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8+ Best Sliding Glass Door Curtain Ideas
Sliding glass doors are beautiful architectural features that make it easy to transition from the indoors to the outdoors. They let lots of light into your home and can often be left open to let the breeze in as well. However, there may be times when you need some privacy and light control for your sliding glass door, especially on very warm or cold days, or at night. To get the right level of light and privacy control, while improving the overall look of your doors, explore these sliding glass door curtain ideas. Weāve gathered several curated examples of curtain ideas for sliding glass doors so you can see the possibilities and get ideas for your own space.
Cover Photo: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Victoria Hagan Lily in Buff, design by Victoria Hagan
Key Takeaways: Curtains for Sliding Doors
- Curtains can work on nearly all sliding doors when the hardware is chosen correctly.
- Mount your rod or track at least 12 inches beyond the door frame on each side so panels stack fully off the glass.
- A drapery track system with a functional pleat style (Ripple Fold, Tailored Pleat, Pinch Pleat) gives the smoothest operation.
- The best blackout curtains for a sliding glass door are drapery panels with blackout lining.
- Float length works best for sliding doors, with panels hanging about a half-inch above the floor, especially if the door is used frequently.
In this article
Designer Insight
If your doors are wide, tall or opened many times a day, a track system with gliders is almost always the right call. The panels move smoothly, they stack tightly to the side, and motorization is an easy upgrade later. Rod and ring can work on narrower patio doors when you want a more traditional look, but its always best to choose heavy-duty hardware because curtains for sliding doors carry more fabric weight than they do for a standard window.
8 Curtain Ideas for Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors are one of the best design features a room can have as they flood your space with natural light and connect your interiors to the outdoors. Dressing them well is all about finding a curtain that frames the view beautifully, adds warmth and texture, and still lets you move in and out freely. These eight curated examples of sliding door curtains will inspire you to do exactly that.
1. Tailored Pleat Drapes for Dining Room Sliding Doors
For a beautiful Great Room with a dining set and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, you need the right sliding door curtains to suit the high-end aesthetic while providing the right light and privacy control. Tailored Pleat Drapery paired with Madison Track System Hardware gives you exceptional ease of use, while also looking streamlined and sleek. The Wool Blend fabric in Snow delivers a soft, inviting look with its ivory coloring. Keeping the fabric unlined softens the light in the room without blocking it for an enchanting effect.
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Tailored Pleat Drapery
With three-fingered pleats pinched at the very top of the panel, Tailored Pleat Drapery offers a contemporary, streamlined look.
madison track hardware
Combining stylish looks and easy functionality, Madison is a track system available in several attractive finishes and modern finial designs.
2. Layered Curtains & Drapes over Sliding Glass Doors
For excellent light and privacy control, as well as added design dimension, consider sliding door curtain ideas that include layering two sets of drapery on a double track system. Choose a light, off-white sheer fabric like Sunbrellaās Neblina in Snow for the inside layer and pair it with a heavier set of drapery like Alma in Gravel for a dynamic combination. The sheer will soften light and provide some privacy while keeping the space feeling light and airy, while the heavier drapery can give you excellent privacy and light control when you need it most.
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Ripple Fold Drapery
With soft S-curves that create linear highlights and lowlights, Ripple Fold offers a modern look and is only compatible with track systems.
madison track hardware
Combining stylish looks and easy functionality, Madison is a track system available in several attractive finishes and modern finial designs.
3. Cozy Textured Drapes for Bedroom Sliding Doors
Make your bedroom into an inviting sanctuary with patio door curtain ideas that lean on soft, textured fabrics and casual aesthetics. Herringbone fabric features a subtle herringbone design and a soft, inviting touch for a cozy look and feel. While not considered the most functional pleat style, Inverted Pleat Drapery is compatible with track system hardware. The pleats can look casual and comforting when stacked off your glass doors but give your space a statelier look when fully expanded over your doors. Layer your drapery with Solar Shades, which come in a range of textures themselves to complement the softness of your curtains, while also blocking UV rays and giving you a view of the outdoors.
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Inverted Pleat Drapery
With flat, crisp pleats across the top, Inverted Pleat can look stately when drawn out or casual when stacked tightly.
Lexington Track Hardware
With a simple, sleek design, Lexington Track Hardware is clean and modern, with Chrome, Satin Nickel and Black finishes.
Solar Shades
A type of Roller Shade that blocks UV rays while letting light through, Solar Shades reduce glare and prevent fading.
