How to Dress Your Patio Doors for Style and Function
While glass patio doors are always great for bringing natural light into your home, window treatments can offer privacy when needed, soften the look & frame the view. By adding treatments to your space, you create a cozy and more polished atmosphere while still having the option of bringing the outdoors in. A few popular treatment options are draw draperies or stationary side panels, shutters, and cornices. Read on to learn more about these three applications….
1. Drapery for Privacy and Beauty
Draperies are a beautiful way to achieve a privacy element and also provide a finished feel. Drapery can be used simply to frame the view by using stationary side panels. Or as draw draperies to frame and offer privacy and insulation when needed.
Keep in mind that patio doors are generally 72 plus inches wide, so for draw draperies your treatment will require much more fabric.
Color and pattern selection can be a fun way to create a statement and to enhance the vertical lines in this space. Drapery hold their pleats best when they have a natural fiber content — fabrics such as cotton, silk and linens work exceptionally well for a professional look.
For more on when to use side panels be sure to read our earlier post…..
2. Shutters for Function and Simplicity
If you decide to go with shutters for your treatment preference, here are some things you should know.
Shutters panels for sliding doors can come as folding panels or bypass doors. In my opinion, the folding panels are more traditional while the bypass is a more modern look. For a large window like a slider I recommend a 3 1/2 “ louver. The tilt rod as shown in this photo is a more traditional look but you can have a more modern look by ordering them with the tilt built into the louver.
Shutters offer a lot of privacy and are great for the ground level of a townhome or condo. You should know that you will lose about 50% of the light you have without window treatments when shutter are in the open position. However, you will still have a nice view from inside once your eyes adjust to the louvers.
You can also choose to have a divider rail so that you can have the bottom closed for privacy and the top open for light. Or vice versa if you have a furry friend who like to peak out side throughout the day.
My favorite line for shutters is Norman Window Fashions. Their pricing and quality are outstanding.
3. A Cornice for a Classic, Polished Look
If you’re not familiar with cornices you should be. Cornices can be a great way to finish off the look and add a decorative element to a sliding door. They pair well with side panels or draw draperies or even bypass shutters.
Cornices can be a way to add pattern if you want to tie in a pillow fabric. Or a simple solid for a clean soft look that softens the look of the door frame. Soft shapes are my favorite for cornices for traditional and transitional design. For a modern look a straight bottom will work beautifully. Consider a textured fabric with a solid cord for a nice detail.
While this style is a classic, it is primarily meant to be decorative; therefore, it does not offer any functional value. Cornices give off a more polished vibe due to the fact that they hide unappealing hardware, and add a visual pop to the frame, creating a new visual focal point.
Dress Your Doors with Intention
From roller shades to motorized coverings, to shutters, to window films and frosts, to formal cornices and drapery options, there are so many treatments to choose from! Before making a selection, be sure to ask yourself what you are hoping to get from the function of treatments: privacy, decorative accent, insulation, block out light, enhance the light, hide an unpleasant view, etc. Then, let your answer guide you.
If you would like some support dressing your patio door (or with any other window covering), we would love to help. Reach out today and let’s discuss your project.
Or, sign up for our newsletter below and get your FREE checklist To Pull Your Home Together as my gift to you!
Warmly,
Celeste