4 Window Treatments for Sliding Doors

Sliding doors bring lots of light and easy access to a room, but also require a more specialized decorating strategy than your average doors or windows do. You can dress sliding doors to maximize the light they filter into a room, or play them down with thicker fabrics. For another twist, add colors, patterns or textures to the doors to make them a focal point in the room. Decide if you want privacy or sunlight from the sliding doors and select accordingly from the strategies below.

1. Window Scarves

This minimal window treatment will allow the greatest amount of light through the sliding doors. Look to soft, airy material to complete this look. Measure the width of your sliding doors and purchase roughly double that length from your favorite fabric store, as you’ll want plenty of excess to allow for ample draping. If the doors don’t already have curtain rods above them, be sure to affix some. Then, start at one end of the rod, let a sizable loop of fabric flow down, and wrap it on the other side of the rod. Continue this pattern until you get across the width of the doors, complete with a drapey, flowing scarf across the top.

2. Long Sheers

Sheer, floor-length curtains still make use of sunlight while providing some degree of privacy and separation in rooms with sliding doors. You can either choose sheers that span the width of the doors, or hang the sheer curtains on each side of the sliding door and in the middle. This will allow for easy access through the sliding doors, while still providing a delicate touch of color and coverage.

3. Opaque Solids

Long, solid-color curtains will minimize the look of your sliding doors and help them blend in with the rest of the room. Take this approach if you’re going for an earthier or more minimalist look and don’t want a ton of light bouncing through your room. Look for floor-length curtains that are wide enough to cover the doors. Use thick cotton, linen or wool-blend fabrics for the treatments. Opt for a lighter neutral color, such as beige or ivory, if the rest of the room has lots of color. If you don’t want the fabric to blend in with light walls, select a richer chocolate or deep red.

4. Funky Patterned or Beaded Curtains

Look to this option if you’re after an eclectic or even slightly retro look. Mimic the length and width of the treatment approach directly above this one, but replace the solid colors with fun patterns. Opt for a swirly brocade to the let the wall with the sliding doors be a showcase tapestry wall. Curtains with bright stripes or polka dots can give the room a summery, preppy appeal. Switch to darker, more intricate patterns to reflect the cozier winter months. For a more retro and funkier scheme, dangle strings of beads instead of fabric from sliding door curtain rods. These will add both interest and light to the room and break up the solid, uniform textures.