When I first moved into my tiny apartment, I promised myself that one day I’d make it feel like one of those cozy smart homes you see on Pinterest — full of gadgets quietly doing the boring stuff for me. I started with smart plugs, then added a few lights, and eventually, I found myself obsessed with the idea of how to automate curtains.
It might sound like a luxury, but imagine waking up to natural sunlight sliding into your room — without lifting a finger. That’s what prompted me to seek a budget-friendly solution. I didn’t want to spend hundreds on fancy, branded systems like SwitchBot or Aqara. Instead, I decided to experiment with something more affordable — and I found the Zemismart Matter Thread Electric Smart Curtain Motor on AliExpress for around $80.
Spoiler: It turned out to be one of my favorite smart home upgrades so far.
Why I Decided to Automate Curtains
Before getting into the “how,” let’s talk about why. Automating curtains sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but for me, it’s been surprisingly practical.
- I work from home, so adjusting the light throughout the day helps me stay focused.
- It’s nice to have privacy without constantly tugging on heavy curtains.
- And let’s be honest — it just feels cool when your curtains open automatically at sunrise.
Plus, I’m all about smart gadgets that actually make sense — the ones that save time, energy, and a little bit of effort every day. (If you’re like idea to automating your home, you might also love posts Smart Home Automation Ideas for Small Apartments and How to Automate Your Home in One Weekend.)
The Zemismart Matter Thread Curtain Motor: My $80 Game Changer
The Zemismart Matter Thread Smart Curtain Motor is an affordable and reliable smart home solution that lets you automate curtains with seamless Matter integration, voice control, and quiet operation — all without needing an electrician.
- Compatible with Matter, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, and SmartThings
- Works over Thread — faster and more stable than Wi-Fi
- Easy DIY installation, renter-friendly with no wiring required
- Supports scheduling and sunrise/sunset automation
- Requires a compatible curtain track or adapter (38mm standard)
- Needs constant power connection (not battery-operated)
- The app interface can be slightly confusing for first-time users
- No built-in light or motion sensor (requires external automation)
After browsing through endless listings, I landed on the Zemismart Matter Thread Electric Smart Curtain Motor. It was cheaper than most well-known brands and, more importantly, compatible with Matter, meaning it works with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, and SmartThings — no weird third-party hubs required.
Here’s what you get in the box:
- The motor unit
- Mounting brackets and clips
- Power adapter
- A small remote
- Setup instructions
The coolest part? It connects via Thread, which is faster and more stable than Wi-Fi, so you won’t lose connection every time your router decides to have a bad day.
How to Automate Curtains: My Step-by-Step Setup
Okay, let’s get into the fun part — the actual setup. Trust me, if you’ve ever hung curtains before, you can totally handle this. No electrician needed.
1. Measure your curtain track or rod
Before buying, make sure your curtain system is compatible. This motor works with 38mm tracks, which is a pretty standard size. If your rod is different, Zemismart sells adapters too.
2. Mount the motor
I used the included clips to attach the motor directly to the end of my curtain track. It only took about ten minutes — no drilling, no mess.
3. Plug it in
Once it’s mounted, plug in the power adapter. The motor gives a little buzz to let you know it’s alive.
4. Pair with the app
I used the SmartThings app (though you can also use Apple Home or Google Home). It connected in seconds through Matter over Thread.
5. Set the limits
This step tells the motor where “open” and “closed” should stop. Just press the open button until the curtain reaches one side, then confirm. Do the same for the other direction.
6. Automate your routines
Now comes the fun part — setting up your routines. Mine opens at 7:30 AM on weekdays and closes automatically at sunset.
Why Zemismart Smart Curtain Motor Is Worth It
For around $80, I didn’t expect much. But honestly, automate curtains exceeded my expectations.
Here’s what I loved most:
- It’s silent. Like, whisper-quiet — I barely notice it opening.
- Seamless app control. Works with Matter, so it plays nicely with all smart ecosystems.
- No electrician required. If you can hang curtains, you can install this.
- Feels premium. The build quality is surprisingly solid.
- Energy-efficient. Thread devices consume less power than traditional Wi-Fi gadgets.
If you’re a renter like me, it’s also easy to remove without damaging walls or rails — huge bonus.
If you’re curious about other affordable ways to upgrade your home, you might like:
How It Compares to Other Curtain Motors
I did a little research (okay, a lot of research) before choosing this one.
Here’s a quick comparison between Zemismart’s Matter Thread Motor and some cheaper Wi-Fi-based models I found on AliExpress.
| Feature | Zemismart Matter Thread Motor | Budget Tuya Wi-Fi Curtain Motor | SwitchBot Curtain 3 |
| Price | ~$80 | ~$50 | ~$100+ |
| Protocol | Matter over Thread | Wi-Fi / Tuya | Bluetooth + Hub |
| Compatibility | HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings | Tuya / Smart Life app only | Alexa, Google Home (via Hub) |
| Connection stability | Excellent | Average | Good |
| Noise level | Very quiet | Moderate | Quiet |
| Installation | Simple clip-on | Similar | Requires adapter |
| Requires hub? | No | Sometimes | Yes |
| Best for | Renters, modern setups | Budget DIYers | Smart home enthusiasts |
The Zemismart motor hit the sweet spot — it’s affordable, reliable, and ready for the next generation of smart home tech (Matter + Thread).
Mistakes I Made When Trying to Automate Curtains for the First Time
Okay, real talk — not everything went perfectly the first time I tried to automate curtains.
Here are my biggest rookie mistakes (so you don’t repeat them!):
- I didn’t check the rod diameter.
My first curtain rod was too small. Always double-check — the motor needs a snug fit. - I skipped calibrating limits.
I didn’t set the open/close positions properly the first time, and the motor kept going forever. Rookie move. - I forgot to clean the track.
Dust makes the motor work harder, and I learned that the noisy way. A quick wipe can make a huge difference. - I didn’t think about cable placement.
If your outlet is far, get an extension cord or hide it behind the curtain for a cleaner look.
Energy Savings and Daily Comfort
Since I automate curtains, I’ve noticed I use less air conditioning and lighting during the day. Natural light keeps my space bright longer, and closing them automatically at sunset helps keep the heat out.
If you care about energy efficiency too, check out also: How to Save Energy with Smart Home Technology and 10 Simple Ways to Cut Your Electric Bill by 75 Percent This Month — both go deeper into small changes that make a real difference.
Living the Smart Life
I honestly didn’t expect that automate curtains would make such a big impact. But now that my curtains open and close automatically every day, my mornings feel smoother, and my evenings more relaxing.
It’s a simple upgrade that makes your space feel more modern — and, dare I say, a little luxurious — without spending a fortune.
If you’re thinking about taking your first step into smart home automation, this is such a fun and satisfying project to start with. And the best part? You can automate curtains in under an hour — no electrician, no complicated wiring, just pure smart home magic.
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