The Latest Window Fashions for Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors are a popular way to invite natural light into a home while also providing access to outdoor patios and decks. However, finding the right window treatments to complement these unique doors can be a decorating challenge. Contemporary window treatments not only provide privacy and light control, but can also enhance the modern aesthetic of sliding glass doors. With so many styles and options to choose from, it's important to select window treatments that are functional, energy-efficient, and align with your interior design.
From fabrics and textures to smart home technology, you'll discover fresh ideas to elevate your space.
Sliding Glass Door Window Treatment Options
There are several popular contemporary window treatment styles that work beautifully on sliding glass doors:
- Vertical Blinds: Affordable and durable, can be mounted with a coordinated valance or ceiling-mounted to eliminate extra space.
- Sliding Panel Track Blinds: Best for light control, available in woven woods, fabric, or modern solar screen materials for temperature control.
- Vertical Cellular Shades: Excellent insulation properties, available in many colors and opacities.
- Custom Drapery: Suitable for covering sliding glass doors or large windows, available with pleated headers or grommet headers.
- Soft Vertical Blinds: Combination of sheer fabric and vinyl vanes, can be closed for privacy or open for soft light filtering.
- Woven Wood Drapes: Bring a natural element into your space, available with privacy or blackout fabric and edge binding options.
- Double Horizontal Blinds: Install two horizontal blinds over two panels of sliding glass doors, raised access door shade while lowering the secondary shade.
Cleaning and Installation Questions
When choosing sliding glass door treatments, homeowners often have unanswered questions about cleaning and installation best practices. Here are some key points to consider:
- Cleaning sliding glass door blinds is easy with a soft brush attachment on a vacuum to remove dust and debris. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution and soft cloth.
- Proper installation of double horizontal blinds requires precise center mount brackets to align the blinds over each sliding door panel.
- Match woven wood materials like bamboo or faux wood blinds with casual, modern, or eclectic room decor for cohesive style.
- Cellular shades provide excellent insulation for sliding doors. Look for ENERGY STAR certified options to maximize energy efficiency.
- Customize sliding panel track blinds with blackout fabrics or solar screen materials to control light and temperature as needed.
- Choose higher density fabrics for vertical cellular shades to regulate seasonal light and temperatures effectively.
- Look for vertical sheers with higher opacity ratings to get privacy with light filtering for sliding door treatments.
- Pleated headers on custom drapes provide a modern, uniform look while grommet headers offer a more casual style.
- For double horizontal blinds, select a sturdy headrail that spans the entire width of the sliding doors for easier installation.
Fabric and Texture Options
From natural textures to sleek metallics, the fabric and material options for sliding glass door treatments are diverse. Here are some of the most popular choices:
- Fabrics: Linen, cotton, polyester blends offer an approachable and casual look and come in a wide selection of solids and patterns.
- Faux wood: Mimics the look of real wood but is lower maintenance. Available in bamboo, maple, cherry, and other wood looks.
- Bamboo: Made from renewable bamboo grasses so it's an eco-friendly choice. Provides a natural, breezy look.
- Aluminum: A modern metallic suited for sleek, contemporary spaces. Offers durability and easy cleaning.
Functionality and Design Factors
The right window treatments don't just look good, they also serve important functionality. Here are some factors to consider for your sliding glass doors:
- Light Filtering: Sheer fabrics diffuse and soften sunlight. Light filtering options like sheers or solar screens maintain views and airflow.
- Blackout: Thick, opaque fabrics or layered shades provide complete blackout for bedrooms and home theaters.
- UV Protection: Look for fabrics with UV coating to block harmful rays and reduce fading.
- Insulation: Cellular shades, insulating curtain liners, and honeycomb blinds conserve energy by trapping heat.
- Operating Systems: Cordless, motorized, or wand control make operating sliding glass door treatments smooth and effortless.
The design possibilities are also limitless. Choose bold patterns and colors or neutral solids. Warm wood tones or sleek metallics. The key is selecting window treatments that complement your overall interior design and decor style.
Smart Home Technology
Today's window treatments offer impressive smart home tech integrations. Options like these take sliding glass door coverings to the next level:
- Motorization: Set schedules, control remotely, operate with voice assistants.
- Remote Control: Adjust window treatments with the click of a button.
- Automation Systems: Sync with home automation systems like Crestron and Control4.
- Timer Settings: Program shades to rise and fall at set times throughout the day.
- Alexa Integration: Use voice commands to control motorized shades with Amazon Alexa.
Price will also be a factor when selecting sliding glass door window treatments. Have a budget in mind, then consider aspects like:
- Quality of materials - Higher quality fabrics and hardwoods last longer but come at a higher cost.
- Motorization features - Adding motors, automation, or Alexa integration increases costs.
- Professional installation - Consider DIY options for simpler treatments or hire a professional for more complex installs.
- Energy savings - Upgrading old treatments improves insulation and can reduce energy bills.
With a combination of style, features, and budget, you're sure to find the perfect contemporary window treatments for your sliding glass doors. Enjoy the beautiful daylight while maintaining privacy with today's innovative styles and smart technology integrations.