From bringing in a lot of natural light to increasing the aesthetics of a room, sliding glass doors are wonderful additions to any space in your home. They provide easy access to outdoors areas like patios and gardens. As they are made with glass, sliding doors are transparent or semi-transparent, meaning they should be covered properly to restrict light and ensure privacy. This is possible with the right window treatments. But choosing them can be challenging as you need to make sure that their aesthetics and functionality fit your living space. To help out, let’s walk through a few attractive window coverings that are useful and apt for your home’s sliding glass doors.
Blinds are mainly of two types: horizontal and vertical. The latter is most suitable when you are selecting it based on functionality and aesthetics. These blinds feature vertical slats that overlap and open with a cord mechanism or remote control. They are easily adjustable, convenient and provide privacy; they also control the entry of light into the room. Before buying, research the available materials, slat sizes and colours.
Blinds are made from materials like PVC plastic, wood, faux wood and fabric. The latter is great if you want to add a soft touch to the room. Wood or faux wood, on the other hand, are ideal for traditional home décor and can last a lifetime if maintained well. Each material is unique, so determine your requirements before selecting one for your home.
The size of the slats plays an important role when you are selecting vertical blinds for a sliding door. They come in many sizes such as 1-inch, 2-inch and 3.5-inch. If you require low maintenance blinds, stick to 1-inch. Many homeowners, however, prefer 3.5-inch slats as they are broader and give rooms a modern look.
Blinds are available in neutral, dark and bright shades, but neutral ones blend with any décor type, including modern and traditional. If you want your blinds to stand out, pick a statement colour in sync with your home’s interiors.
Curtains are another great window covering for sliding doors as they add drama and grandeur. Made with different fabrics such as cotton, linen, silk, velvet and brocade, curtains work with both modern and traditional décor styles. They are also easy to maintain as all you need to do is wash them biweekly or monthly. Brocade is used for blackout options and is suitable for rooms that are more exposed to outdoor light as they darken the space. Linen and cotton, on the other hand, regulate the entry of light without completely blocking it and do not compromise on the aesthetics of your sliding door. You can also opt for motorized versions for ease of remote operation.
Do you want an unconventional window treatment? Sliding panels are a great choice as they are chic, trendy and add an upscale look. They are ideal for sliding glass doors as they can stack completely once open, thus providing a clear view of the outdoors. They consist of large fabric panels that slide back and forth on a track mounted to the ceiling or wall depending on the size of the sliding door. In addition, these panels come in different colours, patterns and designs to add a style statement to your room.
Plantation shutters spruce up your home’s interiors with little effort. This is because they consist of a frame of horizontal rails and vertical stiles and louvers, thus adding a unique architectural element. You can adjust the louver to open or close the shutters. The latter are made of wood, making shutters a hardy window covering option that can last for years. If you are not fond of wood finish or texture, you can paint them in neutral colours.
These are the four most important and attractive window treatments for sliding doors. Each is unique but consider their pros and cons thoroughly before choosing one. You should also check other factors such as durability, the direction in which the door opens, accessibility, light and privacy control. Once you are clear on your major requirements, selecting a window treatment for a sliding glass door becomes easy. Visit our store to choose window coverings from top brands like Hunter Douglas, Shadex and Maxwell.