How to Best Handle Covering those Hard-to-Dress Patio Doors

Jun 24

While patio doors can be beautiful on their own, they look more finished when covered properly. Plus, most patio doors need to be closed off for privacy as well as to save on energy. I will be sharing my top 3 favorite ways to cover your patio door.

1 | The Effortless, Elegant Drapery Panel
Fabric added to any window is always a huge YES in my opinion!!! Drapery panels are timeless, functional, and fit in all design styles. They add a beautiful texture and softness to a space which typically lacks softness like kitchens or bathrooms for example. Fabric panels can be operated many different ways. Drawing a pair of drapery panels close with a traversing rod is the smoothest option, or you can use rings or grommets on a stationary rod. My favorite options is motorization which can be operated with your phone from anywhere…even while you are on vacation. Any room in the house a drapery treatment over a patio door works beautifully.

2 | The Versatile, Vertical Panel Track

Vertical panel shades - an updated version of the older vertical blinds - are a great option for patio doors because of their durability and functionality. If you have space on either side of your patio door, these modern panels stack nicely off one side or on both sides with a center draw. They slide easily with a baton or motorization which can be opened or closed when you are home or on vacation with the ease of your phone app. You can also schedule the time of day you want them to automatically open/ close. Vertical panels such as Skyline by Hunter Douglas have so many different fabrics to choose from, you are bound to find the perfect fabric for your space. They can provide total privacy, room darkening, or even a sheer fabric to see though.

3 | The Minimal, Modern Horizontal Shade

Horizontal shades like Hunter Douglas Applause, Duette pleated shades or Designer Roller Shades are options which work really well over a patio door. For situations where there is not a lot of wall space to stack a vertical shade or drapery, I recommend mounting a shade above the door. Pleated shades provide the most effective solution when it comes to energy efficiency which makes them a perfect choice for your large sections of glass like patio doors. Roller shades come in varying degrees of visibility, privacy, glare control and UV protection. I love how the roller shades allow you see through while keeping some privacy.