Finding suitable window coverings for large glass doors can be quite challenging. While you can install a myriad of shades and blinds on windows, only some can accommodate large doors. So, if you’re looking for the best types of window coverings for sliding glass doors, we come to your rescue! We’ve found the most commonly used products in the industry that are both aesthetically pleasing and energy-efficient.

Key Takeaways

• Magic’s thermal blinds and solar shades are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and practical window coverings for sliding glass doors. They’re fully retractable, can cover only part of the entire door opening, and improve a glass door’s energy efficiency by 40%.
• Vertical blinds are durable and cost-effective, offering easy maintenance and customizable styles, while sheer and blackout curtains give you control over how much light enters the room, as well as ensure complete privacy.
• Sliding panels and vertical cellular shades provide modern aesthetics and energy efficiency, respectively, enhancing both functionality and comfort.

1. Magic’s Thermal Blinds and Solar Shades

Some of the most popular window coverings in Ontario are Magic’s thermal blinds and solar shades, which are praised for their innovative technology and high energy efficiency.

Our blinds and shades are fully retractable and can be installed on any of our windows and doors. When closed, the blinds stay hidden within the window frame as if they’re not even there! When you need light or privacy, you simply pull them out of their cartridge and cover the glass door. Have we already mentioned that our window coverings can stop anywhere along the track?

The difference between our thermal blinds and solar shades lies in the materials they’re made of. The solar shades are slightly transparent and can be used during the day, when you need some natural light but want to block harmful UV rays and heat from entering the house.

The thermal blinds, on the other hand, are opaque. They block light and heat, thus improving a glass door’s energy efficiency by 40%. They also ensure privacy and have soundproofing abilities. All these features are extremely important, given that glass doors are quite large and are often the culprits behind increased indoor temperatures during the summer, prying eyes, and too much noise.

In addition, all our blinds and shades come with our 40-year warranty.

2. Vertical Blinds

Many homeowners choose vertical blinds for their sliding glass doors due to their durability and customizability. These blinds consist of vertical slats attached to a sliding track installed at the top. They can be opened, closed, and rotated based on how much privacy or light you need. These blinds are usually operated with a plastic wand.

Vertical blinds are more cost-effective than other window covering options. This may be a determining factor. After all, covering a small window doesn’t cost as much as covering a large sliding door, which is why many homeowners look for budget-friendly options.

Furthermore, their vertical slat design means they collect less dust, so vertical blinds are quite easy to clean and maintain. You can also replace damaged slats individually, so this can extend their lifespan.

On the other hand, vertical blinds are slightly noisy because the slats can collide against each other. In addition, they do not offer complete privacy and light control as sunlight can seep in through the cracks between the slats, especially as the blinds get older and the slats become more damaged.

3. Sliding Panels

Sliding door panels are an aesthetic and functional solution for large sliding patio doors. Unlike vertical blinds, sliding panels have several wide fabric panels that glide on a track system. They can slide left, right, or split from the center.

You can customize sliding panels with various colors, patterns, and textures to match any decor. These window treatments can have light-filtering, blackout, and solar fabrics, providing flexible light control and privacy.

One major disadvantage of sliding panels is that they can cover large glazing areas because they stack against each other – or, in other words, they can’t stay hidden like Magic’s solar shades, for example, thus obstructing your views and affecting how much light enters the room. This is usually an issue with very large doors.

4. Vertical Cellular Shades

Vertical cellular shades, or honeycomb shades, are known for their energy efficiency and temperature control – all in all, the ideal treatment for a sliding glass door! Like standard cellular shades, the vertical ones have pockets where warm or cold air is trapped, thus helping maintain a steady indoor temperature. In time, this can potentially lower your energy bills. Additionally, these shades also have soundproofing abilities.

You can customize your vertical cellular shades however you want, as there are hundreds of colors available. You can also choose either light-filtering or blackout fabrics.

When closed, these shades offer privacy and light control. Privacy at night is not guaranteed, though. You’ll have to confirm with the manufacturer if the material the shades are made of blocks the views completely when it’s dark outside, and the lights are on inside. Furthermore, cleaning cellular shades can be quite difficult as they collect dust easily.