4. Best Blackout Drapes for Bedroom Sliding Glass Doors
The best blackout curtains for a sliding glass door in a bedroom are drapery panels with blackout lining. Blackout lining blocks the light for a room darkening effect that can improve sleep quality, and it works with most fabrics ā patterned, textured or solid. However, several of our sheer drapery fabrics are not compatible with blackout lining.
For a bold look, consider patterned drapery like Shoreham Stripe in Jet. The striped design wonāt be washed out with light that filters through the fabric since the blackout lining will block the light. The effect is a strong linear pattern with visual interest that elevates your interior design.
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Ripple Fold Drapery
With soft S-curves that create linear highlights and lowlights, Ripple Fold offers a modern look and is only compatible with track systems.
Madison Track Hardware
Combining stylish looks and easy functionality, Madison is a track system available in attractive finishes and modern finial designs.
Roller Shades
With a single panel of material around a tube, Roller Shades offer a simple, modern look and come in light-filtering and blackout options.
5. Natural Drapes & Woven Shades for Living Room Patio Doors
Order Swatch:
Holland & Sherry Andes in Castle
Wall >
Order Swatch:
Holland & Sherry Andes in Rye >
Order Swatch:
Artisan Weaves Cove in Ash >
Create an inviting, organic look for your interior with sliding glass door window treatments that feature natural materials. Opt for natural wool drapery, like Holland & Sherry Andes, which offers a soft, warm look and feel with its plush weave and subtle luster. Pair the softness of your drapery with highly textured Woven Wood Shades like those made of Cove in Ash. The striped pattern of natural reeds and grasses offers a calming look that brings the peace of the outdoors into your home. Plus, the combination of shades and drapery offers excellent privacy and light control.
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ripple fold Drapery
With soft S-curves that create linear highlights and lowlights, Ripple Fold offers a modern look and is only compatible with track systems.
Madison Track Hardware
Combining stylish looks and easy functionality, Madison is a track system available in attractive finishes and modern finial designs.
Woven Wood Shades
Made of natural fibers like bamboo, reeds and grasses, Woven Wood Shades add an organic, natural look to your sliding doors.
6. Bright Golden Track Drapes for Eat-In Kitchen Patio Doors
For a casual eat-in kitchen with patio doors to the backyard, stick to simple, functional patio door window treatments, like those that feature Cubicle Drapery. With its small grommets at the top of the panels and gentle wave of fabric, Cubicle Drapery has a decidedly casual look ideal for informal rooms. Plus, it features a very tight stack, taking up very little space when pushed fully off your doors, which makes it best for doors that donāt have a lot of space on either side.
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Cubicle Drapery
Featuring small grommets at the top that attach to pins in a track system, Cubicle Drapery is easy to use and has gentle waves of fabric for a casual look.
Custom Track Hardware
A functional, sleek track system, custom track hardware comes in White, Silver or Black and is made from durable, lightweight aluminum.
Solar Shades
A type of Roller Shade that blocks UV rays while letting light through, Solar Shades reduce glare and prevent fading of your furnishings and flooring.
7. Textured Tailored Pleat Drapes in a Chalet Bedroom
For a rugged chalet-inspired bedroom, explore sliding door curtain ideas that embrace this styleās love of textures. Linen drapery is a great idea for this aesthetic style, as it features a highly textured weave. Choose a neutral, inviting color like Natural to blend in with the other natural colors of this design aesthetic. Tailored Pleat Drapery on a track system like Madison will offer ease of use, plus a streamlined look that suits this styleās love of functionality.
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Tailored Pleat Drapery
With three-fingered pleats pinched at the very top of the panel, Tailored Pleat Drapery offers a contemporary, streamlined look.
madison track hardware
Combining stylish looks and easy functionality, Madison is a track system available in several attractive finishes and modern finial designs.
8. Track Drapes & Woven Shades in a Boho Bedroom
Order Swatch:
Luxe Linen in Oyster >
Order Swatch:
Luxe Linen in
Flax >
Order Swatch:
Mesa Verde in
Mist >
Sliding door curtain ideas for a boho-inspired bedroom lean on layered textures. Boho style curtains can be bright and bold, or subtle and neutral, but the common thread between the two paths is layered textures. Choose clean, linear Ripple Fold Drapery made of a natural material like Luxe Linen with a soft, tactile weave and pair it with highly textured Roller Shades made of Mesa Verde in Mist. The two styles of window treatments also boast easy use so you can enjoy your sliding doors without a hitch.
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ripple fold Drapery
With soft S-curves that create linear highlights and lowlights, Ripple Fold offers a modern look and is only compatible with track systems.
