Curtain & Blind Installation: What to Expect
Well-made curtains and blinds rely as much on precise installation as they do on good design. This stage is often more involved than clients anticipate, so it’s helpful to understand the process from the outset.
Who installs them
Installation can either be carried out by your curtain maker (often preferred, as they take responsibility for both manufacture and fit), or by a trusted independent installer. We can recommend experienced installers where needed and coordinate this as part of the project.
Templating is essential
Unlike many other elements, curtains cannot be accurately measured until the room is fully finished. This includes:
Flooring installed
Windows, sills and architraves complete
Any ceiling details (such as coving or recesses) in place
A site visit is then arranged to template the exact dimensions. This ensures the finished curtains sit correctly in relation to the architecture.
Lead times & sequencing
Because templating happens late in the programme, there is often a natural gap between practical completion of building works and final installation of curtains. Fabric lead times and making periods should also be factored in, so it’s not unusual for window dressings to be one of the final elements installed.
Precision and adjustments
Curtains are one of the most exacting elements to get right. Small tolerances can make a visible difference to how they hang and break:
Achieving the correct “kiss” or break at the floor
Ensuring even fullness and symmetry
Aligning headings neatly across pairs
For this reason, minor adjustments after initial installation are sometimes required. This is a normal part of the process rather than an error.
Tracks, poles and fixing conditions
Early decisions around curtain tracks or poles have practical implications:
Ceiling-fixed tracks may require structural support or pattressing behind plasterboard
Recessed tracks need to be coordinated before plastering
Wall-mounted poles depend on suitable fixing points (particularly with heavy interlined curtains)
These details should ideally be resolved during the design and build stage to avoid compromises later.
Blinds: simpler, but still coordinated
Blinds are generally quicker to measure and install, but still require:
Final window reveals to be complete
Confirmation of recess vs face fixing
Allowance for handles, trickle vents, or tilting windows
Motorised blinds also need power provision planned in advance.
Access & final fit
Installation typically takes place towards the end of the project, once major works are complete and the space is clean. Clear access to windows is essential, and furniture may need to be temporarily repositioned.
Key takeaway
Curtains and blinds are not an “add-on” at the end of a project—they are a highly technical, site-dependent element. Allowing sufficient time for templating, making and potential adjustments ensures the final result feels considered and properly resolved.
