“We always recommend a window treatment that operates the same way your door does," the designer says. “With sliders, you will want something that moves side to side, not up and down.” She offers a few pointers when it comes to sizing specifically. “Have curtains configured so that they stack on the side of the stationary glass panel,” Cassidy suggests. “If the space on the wall allows, the window covering should push back and be able to get all of the way off the glass.” “It is okay to size them a little short," she comments. “This is a door where lots of dirty shoes will come and go, so especially if it’s a high traffic zone, you may want to be sure your window covering material is up off the floor just a touch—I like about a half-inch of clearance.” “Hanging window treatments higher is always recommended as it makes your window seem a little larger and gives the room some height,” Cassidy comments. Adds designer Tara Miller, “You don’t want to mount anything to a sliding glass door, as it could inhibit the slide feature.” “The beauty of a sliding glass door is in its functionality, so you want any sort of window treatment you give a sliding glass door to maximize its functionality, not reduce it,” designer Georgia Zikas says. “Depending on the location of the door in your house, you may decide to skip the coverings and perhaps add some valances for a completed look.” That said, nothing is wrong with curtains if need be. “If privacy is a must, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful set of drapes that easily pull away to allow access to the door,” Zikas adds. “We tend to gravitate toward a single, very long panel drape that can be situated at the tail end of the door,” designer Nina Grauer of Dekay & Tate says of her work. “This way, it can remain out of the way when you’re using the door on a daily basis, but then easily pulled over when you want a bit more privacy.” “If the doors lead to a private patio or yard, a set of sheers would allow plenty of light to come in,” designer Angela Amore of Spacejoy comments. “If privacy is needed, a set of layered sheers or blackout curtains would be the best option.” If you choose to paint the ceiling a hue that differs from the paint or wallpaper color used on the other four walls of the room, this can present a unique opportunity when it comes to curtains. Why not choose a curtain design that coordinates with your ceiling perfectly? This room proves that this design move is a major winner.
