9 Door Window Coverings for Glass Doors, Front Doors, and Back Doors!

Choosing the right window coverings for your glass doors can feel like walking through a maze of options, right? With so many choices, it's easy to get overwhelmed, especially if this is your first time buying window treatments! Should you go for vertical blinds, or would woven wood shades be a better fit? And what about privacy if you prefer sheer curtains?

So, if you want to learn what window coverings integrate well with a glass door's design and which ones go well on the front door, keep reading! We've created a list of the best door window coverings, with tips on what door types they're best for!

Key Takeaways

• Among the best glass door window coverings are retractable solar shades, retractable thermal blinds, roller shades, woven wood blinds, vertical cellular shades, sheer/blackout curtains, panel track blinds, and shutters.
• The best window coverings for front doors and back doors are Roman shades, roller shades, faux wood blinds, and woven wood blinds.
• When shopping for door window coverings, consider the material's ease of maintenance, insulating properties, resistance to moisture and wear and tear, and durability.

9 Best Door Window Coverings

Choosing door window treatments can be quite a challenging task because there are a lot of things to consider. However, probably one of the decisive factors is your door's style. For example, if you have bi-fold glass doors that fold inside the house, you can't get just any window covering - you'll have to find something that stays hidden so it doesn't affect door operation. Therefore, here are the most important factors you should consider:

• Ensure unobstructed functionality. Your window treatments should allow full use of the door. For example, Roman shades may not be the best because they fold at the top of the door, which can become a nuisance over time. These are rarely installed on large glass doors.
• Prioritize durability and ease of use. Since patio doors are opened and closed frequently, opt for window treatments that can withstand daily wear and tear, such as sturdy fabrics, PVC, or faux wood materials.
• Choose materials suited to your environment. In humid climates, moisture-resistant options like vinyl, faux wood, or treated fabrics prevent warping or mold growth. In sunnier regions, UV-resistant materials can help protect your interiors from fading.
• Consider the door size and thelayout of your space. Some treatments, like heavy drapes, can make small rooms feel more enclosed, while sleek, minimalistic options like solar shades or vertical blinds keep things airy and open.
• Don't forget about privacy if it's a concern. Most door window treatments offer privacy during the day but not at night when interior lights are on. If you need privacy at night, go for blackout materials or combine several window treatments.
• Think about cleaning and maintenance, especially if your glass doors are large. Some materials, like fabric curtains and drapes, require frequent cleaning, while others, like vinyl blinds, can simply be wiped down every once in a while.
• Mix different window treatments. Don't be afraid to combine window coverings! For example, you can install retractable thermal blinds for privacy and woven wood blinds for aesthetics.

Now, enough chit-chat - let's get down to business! Here are the 9 best glass door window coverings - shades, blinds, shutters, and more!

1. Retractable Solar Shades and Thermal Blinds

Best for: any type of door with glass panels

Magic's retractable solar shades and blinds are the perfect duo - one is semi-transparent, blocks UV rays, and reduces heat gain and the other is opaque, ensures complete privacy, and improves energy efficiency by 40%!

But the greatest thing about Magic's window coverings is that they work well for any kind of glass door. That's because they feature our revolutionary Slide'N'Hide technology. This means that when not in use, the shades and the blinds stay hidden within the door or window frame. This way, they don't affect door functionality and don't obstruct views. They also don't need extra space on the wall, are great for a minimalist look, and can be combined with many other window coverings.

To open the shades and the blinds, you simply have to pull them out of their cartridge, and they will slide seamlessly along the frame, covering the entire door or window opening! They can also be stopped at any point along the track, which is what makes them unique. So, let's say you have Magic's Window Wall with five folding panels - you can use the shades and the blinds to cover only two panels while leaving the other three open for fresh air. A win-win situation!

2. Roller Shades

Best for: smaller doors like French patio doors, front doors, and back doors; otherwise, you may have to install separate roller shades for each door panel

Roller shades serve as excellent front door or patio door window treatments, being ideal for minimalist designs. These shades blend seamlessly with the door trim, creating a cohesive look that complements various types of doors. They come in various fabric options, allowing you to choose the perfect match for your interior decor. Beyond aesthetics, roller shades effectively block light and offer privacy, making them a practical choice for any room.

Another great advantage of roller shades is their space-saving design. Unlike bulkier drapes, they roll up when not in use, so you may even forget they're there! This makes them perfect for small rooms that would feel cramped with heavy curtains, for example. They're also great for small glass doors that need to remain easily accessible. Furthermore, roller shades are relatively low maintenance, although maintenance requirements depend on their material.

There's one disadvantage to consider though - if you have large glass doors, you will likely need to install separate roller shades for each door panel. If you have relatively small 2-panel sliding glass doors, you may be able to install one single roller shade for both but there's yet another disadvantage - you'll always have to raise the shades to open the door, which leaves the entire door exposed to sunlight and prying eyes. With other treatments, like those from Magic, the fixed panel can remain covered.

3. Vertical Blinds for Doors

Best for: large glass doors

Vertical blinds are just perfect for large glass doors thanks to their ease of use (although this highly depends on the quality of the materials - for example, it's important to ensure the tracks are of the highest quality so the slats slide seamlessly along them). Furthermore, vertical blinds don't collect dust as easily as other window coverings due to their vertical slats, so they just need to be wiped down once in a while.

Vertical door blinds can also be motorized, allowing you to open and close them remotely or through voice control. They come in various materials, colors, and textures, and you can easily make sure they match any interior style, whether it's contemporary, farmhouse, or rustic!

