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Curtain installation in the city-state is often assumed to be a quick, same-day task, but the reality is more nuanced. The timeline depends on preparation, fabric choice, window conditions, and installation standards—especially when linen curtains are involved.
What Most People Think vs What Actually Happens
Many homeowners expect curtain installation in Singapore to take one to two hours from start to finish. That assumption usually comes from comparing it to basic drilling or simple home fittings. In practice, proper curtain installation includes multiple stages beyond mounting tracks or rods. Measuring accuracy, fabric behaviour, alignment, and final adjustments all affect how long the process truly takes. A rushed job may look acceptable on day one, but issues such as uneven hems, poor drape, or track misalignment often surface later.
Where Time Is Really Spent
Professional installers typically spend time on verification measurements before any drilling begins, even if prior measurements were done during the quotation. This step alone can take 20 to 40 minutes for a standard HDB living room, longer for full-height windows or bay windows. This phase is especially important for linen curtains because linen behaves differently from synthetic fabrics—it has natural irregularities, reacts to humidity, and requires precise allowance for stacking and drape. Skipping this step saves time but compromises the final result.
Installation Time by Curtain Type
Actual installation for standard day curtains with basic tracks usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes per window. However, linen curtains often require additional time due to their weight, texture, and need for careful hanging to avoid twisting or uneven folds. Expect closer to 90 to 120 minutes per window for linen, especially if the curtains are full-height or layered with sheers. Motorised tracks, ceiling-mounted systems, or recessed pelmets can extend installation time to half a day for a full living and dining area.
Window Conditions That Slow Things Down
Not all walls and ceilings are installer-friendly. Concrete beams, false ceilings, uneven surfaces, and older HDB structures can add significant time. Installers may need to reinforce brackets, adjust anchor points, or re-align tracks multiple times. Ceiling height alone, for landed homes or large condominiums, can increase installation time due to ladder setup and safety precautions. These delays are not inefficiencies—they are signs that the installer is adapting to real site conditions rather than forcing a quick fit.
Why Linen Curtains Take Longer Than Expected
Linen curtains in Singapore require careful handling during installation because the fabric shows imperfections more clearly. Installers often steam or adjust folds on-site to ensure consistent drape, which adds time. Linen also needs an accurate drop length, as it does not hide uneven hems well. A professional installer may take extra time to rehang or micro-adjust panels so that the final look remains balanced even after the fabric settles in the region’s humid climate.
Same-Day Installation vs Proper Installation
Some providers offer same-day curtain installation, particularly for ready-made curtains. While this works for simple setups, it is not always suitable for linen curtains or customised systems. Proper installation prioritises longevity and appearance over speed. A well-installed curtain system should function smoothly for years without sagging, misalignment, or fabric distortion. Cutting installation time often leads to rework later, which ultimately costs more time and money.
Conclusion
Proper curtain installation in Singapore typically takes between two hours for simple setups to half a day for more complex or linen-based installations. Linen curtains, in particular, demand extra care and time to ensure correct drape and durability. Once installation is done thoroughly, the result is not just a finished window—but a long-term improvement to comfort and interior quality.
Contact Window Art Gallery to speak to a professional who understands how fabric, window structure, and installation timing work together.
