Best Blinds for Patio Doors: Stylish and Functional Options

Are you upgrading your living room? Or are you planning to replace your patio doors and want to get new blinds? Either way, you're probably reading this article because you want to learn what blinds you should go for, right?

On the one hand, you probably want something stylish, correct? On the other hand, functionality is just as important! Patio door blinds should offer privacy and light control. You also need to make sure they won't get in the way when you open the doors.

Therefore, what are the best blinds for patio doors? Let's find out! In this article, we'll discuss both blinds and shades for patio doors, along with their pros and cons.

Key Takeaways

• Match the treatment to the door type: sliding glass doors work best with side-to-side options like vertical blinds, panel tracks, or retractable blinds, while French doors pair well with roller or Roman shades.
• Think beyond looks: consider insulation, soundproofing, and privacy, especially for bedrooms or high-traffic areas.

1. Vertical Blinds: A Practical Choice for Patio Doors

Vertical blinds are a classic for a reason. They’re especially ideal for sliding glass doors because they move the same way: side to side. Because of this, their operation is super smooth and convenient. They also offer excellent light control and privacy: all you have to do is tilt the slats in the open or closed position to adjust the amount of sun or visibility you want.

These blinds are available in a range of materials, including vinyl, faux wood, and luxurious fabrics, providing ample aesthetic choices to match any decor. They can also be designed to stack on the left, right, or in the center. They can also stack in a split configuration.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly and widely available as an added bonus
• Easy to replace individual slats if damaged
• Available in fabric, vinyl, and even faux wood
• Easy to clean with a brush attachment or microfiber cloth, perfect for busy households
• Beautiful light diffusion when the blinds are tilted open

Cons:

• They can feel a bit dated, depending on the style
• Slats can clatter in a breeze or get tangled
• Not ideal for French doors (the doors open inward, so the vertical slats can get in the way)
• Corded options can pose a safety risk for children and pets (opt for cordless or wand-controlled models)

2. Thermal Blinds

Looking for a patio door covering that does more than just block incoming light? Install Magic's thermal blinds! All our window and door units can incorporate these fully retractable blinds that disappear completely when not in use, remaining hidden into a built-in cartridge. This means they won't clutter your space and will ensure unobstructed views.

However, what really sets our thermal blinds apart is their opaque material, which offers maximum privacy, complete light blocking, and impressive insulation. Because of this, Magic's thermal blinds are excellent for bedrooms or living areas that get too warm in the summer or too cold in the winter. In fact, our thermal blinds can improve your patio doors' energy efficiency by up to 40%!

Furthermore, they offer sound-dampening benefits, so you can enjoy a quieter indoor environment. This is especially useful for large patio doors.

Pros:

• Complete privacy
• Complete light control
• High energy efficiency
• Superior functionality
• Sound-dampening properties
• Come with a 40-year warranty
• Little to no maintenance required

Cons:

• Cannot be installed on existing windows or patio doors, unless they're from Magic

3. Solar Shades

If you want to brighten your space and, at the same time, get rid of the heat or glare, Magic's solar shades might be exactly what you're looking for! Made from a slightly transparent material, they allow natural light to filter in while blocking harmful UV rays and reducing heat gain.

Unlike traditional vertical blinds or other treatments, our solar shades are fully retractable and can stop at any point along the track. This flexibility lets you adjust coverage based on the time of day, without committing to an all-or-nothing approach.

Pros:

• Block harmful UV rays
• Fully retractable
• Reduce glare
• Reduce heat gain
• Great for large patio doors
• Come with a 40-year warranty
• Little to no maintenance required

Cons:

• Cannot be installed on existing windows or patio doors, unless they're from Magic

4. Panel Track Blinds

Panel track blinds consist of large fabric or woven sliding panels that slide along a track. When open, they stack to the side. These blinds are ideal for large doors or even window walls.

Panel track blinds can be quite large, usually up to six panels (or more if it's a window wall). However, there's one major downside you might want to consider. When you keep the blinds open, the panels (given that they're quite wide) can obstruct part of the glass and reduce the amount of natural light entering the room.

Pros:

• Sleek design, modern, and customizable
• Fewer moving parts than vertical blinds
• Can cover large areas seamlessly
• Usually easy to dust or vacuum

Cons:

• Requires more wall space for stacking when open
• Might look too bulky for small doors
• Limited light control; it's more all-or-nothing

5. Drapes and Curtains

Drapes and curtains are a wonderful choice for those who prefer a more traditional look. They add softness and elegance, plus they're highly customizable in terms of fabric, color, and pattern. Additionally, you can use blackout liners for light and privacy control or sheer materials to soften sunlight. Or you can combine both! And don't forget that these window treatments open side-to-side, so they're compatible with French doors.

Pros:

• Excellent insulation and sound absorption
• Lots of design flexibility
• Easy to replace seasonally for a fresh look

Cons:

• Can get caught in the door if too long
• May need frequent washing if near a high-traffic door
• Require space on either side of the door when open

6. Cellular Shades for Energy Efficiency

Cellular shades (also called honeycomb shades) are stars when it comes to insulation. Their design traps air and keeps your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. They also provide a soft, elegant look and come in top-down, bottom-up options.

