Decorating Help With Sliding Doors
Sliding doors let the light in and allow access to patios and decks. Because they are so large -- double doors are at least 6 feet wide with clear glass -- privacy is a concern. Unless your closest neighbor is 2 miles away, the doors must be covered. When considering window treatments for sliding doors, account for your decor, how often you use the door and your budget. You can match the rest of your window treatments to the sliding doors, but function is key. Does this Spark an idea?
Dress Up
In formal rooms with sliding doors, dress them up with sheers and draperies. Sliding doors aren't the most sophisticated-looking windows. So if you have a traditionally decorated room, the design integrity can be maintained with draperies and sheers. Sheers will soften the glass and let light in, while the draperies will provide complete privacy. Have your draperies installed with a one-way track that will let you open them in the direction the doors open and not from the middle, the standard operation for draperies.
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are the standard solution for sliding glass doors. Vertical blinds are 3 1/2-inch slats of fabric, vinyl or wood. The slats tilt to let in light and all the slats will traverse to one side for access to the doors. Look for options in vertical blind slats; they have come a long way from the orginal vinyl slats and have colors, fabrics and textures for any decor.
Horizontal Treatments
Horizontal treatments, such as blinds and woven shades, are options for sliding doors, but each door will need an individual shade for ease of operation. Patio doors are at least 6 feet wide. One large 6-foot horizontal shade is very heavy and the entire shade would need to be pulled up to open the door. Individual shades also need to be completely open for door access. So keep this in mind when choosing a horizontal shade.
Stick It To It
Another option for sliding doors is window film. This decorative plastic adheres directly to glass with water and a squeegee. Available in different opacities and patterns, like rice paper and ivy, the film can be changed when you change decor or with the seasons. This is an easy and inexpensive do-it-yourself sliding glass door option.
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