How to Choose Plantation Shutters for Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors bring wonderful natural light into a home and connect you to the outdoors. Finding a covering for them, however, is often a puzzle. You need privacy and light control that also allows for easy use of the door. Plantation shutters for sliding glass doors are a perfect answer to this challenge. A solution like this offers a sophisticated and practical upgrade, capable of taking your room from tired to inspired.

More than just a window covering, shutters are a durable, architectural feature. You get precise light management, excellent privacy, and a timeless aesthetic that boosts your home’s value. Here at Blindsgalore, we handcraft every shutter to your exact measurements, guaranteeing a perfect addition to your unique home.

Why Plantation Shutters Are a Great Choice for Sliding Glass Doors

You might picture shutters on traditional windows. Are plantation shutters a good choice for a high-traffic area like a patio door? Yes, absolutely. Modern sliding plantation shutters are engineered specifically for this use.

• Unmatched Light Control and Privacy: Adjustable louvers are the main feature. You can tilt them to welcome in soft, diffused light while keeping your space private. Or, you can close them completely to block out the sun and any view from outside. At night, closed shutters create a solid barrier, so your home remains your personal sanctuary.
• Exceptional Durability: A sliding door is a busy spot. You need a window treatment that withstands daily activity. Our shutters for sliding glass doors are built for the long haul. Crafted from robust materials, our shutters resist warping, cracking, and fading, making them a smart investment. The sturdy build also makes them one of the best options for homes with pets; you will find them to be some of the most durable and cat-proof coverings on the market.
• Timeless Style: Plantation shutters provide a touch of classic elegance. A look that works with any decor, from modern farmhouse to coastal chic, is always a great choice. Shutters look just as beautiful from the outside, instantly enhancing your home’s curb appeal. You can begin styling beautiful windows and elevating your entire room with one simple change.
• Energy Efficiency: Shutters act as an effective layer of insulation. A pocket of air is created between the window and the room, which can help insulate your home. Shutters help block the sun’s heat in the summer and keep warmth from escaping in the winter, which can help you maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Types of Plantation Shutters for Sliding Doors

The key to perfect plantation shutters for sliding doors is the operating system. You need to open and close the door without any fuss. Two main styles are designed to do just that.

Bypass Shutters for Sliding Glass Doors: How a Bypass System Works

Bypass sliding door shutters are a popular and practical choice. A system like this has two or more shutter panels hanging from a track above the door. The panels slide past one another, much like a closet door. You can open one side of your glass door at a time.

A design like this is ideal for areas where you do not have a lot of extra wall space. The panels do not swing out into the room. A clean, streamlined look is the result. Bypass shutters are a fantastic solution for covering especially wide window openings.

Our Blindsgalore Faux Wood Sliding Shutters are a perfect example. Handcrafted from a durable polymer that resists moisture and humidity, the shutters are ideal for patio doors leading to a pool or garden. You will get a beautiful, low-maintenance solution for years to come.

Bifold Shutters for Sliding Glass Doors: The Accordion-Style Solution

Bifold sliding door shutters operate on a hinged track system. The shutter panels are hinged together and fold back accordion-style to the side of the door. When fully opened, the panels stack neatly against the wall. You get a completely unobstructed view and full access to the doorway.

A style like this works perfectly if you have enough wall space next to your door for the panels to stack. Bifold shutters offer a grand, seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor living areas.

For a classic look that is built to last, you can consider our Blindsgalore Faux Wood Bi-Fold Shutters. Like our bypass shutters, our bifold shutters are made from a high-quality, moisture-resistant faux wood material. A great choice for any room in your house.

Bifold vs. Bypass: Which Sliding Door Shutter Is Right for You?

Choosing between bifold and bypass shutters comes down to your space and personal preference.

• Choose Bypass Shutters if:
  • You have limited wall space on the sides of your door.
  • You prefer a sleek, layered appearance.
  • You only need to open one side of your sliding door at a time.
• Choose Bifold Shutters if:
  • You have plenty of wall space for the panels to stack when open.
  • You want a completely clear view and full access to the doorway.
  • You love the classic, elegant look of folded-back shutters.

Customizing Your Sliding Glass Door Shutters

The real beauty of our shutters is in the details. Because every product is 100% custom-built for you, you get to design the perfect look for your home.

