8 Best Alternatives For Covering Sliding Glass Doors

Ditch Vertical Blinds: These Are The 8 Best Stylish Alternatives To Cover Sliding Glass Doors

If you’re itching to replace your old vertical blinds with something a little bit nicer, the good news is that there are plenty of options you can use, from elegant, full-length curtains to rustic bamboo blinds.

Window treatments serve a few different functions: they can limit the amount of light coming in through a window or door, provide privacy, and, of course, offer aesthetic appeal. For sliding glass doors in particular, they should also be easy to use. A window that is only opened every once in a while can have a window treatment that’s overly complicated or gets in the way, since it isn’t being used as often.

However, if you have to undo complicated latches or wrestle with material getting caught in the door every time you try to step onto your patio, that frustration will build up much faster, no matter how beautiful the treatment is. Additionally, since the door is larger than a window and almost entirely glass, they naturally let in more light and provide less privacy. That makes choosing the right window treatment important.

The Rise of Vertical Blinds

That’s why vertical blinds were so commonly used for sliding glass doors. They slide to the side with the door, making them easy to use. The long strips can lay flat to cover the door completely to provide privacy or rotate to let in plenty of light. However, they can also be a bit dated and may not provide the same level of style as some of the newer options available.

8 Stylish Alternatives to Vertical Blinds

Fortunately, there are plenty of stylish alternatives to vertical blinds that can provide the same level of functionality while also looking great. Here are 8 of the best options:

1. Curtains

Curtains are versatile, easy to use, and add a simple charm. When it comes to covering a sliding glass door with curtains, the size of the curtains and placement of the curtain rod can make a lot of difference. Using a longer curtain rod allows you to move the curtains completely out of the way of the door. Longer curtains can get dirty or become cumbersome, so opt for something that just covers the door.

Choose a light fabric to diffuse the light and add a little privacy, or a heavy fabric for more privacy and less light. You can also add a valance or a tieback to add some extra style to your curtains.

Atomic Fact: Vertical blinds might call to mind a cheap hotel balcony or your aunt’s house from the ’60s.

2. Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds offer a clean, simple look for your sliding glass door. Similarly to vertical blinds, they’re easy to adjust to let in more light or give yourself more privacy. Venetian blinds aren’t the flashiest option, but if you want is something understated and minimalist, a black venetian blind will do the trick.

They’re also relatively easy to clean, which is useful for an exterior door. If dust gets blown in, you can wipe them down without issue. However, since they open vertically rather than sliding horizontally with the door, they aren’t the most efficient covering option.

Atomic Fact: Window treatments serve a few different functions: limit light, provide privacy, and offer aesthetic appeal.

3. Roman Shades

Roman shades have both the elegant folds of curtains and the convenience of a roller blind. They sit above your sliding glass door and can be gradually adjusted to cover more or less of the door. This gives you excellent control over the amount of light and privacy.

The fabric compresses into a cute stack at the top, a little bit like a valance. Since they don’t roll up completely, you’ll need to account for that extra space. Additionally, the folds may sometimes sit a little awkwardly and need to be adjusted to look their best.

Atomic Fact: For sliding glass doors, window treatments should also be easy to use.

4. Shutters

Whether you’re going for a full plantation shutter to cover your sliding glass door or want a more modern-looking sliding shutter, these come with plenty of benefits. They can slide open like your sliding glass door or fold to the side like a privacy screen. They also cover a wide range of styles.

Rustic wooden shutters that cover the entire door offer increased security and a cozy, inviting feel. However, they can be more expensive than some of the other options on this list.

Atomic Fact: A window treatment that’s overly complicated or gets in the way will build up frustration much faster.

5. Sliding Panels

Sliding panels smoothly cover your sliding glass door while adding texture and visual interest to your room. They’re available in a wide range of styles and materials, from modern and sleek to traditional and ornate.

Sliding panels are also relatively easy to install and can be adjusted to fit your specific needs. However, they can be a bit more expensive than some of the other options on this list.

Atomic Fact: Since the door is larger than a window and almost entirely glass, they naturally let in more light and provide less privacy.

6. Roller Shades

Roller shades offer a sleeker, more modern-looking approach and can be raised and lowered with ease. They’re available in a wide range of materials and styles, from simple and straightforward to elaborate and ornate.

Roller shades are also relatively easy to install and can be adjusted to fit your specific needs. However, they may not provide the same level of insulation as some of the other options on this list.

Atomic Fact: Window treatments should be easy to use, especially for a door that’s only opened every once in a while.

7. Bamboo Blinds

Bamboo blinds offer a natural, eco-friendly option for covering your sliding glass door. They’re made from sustainable materials and are relatively easy to install.

Bamboo blinds are also relatively inexpensive and can be adjusted to fit your specific needs. However, they may not provide the same level of insulation as some of the other options on this list.

Atomic Fact: Vertical blinds were so commonly used for sliding glass doors because they slide to the side with the door, making them easy to use.

8. Panel Glides

Panel glides offer a modern, stylish option for covering your sliding glass door. They’re made from durable materials and are relatively easy to install.

Panel glides are also relatively easy to adjust and can be customized to fit your specific needs. However, they may not provide the same level of insulation as some of the other options on this list.

Atomic Fact: Choosing the right window treatment is important, especially for a door that’s larger than a window and almost entirely glass.

Conclusion

Choosing the right window treatment for your sliding glass door can be a bit overwhelming, especially with all the options available. However, by considering your personal style, preferences, and needs, you can find the perfect solution for your home.

From curtains to shutters, each of these 8 stylish alternatives offers a unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Take the time to research and compare each option, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice from a professional if needed.

With the right window treatment, you can enhance the beauty and functionality of your sliding glass door and create a more inviting and comfortable space for you and your family to enjoy.