Easy Ways to Cover Front Door Glass

Adding privacy and protection to front door glass can transform the look and feel of an entryway. With the right window treatments, homeowners can block glare, reduce noise, and prevent neighbors and passersby from peering in while still allowing natural light to filter into interior spaces.

Installing curtains, blinds, or window film are easy DIY methods for covering front door glass. Read on to explore popular options, steps for measuring and installation, and tips for choosing the best solution for your needs and decor style.

Reasons to Cover Front Door Glass

Beyond just aesthetics, covering clear glass front doors provides many benefits:

• Privacy - Window coverings prevent people from seeing inside, keeping your living spaces discreet.
• Temperature regulation - Some coverings like insulated curtains or dual pane blinds provide insulation to keep interiors cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing energy costs.
• Noise reduction - Added layers can muffle outside sounds from traffic, neighbors, construction, or other noisy environments, creating a quieter ambiance inside.
• Protection from UV rays - Coverings filter out harmful ultraviolet light that can damage furnishings, artwork, flooring, and even cause fading in homes.
• Decor - Coverings let you customize the look of glass front doors and complement your interior design style, whether modern, traditional, or other.

Materials for Covering Front Door Glass

There are several options when selecting materials to cover front door glass panels or sidelights:

Curtains

Curtains are a classic, versatile choice that come in a wide variety of styles. Consider:

• Sheer - Lightweight, gauzy fabrics that soften glare and provide minor privacy while still enabling people to see shapes and shadows inside.
• Blackout - Thicker opaque fabrics, often with backing, that completely block outside light for daytime sleeping.
• Thermal - Insulated curtains with plastic back coating that help regulate temperature. Keep heat in during winter and block heat in summer.
• Noise reducing - Curtains with sound dampening properties, like thermal blackout curtains, help muffle outside noise.
• Patterned - Choose solid colors or printed patterns that complement your decor. Florals, geometrics, stripes, solids all available.

Blinds

Blinds neatly control light and privacy with adjustable slats. Popular styles include:

• Venetian - Horizontal slats tilt open and closed to adjust light. Made of vinyl, wood, faux wood, or aluminum.
• Vertical - Vertical fabric or vinyl slats draw side-to-side to block light.
• Roller - A roll-up bamboo shade or blackout vinyl screen.
• Day/night - Dual shades with sheer and blackout blinds in one. Adjust privacy as needed.
• Cordless - Wand or chain-controlled blinds for safety and easy operation.

Film

Window films apply directly to glass to alter its look and function:

• Frosted - Etches glass with a textured translucent finish for obscured privacy.
• Tinted - Darkens glass with colored film and blocks UV rays.
• Reflective - Mirrored film bounces back light for a chrome look.
• Decorative - Stained glass, rice paper, faux granite and other film options.

Smart Glass

Electronically tinting glass allows you to control privacy with the push of a button. When voltage is applied, the glass transitions from clear to opaque modes.

Measuring Front Door Glass

Carefully measure all front entry glass surfaces to ensure proper fit of coverings:

• Measure height and width with a steel tape measure for accuracy.
• Account for the door and window frames when measuring. Note depth for blinds.
• Consider necessary overlap for curtains or clearance for blinds to fully open and close.
• For multiple panels, measure each section individually.
• Calculate total square footage of glass to determine amount of material needed.

Having precise measurements ensures coverings will fit correctly for full coverage without light seepage or gaps.

Selecting Coverings for Front Door Glass

Choose options suited to your needs, preferences, and home style:

• Match style - Select colors, patterns, and materials that complement your interior design decor. For modern and contemporary homes, vinyl or wood blinds work well. In cottages or traditional spaces, embroidered curtains or cafe-style coverings match nicely.
• Consider privacy needs - Assess if you want full blackout shades or moderate coverage from sheer options based on your living patterns and visibility from the street. Account for privacy in both day and night.
• Choose UV protection level - Look for coverings offering 95% or more UV ray blocking to protect interior furnishings from sun damage and fading.
• Review noise reduction rating - For noisy areas, sound dampening curtains and sealed dual pane blinds can reduce outside noise by 50% or more.
• Check safety certifications - Ensure window films and smart glass meets fire codes. Cordless is safest for blinds in homes with small children or pets.
• Incorporate additional features - Add side channels, top/bottom sealing strips, or magnets to blinds for light blocking. Select retractable screens or insulating cellular shades to augment glass coverings.

Installing Curtains on Front Door Glass

Follow these steps to properly hang curtains:

• Mount solid curtain rods securely using anchor screws into studs for stability. Place rods above and below the frame if covering full glass.
• Hang curtain panels from rings or grommets using a coordinated, overlapping look. For wide openings, a center mount provides full coverage.
• Overlap panels in the center by 6 inches or more to completely block outside light and views.
• Use weights or holdbacks at edges to keep curtains straight and prevent billowing in wind. This also provides security.

Measure precisely and follow individual curtain instructions for optimal coverage and visual appeal.

Installing Blinds on Front Door Glass

Proper blind installation requires careful measuring and mounting:

• Check frame depth to ensure brackets will fit inside. If too shallow, go for external mounts around the molding.
• Secure brackets evenly spaced and level either inside the frame or external mount around the molding.
• Cut aluminum or vinyl slat widths with a hacksaw for an exact custom fit. Hammer in place for stability.
• Attach tilt wand and lift cords to adjust slats and raise/lower shades. Ensure operating cords are secure and evenly weighted.
• Add side channels, brush strips, or sealing tape for light blocking if needed. Make sure mechanisms function smoothly.

Applying Film to Front Door Glass

Window film application requires care and precision:

• Thoroughly clean glass with isopropyl alcohol to prep the surface. Scrape off any stuck debris or paint.
• Precisely measure and cut film to size using a sharp razor blade and straightedge ruler for clean cuts.
• Spray glass and film with application solution. Peel off backing and use a squeegee to smooth bubbles working from center outward.
• Continue applying pressure for 30 seconds after squeegeeing for a strong bond. Trim any excess film around the edges.
• Allow film to cure for at least a week before washing or cleaning.