Window Treatments for sliding glass doors represent a challenge for homeowners that desire a clean aesthetic and minimalist design. There are several options, all with their benefits and drawbacks.
Vertical Blinds
Ah, the vertical blind. Disdained by many, loved by few. What does this window treatment have going for it? PRICE! It is the most economical way to cover a large amount of space. Vertical Blinds can be made to stack on the fixed panel of the door, so are practical, but have a significant “stack”, meaning they cover a lot of the window even when opened back. This category continues to be updated with more modern fabrics and looks – so if you are looking to cover a large space on a budget, take a look here.
Skyline Gliding Panels (Panel Track System)
These fabric panels are made in 11 1/2″ or 17″ panels, and are put on a sliding track that allows the panels to stack on top of each other. This means when the window treatment is stacked you lose minimal viewing area, and as a result have a clean look to the space. Materials in this product are often the same as roller shades. As a result you can carry the same fabric selection from your sliding glass door to other windows throughout the room or other areas of the house.
Duette Vertiglide System
One of my favorites due to the simplicity of the design. A honeycomb is run vertically on a sliding track for your sliding glass door using the Vertiglide system. The most amazing thing about this product is that regardless of the width, this shade stacks to 6 1/2″ when fully opened. If you have a view you hate to part with, but need privacy or energy savings, this is the product for you. Duette by Hunter Douglas has a variety of gorgeous, woven fabrics in a variety of colors to match any decor. Architella, part of the Duette line, is the only window treatment to qualify for energy tax rebates, so can make a substantial impact on energy lost through drafty sliding doors. The drawback to this product? Some people aren’t crazy about the pleated look of this window treatment
Kirtz Shutters
Practical and beautiful, sliding shutters mount on a track attached to header frame. The track allows both shutters to slide the complete length of the door, making either area accessible. This gives you the benefit of light control by tilting the louvers while the shutters are over the door. When you are ready to use the door, the shutters stack, allowing egress from the home. The only detraction from this application are that the louvers typically must be closed while the shutters are stacked on each other for using the door. Note ** If you have extra wall space on each side of the door, you can stack the panels on the wall- eliminating this concern as shown below.
Non-Traditional Window Treatment Applications
Recently several clients have asked me to install horizontal blinds over their sliding glass doors. With this application, if you are going to use the door, your window treatment must be completely raised. Customers like the minimal look achieved with this installation, and mostly plan on the shade either staying up out of the way (if they use the door a lot or down (meaning they use the door rarely). Shades with minimal stack, such as roller shades, duette honeycombs, Silhouette window shadings are good candidates for this application. Wood blinds, not so much due to the stack.
Whatever your design vision regarding window treatments for your sliding glass doors or patio doors, give us a call. We would love to help you accomplish it with our professional know how and guidance for a finished window treatment that meets all your needs!
