Add personality to your room with these ideas for curtains, blinds and other patio door window treatments.
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8 Patio Door Curtain Ideas
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
Window treatments greatly impact your space, and without them, a room can feel unfinished. If you have glass patio doors, choosing the right curtains is key to achieving the look and feel you want while also keeping the transition between indoors and outdoors seamless. The number of choices for patio door curtains is seemingly endless, so we’ve rounded up eight patio door curtain ideas ranging from blackouts to sheets to give you some inspiration.
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Best Indoor/Outdoor Curtains
Gracie Oaks Toyoko Linen Blended Semi-Sheer Back Tab Curtain Pair
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Best Blackout Printed Curtains
Extra Wide Blackout Curtain
While there are times you want to enjoy the sunlight, there are other times you need to keep it out, especially in a bedroom. These blackout curtains block up to 95 percent of the sun’s light while bringing some style to your room.
Best Sheer Door Curtains
Emily Patio Sheer Grommet Top Patio Door Curtain
Sheer curtains are a good choice if you want to enjoy some of the sun’s natural light while also having a bit of privacy. These sheer curtains come in several different colors that complement any decor, making them one of our favorite patio door curtain ideas
Best Honeycomb Shades
Changshade Cellular Honeycomb Shades
If curtains don’t work with your decor, consider shades for your patio door. These honeycomb shades are great for both cold and warm clients as they increase energy efficiency. According to the manufacturer, “Their honeycomb construction traps air in distinct pockets, which creates insulation that can help lower your energy consumption and energy bills.”
Best Indoor/Outdoor Curtains
Gracie Oaks Toyoko Linen Blended Semi-Sheer Back Tab Curtain Pair
An indoor/outdoor curtain is a great option if your patio doors are often left open to let the air in. The curtains are made to withstand the elements as they are mildew resistant, water repellent and offer some UV protection. Buyers noted they were easy to hang, are well-made and hold up nicely.
Best French Door Curtains
Grey Blackout French Door Curtains
Available in a variety of colors, these French door curtains block out up to 95 percent of the sun’s unwanted light and also help insulate your home during the colder months. When it comes to patio door curtain ideas, some people say the ability to block out all light when needed is a must.
“We bought these for the French doors in our bedroom,” said one buyer. “We needed something that looked great but would block light. These arrived and are perfect. We ordered the Platinum color. The fabric is a nice thick quality and works great for blocking light!”
Best Shutters
Alpha Shutters Cathedral Top Standard Open Louver Shutters Pair
Shutters are another attractive option for patio doors. These hardwood shutters are available in more than 15 colors and several sizes, making them a great choice for adding some privacy and blocking out some sunlight.
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Best Sliding Panels
GoDear Design Adjustable Sliding Vertical Panel Track Blinds
Forget traditional fabric curtains and check out these sliding panels for your patio doors. You might think they’d be tricky to install, but they’re not! In fact, this is one of the easiest to install patio door curtain ideas.
Best Sheer Waterproof Curtains
White Sheer Outdoor Curtain
If you like leaving your patio door open to let the breeze in and are worried about your curtains getting wet, these outdoor sheer curtains may be a good option. Shown here hung on a pergola, these mildew- and water-resistant curtains work equally well on patio doors.
What to Consider When Buying Patio Door Curtains
When it comes to selecting patio door curtains, there are numerous options available. While browsing can be enjoyable for finding inspiration and discovering what appeals to you, if you’re looking for more specific guidance, here are a few things to consider to find the perfect fit.
Size and Length
Curtains come in various lengths and widths. Measure your patio door before picking out curtains. Do you want floor-length curtains or ones that hang slightly above the floor?
Fabric or Material
You must decide between fabric curtains, blinds, shades or shutters to cover your patio door. If you’re looking for something for the outdoors, choose a weather-resistant option. Choosing your fabric is as important as getting the most accurate sizing for your curtains. Purchase sheer curtains if you prefer your home to feel light and airy. These have an opaque finish that light seeps through. Need more privacy? That’s where heavier materials fit best. Think velvet or silk, which blocks light and still looks luxurious. And they let light in for a happy medium, non-sheer, unlined curtains, but they’re still not too sheer.
Opacity
Opacity affects the amount of light entering a room and the level of privacy it offers. Sheer curtains allow more light but offer less privacy. Shutters can be opened during the day for light and closed at night for maximum privacy.
Style
You choose the style, design, color, and pattern of your patio door curtains. With numerous options available, you will surely find something that complements your current decor. Lighter tones can create a more open feel, while darker hues warm your space.
Cost
If you’ve purchased curtains before, you’re likely aware of how pricey they can be. While it’s wise to invest in quality curtains that will last, set a budget before shopping to avoid overspending.
Why You Should Trust Us
I lived through a major home renovation in 2019, so I know the ups and downs of home improvement projects. I’m a veteran journalist of both print and television with experience covering everything from home decor and design to lawn and garden products. In addition to Family Handyman, I’ve contributed to various publications, including Bob Vila, Taste of Home and Minnesota Parent, and IÂ have won several awards for writing.
How We Found the Best Patio Door Curtains
When curating the best patio door curtains, we began by researching a wide range of available options, considering factors such as size, material, design and price point. To narrow our choices, we analyzed customer reviews to understand each set of curtains’ real-world performance and durability. Finally, we selected curtains that offered a balance of quality, functionality and value, ensuring options are suitable for everyone.
FAQ
What size curtains do I need for patio doors?
Aim for curtain sizes to hang your rod at least four to six inches above the door. You may need to adjust these measurements depending on the height of your ceiling and the length of the curtains you choose. The standard length of patio door curtains is 80 inches, so shop for ones that are 84 inches and up to have the proper length. If you want a dramatic effect on your door, extend the rod to span around 12 inches past the door frame.
What’s the best way to hang curtains over a door?
To hang curtains over a door, you’ll need a curtain rod. Start by measuring and marking where you’ll drill in the mounting brackets. Next, slide the curtains onto the rod, hang the rod on the brackets and adjust the curtains to your desired position. There’s no strict rule for how far from the doorframe the rod should be placed. It’s best to consider where you want the curtains to fall and measure up from the door to determine the bracket placement.
What curtains offer the most privacy?
Heavy fabrics like blackout curtains and thick shutters or blinds offer maximum privacy. These options completely obstruct the view from outside, and many effectively block nearly all sunlight from entering the room.
What size curtains do I need?
To find the curtains that are the right size, measure the width and height of your door. If you prefer the curtains to extend slightly beyond the door when open but cover it when closed, increase the width. Similarly, if you intend for the curtains to pool at the bottom or plan to mount the rod higher than the doorframe, adjust the length measurement accordingly.
