Let The Light In With Sliding Glass Door Blinds

Sliding glass doors are a popular architectural feature in many homes. They allow natural light to pour into interior spaces and provide an easy way to transition between indoor and outdoor areas. However, controlling light and privacy can be challenging with large expanses of glass. Fortunately, there are many options for window treatments that allow you to filter light through sliding glass doors without blocking views.

You can control sunlight, protect furnishings from UV rays, and create privacy while maintaining your outlook. With the right window covering, you can let ample light in while customizing your privacy needs.

Types of Blinds for Sliding Glass Doors

Here are some of the most common blinds used for sliding patio doors to give you versatile light control.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are perhaps the most ubiquitous window treatment for sliding glass doors. They consist of long, narrow vanes suspended from a track that allows them to be rotated open and closed. Vertical blinds are popular because they:

• Stack neatly to each side when fully opened
• Have adjustable vanes to direct sunlight and create privacy
• Are very functional for controlling light on sliding doors
• Come in various slat sizes, colors, and materials

Vertical blinds do have some downsides--the hanging vanes easily collect dust, the strings can become tangled, and they tend to have a dated, utilitarian look. Still, their ability to stack out of the way makes them ideal for unobstructed access to sliding patio doors.

Curtain Panels and Drapes

Floor length curtains or drapes are another excellent choice for sliding glass doors. Curtains soften the hard lines of doors and windows for a cozier feel. They allow light to filter through while providing varying levels of privacy. Curtains offer many benefits:

• Numerous customization options with lengths, fabrics, colors, and patterns
• Can be layered with liners for light filtering and insulation
• Elegant gathered look complements both traditional and contemporary decor
• Easy to open and close to control sunlight penetration

One thing to keep in mind is that curtains will cover a portion of your sliding door when open. However, if unobstructed access isn't a priority, curtains provide an attractive sliding glass door covering.

Sliding and Accordion Shades

Sliding panels and accordion folding door shades offer customizable coverage while maintaining a clear view. Mounted on tracks or folding frames, these shades can be positioned at any point across the width of your sliding doors. Benefits include:

• Good daylight and glare control with blackout and light filtering options
• Maximum flexibility--open or close shades along entire width
• Convenient access to doors without fully drawing treatments
• Space-saving accordion-style fold when open

Sliding and accordion shades provide a nice balance of light control, visibility, and easy door access. However, they may not offer the same level of darkness as some other options.

Roman Shades

Roman shades are a stylish, top-mounted covering that consists of pleated fabric that folds up when raised. Roman shades offer:

• Softer appearance than many sliding glass door blinds
• Custom made with your choice of colors and patterns
• Good insulation and light protection when lowered
• Ability to lift just enough to allow some light in

Roman shades complement more traditional decors. Cordless varieties are safer options for homes with children and pets. Overall, roman shades are an elegant and versatile sliding patio door covering.

Roller Shades

Roller shades are a simple but effective option for sliding glass doors. They feature a flexible fabric or vinyl material rolled up on a tube installed near the head of the door frame. Benefits of roller shades include:

• Ability to lower or raise to any position
• Choices of opaque or translucent materials
• Some offer dual roller options for light filtering and room darkening
• Can motorize for convenience and automation

Roller shades create clean lines and quickly disappear when retracted. Their simple operation and customized light control make them a solid choice.

Specialty Sliding Glass Door Blinds

In addition to the more common varieties, some specialty blinds are designed specifically with large sliding glass doors in mind.

Zero Deflection Blinds

Zero deflection blinds have a headrail engineered to keep slats perfectly straight with no sagging or bending along the entire width of massive sliding doors. Benefits include:

• Glare control while allowing light through
• Minimal stack back when opened
• Sleek, streamlined look for wide spans
• Taut blind surface remains crease and wrinkle-free

For pristine blinds that don't distort across the large surface of sliding glass walls, zero deflection blinds are an optimal solution.

Allusion Blinds

Allusion blinds offer an innovative alternative to traditional vertical blinds. These feature columns of sheer, mesh, or translucent fabric hanging in long strips with no visible carriers or connector chains. Allusion blinds allow you to:

• Walk through the blind strips instead of having to part them
• Maintain desirable natural light quality
• Create privacy without darkening the room
• Overlap and layer strips for varied opacity

For doors frequently used as pass-throughs between rooms, allusion blinds provide privacy without obstructing movement.

Considerations for Your Sliding Glass Door

When selecting window treatments for sliding doors, there are several factors to weigh for your needs:

Size of Door and Light Control Needs

Consider the dimensions of your sliding door and how much light you want to filter. Larger doors may require extends width blinds while rooms calling for near blackout darkness require more opaque shades.

Priorities for Views and Privacy

Assess your privacy needs and whether maintaining outward views is a priority. For privacy without sacrificing views, sheer shades are great options. If limiting visibility is more important, opaque blinds may be preferable.

Aesthetic Preferences

Determine the desired visual style that will complement your decor. Do you prefer modern and streamlined, or elegant and ornate? Cool hued materials or warm natural wood tones? Your blind or shade selections can align with your overall design style.

Features and Functionality

Consider functional features like insulation, motorization for adjusting height, or smart technology. Built-in rechargeable batteries in motorized blinds allow for remote app control. Determine which features will enhance convenience in your space.

Durability and Maintenance

Look for durable materials like vinyl, aluminum, or wood blinds versus more delicate fabrics. How easy are they to clean? Do they require professional measuring and installation? Assess long term use and maintenance.

Taking these factors into account will help narrow down the optimal window solutions for your sliding glass entryways and walls.

Sliding glass doors are beautiful architectural features that create open, airy spaces filled with natural light. But without proper window treatments, glare, harsh sunlight, and lack of privacy can make these rooms uncomfortable.

Fortunately, there are endless options for blinds, shades, and window coverings that allow you to control light and views for maximum enjoyment of your sliding door spaces. Consider all the benefits and trade-offs of vertical blinds, drapes, roman shades, and specialty blinds.

By filtering and diffusing sunlight while maintaining outward visibility and access to doors, you can get the best of both worlds. Let the light in and customize your space with sliding glass door blinds crafted just for your unique needs and style.