The Best Patio Door Window Treatments (in 2022)

Summer is here and that means longer daylight hours.

While we love the sun, there are times when we need a little extra protection from those powerful rays.

Window treatments for sliding glass doors and French doors are vital in providing light control for these beautiful windows without inhibiting the operation of the doors or obstructing the walkways.

In this article, we are going to take a look at some of the best patio door window treatments and talk about what makes them effective.

The Best Window Treatments For Sliding Glass Doors

The first type of doorway that we want to discuss since it incorporates large windows is sliding glass doors. Sliding glass doors are a beautiful addition to any space because they allow for amazing views and a great sense of connecting the indoors to the outside.

These beautiful glass doors work both ways in that while they provide stunning views, they also allow in a lot of sunlight and offer very little privacy. If this is a concern, then window treatments are a must.

Key Benefits Of Adding Sliding Glass Door Window Treatments

Light Control

Window treatments for sliding glass doors are ideal for providing light control. Light control will allow for protection against harsh glare and harmful UV rays during times of the day where the windows are in direct sunlight.

Save on Energy

Window treatments are also the best way to prevent excessive energy loss through these large panes of glass. In a typical home, about 10% of the heat is transferred through the windows. This percentage fluctuates based on the size and number of windows, so sliding glass doors can definitely increase this amount. Adding window treatments to the sliding glass doors will help increase the energy efficiency of your home.

Privacy

Window treatments are also the best way to add privacy to these larger windows once the sun goes down and the interior lights come on. Anything that can be seen from the inside out, can also be seen from the outside in unless there is some sort of covering.

Key Concerns To Watch Out For When It Comes To Adding Window Treatments To Sliding Glass Doors

Mobility and Functionality

The primary concern when it comes to adding window treatments to sliding glass doors is maintaining the mobility and function of the door.

The window treatments should always open the same direction as the sliding glass door. They will need to be stacked far enough out of the way to ensure the door has rooms to slide all the way open. Any obstruction directly behind the sliding glass door will have to be taken into consideration before deciding on the best style of window treatment to make sure it does not interfere with the door’s operation.

In order for these window treatments to open the same way that the door opens will require vertical orientation instead of horizontal so that they can open side to side instead of up and down.

Depending on the level of light control or privacy required, the fabric or material will play an important role in deciding the right window treatment.

Hard window treatments such as vertical blinds or shutters will have slats or vanes that can be opened or closed without opening the entire treatment. This will deliver different levels of privacy and light control options to be achieved. Soft window treatments such as sliding panels, vertical cellular shades, or draperies will not have this same operational ability.

Sheer vertical shades are a unique hybrid of these two options. These shades have vertical fabric vanes between two layers of sheer material. The vanes are able to open and close similarly to vertical blinds, but the layers of sheer material will diffuse the light coming through.

The functionality of these shades is incredibly versatile. When desired, the entire window shade can be pulled away from the sliding glass door to allow for unencumbered light and views. When the shades are closed and the vanes are open, there is an added level of privacy but ambient light can still enter. When the shades and vanes are fully closed they prevent most of the outside light from entering and provide a good amount of privacy.

Be sure to note that these shades are not intended to create a total barrier to outdoor light. If that is what you are looking for, then look to room darkening shades or drapes with blackout liners.

Aesthetics

Another consideration is more for the aesthetics of the space. Find window treatments for the sliding glass doors that will complement the style, materials, patterns, and colors of the other window treatments within the room. There are many options for horizontal blinds, cellular shades, Roman shades, or shutters that can outfit the windows within a room so they can match the best window treatment option for a sliding glass door. These can even be incorporated into adjoining dining rooms, kitchens, entryways, and living rooms to give a cohesive look to the entire space.