Choosing the Right Material: Wood vs. Faux Wood

While real wood offers a timeless, natural beauty, we almost always recommend faux wood for sliding glass door shutters. Faux wood is a composite polymer material. A material that is incredibly durable and resistant to moisture and humidity. A perfect choice for high-traffic patio doors, kitchens, or bathrooms where real wood might warp over time. Faux wood is also incredibly easy to clean.

Finding Your Style: Louver Sizes, Colors, and Finishes

• Louver Size: The width of the slats, or louvers, makes a big impact on the look and function of your shutters. We offer various sizes, typically from 2.5″ to 4.5″. Larger louvers provide a clearer view when open and let in more light, offering a more modern, spacious feeling.
• Colors and Finishes: Your shutters should be an extension of your home’s personality. We offer a curated selection of colors, from classic whites and off-whites to sophisticated neutrals. You can select from natural, earthy tones to bold, design-forward patterns to find the perfect match for your decor.

How to Measure and Install Plantation Shutters for Patio Doors

We believe you should not have to hire a professional to get beautiful, custom window treatments. Actually, 99% of our customers measure and install their own window coverings, and you can too! 

Measuring for Your Shutters: A Simple Guide

Getting the right measurements is the most important step for a perfect fit. Do not worry, getting the measurements is easier than you think. You just need a steel tape measure and a few minutes. For detailed, step-by-step instructions, head over to our complete online measuring guide.

DIY Installation: You Can Do It!

Whether you are a DIY expert or not, installation will be a breeze. Your custom shutters will arrive with all the needed hardware and simple instructions to guide you. You just need a few basic tools, like a drill, screwdriver, and tape measure, and about an hour of your time. 

For a general overview of the process, you can look at our guide on how to install coverings on a sliding glass door. Should you ever have a question, our in-house family of window treatment experts is just a phone call or text away, ready to help. We never suggest using outside professional installation services because our team has all the answers you need. 

Understanding the Cost of Plantation Shutters for Sliding Glass Doors

Because every shutter we make is custom, a single price is not available. The final cost will depend on several factors.

What Factors Influence the Price?

• Size of Your Door: Larger doors require more material and will have a higher cost.
• Material: Real wood shutters are typically more expensive than faux wood shutters.
• Operating System: The mechanism for bypass or bifold systems can affect the price.
• Louver Size and Finish: Custom colors or larger louvers can also impact the final cost.

Here at Blindsgalore, we take pride in offering multiple solutions for every price point.Our goal is to deliver designer-quality products without designer prices. Plus, all our Blindsgalore brand products come with a free 3-year warranty, with an option to upgrade to 5 years, for extra peace of mind.

How to Care for Your Window Shutters

One of the best things about faux wood window shutters is how easy they are to maintain.

Simple Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

For regular cleaning, you can use a duster or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove dust from the louvers. For a deeper clean, you can wipe them down with a soft, damp cloth.

A crucial point to know is to never submerge your shutters or blinds in water. Submerging the coverings can cause serious damage to the materials and internal mechanisms, no matter if they are light-filtering, blackout, or motorized. A gentle wipe-down is all that is needed to keep them looking their best. If you need to remove your shutters for any reason, our guide on how to take down blinds can offer some helpful tips.

Alternatives to Plantation Shutters for Sliding Glass Doors

While we love the look of shutters for sliding glass doors, they might not be the right fit for every home. Luckily, some other great sliding glass door treatments are worth considering.

• Vertical Blinds: A classic solution for patio doors, vertical blinds are budget-friendly and offer excellent light control.
• Panel Track Blinds: You can think of these as a modern, updated version of vertical blinds. Wide fabric panels slide on a track, creating a sleek, contemporary look.
• Drapery: For a softer touch, custom drapery can frame your sliding door beautifully. You can choose from countless fabrics and add a liner for extra light control or insulation. Our drapery can be customized with Standard, Room Darkening, or Thermal liners.
• Vertical Cellular Shades: These shades open side-to-side. They have the same honeycomb pockets as standard cellular shades. The pockets make them a great choice for energy efficiency.

If you are trying to decide between different styles, our guide on the difference between shades vs. blinds can help you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions