Choosing the right window coverings for patio doors can be a daunting task, especially given the vast array of options available on the market today.
If you’ve ever researched and bought window coverings – blinds, shades, drapes, or shutters – you know how overwhelming it can get! After all, it’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality, energy efficiency, and privacy! This is why we’ve selected the most sought-after window coverings for patio doors that can truly elevate your space and become the room’s focal point!
Key Takeaways
- Magic’s solar shades and thermal blinds are highly functional and energy efficient. They are excellent for patio doors because they’re fully retractable and can be stopped at any point along the door frame.
- Other good window treatments for patio doors include vertical blinds, sliding panels, woven wood shades, plantation shutters, Roman and roller shades, as well as sheer and blackout curtains.
- Cellular shades provide superior energy efficiency, making them perfect for energy-conscious homeowners.
1. Magic’s Solar Shades and Thermal Blinds
Magic’s patio door treatments are among the top choices in Canada! What makes them so appealing? Their innovative Slide’N’Hide technology, without a doubt.
This advanced technology makes our shades and blinds fully retractable – when not in use, they’re hidden within the patio door frame; when you need to open them, you just pull them out of their cartridge.
This technology makes our shades and blinds perfect for patio doors because they can stop anywhere along the frame. So, let’s say you have a three-panel patio door – you can use the shades/blinds to cover just one panel, leaving the other two clear.
Here’s what else makes our products unique:
- Our solar shades are fantastic for reducing solar heat gain, which helps keep your home cooler in the summer. They filter sunlight beautifully, allowing you to enjoy natural light without letting in too much heat. Plus, Magic’s solar shades offer perfect UV protection.
- Our thermal blinds are excellent for insulation and privacy. They cover your patio doors completely, improving their energy efficiency by as much as 40%. Since they’re made of an opaque material, they provide complete privacy. Additionally, the thermal blinds have soundproofing properties.
Our shades and blinds can be installed on any of our windows and doors, so you can incorporate them seamlessly into the design of your home! If you want to witness the magic behind them for yourself, you can contact us anytime!
2. Vertical Cellular Shades
Cellular shades (or honeycomb shades) are favored for their energy efficiency and insulation properties. Their unique honeycomb structure traps air, which improves insulation and helps regulate room temperature. They usually have one, two, or three layers of these air-trapping cells.
Besides being energy efficient, these window coverings also have soundproofing properties. In short, it’s the perfect combination for energy savings and comfort!
Window cellular shades have a horizontal design, which means they slide up and down. However, there are vertical options for patio doors, so they can slide from one side to another. You can also customize the material they’re made of – you can opt for sheer, light-filtering, or blackout fabrics.
However, there’s one drawback – while cellular shades are relatively easy to clean, you’ll probably have to do this more often than with other window coverings, as they collect dust easily.
3. Sliding Panels
Sliding panels, also known as panel track blinds, are perfect for patio doors, although they’re usually preferred for sliding patio doors. Installing sliding panels for French doors may not be a good option, especially if there are only two door panels.
Panel track shades have wide fabric panels that glide from one side to another along a track. This means that part of the glazing area will always be covered because the panels stack against each other on one side. This can limit the amount of natural light that passes through the door, which is why these shades aren’t the best for French doors that have only two panels.
On the other hand, sliding glass doors, which have extensive glazing areas, can certainly be paired with these modern window coverings – they’re highly customizable and can be made of blackout materials.
4. Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are highly popular for patio doors, offering a blend of functionality and style. These coverings have long, vertical slats that cover the glazing area effectively. The slats glide smoothly along a top-mounted rack, so you can easily open and close the blinds whenever you need. Additionally, they can rotate from one side to another, which ensures light and privacy control.
These blinds are usually made from durable materials, so they can withstand daily wear and tear. They’re also low-maintenance – all you have to do is dust them once in a while (since the slats are vertical, they don’t accumulate as much dust as horizontal slats). Another advantage is that vertical blinds are relatively budget-friendly, which matters if your patio doors are large.
One thing to consider before buying classic vertical blinds is that they can be quite noisy. For example, if you leave your patio doors open when it’s windy, the blinds will definitely make some noise. Plus, vertical blinds don’t offer complete privacy, so you may have to pair them with another window covering.
5. Woven Wood Shades
Woven wood shades are crafted from natural materials, including bamboo, jute, and grasses. Without a doubt, this is exactly what makes them an excellent choice for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in any room!
These shades are praised for their durability, lasting for years with proper maintenance. They provide a rustic charm that complements various decor styles – from traditional to contemporary.
Besides being aesthetically pleasing, woven wood shades offer excellent light control. They allow enough sunlight to filter through while blocking harmful UV rays, thus protecting your furniture and floors from fading. However, given that they’re made from natural materials, woven wood shades aren’t as minimalistic and uniform as Roller shades, for example.
Don’t forget that woven wood shades are more susceptible to mold growth and moisture damage than other types of window coverings. So, before purchasing any, confirm with the manufacturer if they can withstand high humidity levels (if it’s common in your area).
6. Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains create an airy and inviting atmosphere in any room, offering a soft, elegant look. Plus, they also let in plenty of natural light, at the same time reducing glare. In other words, they’re perfect for large windows or patio doors.
