Curtains & Blinds in Singapore: An Expat's Guide (2026)

So you've landed the job, signed the tenancy agreement, and now you're staring at bare windows in your new Tiong Bahru rental or that BTO-style condo near Queenstown. Back home, maybe you just walked into IKEA, grabbed a pair of curtains, and called it a day. In Singapore, it's a little different — and honestly, a little more involved. Here's what you need to know before you commit to a vendor.

Why Curtains & Blinds Work Differently Here

First, the obvious: Singapore is hot and humid year-round, and most homes have floor-to-ceiling windows or sliding glass doors facing busy roads, neighbouring blocks, or that unforgiving afternoon sun. This means your window furnishing isn't just decorative — it's doing real work against heat gain, UV damage to furniture, and privacy from the block of flats 20 metres away.

Second, almost everything here is custom-made and installed on-site, not bought off-the-shelf. Vendors send someone to measure your windows (usually free), quote based on exact dimensions, fabricate the curtains or blinds, then install within 1–3 weeks. This is standard practice whether you're in a HDB (Housing & Development Board flat, Singapore's public housing which houses about 80% of residents), a condo, or a landed property.

HDB vs Condo: What Changes for Expats

If you're renting a HDB flat, note that structural changes need the landlord's written consent — this includes drilling into ceilings for curtain tracks. Most landlords are fine with it since it's reversible, but always get it in writing (an email counts) to avoid disputes over your security deposit when you move out.

Condos are generally more flexible since you're dealing with your own unit, but check your tenancy agreement for any