While doors with windows can be beautiful, they often leave less privacy for our home than we desire. Learn how to choose the perfect blinds for French doors, sliding glass doors, and front doors.
Pictured: Blinds.com Designer Woven Wood Shades in Kula Coconut.
Blinds for French Doors
A common problem for French Door blinds is that the handles get in the way of functionality. The solution is to buy shallow blinds for your French doors that fit comfortably between the door and decorative handles.
French door blinds should enhance the beauty of your doors, and match the other window treatments in the room.
Pictured: Blinds.com Solar Roller Shade in Majesty Pewter and Blinds.com Easy Grommet Draperies in Brisbane Clear Sky.
The blinds or shades you choose may depend on the amount of light you want to let in. If you prefer to completely block light, choose a blackout roller or honeycomb shade. If you prefer to allow some light in, choose a light filtering shade.
Tips for French Door Blinds
You can use many styles of window treatments for French doors, but there are a few things you need to consider.
Outside Mount
Blinds for doors will be mounted on the outside of the window because unlike regular windows, the French door window has no depth. Look for window treatments that are available in an outside mount.
Picture: Blinds.com Cordless 2 1/2" Faux Wood Blind in Espresso.
Your door will most likely have a handle that might get in the way of operating the window treatment. The solution is to buy shallow blinds that fit comfortably between the door and decorative handles. Most 1” blinds, roller shades and honeycomb shades will fit behind the door handle, assuming there is 1” clearance.
Pictured: Blinds.com Designer Woven Wood Shades in Kula Coconut.
Hold Down Brackets
When your window treatment is lowered, it may swing when the door is opened and closed. To prevent this, use hold down brackets to keep the bottom of the blind or shade in place. These can be added to most blinds and shades at checkout.
Best Window Treatments for French Doors
Wood Blinds
- 1″ slats fit behind door handles
- Tilt for adjustable light control
Pictured: Blinds.com 1" Premium Wood Blinds in Smoke.
Shop Wood Blinds for French Doors
Faux Wood Blinds
- 1″ slats fit behind door handles
- Faux wood material resists warping
Pictured: Blinds.com 1" Faux Wood Blinds in Chestnut.
Shop Faux Wood Blinds for French Doors
Cellular Shades
- Variety of fabrics can filter or block light
- Slim fit against doors
Pictured: Blinds.com Blackout Cellular Shade in Snow.
Pictured: Blinds.com French Door Blackout Cellular Shades in Safari.
Shop Cellular Shades for French Doors
Roman Shades
- Many fabric choices, including blackout
- Flat construction fits behind door handles
Pictured: Levolor Roman Shades in Seclusions Biscuit.
Shop Roman Shades for French Doors
Aluminum Blinds
- 1/2″ mini blinds are slim fitting and lightweight
- Durable and easy to clean – perfect for high traffic areas.
Pictured: 1" Cordless Mini Blinds in Charcoal Gray.
Shop Aluminum Blinds for French Doors
Roller Shades
- Slim roller shades fit behind door handles easily
- Available in many patterns and colors to match any decor
Pictured: Blinds.com Solar Roller Shade in Majesty Pewter.
Shop Roller Shades for French Doors
Blinds for Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors are a great feature for any home. They give easy access to the outside, without intruding on your indoor or outdoor space, provide you with a great view and also let in a lot of natural light from the outside.
Pictured: Blinds.com Vertical Cellular Shades in Cloud and Blinds.com Easy Grommet Draperies.
Considerations For Sliding Glass Doors
- If you have any other window treatments around the room, it is a good idea to choose blinds for doors that will coordinate with the other windows. Vertical cellular shades, pictured above, are a great choice for this scenario.
- Sliding doors open vertically, so it is recommended that window treatment should open in the same direction as the door itself.
- Like other doors in a house, sliding doors are usually high traffic areas, be sure to choose a durable window treatment that can handle the daily use.
Pictured: Blinds.com S-Shaped Vertical Blind in White.
Other Options
- If you prefer something other than vertical blinds for your sliding doors, you still have quite a few options. In terms of soft fabric window treatments that can cover wider windows, we recommend roller shades, roman shades and curtains and draperies.
- Each of these types of window treatments will give you a number of fabric and style choices that can completely cover your sliding glass doors.
Pictured: Blinds.com French Pleat Drapery in Collette Silken.
The Best Window Treatments for Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding Panels
- Panel tracks fit perfectly with patio sliders
- Choose from a variety of beautiful materials
Pictured: Levolor Fabric Sliding Panels in Woven Screen Khaki
Shop Sliding Panel Shades for Sliding Glass Doors
Blinds for Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors are a great feature for any home. They give easy access to the outside, without intruding on your indoor or outdoor space, provide you with a great view and also let in a lot of natural light from the outside.
Shop Vertical Blinds for Sliding Glass Doors
Vertical Cellular Shades
- Energy efficiency for larger windows
- Slim, modern appearance
Shop Vertical Cellular Shades for Sliding Glass Doors
Blinds For The Front Door
Many front door windows present different challenges as they come in many shapes and sizes. With blinds for doors, there is no reason you can’t control light and privacy like the other windows in your home.
Pictured: Bali Light Filtering Angel Top Cellular Shades in Halo Candlelight.
Aluminum blinds and cellular shades can be used as window treatments for front doors. They are usually inexpensive and take up little space when raised. They come in a variety of different colors and widths which allows you to find the one to go with your door. For a sleeker look, try the Blinds.com Brand Completely Cordless Mini Blind.
Sidelight Windows
Sidelight Windows are common around front door areas. Privacy is often a consideration for these windows, and it is important to consider how your window treatment will look from the outside. Popular window treatments for sidelight windows include honeycomb shades, wood or faux wood blinds, mini blinds, shutters or roller shades.
Shop all Window Treatments for Sidelight Windows
Covering Door Arches
If you have a curved window above your door, arched window coverings are an easy solution. Cellular arches fan into a semi-circle and wood arches create a sunburst of slats for a shutter-like look. They can be either mounted on the inside or outside depending on the mounting depth and surface.
Give us a call for help with an arch or specialty shaped window: 844-551-3769.
The Best Window Coverings for Front Doors
Roman Shades
- Excellent choice of fabrics and colors
- Great for shallow doors and windows
Pictured: Blinds.com Premier Roman Shades in Sussex Flax.
Shop Roman Shades for the Front Door
Shutters
- Shutters can be made in many custom shapes – call us for help ordering!
- Give a polished look and privacy
Pictured: Blinds.com Premium Wood Shutters in Bright White.
Roller Shades
- Effortless, simple operation
- Lies flush over door and fits behind handles
Pictured: Blinds.com Economy Room Darkening Roller Shades in Semi Opaque Blue.
Woven Wood Shades
- Gently filter light
- Add texture to windows
Pictured: Blinds.com Deluxe Woven Wood Shade in Girona Silver.
Shop Woven Wood Shades for Doors
Need More Help?
Have a tricky door or window situation? Want help with measuring? Give us a call at 844-335-7356. Our Design Consultants are available to help with all your questions!
