This Simple Device Turned My Taobao Blinds Smart
I tested the Aqara E1 Blinds Driver to see how easy it is to turn normal roller blinds into smart blinds.
The best part? You don’t always need a full custom motorised curtain system.
If you already have roller blinds with a bead chain, this small driver can pull the blinds up and down for you.
For a budget setup, Taobao roller blinds + Aqara E1 Blinds Driver can cost less than $180.
Once paired into Home Assistant, you can control it from your phone, add it to your dashboard, or create simple automations like:
☀️ Open in the morning
🌙 Close at night
🔥 Close when the room gets too hot
This is the kind of smart home setup I like — practical, affordable, and not overcomplicated.
Normal blinds → smart blinds.
#btosg #btorenovation #sgrenovation #smarthomesg #HomeAssistant
Upgrading traditional roller blinds to smart blinds has never been easier or more affordable than with the Aqara E1 Blinds Driver. From my own experience, the key to a successful installation lies in careful alignment and ensuring the bead chain is not too loose before attaching the device to your roller blinds. I particularly appreciate how this device eliminates the need for a full custom motorised curtain system, keeping both installation and costs manageable. Since I used roller blinds sourced from Taobao combined with the Aqara E1, the entire setup came in under $180—a fraction of the cost of branded smart blinds. Integrating the blinds driver with Home Assistant allowed me to control my blinds conveniently from my smartphone. This integration opens up many possibilities, such as automations that open the blinds at sunrise or close them after sunset, and even a smart response to room temperature increases by closing the blinds to reduce heat and save energy. An added benefit is the device’s compatibility with Zigbee2MQTT, which broadens the scope for creating custom automation based on different triggers from motion sensors or environmental readings. I’ve also found it simple to add the blinds control to my existing smart home dashboard, which keeps everything handy in one place. For homeowners or renters looking for a non-invasive and budget-conscious entry into smart home automation, this solution checks all the boxes. It’s practical, affordable, and most importantly, empowers you to get creative with automations while extending the life and function of your existing roller blinds. Whether you’re in Singapore or anywhere else, this setup is a smart move for making your home just a little bit smarter.