Best Window Treatment Options For Sliding Glass Doors

The best window treatment options for sliding glass doors are going to be any styles that hang vertically that can be stacked without taking up too much space, such as vertical blinds, draperies, or sliding panels. Vertical lines can also help add a sense of height to your room which is a beneficial aesthetic. Some of the best window treatment options for sliding glass doors include:

• Vertical Blinds
• Sliding Panels
• Vertical Cellular Shades
• Sheer Vertical Shades
• Shutters
• Draperies

The Best Window Treatments For French Doors

The second type of doors that we would like to discuss are French doors. French doors are predominantly made of glass which creates a beautiful vantage point to the outdoors and allows in a lot of natural light.

The primary difference between French doors and sliding glass doors is how they open. While sliding glass doors slide from one side to the other, French doors are hinged and operate like a traditional door.

Typically, French doors are double doors, but they can also be found as single doors. Either way, the beautiful windows contained in French doors might require some sort of coverage to provide light control and privacy.

Key Benefits Of Window Treatment For French Doors

While the beautiful light and openness of French doors can be very desirable, they will be the main areas that need to be addressed.

Windows work both ways, so adding coverage is needed for maintaining some level of privacy, light control, and energy efficiency. Window treatments are the best way to add all three of these functionalities to the beautiful windows in French doors.

Large French doors that are on the ground level or look into a bedroom or bathroom will want window treatments that provide privacy.

French doors that are exposed to direct sunlight for long hours will want to incorporate functional window treatments to help with light and temperature control.

If energy efficiency is a concern, window treatments are one of the best ways to prevent energy loss. For more information about the energy efficiency of window treatments, be sure to read our article Window Treatments Could Save You Hundreds Each Month.

Key Concerns To Watch Out For When It Comes To Adding Window Treatments To French Doors

No Obstruction

French doors are hinged and will swing open and shut so any added window treatments will need to be attached to the windows of the door to prevent obstruction.

Door Handles Operate Unhindered

French doors also have door handles that will need to be taken into consideration. Depending on the type of window treatment, there may need to be special cutouts added to allow for the handle to operate unhindered.

Shutters Fit

Shutters, for example, are beautiful additions to French doors. Special cutouts allow the shutter to fit precisely around the handle without obstructing operation.

Nothing Gets Stuck

If the window treatment is flat or thin enough to pass behind the door handle, cutouts may not be necessary. Just be sure to take into account the space needed between the handles and the windows so they do not get stuck when raising or lowering.

Not Overly Thick

The thickness of the window treatment will be a consideration to ensure the treatment is not extending too far out from the door or becoming an obstacle.

Treatment for Each Door

Most often French doors are double doors and each door will need its own treatment, or treatments depending on the number of windows within the door. If looking for functional window treatments, not just decorative, each treatment will most likely need to operate up and down, not side to side. Horizontal window treatments that raise and lower, such as horizontal blinds, roller shades, or Roman shades will be great options.

Beveled Edges or Rounded Corners

Installation and mounting will most likely need to be directly onto the windows or the French door itself, so any beveled edges or rounded corners will need to be addressed.

Special Attachments

Window treatments that close may need to have special attachments to keep the covering in place so it does not swing back and forth against the door when in use. Cordless window treatments are ideal since there will not be the excess cord that can get tangled up. Window treatments with lift cords will most likely need a cord cleat to keep all cords secure and out of the way.

Best Window Treatment Options For French Doors

With all these considerations, the best window treatment options for French doors are going to be lower profile window treatments that stay close to the windows. Be sure to keep in mind how the window treatment will move against the door when raised or lowered. Cordless window treatment options are beneficial for numerous reasons, but especially for French doors. All of these window treatment options listed below are available with cordless options, so be sure to explore the options. Some of the best window treatments for French doors are the following:

• Horizontal Blinds
• Cellular Shades
• Pleated Shades
• Shutters
• Natural Woven Wood Shades
• Roman Shades
• Roller Shades

Conclusion

Window treatments are a great addition to patio doors to add light control, temperature control, and privacy. The key is to make sure the benefits of the window treatments are functional without obstructing the purpose of the doorway.

Talk to your Gotcha Covered design consultant and they will be able to help you find the best window treatments to fit your functional and stylistic needs.

Call us at (888) 650-6187 or schedule a free design consultation online today!

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