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Short answer
Plan curtains during renovation, not after. Decide where tracks go so the contractor can build curtain boxes or reinforce the ceiling, run power for any motorised tracks, and choose sheer, dimout or blackout room by room. Measure after the tracks, ceiling and flooring are finished, and order a few weeks before move-in so the bedrooms are dark on the first night.
During renovation
- Curtain boxes or pelmets: ask the contractor to build them into the ceiling above windows and sliding doors, for a neat, dark finish.
- Ceiling fixing: make sure the ceiling can take track brackets, especially for heavy or long curtains.
- Power for motors: run power to the curtain box now if you may want motorised curtains later. See Fabrics for Motorised Curtains.
- Wall-to-wall: decide whether curtains run wall to wall, which changes where boxes and tracks start and end.
- Air-conditioner and socket positions: keep them clear of the curtain path and stack area.
Tip
Give your curtain maker the renovation drawings early. They can advise on box depth for a double track before the ceiling is closed up.
Room-by-room choices
| Room | Light | Typical choice |
|---|---|---|
| Living room | Daylight with privacy at night | Sheer and dimout on a double track; see Dimout Curtains |
| Master bedroom | Dark for sleep | Blackout, or lined dimout, plus a sheer; see Blackout Curtains |
| Children's rooms | Dark for naps; safe | Blackout without loose cords; see Curtains for Children's Rooms |
| Study | Glare control | Dimout and sheer |
| Kitchen and bathrooms | Privacy; steam and grease | Short washable curtains or blinds; see Kitchen and Bathroom Curtains |
| Balcony sliding doors | Easy daily use | S-fold on a ceiling track; see Curtains for Sliding Doors |
Choosing a look for the whole home
Pick one family of colours and one or two fabrics that repeat through the home, so rooms flow together. A neutral main curtain in every room with different sheers or cushions is calm and easy to live with. See How to Choose Curtain Colours and Japandi Curtains.
Timing
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Design stage | Decide curtain boxes, track positions and motor power |
| After ceiling, tracks and flooring | Final measurements |
| A few weeks before move-in | Order fabric and making |
| Before the first night | Bedroom blackouts installed |
Watch out
Measure only after the floor is laid. A new floor can raise the floor level by a centimetre or more and leave floor-length curtains dragging.
Budget
Curtains for a whole home add up. Spend most where it matters: bedroom blackouts and the main living room. Save on rooms used less, and choose extra-wide fabrics that avoid joins and waste. See Curtain Prices: What Affects the Cost.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plan curtains for a new home?
During renovation, so curtain boxes, ceiling fixings and power for motors can be built in. Measure after the ceiling, tracks and flooring are finished.
Should I build curtain boxes in a new condo?
They give a neat, dark finish and hide the track. Ask the contractor to build them during renovation, deep enough for a double track if you want sheer and main curtains.
When should I order curtains before moving in?
A few weeks before, once the final measurements are taken, so the bedrooms are dark on the first night.
Do I need power for motorised curtains?
Most motorised tracks need power at the curtain box. Running it during renovation is far easier than adding it later.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.