What’s the best window covering for patio doors?

You know you need patio door window coverings, so spend a few quick minutes deciding what you like and what you need. This will give you a big head start. Remember what you invest in window coverings on patio doors in your home  is important to save you time and money, so here are some tips to do it right.

This is perhaps one of the biggest challenges people face when deciding to cover their patio door? Where to start?

Decide on a few things first.

Function: Are you mainly looking for something to protect your furniture from the sun? Are you mainly wanting privacy because you now have neighbours behind you? There are several products that will work well as a window covering for patio doors. Decide first on your main reason for covering it.

Form: Once you decide why you need to cover your patio door, then decide on what you like? Do you want to use a drapery as a focal point? Would a modern blind of some kind work better with your decor?

Panel Tracks: The vertical blinds that once worked (and still do) have been modified in the form of a panel track. This product gives the same coverage but comes in much wider slats that do not turn to open. The panel track is either closed or open, you can’t open the slats. You want to make sure you have some wall space for this to stack off to once its open. A nice feature with panel tracks is that you can have them open to the left or right or have them open in the center and stack off to either side. Panel tracks come in modern fabrics, textures and privacy levels… there are so many that can match your present or updated decor.

Drapery Panels: While some people like the function and form of the panel track, perhaps drapery panels will suit your decor better. The sky’s the limit when it comes to fabrics to choose from. If you want your patio door to be a focal point, then choose a fabric that has some life to it, either a great pattern or design or a fun colour. If you prefer for your patio door to disappear and blend in with the rest of your room, choose a fabric that is close to the wall colour with little or no pattern. Keep in mind that texture can go a long way and will keep your patio door window coverings from being boring.

The best way to move your drapery panel is by using a traversing rod. You can use a standard, inexpensive white traversing rod, (one with the pulley that moves the drapery panel) or you can choose an updated traversing rod with end caps that will work with your decor. When you visit a drapery showroom, you’ll see some really nice updated rods.

If you need less privacy, choose a fun or elegant sheer that will protect your furniture and enhance your decor at the same time.

Drapery Panels can be split in the middle and stack off to each side, or they can be stacked to the side where the patio door doesn’t open. Don’t worry about balance. Stacking to one side or the other is fine on a patio door and works well.

Blinds: Only certain blinds will work nicely on a patio door. Blinds aren’t generally chosen by a decorator or designer simply because some blinds don’t come that wide. Choosing 2 blinds on a patio door can take away from the flow of your room and when down, some blinds have a large gap in the middle. This is not the best option if you’re looking for a long term solution that addresses form and function. Make sure you have enough head room also if opting for a blind over your patio door. Avoid long cords with small children in your home.

Vertiglide:Hunter Douglas has a variety of products that work well on your patio door. The vertiglide is the same fabric as the honeycomb Duette blinds but the application is vertical, this gives full privacy. The blind is either opened or closed. Hunter Douglas also makes a Luminette, privacy sheer application and a modern drapery, which is the same fabrics they use for the Vignette, which is a roman shade. Lots of options to choose from.

Skyline Gliding Panels: Hunter Douglas makes this modern version of a vertical blind, so much sleeker and pleasing to the eye.