Custom Track Hardware
Functional, sleek track system, Custom Track Hardware comes in White, Silver or Black and is made from durable, lightweight aluminum.
roller Shades
With a single panel of material around a tube, Roller Shades offer a simple, modern look and come in light-filtering and blackout options.
After many examples of sliding door curtain ideas as well as options featuring shades and blinds, you might still be wondering which is right for you.
Alternatives to Curtains for Patio Doors
If curtains and drapes aren’t the right fit for your space, several sliding door window treatment options work just as well on a patio door. Roller Shades are one of the most popular choices, sitting close to the glass and offering clean lines with a wide range of light control options from sheer solar weaves to full blackout. Woven Wood Shades bring natural texture and warmth without the bulk of drapery. Cellular Shades offer a more structured look with the added benefit of insulation. Nearly any shade or blind can be mounted to work with a sliding glass door as long as it’s installed to allow clear access to the door when open. Read our full guide to shades for sliding glass doors.
Curtains vs Blinds for Sliding Glass Doors
Both are a great choice. Drapes for sliding glass doors offer more design drama and are easier to layer, while blinds and shades tend to be more compact and precise in their design. Many homeowners combine the two, using a shade as the primary light and privacy layer and adding drapery panels for softness and style.
How Do You Dress a Sliding Door Without Curtains?
If curtains and drapes don’t quite fit your aesthetic or floor plan, sliding glass door coverings from Shades to Blinds give you plenty of alternatives. Choose Shades or Blinds for a range of aesthetics beyond the elegance of drapery, from sleek modern designs to traditional styles.
Roller Shades are one of the most popular alternatives to curtains for sliding doors. They sit close to the glass, operate smoothly, and come in a wide range of opacities from sheer solar weaves to full blackout. For a more textured, natural look, Woven Wood Shades bring warmth and organic character to a sliding glass door without the bulk of drapery. If you need precise light control at multiple levels, Cellular Shades offer excellent insulation and a clean, structured appearance.
Explore examples of Blinds and Shades for sliding glass doors to see the possibilities and get more ideas for your project.
Vertical Panel Track Blinds for Sliding Doors
A great alternative to drapery, Vertical Blinds feature vertical panels of hard textiles, like those used in Roller and Solar Shades, on a track system for ease of use. This alternative to sliding glass door curtains is best for wide doors that span wall to wall as the panels will easily cover the entire length.
Pictured: Vertical Panel Track Blinds, Park in Winter GET THE LOOKSolar Shades
Solar Shades are another great addition or alternative to curtain ideas for sliding glass doors. Made of unique material that blocks UV rays Solar Shades are a great choice for your sunniest rooms where you still want to enjoy the sunlight. Plus, Solar Shades are easy to use and feature a motorized control option for the easiest functionality.
Pictured: Solar Shades, Sunbrella 10% Solistico in Oatmeal, photography by Eric Piasecki GET THE LOOKRoller Shades
Made from a variety of material from light-filtering to blackout, Roller Shades offer a great alternative to curtain ideas for sliding glass doors. They can also easily be layered with drapery for a more dynamic design and greater light and privacy control. Plus, like Solar Shades, theyāre easy to use and come with a motorized control option.
Pictured: Roller Shades, Mesa Verde in Mist GET THE LOOKWoven Wood Shades Over Roller Shades
For a multi-dimensional look that doesnāt involve curtain ideas for sliding glass doors, consider layering shades. Woven Wood Shades over Roller Shades offers an organic aesthetic and multi-textured look for a visual and tactile experience.
Pictured: Outer Layer: Waterfall Woven Wood Shades, Artisan Weaves Reed in Slate and Inner Layer: Roller Shades, Cora in Light Beige GET THE LOOK
Modern Sliding Door Curtains & Contemporary Window Treatments
What makes sliding door curtains feel modern? The answer is usually a combination of clean lines, minimal hardware and fabrics that move with ease. Contemporary window treatments for sliding glass doors tend to lean on track systems over traditional rods, pleat styles that create uniform, geometric folds, and neutral palettes that let the architecture do the talking.
Ripple Fold Drapery is a standout choice for a modern look. Its soft, continuous S-curves create a quietly sculptural effect whether the panels are open or closed. Pair it with a matte black or brushed nickel track system and a linen or performance fabric in a warm neutral and you have a result that reads as both effortless and considered. For a more tailored take on modern curtains for sliding doors, Tailored Pleat on a track system delivers structure without feeling stiff.
