Measure and Size Curtains Right the First Time for Sliding Glass Doors

Installing properly sized curtains for your sliding glass doors can completely transform the look and feel of a room. But finding the perfect fit isn't always straightforward. To ensure your new curtains enhance your sliding doors rather than detract from them, accurate measurements and thoughtful choices are key.

We'll also cover how to select suitable styles and fabrics that function flawlessly. Follow our advice, and you'll be able to measure and hang sliding door curtains like a pro on the very first try.

Measuring Sliding Glass Door Dimensions

The starting point for choosing any new window treatment is taking proper measurements of the windows or doors you want to cover. For sliding glass doors, you'll need to measure both the width across the entire frame as well as the height from top to bottom.

Standard Door Sizes

Most sliding patio doors fall within a typical range of standard widths and heights. Common interior door sizes include:

• Widths: 60, 72 or 80 inches
• Heights: 78, 80 or 84 inches

If your sliding doors were purchased recently or custom built, their dimensions may differ. But in most cases, the above sizes can provide a helpful baseline for the measurements you'll need to take.

Taking Accurate Measurements

To determine the precise width of your sliding door, carefully measure across the entire glass opening from one side to the other. For height, measure from the very top of the frame down to the floor. Be sure to measure each sliding panel individually in case there are any slight size differences.

Use a steel tape measure and record the measurements to the nearest 1/8 inch. Double check your numbers to ensure accuracy before using them to calculate curtain dimensions.

Allowance for Inside Mount

If you plan to mount the curtain rod inside the door frame (also called an inside mount), be sure to add extra width to allow the curtains to clear the door handles and hardware. Usually 1-3 inches per side is sufficient. An inside mount gives a smooth, built-in look.

Curtain Length for Sliding Doors

For most standard height sliding doors, choosing a curtain length is straightforward. Curtains should just slightly graze the floor for optimal proportions. The standard 84 inch panel length is usually perfect for doors up to 84 inches high.

Floor Length

Curtains puddling on the floor can create a dust magnet and trip hazard. But curtains that fall significantly above the floor leave an unsightly gap. Measure the exact height of your door frame and look for curtain panels about 1-2 inches longer to achieve the right floor length.

Adjusting Length Needs

If your sliding door height is taller than the standard 84 inches, consider going with a longer curtain length to ensure full floor coverage. The distance from ceiling to floor and clearance under the bottom of the doors can impact the length needed as well.

For example, a dramatically high ceiling may make standard length panels look out of scale. In that case, extend the curtains closer to the floor. Just avoid overly long panels that puddle excessively.

Special Considerations

Some sliding door designs incorporate a decorative transom window or glass panel above the sliding doors. If your door has this feature, your curtains will need extended length to reach all the way from the transom down to the floor attractively.

Determining Curtain Width

Curtains for sliding glass doors need extra width beyond the actual door opening to allow the panels to stack neatly off to the sides. After measuring door width, add in this additional stacking allowances.

Total Width Needed

For sliding doors to operate and function well once curtains are installed, the curtain rod and panels must extend past the door opening on both sides by a minimum of 12-18 inches. This provides space for the curtains to stack back fully when the doors are open.

Calculating Extra Width

A standard sliding glass door is around 72 inches wide. For a door this size, adding 18 inches of extra width brings you to a total curtain width of 90 inches. That allows 9 inches of stacking space on each side.

For wider doors, allow even more width. An 80 inch sliding door could need 24-30 inches of extra stacking space. But for narrower 60 inch doors, 12-15 inches is usually sufficient.

Panels and Seams

For especially wide sliding glass doors exceeding 72 inches, use two curtain panels instead of one wide piece. This minimizes any light gaps and helps the panels stack more attractively. Position the seam where the two door panels meet in the center.

Choosing a Curtain Style

Once you know the proper size for your sliding door curtains, it's time to pick the perfect style. Consider how different designs affect the curtains' functionality.

Common Options

Pinch pleat curtains are very popular for sliding doors, as the neatly folded pleats stack tidily off to the sides. Tab top curtains with ribbon ties also work well. Rod pocket curtains are another good choice.

avoid grommet top curtains, which can potentially snag on sliding door handles and hardware during operation.

Linings and Layers

For privacy and insulation, look for curtains lined with blackout or thermal lining fabrics. A sheer under-layer provides softness and light filtration.

Weights and Textures

Lightweight, silky smooth woven fabrics with a bit of sheen glide beautifully across sliding doors. Heavier opaques and bulky textures won't stack or draw as easily across a wide expanse. Consider fluid silks, satins and finely woven polyester blends.

Hanging Curtains Properly

Installing your sliding door curtains correctly ensures they function optimally for years to come:

Medium to Full Draw

Mount the curtain rod at least 4-6 inches wider than the door frame on both sides. This allows a medium to full draw, so curtains stack more deeply at the sides when open.

Correct Height

Position the rod several inches above the door frame to give curtains adequate clearance. Curtains mounted too low will struggle to open and close smoothly.

Smooth Operation

Use quality curtain rings, gliders or carriers that easily traverse the rod. Extending rods a foot beyond the window frame on each side provides stability and prevents sagging.

The key steps for accurately measuring and hanging the perfect curtains for your sliding glass doors include: precisely measuring door dimensions, allowing adequate width for stacking, selecting suitable styles and fabrics, and properly mounting the rod and hardware. Taking the time to get your measurements right means your new curtains will complement your sliding doors for years of smooth operation and visual appeal.

Getting a custom fit doesn't have to be difficult. Our guide takes the guesswork out of choosing curtain sizes. Follow our tips to measure and size sliding door curtains like a professional on the very first try.