Window treatments, as the name suggests, are usually for windows. But what if you want a window treatment for your glass-paned door? If the panes are
small, you probably don't need any treatment. However, for larger glass panes, such as with sliding glass doors and French doors, window treatments can
help. Depending on the location of the doors, you may want light control and privacy.
Below are some good custom window treatments that can help you control light and visual access while still affording your use of the door.
Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters are one of the best custom window treatments available. They are a solid structure that attaches directly to the window frame - or, in this
case, doorframe. Plantation shutters control light and privacy by way of wide louvers. Because of the width of the louvers, they allow more light to filter
through the openings while still keeping the room interior private.
If you have hinged doors, you can affix the plantation shutters directly to the door itself. However, if you want plantation shutters for sliding glass doors, the
shutters have to operate independently of the glass panes. In fact, the contractors usually install a system of sliding shutters that operate similarly to the door
itself. That way, you can still use the door.
Long Drapes
One of the most popular window treatments for light control and privacy continues to be drapes. In this case, you'll likely want long drapes that totally clear
the door when you want to use it. To that end, the curtain rod should be high above the door. The drapes themselves should fall all the way to the floor
since that's how far down the glass-paned door goes.
If you drape a sliding glass door, you likely don't have any special considerations for the thickness of the drapes. However, to avoid impeding the function
of hinged doors, you must be aware of stack back, which relates to the amount of space the drape will take up when it's pushed all the way back. Drapery
specialists can best advise you in this area.
Another area where you'll want to get extra guidance concerns the configuration of the panels. The reason for getting glass-paned doors is to maximize light.
Therefore, you might want a system of panels that allows you to open parts of the glass panes for light while keeping others covered. For instance, two
whole sets of drapes might be necessary to afford you the most options.
Sheer Curtains
If privacy isn't as big a concern, you might opt for sheer curtains instead of heavy drapes. Sheer curtains will allow the light to filter through without being
direct. As with drapes, you want the rod up high and long panels. By nature, sheer curtains are much thinner than drapes, so you're unlikely to encounter
any stack back issues.
You can also use sheer curtains in a layered effect with thick drapes or curtain panels. Such layering will afford you the most light control and privacy
options. To that end, you'll need to install two rods so the sheer and opaque panels can operate independently of each other.
Fitted Shades
Drapes and curtains call attention to the door when they're open and hide it when they're closed. They create a sense of drama. If you want an unfussy
window treatment, you might be happier with custom-fitted shades. They just let the door be part of the room instead of a focal point.
Because the shades are custom-fit, you can choose from a wide range of options. One of the popular options is the matchstick blind. Like sheer panels,
matchstick blinds let some light filter in while still conveying privacy. Roman shades are another good option. You can choose your fabric so you have an
almost unlimited range of colors and patterns.
Choose a custom window treatment that fits your sense of style while keeping the glass-paned door usable. Let the experts at
Sylvan's & Phillip's Drapes
& Blinds advise you.
