Automate 70 Inch Wide Blinds in 10 Minutes
Imagine settling in for movie night. The popcorn is ready, you're on the couch, but the streetlamp outside is creating a massive glare on your screen. Instead of getting up to wrestle with a heavy cord, you simply say, "Cinema Mode." Instantly, your massive 70 inch wide blinds lower smoothly, blocking out the world. This isn't just about being lazy; it's about managing light, heat, and privacy on the largest windows in your home without the physical hassle.
Large windows are beautiful, but finding and automating coverage for them brings specific challenges regarding weight, motor torque, and connectivity. Whether you are looking for 70 inch wide shades or retrofitting existing slats, getting the tech right is crucial.
Quick Compatibility Check: Smart Specs
Before buying a motor or a new shade, you need to know if the hardware can handle the span. Here is the cheat sheet for automating 70 inch window blinds.
| Feature | Requirement for 70" Width | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Torque | Min 1.1Nm (Newton Meters) | Required to lift heavy 70 in wide blinds or faux wood. |
| Tube Diameter | Min 1.5 inches (38mm) | Prevents the tube from bowing in the middle (the "smile" effect). |
| Connectivity | Zigbee 3.0, Thread, or WiFi | Zigbee/Thread preferred for battery life on large motors. |
| Power Source | Rechargeable Li-ion or Hardwired | Avoid AA battery wands; 70" units drain them too fast. |
Handling the Weight: Motor Selection for 70 Inch Blinds
When you are dealing with a 70 inch window shade, physics is your biggest enemy. Unlike smaller window blinds 34x72 that you might have in a bedroom, a 70-inch span holds significant fabric or slat weight.
Retrofit vs. New Install
If you already have 70 inch wide window blinds installed, you can use a retrofit motor like the SwitchBot Blind Tilt or a tubular motor insert (like Eve MotionBlinds). However, check your headrail. Heavy 2 inch faux wood blinds 34 x 72 are easy to lift, but a 70-inch version requires a high-torque motor. If you hear the motor straining or whining, it will burn out within months.
The "Sag" Factor
Cheap 70 blinds often bow in the center. When automating, ensure you are using a rigid aluminum tube. If you are buying new 70 in window blinds, look for "heavy-duty" or "reinforced headrail" in the specs. This applies whether you are looking for 70 inch mini blinds or heavier wood slats.
Matching Sets: The 34x72 Combo
A common architectural layout features a large central picture window flanked by two narrower windows. You likely need 70 inch wide blinds for the center and 34 x 72 blinds for the sides.
For a cohesive smart home setup, do not mix motor brands. Even if the 34x72 faux wood blinds are lighter, use the same ecosystem (e.g., Lutron Serena or Somfy) for all three. This ensures that when you run an automation, the 34 by 72 blinds and the 70 width blinds move at the exact same speed and stop at the exact same level. Nothing ruins the aesthetic like mismatched lift speeds.
Sizing and Customization
Rarely is a window exactly 70 inches. You might be hunting for blinds 70 x 70, window blinds 70 x 46, or even 70 x 58 window blinds.
- Inside Mount: If your window frame is exactly 70 inches, order 70" wide blinds that are cut to 69.5". Smart motors need that clearance to avoid friction.
- Outside Mount: For 70 inch blinds installed on the trim, ensure your valance clears the battery pack if you are using a rechargeable motor.
Living with 70 inch wide blinds: Day-to-Day Reality
I want to be real about what it's like living with a smart blind this wide because the experience differs from standard sizes. In my living room, I have a 70" window shade running on a Zigbee motor. The first thing you notice is the sound profile.
On my smaller 34 x 70 blinds, the motor creates a quick, high-pitched whir. But on the 70-inch unit, the sound is a deeper, more prolonged hum because the motor is working harder to pull that extra weight. It's not loud, but in a dead-silent house at 6 AM, you will hear it.
Another nuance is the "charging dance." Charging a battery wand on a 34" blind is easy. But on my 70" unit, the blinds are often behind a couch or furniture. Reaching the charging port on a heavy 70 inch blind requires a step ladder and some gymnastics. I highly recommend buying a magnetic charging extension cable and taping it to the side of the frame so you don't have to climb up there every six months.
Conclusion
Automating 70 wide blinds transforms a room from a manual chore into a responsive environment. Whether you need blinds 58 x 70 or a massive 70 inch wide mini blinds setup, the key is prioritizing torque and connectivity over price. Don't skimp on the motor for this width, or you'll be replacing it in a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do batteries last in 70 inch wide shades?
Due to the weight, expect about 4 to 6 months of battery life on a 70 inch unit with daily use, compared to 8-12 months on smaller 34x72 blinds. Adding a solar panel strip behind the blind can extend this indefinitely.
Can I manually operate smart 70 in blinds during a power outage?
Most retrofit motors (like SwitchBot) allow manual turning of the wand. However, roller shades with tubular motors usually lock in place. If power outages are frequent in your area, look for motors with a "manual override" clutch.
Do I need a hub for 70" blinds?
It depends on the protocol. WiFi blinds connect directly but drain batteries faster. Zigbee or Thread blinds (recommended for this size) require a compatible hub like an Echo (4th Gen), SmartThings, or Apple HomePod.