Sliding glass doors are a bit tricky when it comes to selecting window coverings. There are many factors that need to be considered when deciding on which covering to choose. Here are some things to think about:
• What is your budget? Regardless of any other factor, this one influences your options the most.
• Are there small children or pets in the house? Child safety is always a priority and pets come in a close second.
• Will there be a lot of traffic or is will it be rarely used? The window coverings must be functional with the use of the door or it will cause inconvenience. For high traffic areas like entrances, vertical blinds or some simple curtains will do.
• Is your priority privacy, light filtering, or both? There are options for each of these cases.
• Is it important to match with other window treatments in the room, or it doesn’t matter?
Some of these factors may not seem important now, but a lot of money can be lost by not considering them. Once you experience your expensive window coverings damaged by your pet, or your child, you will want to consider other options for the future. Each slider is different, and it’s best to have an idea of what is most important to you before purchasing your sliding glass door window treatments.
Sliding Glass Door Plantation Shutters
When discussing window coverings for sliding glass doors, plantation shutters are often forgotten. Most people only associate them with windows, but they can also be used with sliding glass doors. These are also called bypass doors because the shutters slide past the glass doors – overlapping to block out light. The number of shutter doors used will depend on the size of the opening. Two or three doors will usually cover a small opening. Four or more will be needed for larger openings.
The shutter panels have a wheel mechanism attached to the top that fits into the inside of the glass door opening. One track accommodates two doors. A second track will be installed to accommodate a larger opening if needed.
The downside of using plantation shutters as window coverings is not getting a full view of the glass. One panel stacks on top of the other, obstructing your view. However, if the room is already using plantation shutters, this will maintain the established décor.
This option is a more prestigious and expensive selection – probably one that requires a handyman to handle. Otherwise, vertical blinds, or simple panels will be very easy to install and afford. They will also shield the hot UV rays! You can enjoy dressing up these simple solutions with valances, or embellishments that can transform these simple choices into unique, one-of-a-kind artistic creations.
