It’s summer in Wilmington, NC. The kids are running back and forth from the pool to the kitchen, the dog wants to go outside every five minutes to roll in the grass, and dinner is being served on the back deck instead of on the kitchen table. It’s that time of year when you need to ultimate summer accessory – a sliding glass door.
Unfortunately, the default window treatment for sliding glass doors are those cheap plastic blinds in white or beige, completely devoid of personality. But don’t despair! At Strickland’s Home, we’ve rounded up five of our favorite window covering alternatives that will keep your sliding glass doors looking stylish while remaining functional.
Plantation Shutters
Loaded with personality, plantation shutters are versatile, less expensive than custom drapes, and an easy way to add value to your home. They let in light and, when opened, offer an unbeatable view of the yard and garden. Best of all, they can be built to fit around door knobs and handles for a seamless custom look.
Vertical Cellular Blinds
If you’re trying to avoid using vinyl or fabric vertical blinds on your sliding glass doors, vertical cellular blinds are a great alternative with plenty of options. They come in a variety of bold colors; the honeycomb style can help control temperature by blocking or capturing heat; and vertical cellular blinds are available in light filtering, room darkening, and blackout styles, making it easy to control how much light you let in.
Floor to Ceiling Curtains
We love curtains because they’re versatile and flexible – you can easily trade them out depending on the season or your latest design whim. Extending custom curtains from the floor to the ceiling is a great way to add height to a room; this design trick will make your space look bigger than it is. Curtains are also a low commitment way to make a big statement; consider bold graphic patterns or bright pops of color for Spring and Summer and then change the look to something more muted for Fall and Winter.
Sliding Panel Track Blinds
Sliding panel track blinds are a natural solution for covering large windows and sliding patio doors. Made in a variety of materials from fabric to wood, they add texture and modern style to any room. Plus the ease of sliding them open and shut makes getting in and out of your home a breeze.
Bamboo Blinds
We’ve sung the praises of bamboo blinds before, and with good reason – it’s an eco-friendly material and a great way to bring natural textures into a room. For a sliding glass door, bamboo blinds offer visual weight and substance – an excellent choice for a bedroom or office, where privacy is at a premium.
Sliding glass doors offer a unique design challenge, since they serve as both doors and windows. Give them a unique window treatment that honors their versatility and makes them an integral part of your home design.