One of the best things about sheer curtains is their versatility and customizability. You can also combine them with thicker drapes for privacy and energy efficiency, as well as for enhanced design. Or you can combine them with Magic’s solar shades or thermal blinds, which blend in perfectly!
Don’t forget that sheer curtains need to be washed and ironed regularly. This can be quite time-consuming if you have curtains on all your windows and glass doors.
7. Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains are perfect for rooms where privacy is of utmost importance, such as living rooms or bedrooms.
You can pair them with sheer curtains – you’d use the sheer curtains during the day to let natural light in and the blackout curtains at night for privacy. You can also use them during the day when it’s too hot or cold outside to maintain a steady indoor temperature.
Keep in mind that these curtains can be heavier and require sturdy curtain rods for proper installation. It may also be difficult to remove them for cleaning and then hang them back.
8. Plantation Shutters for Classic Style
Plantation shutters are favored for their timeless design that complements any interior decor! They have excellent insulation properties, are easy to clean, and are highly durable.
Modern shutters are engineered to withstand extreme heat and moisture without warping, fading, or deteriorating, so the investment will certainly be worth it! However, it’s important to choose a moisture-resistant material, especially if you live in a region with high humidity.
While plantation shutters offer numerous benefits, they might not be suitable for all window shapes and sizes. In addition, their installation can be more complex and costly than the installation of other window treatments, but their timeless appeal and durability often justify the investment.
9. Valances
Valances can add a decorative touch that improves the design of your patio doors.
When installing valances, it’s important to allow enough clearance so you can easily pass underneath them and they don’t obstruct the doors. You should also mount the valances wide enough to accommodate any curtains or drapes installed on the sides.
Arranging them so they look balanced and proportional can be tricky at first, but we’re sure you’ll manage it!
10. Roller Shades
Roller shades are made of fabric that rolls up and down. They are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to achieve a sleek, minimalist patio door design. When rolled up, they blend seamlessly with the frame and trim, creating a clean look!
One of the greatest things about these shades is that you can pick almost any fabric color you want, as well as its degree of opacity for light control and privacy.
Just keep in mind that roller shades are only suitable for standard window/door sizes. If you have a uniquely shaped window above your patio doors, for example, roller shades probably won’t fit beautifully within the overall room design.
11. Roman Shades
Roman shades consist of a large piece of fabric that folds when raised. They offer a refined and sophisticated touch and can be customized with various fabrics and colors to match any decor style, ensuring they blend seamlessly with your interior design. You can also choose different fold sizes, such as 4-inch full folds or 6-inch flat folds.
However, Roman shades can accumulate more dust because of their folds, so they require more maintenance than other patio door window treatments. Another thing to consider is that you’ll have to install separate Roman shades for each door panel.
Furthermore, the folds will likely cover the top part of your patio doors, which can minimize natural light, obstruct views, and make it uncomfortable to exit through the doors, as well as to open and close them.
12. Exterior Shutters
If you’re looking for exterior window treatments for patio doors, you can go for shutters – they’re highly durable, can withstand harsh weather conditions, are energy efficient, and ensure privacy.
Plus, exterior shutters provide an additional layer of protection against burglaries, thus helping you feel safe and comfortable in your house.
On the other hand, exterior shutters are more expensive, and their installation is more complex – definitely not a DIY project if you’ve never installed shutters before.
Tips for Choosing Patio Doors Window Coverings
Here are some tips for choosing the best window treatments for patio doors, whether they are bi-fold, French, or sliding doors:
- It’s usually recommended to install window treatments that slide from one side to another for large patio doors. Although you can definitely install coverings that slide up and down, they’re not too practical.
- Make sure that the coverings you choose do not cover a large part of your doors when stacked on one side or at the top.
- Choose window treatments that are easy to open and close and can withstand daily use.
- Choose a material that matches your decor and is good for your climate. For example, if you live in a humid area, choose materials that aren’t prone to moisture damage or mold growth.
- Consider the size of your room before choosing window treatments for your patio doors or window wall; some can make the room feel cramped.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best window covering for sliding glass doors?
Vertical blinds or Magic’s solar shades are the best window coverings for sliding glass doors because they open in the same direction as the sliding door by gliding horizontally.
What is best for patio doors – curtains or blinds?
Both curtains and blinds can be used as window treatments for patio doors. Your choice should ultimately depend on your needs – whether you prioritize natural light, unobstructed views, privacy, energy efficiency, or aesthetics.
Is it better to have blackout blinds or curtains?
Blackout blinds are usually better for patio doors because they take up less space, aren’t that heavy, and are much easier to clean and maintain.
Are vertical blinds for patio doors outdated?
Vertical blinds remain a practical choice for patio doors due to their durability, low maintenance, and effective light control. Their space-efficient design also enhances the overall functionality of your living area.
How can I add a touch of style to my sliding glass door window treatments?
To elevate your sliding glass door window treatment, consider adding valances, selecting custom fabrics, and layering sheer curtains with solid panels for a sophisticated look. This combination will not only enhance aesthetics but also provide functionality and privacy.