Contemporary window treatments for sliding glass doors

When it comes to selecting curtains for sliding doors in your home, what are the most important factors to keep in mind when it comes to both style and function? We spoke with designers to address everything you need to know when shopping for curtains to cover your sliding doors and also share some design tips when it comes to choosing a color. Keep reading and be inspired.

Meet the Expert

• Tiffany Cassidy is the co-founder of Lagnappe Custom Interiors.
• Cathy Purple Cherry is the founding principal of Purple Cherry.
• Georgia Zikas is the founder and principal designer of Georgia Zikas Design.
  

• Pick Window Treatments That Operate Like the Door

  Don Herbert Photo for Lagnappe Custom Interiors

  Sheer window treatments make it easy to enjoy the sun that streams through into this formal dining room designed by Lagnappe Custom Interiors. And when it comes to a window treatment's functionality, Lagnappe's Tiffany Cassidy weighs in with a few key pointers.

  “We always recommend a window treatment that operates the same way your door does," the designer says. "With sliders, you will want something that moves side to side, not up and down."

  She offers a few pointers when it comes to sizing specifically. "Have curtains configured so that they stack on the side of the stationary glass panel," Cassidy suggests. "If the space on the wall allows, the window covering should push back and be able to get all of the way off the glass."

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• It's OK to Go Shorter in Length

  Interior Impressions

  When it comes to window treatment length, keep lifestyle top of mind, Cassidy urges.

  “It is okay to size them a little short," she comments. "This is a door where lots of dirty shoes will come and go, so especially if it’s a high traffic zone, you may want to be sure your window covering material is up off the floor just a touch—I like about a half-inch of clearance.”
  

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• But, Go Tall With Brackets

  Lance Gerber for Joshua Smith

  That said, when it comes to choosing where to hang your curtains, you want to think high up. When in doubt, go tall with your brackets.

  "Hanging window treatments higher is always recommended as it makes your window seem a little larger and gives the room some height," Cassidy comments.

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• Don't Mount Hardware Directly to a Sliding Door

  Jeanne Canto for Calimia Home

  When installing curtains, hardware can be hung from the wall or the ceiling. "It is important to be aware of the door’s projecting hardware," designer Cathy Purple Cherry says. "That will inform the distance you need to mount the curtain away from the wall in order to keep the curtain from catching on the door handle."

  Adds designer Tara Miller, "You don't want to mount anything to a sliding glass door, as it could inhibit the slide feature."

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• Make Sure to Maximize Functionality

  Jane Beiles for Georgia Zikas

  Off-white curtains are ideal for a classic, elegant space, bringing functionality without overwhelming the decor.

  "The beauty of a sliding glass door is in its functionality, so you want any sort of window treatment you give a sliding glass door to maximize its functionality, not reduce it," designer Georgia Zikas says. "Depending on the location of the door in your house, you may decide to skip the coverings and perhaps add some valances for a completed look."

  That said, nothing is wrong with curtains if need be. "If privacy is a must, you can't go wrong with a beautiful set of drapes that easily pull away to allow access to the door," Zikas adds.
  

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• Consider Curtains on One Side of the Door

  Jodie Johnson Photography

  By no means do curtains need to be on both sides of your sliding doors. One panel covering the door not in use is a great way to add function and privacy.

  "We tend to gravitate toward a single, very long panel drape that can be situated at the tail end of the door," designer Nina Grauer of Dekay & Tate says of her work. "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."

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• Prioritze Privacy Needs

  Lance Gerber for Michelle Boudreau

  The thickness of the curtains you choose all depends on the purpose they'll need to serve in your home. In a bedroom, for example, privacy is key, whereas in a living space, it is less of a concern.

  "If the doors lead to a private patio or yard, a set of sheers would allow plenty of light to come in," designer Angela Amore of Spacejoy comments. "If privacy is needed, a set of layered sheers or blackout curtains would be the best option."

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• Be Mindful of Shade Height

  Life Created for Living with Lolo

  Functionality should be taken into account at all times, designer Veronica Ferro reiterates. "If you would like to install a roman or roller shade that will have an inside mount, be sure to evaluate the height of your door to ensure no one will hit their head on the hanging shade," she explains

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• Look to the Ceiling

  Life Created for Living with Lolo

  What are some things to keep in mind when it comes to selecting a curtain color for your sliding doors? We're here to walk you through a few options, including painted ceilings, which are all the rage in the design world at the moment.

  If you choose to paint the ceiling a hue 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. Why not choose a curtain design that coordinates with your ceiling perfectly? This room proves that this design move is a major winner.

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• Play Off Your Furniture

  Life Created for Living with Lolo

  You can also look directly to the furnishings in a room and take inspiration from those pieces when selecting a curtain color. A soft gray looks nice and elegant in this contemporary kitchen space, complementing the gold accents present beautifully.

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• Contrast a Bit

  Life Created for Living with Lolo

  A bit of contrast doesn't hurt either, though, if you're craving more of a variety of colors in your space. This bedroom features luxe gray curtains while still incorporating plenty of gold, blue, and black.

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• Or Camouflage Things

  Leslee Mitchell for JL Design

  Lastly, some people will choose to pick curtains that perfectly match their wall color. This can help curtains better blend into a space and fade into the background a bit, as opposed to making a bold style statement of their own. Shades of white are popular for this reason.