Layer on Farmhouse Style with French Door Curtains

French doors are a beautiful architectural detail that infuse a space with natural light and an indoor-outdoor connection. Dressing them up with curtains adds privacy, while layering on that quintessential farmhouse charm. The right farmhouse-style curtains can transform the look and feel of a room, letting the fresh air and sunlight flow in while filtering views and embracing rustic coziness. From fabric choices to installation, read on for tips on embracing the farmhouse curtain look on your French doors.

Farmhouse Style 101

Farmhouse decor has become hugely popular for its casual, vintage-inspired aesthetic. The cozy, down-to-earth style often features elements like weathered wood finishes, floral patterns, whitewashed walls, antique accents, and natural textiles. Linens, cottons, and other natural fabrics make up quintessential farmhouse decor. Think creams, whites, tans, and other neutrals paired with muted blues and greens to create a relaxed feel.

Textures are also integral to farmhouse interiors, from the roughness of wooden crates and burlap to the softness of linen curtains and braided rugs. Touches of lace add delicate femininity while distressed details andchippy paint create depth. The overall look is welcoming, organic, and effortlessly chic.

Why French Door Curtains?

French doors offer all the benefits of large windows, with an added extension into your outdoor living space. The expanse of glass makes them perfect for welcoming in natural light and views. But curtaining French doors serves several practical purposes for farmhouse spaces.

First, curtains provide privacy when needed, softening views both outside and in while still allowing light to filter through. They also help insulate and add warmth to a space, blocking drafts and chill in colder weather. Curtains enhance the cozy farmhouse vibe and can complement your existing interior palette.

Unlike windows placed higher up on walls, French doors are at body-level. Curtains hung closely on the doors themselves when closed create an intimate feel. The farmhouse aesthetic benefits from tactile layers and textures, which doors dressed in fabric provide. Overall, farmhouse style French door curtains strike the perfect balance between airy and cozy.

Choosing Curtains for French Doors

Length & Placement

First, determine the length you want for your French door farmhouse curtains. Most often, they are hung somewhere between the top of the door and extending just to the floor. Consider your needs - do you want to cover the glass fully when closed, or allow the light to filter in at the base?

You also have the choice of hanging curtains above the door frame or directly on the door itself. Mounting high above the door frame allows the curtains to stack attractively off to the sides when the doors are opened. It doesn't obstruct the doors at all. Hanging the rod closer to the frame or directly on it offers full coverage when closed.

Make sure to take accurate measurements of your doors, including the sidelights if present. Add at least 3 inches of length to account for the rod and stacking. And don't forget to measure curtain width based on your mounting position.

Styles & Fabrics

Farmhouse curtains tend to feature natural, textural fabrics. Light-filtering sheers in linen, lace, or cotton are a popular choice for French doors. Or opt for privacy with heavier hemp or velvet curtains in solids or subtle patterns. Layering different sheers and solids together is an on-trend way to add dimension.

Consider the amount of sunlight and visibility you want. Sheers diffuse light beautifully without totally obscuring views. Patterned fabrics like gingham check and floral prints also filter sunlight. Soft neutrals and muted hues keep the look light and airy. Bold colors and prints can overwhelm the relaxed farmhouse vibe.

Linen is a quintessential farmhouse fabric, providing a casual drape and textural interest. Cotton offers durability and a crisp tailored look. Lace adds ornate detail and femininity. For winter weather, velvet or heavier textiles insulate well while adding lush softness.

Colors

Neutrals reign supreme in farmhouse decor. Opt for whites, creams, tans, or greys as a base for your French door curtains. Off-whites like ecru have a natural, organic feel that works beautifully. Softer accents of sky blue, slate blue-grey, pale sage green, or dusky rose keep things subtle yet interesting.

Avoid bold, saturated hues - instead, look for muted tones with greyish or brownish undertones. Keep prints small-scale and tone-on-tone. Remember that pale colors show dirt more easily, so choose darker neutrals if durability is a concern.

Tie your French door curtain color to the overall farmhouse palette in the space. Complimentary paint colors on walls or furniture help pull everything together cohesively. Add pops of brighter color with decorative accents and textiles.

Hanging and Installing Curtains

Rod Types & Placement

Several rod options work well for hanging French door farmhouse curtains. Tension curtain rods mount in the door frame itself, making them easy to install. For a cleaner look, opt for discreet ceiling-mounted traverse rods or bracketed rods installed just above the frame. The rod should span the full width of the door and sidelights.

Mount the rod at least 4-6 inches above the door frame. Any lower and the curtains will cling to the top of doors when opened. Alternatively, install the rod midway down the door height for a tailored look when closed. Place drapery rings or clips well onto the rod to allow the panels to stack gracefully.

Gathering & Stacking

One benefit of French doors is being able to open them wide without anything in the way. Make sure to mount curtains far enough above or off to the sides for optimal clearance. Curtain holdbacks attached to the wall keep gathered drapes from hanging into space when opened.

Allow at least 8 inches of extra curtain length for optimal stacking. Gravity and soft folding create charming farmhouse flair. Deeper stacking is great for wider doors or large sidelights. Just don't let puddles of fabric collect on the floor.

Do's & Don'ts

Avoid common pitfalls when installing French door farmhouse curtains:

• Do mount rods snugly from end-to-end to prevent sagging.
• Do evenly space multiple clip rings for smooth gathering.
• Don't hang rods too low or curtains lose movement and light.
• Don't forget holdbacks to control drapes when opened.

Other tips include allowing curtains to fully cover glass when closed, and cutting panels to the right lengths. Also iron panels to remove wrinkles and maintain a tidy, tailored look. With the right techniques, your French door farmhouse curtains will elevate the space beautifully.

Styling French Door Farmhouse Curtains

Tie your farmhouse curtains together into your space with complimentary decor. Iron and wooden accent furniture, like a console table behind the curtains, adds texture. Rustic wood blinds or shutters also complement the curtains nicely.

Incorporate natural elements like woven baskets, potted greenery, and dried botanical garlands. Vintage-style signs, mirrors, and framed art continue the cottage charm. Use curtains to define sitting nooks or reading spots. Layer in patterned pillows, throws, and table linens to tie everything together.

adjust your curtain styling with the seasons or holidays. Tie back spring curtains with floral ribbons or garlands. Swap sheers for heavier drapes in winter. Hang tiny ornaments or wreaths on the curtains during Christmas. Keep the furnishings neutral to allow the curtains to shine.

Proper lighting also enhances curtains. Hang rattan pendant lamps or sconces with Edison bulbs to cast a warm, cozy glow. Let the natural light shine through sheers during the day. Your farmhouse curtains and decor will create a welcoming focal point.

French doors are the perfect canvas for farmhouse style curtains. Their architectural shape and ample light lend beautifully to the casual elegance of farmhouse decor. Choose natural, textural fabrics in muted hues to create privacy and softness without sacrificing views and sunshine.

Focus on effortless gathering, tactile layers, and quality craftsmanship when selecting and hanging your curtains. Tie everything together with vintage-inspired furniture and accessories for a cozy farmhouse feel. Finally, don't be afraid to style your French door curtains as the seasons change. Ultimately, they make a stylish statement and set the entire aesthetic for your rustic chic retreat.