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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 considerations for hanging curtains over sliding glass doors
Functionality is of paramount importance when considering curtain ideas for sliding glass doors because you need to easily move your drapery out of the way to operate your doors.
A track system for drapery is the ideal choice for ease of use and it is available with both manual control and motorized control. Rod and ring hardware with functional pleat styles like Tailored Pleat and Pinch Pleat Drapery can work too, especially on narrower sliding glass doors where you donāt have to move your drapes very far.
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 them a little more than halfway between the top of your door and the ceiling.
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 hardware. 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 glass 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 which all vary in privacy and light control levels. You can also add 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.
8 Curated Examples: 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 glass 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 glass 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 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 sliding glass door curtain ideas that include 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. Blackout Striped Drapes for Bedroom Sliding Doors
For patio door curtains in a bedroom, it’s important to consider drapery with blackout lining. Blackout lining gives you a room darkening effect that can improve your sleep quality. Plus, you can add blackout lining to any type of drapery fabric. 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 & Shades for Living Room 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 Gold Track Drapery for Eat-In Kitchen 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
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 >
Curtain ideas for sliding glass doors in a boho-inspired bedroom include lots of layers. 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.
Modern and Contemporary Window Treatments for Sliding Glass Doors
What makes a sliding glass door curtain 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 Do You Dress a Patio Door Without Curtains?
If curtains for sliding glass doors don’t quite fit your aesthetic or floor plan, you have plenty of other options for dressing your doors. Covering a sliding glass door without curtains is easy when you consider the full range of window treatment options for sliding glass doors, from shades to blinds.
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 Blinds
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 curtain ideas is best for wide doors that span wall to wall as the panels will easily cover the entire length.
Pictured: Vertical 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
After many examples of sliding glass door curtain ideas as well as options featuring shades and blinds, you might still be wondering which is right for you.
What Are the Best Window Coverings for Sliding Glass Doors?
In short, the best window coverings 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.
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.
Curtains vs Blinds for Sliding Glass Doors
Both are a great choice. Curtains 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.
Alternatives to Curtains for Sliding Glass Doors
If curtains aren’t the right fit for your space, there are several window treatment options that work just as well on sliding glass doors. 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 for Sliding Glass Doors: Ideas, Styles & Inspiration
With lots of sliding glass door curtain ideas as well as alternative options for your sliding doors, youāre ready to finalize your own design. Order free swatches of all your favorite fabrics, colors and materials across your drapery selections as well as shade alternatives. Be sure to observe your swatches in different lighting throughout the day to get a true sense of how they will complement your space.
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