Another great advantage of vertical blinds is their adjustable light and privacy control. Unlike roller shades, which can only be raised or lowered, vertical door blinds can have their slats tilted to let in just the right amount of light. On the other hand, they do not offer complete privacy, especially if any of the slats aren't functioning properly and don't cover the glass fully. Moreover, they can be quite noisy, although this can also serve as an early indicator that there are drafts around your glass doors!

4. Vertical Cellular Shades

Best for: doors requiring extra insulation

Cellular shades, or honeycomb shades, are an excellent choice for energy efficiency. Their unique design traps air in pockets, thus helping maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy costs. They are also available in light-filtering and blackout fabrics if you prioritize privacy.

Standard cellular shades have their pockets running horizontally. These are usually installed on windows and can work well on front doors or back doors. If you want to install cellular shades on glass doors, go for those with pockets running vertically.

It's worth considering that cellular shades require a lot of care. Dust can easily accumulate on them because of their honeycomb design. That's why cleaning them can be quite time-consuming, especially if your glass doors are large.

5. Sheer and Blackout Curtains

Best for: small glass doors that need to appear larger; large rooms; large glass doors

Curtains are definitely the most classic and stylish way to decorate your bi-fold or sliding glass doors, working perfectly well with French patio doors too! They add softness and elegance to any room design, at the same time allowing you to control privacy and light!

You can go for sheer curtains, for example, if you already have another window covering that ensures privacy. They filter sunlight beautifully, giving your space a soft, breezy feel! They're perfect for daytime use. Another amazing advantage offered by sheer curtains is that they can stay open even when you need to access the door, as long as the curtains meet close to the door handle!

If you don't have another window covering for privacy, you can pair sheer curtains with blackout drapes, which can also be made of insulating materials if this is a priority. Moreover, blackout drapes can be incredibly helpful if you need to block out sunlight completely during the day - if you need to get some sleep, for example, or have a migraine.

On the other hand, there's a major thing to consider - care and maintenance. Given that there would be quite a lot of fabric covering your glass doors, it can be time-consuming to clean them. This needs to be done regularly, especially if humidity levels are high (they can get moldy) and/or if they touch the floor.

6. Woven Wood Shades

Best for: smaller doors or larger doors with narrow panels; front doors, back doors

If you're looking for a window treatment that adds a touch of warmth, texture, and nature to your space, go for woven wood shades! They're often made of bamboo, reeds, grasses, and other natural materials, thus being an organic window covering that works beautifully in both modern and rustic spaces!

Woven wood shades offer different degrees of light control and can also be lined with blackout fabric if you need full privacy at night.

On the other hand, woven wood shades can slightly warp in humid environments, so if humidity levels are high in your region, you can treat them with a protective sealant. Another thing to consider is that you will likely have to install them separately for each panel unless your glass doors are small.

7. Panel Track Blinds

Best for: large bi-fold or sliding glass doors

Sliding panels, also called panel track blinds, are the absolute best for large bi-fold or sliding glass doors! And they're incredibly stylish, practical, and easy to use. They basically consist of several wide fabric panels that glide past one another on a track system. When not in use, they remain stacked on one side of the door.

Their design makes them excellent for privacy, light control, and even insulation, depending on what fabrics you choose. Plus, you can choose different stack placements.

On the other hand, it's worth considering that when not in use, they may cover part of your glass door and thus obstruct views and block light. You can check with the manufacturer if it's possible to install them so they stack against the wall, not the door. Another thing to consider is that these blinds come with a track system that requires more mounting depth than other door blinds.

For a more comprehensive guide on sliding glass door window coverings, click here!

8. Shutters

Best for: large bi-fold or sliding doors in large spaces or smaller French patio doors

Looking for a stylish, long-lasting, and functional window covering for your bi-fold or sliding glass doors? Why not install shutters and enjoy their timeless appeal?

One of the biggest advantages of these shutters is their sturdy construction, so they're here to last as much as your glass doors or even longer! Moreover, their louvered slats can be adjusted to let in just as much light as you want.

You can opt for bi-fold shutters or sliding shutters, depending on your preferences and space availability. You may also be able to find shutters that open inwards like a door - they are perfect for French doors and 4-panel sliding doors.

9. Roman Shades and Faux Wood Blinds

Best for: front doors or back doors with windows

Roman shades and faux wood blinds - while not the best option for larger patio doors - are great for front doors or back doors with windows!

Roman shades consist of a single piece of fabric that folds neatly at the top of the door when not in use. They can be customized in countless ways, making your entryway feel more comfortable than ever! Plus, if privacy is a concern, you can choose blackout fabrics.

On the other hand, faux wood blinds offer a touch of warmth and texture, are low maintenance, and provide adjustable light control and privacy. Since they're made of synthetic materials like vinyl (unlike natural woven wood blinds), they're quite durable and won't get damaged by sunlight or humidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my front door window private?

You can make your front door window private by installing window treatments, such as roller shades, Roman shades, or woven wood shades, opting for blackout materials.

What is the best window covering for a back door?

The best window coverings for a back door are Roman shades, roller blinds, woven wood shades, and faux wood blinds.

What are the best window treatments for sliding glass doors?

For sliding glass doors, retractable shades and thermal blinds, roller shades, vertical door blinds, cellular shades, sliding panels, and shutters are among the best window treatment options. These choices provide effective light control, privacy, and aesthetic flexibility to suit your preferences.

How do I choose the right window covering for my patio doors?

Select window coverings for your patio doors by prioritizing light control, privacy, energy efficiency, and ease of operation.