Besides the standard vertical blinds, are there any window coverings out there to put on sliding glass doors that are practical to use, easy to clean, and stylish?
Yes. Yes. And YES!!
We get these questions asked all the time. Now that you have the solution figured out for your regular windows here are some solutions for that big sliding glass door…
- DRAPERY
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| Sheers on the door by Stylit. Millionaire Lottery Home 2012 |
We love drapery on sliding glass doors for so many reasons! Not only can they change a large, boring door into a focal point, drapery adds color, texture and can soften up any room. Adding drapery panels to each side really frames the door nicely and displays the appearance of height to the room. Using traversing hardware allows for an easy operation as well. Avoid using a rod-pocket style or tab-top style as they do not slide easily on the rod. Typically, sliding glass doors are in busy kitchens and living rooms, therefore washable fabrics are a bit more practical such a polyester or cotton. Sheers are an extremely versatile type of drapery as they are easy to clean, light and give a fresh clean look!
2. PANEL TRACKS
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| Source: Shade-O-Matic |
Panel tracks are wide panels that run on a track system using a continuous cord or a wand. They are a contemporary take on a cross between drapery panels and vertical blinds. These panels are often described as contemporary or modern, but with so many fabrics to choose from, they can fit into any decor. Further, there are many valances to choose from to add to the look. Panel Tracks typically move in the same direction as the sliding glass door, making them very practical. However, if your space allows, the panels can be split in the middle and frame the door nicely when they are open.
3. ROLLER SHADES
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| Roller Shades. Source: Unknown |
Roller Shades are light and easy to operate. Typically, on a sliding glass door, roller shades would be split into 2 rolls with the cords to the outside (next to the door trim). This way only one side needs to be lifted in order to go through the door and the cords will be out of the way as they are not hanging down the middle of the window. (Safety Tip: Be sure to always use the brackets to safely secure the cords if you have small children or pets.) If you choose to install 1 shade on the door instead of 2, consider how it will look when lowered as 1 extra large piece of fabric with no break, and be sure to mount the controls on the opposite side of the handle. When these shades are lowered, they are simple and flat and are perfect for that minimalistic style.When they are raised, they roll neatly out of the way and are ideal for any space that has a view or needs that extra natural light.
4. DUAL CONCEPT ROLLER SHADES
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| Dual Concept Roller. Source: Unknown |
The Concept Roller is a fun new take on the roller shade married with the horizontal blind. They have one continuous fabric that alternates between a sheer and a privacy. If you tilt one way, you can see through the sheer vanes. Tilt the shade again and you get privacy with a beautifully diffused light. They can be installed the same way as the roller shades, with 2 separate shades on one door. They can also be 1 large shade to cover the entire door, however there are width restrictions so it will depend on the size of the door. Concept Roller Shades are very easy to keep clean and they will be sure to gets your neighbors talking!
5. CELLULAR or PLEATED SHADES
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| Vertical Cellular. Source: Shade-O-Matic |
Cellular or pleated shades are a fabric, accordion style shade. They can be mounted as a 2-on-1 or in a vertical application. The Horizontal 2-on-1 means there are 2 operating shades to be practical for the use of the door, but they would be built on one continuous head rail in order to keep the look clean and simple. These shades are great for doors because they are light and easy to lift and they tuck up nice and tight to maximize the view or light. With any shade that has a pull cord, as the shade rises the cord gets longer. Meaning, you would have to attached the longer cord to a wall bracket to keep it from pooling on the ground and to keep it away from kids and pets. We recommend opting for the continuous cord loop with hold down brackets for the cellular or pleated shades on your door. The cellular shades also come in a vertical application! With this application, there are no cords and the shade slides the same way as the door and stacks neatly off to the side.
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| Horizontal Cellular. source: unknown |
6. SHUTTERS
Shutters are a classy, timeless option to any door. If your door is on the smaller side, shutters can be mounted in a bi-fold system, similar to a closet door. But because shutters can be quite heavy, we recommend doing a traversing or bypass system. This is an aluminum track that is installed on the wall above the door and it allows the shutter doors to slide back and forth easily. With no cords to lift or tie down, this option is perfect if you have small kids or pets. They are extremely durable, easy to clean and relatively maintenance free.
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| Shutters. Source: Unknown |
Before getting your heart set on a specific style of window covering for your door, here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Door handle - does it stick out too far and will it interfere with the operation of the blind/shade?
- Size of the door - is your sliding glass door oversized and can the shade/blind expand that that size? Will it look good in a large scale?
- Space - Is there enough space inside the trim to allow for an inside mount? Or above the door for an outside mount? What about beside the door to allow the blind or drapery to sit while open? Does your trim get in the way?
- Surrounding Decor - Do you have furniture in the way, or perhaps a heating vent, that can obstruct the window covering?
We hope that this helped and that you can slide right into a new look for your door!
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