12 Genius Ways to Transform Sliding Glass Doors with Valances

Sliding glass doors are a stunning design feature that can flood any room with natural light. But their expanse of clear glass can also leave a space feeling blah and unfinished. Adding valances is a brilliant way to instill personality into sliding doors while also controlling light and enhancing privacy.

Valances may seem like a small detail, but they can make a dramatic impact on not only the look of your sliding doors but the overall feel of your space. From lush, romantic styles to clean-lined tailored options, valances introduce color, shape, and texture to a room.

Choose a Valance Style

The first step is deciding what look you want to achieve. Do you prefer traditional or contemporary styles? Soft and breezy or sleek and structured? The wide range of valance options lets you match your functional and decorative needs.

Some top valance styles for sliding glass doors include:

• Swags - With swooping curves, these are elegant and romantic.
• Tiers - Cascading layers create a softening effect.
• Cafes - These short gathered valances add casual charm.
• Balloons - The rounded shape makes these playful and full.
• Grommets - Rings add a modern, industrial vibe.

Select Your Fabrics

Fabric choice has a big impact on the look and function of valances. Lightweight sheers diffuse sunlight gently while allowing views. Rich velvets or printed cottons make a bold style statement and increase privacy. Consider elements like:

• Colors that coordinate with your overall room palette.
• Patterns and textures that add visual interest.
• Opacity for controlling light as needed.
• Durability of the material for longevity.

Measure Precisely

Accurate measurements ensure your valances enhance the doors without looking undersized or awkwardly large. Measure across the entire width of the sliding doors, then add extra width to allow for optimal mounting and stackback.

For floor-length valances, measure from the top of the door opening to where you want the valance to break. Add additional length to account for the rod pockets or headings.

Install Your Valance Hardware

Mounting your valances properly keeps them looking beautiful and functioning reliably. For sliding doors, a sturdy traversing rod anchored securely at each end with ceiling brackets tends to work best.

Rod choice depends on the weight of the valances. Opt for:

• Smaller rods for lightweight sheer valances.
• Thicker rods for dense fabrics like velvet.
• Rods with returns to avoid a gap between the wall and valance.

Allow Proper Clearance

Make sure your valances are mounted high enough over the doors to avoid interfering with operation and walkways. Aim for at least 6 inches clearance from the top of the doors to prevent bonking heads.

On the handle side, use tiebacks to cinch the valance out of the way as needed. Valances should break above or below the handle height.

Layer Valances

For extra dimension, consider layering two valances together. Combine a short sheer above with a longer opaque below for light filtering and privacy. Or layer two opaques in coordinating colors or patterns.

Layering lets you mix styles and textures for added visual interest. Just be sure the overall layered effect aligns with your room's decor.

Add Architectural Details

Elevate basic valances with special architectural features like:

• Contrasting welting for bold definition.
• Banding to introduce secondary colors.
• Fringe or trim for movement and texture.
• Top treatments like jabots for soft ruffling.

Incorporate Functional Elements

Smart functional details help valances work better. Consider useful additions such as:

• Lining to protect privacy and insulate from light/cold.
• Weights or magnetic hem tapes to keep edges hanging straight.
• Interlining for improved opacity and durability.
• Buckram to add body and support fuller shapes.

Repurpose Other Window Coverings

Give existing blinds or drapes new life by using them to create inventive sliding door valances. Some creative repurposing ideas include:

• Mounting wood blinds upside down as a valance.
• Securing the top portion of old drapes into a swag.
• Removing drapery front panels to use as a modern valance.

Showcase Your Style

Valances let you highlight your personal taste. Try these style-setting ideas:

• Go bold with lively patterns or metallic sheens.
• Keep it classic with neutral solids or simple stripes.
• Pick whimsical details like pom pom trim for a playful look.
• Incorporate natural textures like rattan, bamboo or macrame.

Control the Light

Sheer, light-filtering valances let bright light in while obscuring views. Opaque fabrics block light altogether for darkness and privacy. Look for:

• Frosted vinyl or polyester sheers to softly diffuse sunlight.
• Interlined fabrics to provide plenty of insulation and blackout.
• Lined options to add light blocking efficiency.

The adjustable nature of valances makes them easy to tweak as needed. Change things up with:

• New tieback styles to alter the look.
• Rearranging swags and cascades for fresh fullness.
• Updating colors, fabrics, trims, and patterns when you want a new vibe.
• Re-hanging at different heights or spacing for improved functionality.

The sliding glass doors can be boring. Evaluate your needs, explore the possibilities, and let valances bring new life to your space!