Design Question from Lisa: I am redoing my condo that I bought to update it. I have a very large sliding glass door but don’t want to put up just blinds, I would like to do something different and have searched everywhere for ideas and can’t find anything but blinds and more blinds. Please help…..
Lisa, there are a couple of alternatives you can explore. One is to treat it as a window and put a pair of panel draperies on either side. It will soften the room, provide a way to bring in some pattern and texture, and can be pulled together for privacy and energy savings. Here’s a couple of photo’s I found, most of the doors are french doors as opposed to sliding, but it will work for either, just make sure that when you hang the rod, you leave enough room to the left and right of the door frame to stack the open draperies for easy access in and out.
Another alternative is a cross between a blind and drapery. Hunter Douglas has a brand called Silhouette which is a design that combines a vertical or horizontal blind with a sheer fabric. It’s actually quite beautiful and gives offers more options than simple draperies or blinds which are either opened or closed. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a great option to have. Here’s some photo’s…
I hope that helps…I’d love to hear what you decide to go with!






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I despise vertical blinds, had them on my sliding glass doors when I bought my condo and immediately took them down. Ugh. I made some temporary curtains but need to find something else. I will likely go with some kind of blind that can be pulled UP and does not take space on the sides of the doors…I have no space to spare.
How about Roman Blinds?
It sounds like that is exactly what you are looking for! Window Treatments these days are so versatile plus you could find a fabric that goes with your existing colour scheme. This way it will add to your decor!
There are so many choices when it comes to blinds. The horrible vertical plastic ones are totally yesterday!
If I may suggest, contact a reputable designer in your area and get some ideas! Good Luck