The short answer
For a window you cannot comfortably reach, a motorised blind is often the safest way to operate it, because nobody has to stretch, climb or hunt for a pole. There is no cord for a child or pet to reach either. It is not the only answer and it depends on the window, so here is how to think it through.
Why awkward windows can be tricky
A blind over a stairwell, a tall landing window or a deep, high window above a bath can be a real nuisance. If it is hard to reach, people tend to leave it in one position all year. Some also find themselves standing on furniture or leaning over a bath to get at it. Those are exactly the situations where an accident can happen, so making the blind easy to use is a safety matter as well as a convenience.
Where motorisation tends to make sense
- Tall windows and stairwells. The blind can be raised or lowered from the floor, using a remote or a wall switch.
- Roof windows. Blinds on Velux-type roof windows sit high on a sloping ceiling. Motorised versions are available for many of these, but compatibility depends on the window, so see our roof blinds page and the guide to identifying your roof window.
- Windows behind furniture or units. Where a worktop or bath sits in front of the glass, reaching the blind is awkward even though it is not high.
- Large or heavy blinds. A wide blind can be hard to pull by hand. A motor does the lifting.
- Conservatory and glazed roofs. Roof panels are out of arm's reach, and a remote makes daily use realistic. See conservatory blind choices.
The alternatives, and how they compare
Poles and wands
A pole is a sensible, low-cost way to operate some blinds, and some roof window blinds are designed to be used with one. It can still be fiddly in tight spaces, and it needs somewhere easy to reach to be stored.
Cords and chains
Long cords can be a hazard where children or pets are around. They are best kept short and secured with the safety devices supplied, which is difficult on a very tall window. Our child safety page explains the choices available.
Cordless pull-down
Some blinds are operated by pushing or pulling the bottom bar. That works well within reach, though a tall window is out of reach for it.
Choosing how it is powered
Motors can be powered in different ways, and this affects what is practical for a high window:
- Rechargeable battery. There are no cables to hide, but the battery will need charging now and again, which can be awkward if the blind is up high. Ask how the charging works and where the connection sits.
- Plugged or fixed power. Needs a socket or a cable nearby, though once installed it requires less attention.
- Solar-assisted options. Some roof window systems can charge from daylight. Availability depends on the product, so ask us what is available.
It is worth deciding this before ordering, because it can be hard to add a power supply afterwards. Our article on wired or wireless motors goes through the trade-offs.
Control options
- A handheld remote that stays in a drawer or on a wall holder.
- A wall-mounted button, if the room has somewhere sensible for it.
- A phone app or timer, where the system supports it.
It helps to keep a simple, physical control available as well, so you can still use the blind when a phone battery is low.
What to check first
- Measure carefully, including the depth, as motors need room.
- Check there is somewhere to place the controls where everyone can use them.
- Confirm who will be in the house, such as children or someone who finds stairs difficult.
- Ask what happens in a power cut, and whether there is a manual override.
Next step
Every awkward window is a bit different, so it helps to look at it in person. Have a look at our motorised blinds page, or book a free measure and we can talk through what would work for your high or hard-to-reach window.
