Motorised curtains — what to decide before you choose a motor

Motorised curtains are one of the smart home upgrades people notice every day: they open in the morning, close when the afternoon sun hits the west-facing windows, and shut together when you leave. Most of the decisions, though, have to be made before the motor is chosen — and some of them are much easier during a renovation than after.

Start with the curtain, not the motor

The type of window covering decides the type of motor.

• Side-opening curtains (day curtains, night curtains, sheers) run on a motorised track. The motor sits at one end and pulls the curtain along the rail.
• Roller and Zebra blinds use a tubular motor inside the roller tube.
• Venetian blinds need a motor that can also tilt the slats, and not every product does.

If you want both a sheer and a blackout layer on the same window, plan for two tracks and two motors, and check that the curtain box is deep enough to hold both.

Wired or battery

Wired motors take mains power, so they never need recharging and usually have more choice in size and strength. The catch is that they need a power point inside or next to the curtain box. In Singapore, new fixed wiring should be installed by a licensed electrical worker, so this is best added while the ceiling and walls are still open.

Battery motors charge through a cable or a small solar panel. They suit homes that are already finished, and rentals where you cannot add wiring. Expect to recharge them from time to time; how often depends on the model, the curtain weight and how many times a day it moves.

Check the size and weight

Long or heavy curtains need a stronger motor. Before choosing, measure:

1. The track length, including any bends for bay windows
2. The fabric, especially thick blackout curtains that are heavier than they look
3. The space inside the curtain box, since the motor adds length at one end

Bends and curved tracks are possible with many systems, but not all motors are rated for them — confirm before you order.

Pick a protocol that fits the rest of your home

Curtain motors come in Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Matter-compatible and proprietary radio versions. The choice matters more than it seems.

• Zigbee or Matter motors usually integrate cleanly with a local home controller, so they keep working in automations when the internet is down.
• Wi-Fi motors are simple to set up, but many rely on the manufacturer's cloud app. Check whether local control is supported.
• Proprietary remotes work on their own, but may need a bridge to join the rest of your system.

If you already have a hub or plan to add one, choose motors it supports directly.

Small features that make a difference

• Touch-to-open: a gentle tug on the curtain starts the motor, handy for guests and helpers.
• Manual pull: the curtain can still be moved by hand if the power is off or the battery is flat.
• Quiet operation: worth checking for bedrooms.
• Wall button: a physical scene button beside the window for family members who do not use an app.

Common questions

Do motorised curtains need a power point?

Wired motors need mains power inside or next to the curtain box, so it is best added while the ceiling and walls are open. Battery motors do not, but they need recharging from time to time.

Which protocol should I choose for curtain motors?

Zigbee or Matter motors usually work with a local home controller, so they keep working in automations when the internet is down. Wi-Fi motors are simple to set up, but many rely on the manufacturer cloud app, so check whether local control is supported.

Can I motorise the curtains I already have?

It depends on the covering. Side-opening curtains use a motorised track, and roller blinds use a tubular motor in the tube. In a rental, clip-on curtain robots can push a curtain along an existing rail. See our motorised curtain solutions.

What to prepare during renovation

• A power point at each curtain box that will have a wired motor
• A curtain box deep enough for the track, motor and any second layer
• Solid mounting in the ceiling or wall for the track brackets

Planning curtains as part of a renovation or a finished home? Tell us about your windows and we will help you choose motors that fit.