These shades are effective for large windows, French doors, and sliding glass doors, particularly those in homes located in extreme climates.

Besides their insulating properties, cellular shades offer excellent light control. They are available in various opacities, from light filtering to blackout. This way, you can easily manage the amount of sunlight and UV rays entering your home.

Pros:

• Great insulation properties
• Soft, modern look
• Available in cordless or motorized versions
• Some models have soundproofing properties

Cons:

• Not as durable for high-traffic patio doors
• Can be awkward for wide openings unless you go with vertical cellular shades
• Less flexible in light control than blinds
• Notoriously tricky to clean because of their structure
• May not offer full privacy at night

7. Shutters

If your priority is durability, you should consider installing interior shutters. However, interior shutters don't always pair well with patio doors, unless they're rather small. But if you're after a traditional or coastal aesthetic, absolutely, go for it, especially since some are designed specifically for doors, even with cut-outs for door handles!

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting
• Great for enhanced privacy and light control
• Add resale value and curb appeal

Cons:

• Not suitable for sliding doors, as they block movement
• Higher upfront cost
• Require professional installation for exact measurements and a tight fit
• Collect dust easily (but not difficult to clean)

8. Woven Wood Shades

Looking for an eco-friendly window treatment for your patio doors? Go for woven wood shades. They're crafted from natural materials such as bamboo, grasses, and reeds. Besides being eco-friendly, woven wood shades bring a touch of nature indoors! They're perfect for creating a relaxed, organic atmosphere!

Plus, you can choose among countless design options in terms of weaves and textures, so they can harmonically complement your interior decor style, whether it's rustic or contemporary. Furthermore, woven wood shades also provide effective light control and privacy (although you may have to add a blackout liner for complete privacy).

Pros:

• Unique, natural aesthetic
• Environmentally friendly materials
• Diffuses light beautifully

Cons:

• Not great for full privacy unless lined
• Can warp or get moldy in humid environments
• May not glide as smoothly on wide sliding doors

9. Roller Shades

Roller shades are sleek and low-profile. They're an excellent choice if you want a clean, modern look. They roll up and out of the way, which means they won’t obstruct your view when not in use.

Their simplicity doesn’t compromise functionality, though. Roller shades are effective for both light and privacy control. Some models even come with side channels for added light-blocking.

These patio door treatments are better for French doors or sliding doors with limited clearance at the top (since they tuck away neatly).

Pros:

• Excellent for minimalistic or contemporary spaces
• Easy to operate and motorize
• Available in blackout, light-filtering, or solar materials
• Available in cordless and motorized models

Cons:

• Only raise up or down; no tilting or partial view options
• Wide doors may need multiple shades, which can break up the look
• Not suitable for kitchens, as most fabrics may get dirty and trap odors

10. Roman Shades

Roman shades are similar to roller shades. The only difference between them is that Roman shades fold neatly into plates when raised, while roller shades roll up and down.

Roman shades combine the softness of drapes with the functionality of blinds. They can be made from a variety of materials to match other decor elements. These treatments are perfect for French doors. They're not the best option for large patio doors, though, because you'd need one shade for each door panel.

Pros:

• Highly decorative and versatile
• Can be motorized or cordless
• Lots of patterns and fabric options available

Cons:

• Can block part of the view when raised
• Not ideal for sliding doors
• Fabric may wrinkle or fade over time
• Can absorb odor and collect dust easily

Final Thoughts: Which Blinds Are the Best for You?

With so many options, it really comes down to what your priorities are and what type of door you’re working with. Here are some tips that can help you make the final decision:

• For sliding glass doors or large window walls: go with vertical blinds, panel tracks, or Magic's thermal/solar shades if you want full coverage with smooth side-to-side motion.
• For French doors: opt for roller shades, Roman shades, or curtains, which accommodate door movement and still offer style and privacy.
• For energy efficiency: cellular shades or Magic thermal blinds are your best bet. They trap air and significantly reduce energy loss.
• For aesthetics and softness: choose Roman shades, woven wood shades, or drapes to bring texture and elegance into the space.
• For durability and resale value: consider interior shutters or Magic systems with retractable blinds if they suit your layout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best blinds for sliding glass doors?

Vertical blinds, retractable blinds, and panel track blinds are the best choices for sliding glass doors, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

How do I maintain my patio door blinds?

To maintain your patio door blinds, regularly dust them and spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, avoiding harsh chemicals. For deeper cleaning, consider professional services.

What are the benefits of cellular shades?

Cellular shades offer superior insulation and can help lower energy costs while effectively controlling light and blocking harmful UV rays. Their design enhances comfort and energy efficiency in your space.

Can I customize drapes and curtains for my patio doors?

Yes, you can customize drapes and curtains for your patio doors in various fabrics, colors, and patterns to align with your existing decor and functional requirements. This flexibility ensures that your window treatments not only look great but also serve your needs effectively.