How to Hang Curtains Over a Sliding Glass Door
As you’ve learned, one of the best window treatments for sliding glass doors is curtains. The best approach for hanging your drapery over your doors is to mount a track system or curtain rod at least 12 inches beyond the door frame on each side and as high as possible, ideally within a few inches of the ceiling. This maximizes the sense of height in the room and ensures your sliding glass patio door curtains clear the door completely when open. For the smoothest operation, a track system with gliders is preferable to rod and ring hardware.
Tip 1: Hang Your Drapery High & Wide
Hanging your hardware and drapery high and wide above your doors not only adds a sense of height to your room, but also allows you to fully access your doors without any obstructions. Be sure to install your curtain rod or track system well past the edge of your doors (about 12 inches or more on each side is a good rule of thumb) so you can pull your drapes fully off the doors. As for height, a best practice is to hang your drapery a little more than halfway up between the top of the door and the ceiling to create a taller, more elegant look.
Tip 2: Choose Track System or Motorized Hardware
For the easiest functionality so you can access your doors whenever you want, choose track system hardware or motorized window treatments. Make sure to select a compatible pleat style, which includes Ripple Fold, Tailored Pleat, Pinch Pleat, Inverted Pleat, Goblet and Cubicle Drapery.
Tip 3: Consider Your Light & Privacy Needs
When thinking about sliding door curtain ideas, itās important to keep your light and privacy needs in mind to choose the right fabric and lining. Fabrics range from light, gossamer sheers to thick wools, with varying levels of privacy and light control. You can also add drapery lining to any material, which includes:
- Privacy lining for some light filtration and great privacy.
- Blackout lining for a room darkening effect and excellent privacy.
- Interlining, which is a cotton flannel insert you can add to either privacy or blackout lining for better insulation and a more full-bodied look.
Now that you have a better understanding of what factors to consider for your project, discover curtain ideas for sliding glass doors to spark your creativity.
How long should sliding door curtains be?
For most sliding glass doors, float length drapery is the modern default. Panels should hang about a half-inch above the floor to clear the track and allow easy operation. Floor-length panels that just kiss the floor also work well but be aware that the bottom hem will be trailing the floor each time you adjust your drapes and so they may pick up more dirt. Puddle length, where several inches of extra fabric rest on the floor, is not ideal for doors, and is best reserved for formal rooms where they’ll be primarily stationary.
What Are the Best Window Coverings for Sliding Glass Doors?
In short, the best window coverings or shades for sliding glass doors are those that enhance the look of your door while providing ease of use so operating your doors is never a hassle. From custom drapery to shades and blinds, nearly any window treatment will work for sliding glass doors as long as theyāre easy to use and mounted in a way that wonāt interfere with the operation of your door. However, the ābestā for your specific application is subjective and will depend on your needs and aesthetic preferences.
Curtain design & Style Ideas for Sliding Doors
With lots of sliding glass door curtains as well as alternative options for your sliding doors, you’re ready to finalize your own design. Schedule a free Design Consultation to work one-on-one with a Design Consultant on fabric, hardware and layering choices tailored to your space.
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Sliding Door Curtain FAQs
Can you put curtains on sliding glass doors?
Yes, curtains and drapes work beautifully on sliding glass doors and patio doors when the hardware is chosen correctly. A track system with gliders is the smoothest option, and rod-and-ring setups work well on narrower doors. Mount the hardware at least 12 inches beyond the frame on each side so the panels stack fully off the door when open.
What is the best curtain for a sliding glass door?
The best curtains for sliding glass doors operate easily every day, which usually means drapery on a track system rather than a rod. Ripple Fold Drapery, Tailored Pleat Drapery and Pinch Pleat Drapery are all strong choices. For bedrooms, add blackout lining to the fabric of your choice.
What are the best blackout curtains for sliding glass doors?
The best blackout curtains for a sliding glass door are drapery panels with blackout lining sewn into the back. Most fabrics, except sheer fabrics, can be lined, so you can keep a bold pattern or textured wool and still block up to 99 percent of light. Pair with a Roller Shade or Cellular Shade underneath for greater light control and better coverage.
Can you layer curtains over vertical blinds?
Yes. Make sure to mount the curtain rod or track several inches above the vertical blind headrail so the drapery clears the panels when they open and close. This can be a good solution to cover traditional vertical blinds with rotating vanes if you want a softer look without replacing them. Panel Track Blinds are our modern alternative and work particularly well as a base layer under drapery or as a standalone window coverage.
