How to Find the Best Patio Door Window Treatments

Whether your goal is to increase privacy, add decorative elements or help keep your home more comfortable, there are a variety of patio door treatments and window coverings that can help you reach your goal. As you’re making your selection, it’s important to consider your personal style, light and privacy needs. Read on to learn about your patio door window covering options.

Typically found in more traditional homes, decorative valances are pieces of fabric that cover the top 1/4 of a sliding patio door. They provide a stylish flair to your home, and you can choose from a wide variety of tones, patterns and colors to create the perfect design for your home. Patio door curtain valances can be tied back for a sophisticated look or left down for a more relaxed feeling.

If cropped valances aren’t your style, consider full-length patio door curtains and drapes. Depending on the style of the curtain or drape, they fit in with a wide variety of home styles. Lighter, wispy fabrics are perfect for contemporary and beach homes, while thicker, more ornate fabrics are commonly found in traditional homes. It is important to consider how your patio door operates so that the curtains don’t interfere with the operation of the door. Most homeowners commonly hang their curtains high and wide on the wall to help minimize this issue. Full-length curtains and drapes are popular in hinged French patio doors and sliding patio doors.

Many homeowners use curtains to help control the amount of light in a room. Two popular options for light control are light filtering and room darkening curtains. Light filtering curtains and drapes are typically made from a thinner material and help disperse the harsh light from outside. They help maintain privacy while still allowing in natural sunlight. Room darkening curtains are popular for patio doors found in bedrooms and rooms that desire less sunlight. They’re made from a thicker material and block virtually all outdoor light.

One important aspect to consider with full-length curtains is their cleaning needs. Because these curtains often sweep along the floor, they’re exposed to dust and dirt and have the potential to be damaged. They may require costly dry cleaning from time to time, depending on the fabric they’re made of.

Popular for sliding patio doors, vertical patio door blinds can be used to keep light out and protect your privacy. They are commonly made from wood, plastic or vinyl. An easy-to-clean option, they slide open in the same direction as a sliding patio door. These durable blinds can be adjusted to change the privacy and light levels in your home.

Vertical cellular shades are another option to cover your patio door. These vertical blinds are made from a cellular fabric and help block the transfer of heat into and out of your home. Because these shades are commonly available in a variety of colors, they’re a good option for many different design styles.

One of our most desired options for patio door blinds. Blinds- and shades-between-the-glass are tucked away between panes of insulating glass, where they are protected from dust, damage and little hands. These integrated blinds and shades are cordless, making them a good option for homes with kids and pets. Since they are sealed, they harbor fewer allergens and there is no need to clean or maintain. Blinds-between-the-glass are available so you can control the amount of light and privacy. And shades-between-the-glass are available in room-darkening or light-filtering shades. The available options make blinds- and shades-between-the-glass an excellent modern shade option for any home and any style.

With so many options for patio door treatments, it can be confusing to know which is best for your home. There are a few areas of consideration that may help make this decision easier.

One of the most important aspects to consider is how the patio door blinds and window coverings will be installed. It is important to make sure that your wall is deep enough for blinds and shades to be installed so that you do not drill into the door when attaching them. As a note, any damage caused by drilling into a Pella patio door will not be covered under warranty, so it is important to understand where you are drilling before starting work.

It is also important to think about the amount of maintenance and cleaning each type of window treatment might require. Fabric blinds and shades have the potential to get snagged or torn and may require washing from time to time. Vertical blinds are often easier to clean but can fall out or break. Fabric blinds and shades and vertical blinds are frequently exposed to the elements and may require frequent dusting to reduce allergens. Blinds- and shades-between-the-glass won’t require frequent maintenance or cleaning as they are sealed between the glass.

The type of curtain or window treatment that you choose for your patio door can be dependent on the style and décor throughout the rest of your home. Modern homes typically feature vertical blinds or curtains in a light color. Curtains are typically hung high and wide on the wall to give the appearance of a bigger patio door. Valances and long curtains are both good options for traditional homes. Common curtain colors for traditional homes are darker or feature a more ornate pattern. Neutral curtains or shades are a popular option for transitional homes.

Because there are a wide variety of window treatment options for patio doors, it is important to think about the functionality of the room when making your decision. Is this a high-traffic area that might be prone to dirt and dust? Long curtains might not work best here. Does your room not get a lot of natural light? You might want to shy away from room darkening shades or dark color fabrics. Is your space commonly used as a playroom for kids or pets? Blinds and shades with cords might not be the safest option. Additionally, for kids’ bedrooms, consider room-darkening shades. They help create a dark environment for peaceful naptimes.

It is best to choose a window treatment that operates similar to the door. Sliding vertical blinds or curtains work best with a sliding patio door, as they slide open back and forth in the same fashion as the door. Integrated blinds and shades are a great option for hinged patio doors, but valances would restrict the door from opening.

Finally, it’s important to consider whether you want a window treatment that includes cords. Pella Lifestyle Series’ cordless blinds- and shades-between-the-glass are Certified Best for Kids by the Window Covering Safety Council. You can rest easy knowing there aren’t any cords for your kids or pets to get into with blinds-between-the-glass and shades-between-the-glass.