5. Roller Shades

Roller shades have one piece of fabric covering the entire window. It is rolled up and down using a beaded chain. They can be made of blackout or light-filtering materials. In other words, these shades are highly customizable, which is an advantage, given that they’ll cover a large wall portion.

There’s one thing to consider, though. You can’t install one roller shade to cover the entire glass door. If you do, you won’t be able to open the doors unless the shades are up. You’ll have to install a separate roller shade for every glass panel.

In addition, although the shades have UV protection and light-filtering properties, they do not offer complete privacy like Magic’s thermal blinds, for example.

6. Roman Shades

Roman shades bring elegance to sliding glass doors with their classic design. They are similar to roller shades, except that the piece of fabric folds upwards when raised.

They can work perfectly fine on smaller glass doors, just like they do on larger windows. But if your glass doors are very large, Roman shades are probably not the best option because they’ll make the room feel cramped. You may also find it tiring to always open and close the Roman shades.

In addition, Roman shades collect dust quite easily, so you’ll have to clean them regularly.

7. Sheer or Blackout Curtains

Why not go for curtains? Even more, why not go for both sheer and blackout curtains if you want light-filtering and energy-efficient glass door treatments? In fact, layered sliding door coverings have become quite popular in recent years.

Sheer curtains, for example, ensure privacy during the day while allowing sunlight in, creating an inviting atmosphere. They are available in various colors and patterns, so they can match any interior design.

Blackout curtains are perfect for blocking all light, ensuring privacy, and improving energy efficiency.

On the other hand, these sliding door coverings are made of fabrics. This means they can collect dust and serve as a breeding ground for bacteria, so you’ll have to clean and iron them regularly. This can be quite time-consuming.

8. Shutters

Shutters provide a timeless appeal that remains stylish through changing trends. Roller shutters are installed on the outside, offering privacy and light control. They’re also extremely durable and can even protect your sliding door from strong winds. Plantation shutters are installed on the inside. They usually consist of sliding or bi-fold panels and can be customized with different materials, louver sizes, and frame styles.

Sliding door shutters are more expensive than other window treatment options, but they are a long-term investment.

It’s best to hire a professional to install shutters on your patio door. A DIY project may be difficult if you’ve never installed this type of window treatment.

9. Woven Wood Shades

Woven wood shades bring nature into your home with materials, like wood, bamboo, reeds, and grasses. These materials create a warm, organic look that enhances any room’s ambiance. They are suitable for both horizontal and vertical applications.

However, woven wood shutters aren’t the best for spaces with high humidity levels. Another thing to consider is the degree of privacy you need because it depends on the material you choose.

Eager to Learn More about Our Retractable Blinds and Shades?

It goes without saying that choosing the right window covering for your sliding glass doors can significantly enhance your home’s functionality, aesthetic appeal, and energy efficiency.

If you’re looking for an innovative solution that allows you to control how much light enters the room, ensures complete privacy, improves energy efficiency, and even blocks outside noise, Magic’s your next stop! Hurry up and book a free consultation today to discover more features of our Slide’N’Hide blind and shade technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cover sliding glass doors?

Magic’s retractable blinds and shades are some of the most praised window treatment styles to cover sliding glass doors, thanks to the fact that they’re fully retractable and improve the doors’ energy efficiency. You can also install vertical blinds, cellular shades, or curtains.

What type of blind is best for sliding doors?

Vertical blinds or shades that slide horizontally along the door frame like those from Magic are the best for sliding doors because they’re practical and easy to use.

What are the most cost-effective window treatments for sliding glass doors?

Magic’s thermal blinds and solar shades are the most cost-effective window treatments for glass doors because they contribute significantly to energy savings and come with a 40-year warranty.

How can I maximize natural light while maintaining privacy?

To maximize natural light while maintaining privacy, install sheer curtains, which effectively filter light while providing a level of seclusion. You can also install Magic’s solar shades, which are made from a slightly transparent material that allows some sunlight in while ensuring privacy during the day.

Which window treatments provide the best energy efficiency?

Vertical cellular shades and Magic’s thermal blinds provide excellent energy efficiency, significantly reducing heat loss in winter and minimizing solar heat gain in summer.