The Brunt Blind Engine, a DIY kit for blinds with a pulley system, is only $99. If you try to equip every window in your home with smart blinds, the less expensive option is a much better bet.

Most systems I program the blinds are actuated 4 times a day, and somfy’s are rated to last for over 20,000 actuations, or more than 10 years. Report comment Reply ...

And given the ubiquity of these pulley mechanisms, the Gear is compatible with a variety of shades, from roller shades to vertical blinds to roman shades and more.

Single pulley systems are demonstrated in cranes, lifting a bucket from a well, raising a flag or adjusting window blinds.

Smart shades, blinds, and curtains can open or close on a schedule or at your command. They save energy and make life more convenient—especially for anyone with limited mobility.

Window shades and blinds help put a finishing touch on any room. In this Harlem dining room, Sheila Bridges, the New York designer, used two layers of shades — a flat Roman shade with a ...