Many homes have at least one sliding door leading to the backyard, a balcony, deck or patio.  While vertical blinds are the traditional choice for these large sliding glass doors, there are other choices for adding privacy and controlling light with your sliding door window treatments.  Here are the pros and cons of each type to help you select the right window treatments for your sliding glass doors.

The three main types of window treatments for sliders are vertical blinds, panel track blinds and vertical cellular shades.  Each type has features to make them suitable for different needs and styles.

How They Work

Vertical blinds are the most common type and have multiple hanging slats.  Verticals for sliding doors work the same way as for other windows, with one control for rotation of the slats and one for opening and closing.

Panel track blinds for doors also have hanging panels - the difference is that they are very wide and lie 'flat to the window' and slide back and forth in channels.  Available in a wide selection of materials normally found only on shades, including woods, matchstick grasses and other materials and patterns.

Vertical cellular shades are the third and least commonly known option for sliding door window treatments.  Made from a honeycomb shaped material that expands and collapses, both the left and right side are moveable with handles, allowing the shades to open left or right, or to gather in the middle.

Privacy and Light Control

All three types of sliding door window treatments offer privacy.  Vertical blinds offer near-total privacy when closed, with the possible exception of the small gaps along each side (resulting from the space between the slats and the window).  For typical applications, this is not an issue.  Panel tracks privacy varies by the material selected, and can range from an open weave to a total blackout.  Vertical blind offer maximum privacy, with full coverage over the window and solid material.

Options

• Blinds can 'stack' or gather on either side of the window.  You'll typically want to match the way your door opens.
• You'll also need to think about whether you want the stack (all of the gathered vanes or materials) to be fully off the window for an unobstructed view, in which case you'll need to add extra width to your ordered size - talk to our sales department to find out exactly how much width to add.
• Privacy and blackout options are available for panel tracks and vertical cellular.  Panel tracks offer edge binding (material sewn around the edges) for additional detail and durability.

Why Custom

Made to measure window treatments fit better, work better and look better than off the shelf, off-brands do, and the options are much more diverse.  Also, if you need any help with your choices, you can call our experts for direct assistance.

Sliders?

Patio blinds, patio doors window treatments, sliding doors, sliding glass doors and sliders.  All the same thing, depending on which part of the country you're from!  How ever you say it, we've got it.

Get ready to love your sliding door / patio blinds!