Window Treatment Options for Glass Sliding Doors

Sliding glass doors, also known as patio doors, are a popular feature found in many homes today. They open up your living space, bringing in the sunlight and natural beauty of the outdoors while providing easy access to decks and backyards. But finding the best window treatments for sliding glass doors that meet your needs for privacy and efficiency – and that will fit your decorating style – can be a challenge.

Here are some important points to consider when choosing window treatment options for glass sliding doors.
• These doors are usually in high-traffic areas, and extra consideration is required so that your chosen window treatment does not impede the ability to exit and enter via the door.
• Since the door slides open horizontally, we recommended that the window treatment open in the same direction as the door itself. This enables you to open and close the treatment only as much as needed, providing increased flexibility.
• You should also consider the other windows in the room, as you’ll want to incorporate the same style, color, and fabrics of those windows with those of your sliding glass door.

Glass sliding doors don’t offer the same amount of insulation value as walls, so there is a lot of heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. However, if you select the correct type of window treatment, you can enjoy the privacy, function, and style that these glass sliding doors provide.

There are several options to consider when choosing window treatments for sliding glass doors and all come with their own benefits and drawbacks:

Curtains and Draperies:

This choice provides a more formal or traditional look and feel to the room. The opening should be on the same side of the door opening to provide proper access in and out of the room. Using a decorative traverse rod will also improve operation and style. Adding holdbacks will complete the look. There are thousands of fabric choices available including numerous lining and interlining options that provide light filtering and energy efficiency.

Sliding Panels:

These are a stylish alternative to vertical blinds, and they’re quickly becoming the standard for patio and sliding door window treatments. They offer a stylish look with panels that glide easily into place. The panels neatly stack when opened and are avail  able in a wide range of materials such as solar screens and woven woods. These materials are offered in varying degrees of privacy and light control so everybody can choose according to their needs. Other windows in the room can be easily matched with roller shades, solar shades, roman shades, and woven woods which are made from the same fabrics.

Cellular Shades:

These are also excellent options for sliding doors. They are energy-efficient and available with a vertical pleat system. They make an ideal choice for side-to-side openings like sliding glass doors and easily coordinate with other cellular shades in the room. And without cords, chains, or wands, they’re a great choice for high traffic areas.

Roller Shades:

Splitting the shades (two shades on one head rail) allows you to independently control two shades. For example, the stationary shade can be lowered while the access shade is raised. In this application, roller shades are a great option. They screen out glare and UV rays while maintaining your picture window view. Roller shades are available in a wide range of patterns and materials to compliment any style and décor.

Shutters:

These have a timeless style, beauty, and functionality that will add a unique look to any home. They are also durable so they work well in high traffic areas and are especially desirable in beach environments. They can be specially designed to open just like a sliding door so they don’t protrude into the room. An extended overhead track will allow the shutters to slide completely past the door for full view. You can also choose one with a foldable track so that the panels fold like a fan as you open it. However, real wood shutters can be expensive and even faux wood versions are also pricey.

Verticals:

These have been the traditional choice, though over the years they’ve become very outdated. However, there are new alternatives available in wood, fabric and cellular that can still add style to the room. Depending on the type of material you choose, these can be more affordable than other options.

Whether your home style is contemporary or traditional, you might also consider Skyline® Gliding Window Panels by Hunter Douglas. They also offer other products that are well suited for dressing glass sliding doors:

Luminette® Privacy Sheers:

Add Sheer elegance to any room. Soft face fabric is permanently bonded to fabric vanes, diffusing the sunlight and allowing you full view through or room darkening.

Luminette® Modern Draperies:

Create a look of sophistication. Consistent contoured columns of fabric gracefully span the door opening with either traditional™ or Ribbon™ Panel design options.

Vignette® Traversed™ with Vertiglide™ Shades:

Combine the beauty of Vignette Traditional shades with the convenience and easy operation of a vertical window covering.

Provenance® Woven Wood Vertical Blinds:

Add warmth and dimension to any room, created from natural woods, reeds, bamboo and grasses.

Still unsure which window treatment option for your to select for your sliding glass door? We can help you find the perfect solution for your home or business. Call or contact us today to arrange a consultation.