Farmhouse Curtains to Suit Your Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors are a popular way to invite natural light into homes while also providing easy access to outdoor spaces. Adding the right window treatments can complement the clean, minimalist look of these contemporary doors while also providing privacy and protection from the elements. Farmhouse style curtains are an excellent choice for sliding glass doors, bringing warmth, texture, and coziness to sleek modern rooms.

We'll also cover proper measuring and installation. With the right farmhouse curtains, you can transform the look and feel of any sliding glass door while matching your style, privacy, and functional needs.

The Cozy Charm of Farmhouse Style

Farmhouse style is characterized by simplicity, functionality, and natural materials. It brings to mind cozy, rural cottages with abundant charm. Common elements include:

• Natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and burlap
• Textures like woven, knitted, distressed, or washed surfaces
• Neutral colors like white, tan, gray, and black
• Rustic wood accents and hardware
• Vintage-inspired patterns like checks, plaids, and floral prints
• Lattice, ruffles, pleats, embroidery, and other ornate details

Farmhouse curtains made from natural fabrics like linen or cotton perfectly embody this aesthetic. Their textures and muted, earthy colors blend beautifully into farmhouse decor. Options like tiered, ruffled, or cafe curtains bring a cozy, inviting feel to any room.

Bringing Warmth and Character to Sliding Doors

One issue with sliding glass doors is that they can feel stark and cold. Large expanses of glass lend a sleek, modern vibe but lack personality. Farmhouse curtains solve this by adding:

• Visual interest from colors, patterns, textures, and layered fabrics
• A warmer, softer feel than bare glass
• Defined edges that complement the clean lines of sliding doors

Farmhouse curtains also provide privacy where plain glass doors offer none. Cafe curtains let in light while obscuring views. Blackout curtains block out light for sleeping. With the right farmhouse curtains, you can tailor the visual separation and light filtration precisely to your needs.

Matching Farmhouse Style Decor

Since farmhouse curtains align beautifully with rustic, vintage-inspired decor, they help tie together your overall room design. Natural curtain fabrics and colors blend seamlessly into farmhouse living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and cabins. Farmhouse curtains on your sliding doors establish continuity with other elements like:

• Wood floors
• Antique or distressed furniture
• Floral and checked fabrics
• Wool rugs
• Wrought iron, brass, or bronze fixtures
• Brick, stone, or wood architectural accents

Tie everything together with matching farmhouse window and sliding door treatments throughout the home.

Measuring Sliding Glass Doors for Curtains

Achieving the perfect farmhouse look relies on accurate measurements for curtains that fit your sliding doors flawlessly. Here are some best practices for measuring:

Calculating Curtain Width

For the width, measure across the entire sliding door opening from inside edge to inside edge. For a standard double-wide sliding door, this span is usually anywhere from 5-10 feet across. Multiply this number by 2.5 or 3 to determine the total width for each curtain panel. This provides the full, gathered look that works well for farmhouse styles. Then divide this total width in half to get the width for each individual curtain panel.

Finding the Proper Curtain Length

For length, measure from where you plan to mount the curtain rod brackets down to around 1/2 inch above the floor. This puddling effect complements farmhouse curtains nicely. Alternately, measure length from the rod down to just below the window sill if you prefer a shorter look.

Ordering the Right Farmhouse Curtain Size

Order your farmhouse curtains according to the precise measurements for each curtain panel. Provide the company your exact width and length numbers for a custom fit. Farmhouse curtains that are too narrow or too short will not achieve the right cozy, flowing look.

Privacy, Light, and Insulation Considerations

Farmhouse curtains provide variability in privacy, light control, and insulation.Evaluate your functional needs:

Privacy

Cafe curtains offer privacy while still letting in light. For even more seclusion, choose layered curtains, heavier fabrics, or blackout curtains. Opt for full-length curtains, and add complementary valances and drapes.

Light Filtration

Sheer curtains lightly filter sunlight. Blackout curtains fully block external light. Double-layered curtains allow for variable light control. For bedrooms, blackout panels work well.

Insulation

Thicker natural fiber fabrics like linen and cotton provide some insulation against temperature extremes. For maximum insulation, use lined curtains or interlining. Close insulating curtains fully at night.

Room Function

Install heavier, wider farmhouse curtains in bedrooms for privacy and light control. Use lighter curtains in low-traffic areas like side doors or kitchens. Adjust style and layers to suit room purpose.

Choosing Farmhouse Curtain Fabrics

Selecting the perfect fabric is key to achieving an authentic farmhouse look. Consider these characteristics:

Natural Fibers

Linen, cotton, burlap, and other natural-fiber fabrics align with farmhouse style. They provide texture and a casual, relatable feel. These fabrics drape beautifully for gathered curtains.

Texture

Look for nubby, rough-hewn fabrics like loosely woven linen and textured cottons. Embroidery, ruffles, and other ornamentation adds interest.

Neutral Colors

Off-whites, beiges, grays, and blacks suit most farmhouse decors. Natural fiber fabrics lend subtle variation within neutral backdrops. Bring in colors with printed patterns.

