15 blinds, either all at once or individually. Shade speed can also be adjusted directly from the remote.
Additional Notes
- There’s currently no built-in way to check the battery level, although an optional LCD wall controller provides this feature.
- Operating noise is rated under 45 dB. While quiet, it is still somewhat noticeable in a quiet room.
What We Liked
- High-quality metal housing
- Custom sizing and color options
- Easy installation and setup
- Strong smart home compatibility
What Could Be Improved
- Plastic end caps feel less premium
- Mounting hardware could be sturdier
- Control buttons on the shade are hard to access if mounted high
Final Verdict
After about a week of testing, the Bringnox Blackout Motorized Roller Shades proved to be a highly practical and stylish upgrade for modern homes/offices. The shades are easy to install, taking roughly 15-20 minutes, and deliver a premium feel with elegant fabric options and solid construction. With versatile smart home integration and control methods, they are a great choice for anyone looking to automate their window without professional installation. You can buy them from the official website and also on Amazon, with prices starting from about $120.
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