The sliding glass door is a magnificent invention that has made it possible to seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces without compromising your energy bill. They are a great addition to any home with a patio, and the fact that they allow us to enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of our own home makes them well worth the investment. There is, however, one thing many homeowners struggle with when it comes to their sliding glass doors – what to cover them with! Here’s the 411 on how to pick and hang curtains and other window treatments over a sliding glass door.

The Best Window Coverings For Sliding Glass Doors

1. Curtains

Curtains are a classic window covering that are aesthetically pleasing and allow you to flaunt your interior design skills. They come in a variety of colours, patterns, and fabrics, and make it possible to camouflage your patio doors completely. Curtains serve as an extra layer of insulation, which is great if you’re concerned about your energy efficiency being affected by sliding glass doors.

2. Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are a great go-to for sliding glass doors if you’re looking for something that is practical, functional, and simplistic. These window treatments typically come as fabric, wood, or vinyl, and you can easily adjust the amount of light that’s being let in using a wand, a cord, or remote control. The slats on vertical blinds overlap and they can be made to reach all the way to the floor, allowing for privacy whenever you please.

3. Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters are a classic choice for sliding glass doors, and while they tend to be on the more pricey side in comparison to other window treatments, they’re well worth the extra cost. These coverings are simplistic, durable, and very easy to clean. They completely block out light when they’re drawn shut, and their louvers can be made wider or more narrow, depending on your preference.

4. Natural Drapes

This window covering is a great choice for sliding doors if you’re looking to give your home more of an outdoorsy feel. Natural drapes made of jute, grass, or bamboo are also eco-friendly and don’t negate the functions of your sliding glass doors.

5. Sliding Panels

These sleek window coverings pair well with other window covering and come in a wide variety of fabrics, some of which include classic Roman shades, solar, natural, and roller. Sliding panels don’t come with cords, and they’re relatively easy to clean, making them ideal for households that have children and/or pets.

6. Vertical Cellular Shades

If you’re looking to save energy, cellular shades are the way to go. These revolutionary window coverings trap air and help to insulate your home, making them a great choice if you’re looking to cover a large surface area. Vertical cellular shades fit right in with a modern aesthetic, and they come in several colours.

How to Hang Curtains Over A Sliding Glass Door

Curtains are often hard to resist due to their aesthetic appeal and ability to pair well with other types of window coverings like sheer sliding panels or vertical cellular shades. They are both functional and fashionable and add a touch of softness that can make your home feel more welcoming.

To get the perfect curtains for your sliding glass door, it’s best to get the curtains custom made. Curtain styles that were not designed to be opened and closed frequently, like rod pocket style, should be avoided. Grommet or pinch pleat style curtains that can be easily slid open are an ideal choice.

Window treatments that cover sliding glass doors require special treatment and should be hung above the door with a wider rod so that they can be fully drawn back to reveal the door. Make sure you calculate the extra width requirements and take that into account before you start drilling any holes into your walls.

At Drapery Curtain Rods, we carry a complete assortment of curtain rods, rod connectors, brackets, elbows, sconces, holdbacks, finials, and rings that make it easy to hang curtains over a sliding glass door. Our specialty curtain rods and decorative drapery hardware can be mixed and matched to create the perfect hardware set for the design of your home. Contact us today to make the