Pick Window Treatments That Operate Like the Door
Enjoying the sunlight that filters into this formal dining room created by Lagnappe Custom Interiors is made simple with sheer window treatments. And Tiffany Cassidy from Lagnappe offers some helpful advice regarding the practicality of window treatments.
The designer explains: “With sliders, you will want something that moves side to side, not up and down. We always recommend a window treatment that acts the same way your door does.”
With regard to size especially, Cassidy provides a few suggestions: “Have curtains set so that they stack on the side of the stationary glass panel. If the space on the wall allows, the window covering should push back and be able to reach all the way off the glass,” she advises.
Curtains
When dressing large glass doors, mount the drapery above and beyond the door frame to create a thick fabric border that can be drawn closed at the centre or, as in this case, drawn in one direction to cover both the door and adjacent window with two separate panels. To avoid obstructing the function of the doors, you’ll want to stack those draperies completely on the wall.
Stylish Sliding Door Curtains
Here, curtains on short rods reach just over the ends of a bank of windows and a sliding door, framing and softening the bank of windows without obstructing the views beyond. Sometimes sliding door curtains aren’t needed for any practical reason and merely add flair to a place.
It’s OK to Go Shorter in Length
Cassidy advises keeping lifestyle in mind when determining the length of window treatments.
It’s acceptable to size them a bit small, she says. “This is a door where lots of dirty shoes will come and go. You may want to be sure your window covering material is up off the floor just a touch—I prefer about a half-inch of clearance,” she said, “especially if it’s a heavy traffic zone.”
Sliding Solar Screens
Solar screen panels are an intuitive and incredibly elegant layer for sliding doors, as they mimic the style and function of the door itself. They’re particularly effective at blocking both glare and damaging UV rays, and these vertical blinds can be combined with a clear window film to boost protective power even further.
Formal Sliding Door Window Treatments
Here, black-and-white striped draperies bookend black sliding doors, and an expansive white cornice with black trim runs from wall to wall, topping the living room with dramatic elegance. Draperies for sliding glass doors can enhance the formal atmosphere of a room.
Go Tall With Brackets
That being stated, whenever in doubt, hang your brackets high. When deciding where to hang your curtains, you want to think high above.
According to Cassidy, hanging window treatments higher is always advised because it provides the room some height and makes your window appear a little larger.
Roman Shades (Above The Frame)
If there is sufficient wall space between the top of the door frame and the ceiling, cover it with a single wide Roman shade treatment or Roman blinds that will fold up tightly when not in use but cover the entire door expanse in one swift motion at night. If you choose an outside-mounted style like this, keep the design consistent throughout the room by mounting all the shades at the same level.
Curtain Ideas for Sliding Doors
Use a curtain rod that is long enough to extend beyond your sliding door to ensure that your sliding glass door drapes remain out of the way and do not obstruct traffic. In this dining area, a gentle shade of blue lends interest to an otherwise neutral color palette.
Consider Curtains on One Side of the Door
One panel covering the door that is not in use is a terrific way to add utility and privacy to your sliding doors without necessarily needing curtains on both sides.
Designer Nina Grauer of Dekay & Tate says of her work, “We tend to gravitate toward a single, very long panel drape that can be situated at the tail end of the door. This way, it can remain out of the way when you’re using the door on a daily basis, but then easily pulled over when you want a bit more privacy.”
Vertical Cellular Shades
Vertical cellular shades offer nearly the same function and advantages as solar screen panels but with a slightly different look and a bit more texture. Many companies offer up to six layers of insulating cells that block 75 percent of UV rays, saving furniture and artwork from premature fading. Vertical cellular shades are another modern sliding track option that is equally effective at increasing energy efficiency and being classy.
Patterned Sliding Door Window Treatments
Reclaim some of that lost space with patterned sliding door curtains. In this dining room, vibrant striped curtains demand attention while staying in tune with the area’s easygoing atmosphere. Sliding doors often commandeer a large portion of wall space, leaving less room for artwork and color.
Be Mindful of Shade Height
Designer Veronica Ferro emphasizes the need of always keeping functionality in mind: “If you would like to install a roman or roller shade that will have an inside mount, make sure to examine the height of your entrance to ensure no one will bump their head on the hanging shade.”
Exterior Shades
Naturally, this won’t work in every region, as salt spray, frost, and humidity can wreak all kinds of havoc on certain materials, but it’s certainly an out-of-the-box alternative for patio residents seeking solitude from people inside.
Double Up Window Treatments
Look for long, sturdy rods at home centers, mount the brackets across the top of the doors at even intervals, and hang curtains using easy-slide rings or a cord system that allows you to draw them open and closed from one side. If you buy a rod that is longer than your door is wide, you’ll have room to push the curtains completely off to the side, to leave the door fully uncranked.
For a less-than-ideal outdoor view, install a double set of curtains, use filtering sheers (which you can leave closed under solid panels), and cover the top of the curtains and rod with a valance or cornice mounted high enough to clear the door. If your sliding door receives harsh light, you might want to buy lined curtains, which will block the sun’s rays.
Look to the Ceiling
We’re here to walk you through a few possibilities, including painted ceilings, which are now all the rage in the design industry, when it comes to choosing a curtain color for your sliding doors.
Why not choose a curtain design that perfectly matches your ceiling? This room proves that this design decision is a major winner. If you decide to paint the ceiling a color that differs from the paint or wallpaper color used on the other four walls of the room, this can present a unique opportunity when it comes to curtains.
Stationary Panels
In this Tuscan-inspired dining room, a private patio eliminates the need for a genuinely functional treatment, thus fixed panels hung by delicate medallions give a subtle decorative element where truly nothing more is required.
Blinds and Shades for Sliding Doors
Consider using vertical blinds or shades, which have wide metal or plastic slats that hang down from a top rail and, when closed, lie flat against the window and overlap slightly to block the light. You can rotate the slats to open them partially or fully, and you can slide the slats all to one side of the door to get them out of the way.
Contrast a Bit
This bedroom boasts luxurious gray curtains while still incorporating plenty of gold, blue, and black. A little contrast doesn’t hurt too, though, if you’re desiring more of a range of hues in your space.
Decorative Screens
According to its designers, Aamodt/Plumb Architects, this incredibly inventive screen system is the pinnacle of a tastefully clothed window. A complex design was carved by a water jet into aluminum to produce an operable window covering that also offers additional hurricane protection.