Durability

Heavier weight natural fabrics withstand sliding door friction and sunlight exposure without fading or thinning. Pre-wash linen and cotton curtains for added softness and durability.

Opacity

Semi-opaque fabrics filter light while obscuring views for privacy. Sheer under-curtains with opaque overlays provide versatility.

Popular Farmhouse Curtain Styles

From rustic to romantic, choose from these farmhouse curtain styles:

Tiered Curtains

Tiered curtains feature distinctive horizontal bands, like ruffles. The tiers add depth and mimic cottagesque charm. Cotton tiered curtains complement most farmhouse spaces.

Tab Top Curtains

Tab top, or French pleat, curtains gather at the top through button or velcro tabs instead of hanging from rings or a rod pocket. The voluminous gathered look works beautifully.

Rod Pocket Curtains

Rod pocket panels feed through a top hem containing the curtain rod. The casual gathered effect pairs perfectly with farmhouse style.

Ruffled Curtains

Dainty ruffled curtain tops, or flouncy gathered tiers, create a romantic feel. Soften hard edges and add feminine flair.

Cafe Curtains

Cafe curtains hang from the top down to window sill or door handle height. They provide privacy while allowing light through the lower portion.

Gathered Curtains

Gathering or pleating at the top gives curtains a billowy, carefree feel. Cotton, linen, or blended panel curtains work beautifully.

Fabulous Farmhouse Curtain Ideas

Get inspired by these farmhouse curtain possibilities:

Plaid and Checked

Multi-colored plaid and buffalo checked print curtains evoke cozy cabins. Try cotton, linen, or blended twill fabrics for durability.

Floral and Paisley

Vintage-style floral prints and whimsical paisley patterns add personality. Create contrast with white embroidered detail.

Burlap and Jute

Natural burlap and jute offer rustic, organic texture. Add charming embroidered accents and patterns.

Lattice and Lace

Crisp white lace creates a romantic focal point, especially on valances. Natural lattice brings an outdoorsy feel.

Embroidered detail

Hand-stitched embroidery in floral, plaid, or country motifs heightens the artisanal charm of farmhouse curtains.

Washing and Distressing

Pre-wash and dry linen or cotton curtains on high heat for lived-in softness. Create random faded spots for a vintage look.

White, Gray, and Neutrals

Crisp whites, weathered grays, or natural ivories and tans blend seamlessly into any farmhouse decor.

Blackout Options

Thick blackout panels in solids, buffalo check, or floral prints block all incoming light when closed.

Hanging Tips for Proper Fullness and Flow

Achieve that perfect laid-back, billowy look with proper hanging:

Allow for Fullness

Gathered or pleated styles need extra width to drape properly, around 2.5-3x the window width. Size curtains accordingly.

Select Longer Lengths

For more material to gather attractively, opt for lengths that puddle slightly on the floor beyond the window.

Hang High and Wide

Mount curtain rods at least 4-6 inches above the sliding door frame. Extend rods 6-12 inches beyond door width.

Add Layers

Under-curtains, over-curtains, valances and swags create dimension and fullness.

Creative Ways to Layer Farmhouse Curtains

Layering lets you adjust privacy, light, and ambiance:

Sheers + Curtains

Hang breezy, semi-sheer curtains beneath opaque curtains to filter incoming light.

Curtains + Valance

Top curtains with a matching valance for added height, texture, and privacy.

Curtains + Shades

Combine curtains with complementing shades like wood blinds or roman shades.

Curtains + Shutters

Shutters offer adjustable light control and privacy behind sheer under-curtains.

Panels + Swags

Swag valances hung over curtain panels add depth and a soft, romantic feel.

Purchasing and DIY Farmhouse Curtain Options

You can easily purchase quality farmhouse curtains or make your own unique panels:

Buy Online

Many retailers like Wayfair and Pottery Barn offer a wide selection of farmhouse curtains in various styles, colors, and patterns. Order custom sizes to fit sliding doors.

Support Local Business

Check with local upholstery shops, fabric stores, and drapery workrooms who can create custom farmhouse curtains.

DIY No-Sew

For easy DIY curtains, use iron-on hem tape and bond cotton panels together without sewing. Hang using clip rings.

DIY Sewn

For savvy sewers, hand sew your own curtains using charming vintage fabric finds from thrift stores or your stash.

The options are endless when selecting the perfect farmhouse curtains for your sliding glass doors. With creativity and proper measuring and installation, you can craft the ideal look to enhance your space.

Farmhouse-style curtains pair beautifully with modern sliding glass doors. Natural fabrics like linen and cotton offer cozy texture and warmth. Choose panel styles and lengths that drape attractively for a casual, billowy look. Layer sheer under-curtains with privacy curtains on top. Extend rods wide and hang curtains high to complete the farmhouse charm. With proper measurements and creative styling, you can craft the perfect farmhouse curtains to complement your sliding glass doors and tie together your decor.