Bruno Pugh
Sliding glass doors bring in stunning light and beautiful views while providing the perfect opportunity to enhance your space. However, their transparency might allow your neighbors to get a front-row seat to your rooms. The solution is to choose the right drapes that enhance privacy and control heat and glare. Here are 20 options.
Sleek Roller Shades
Roller shades keep things simple without screaming for attention. They roll up tight when you want unobstructed views and come in everything from sheer linen to blackout vinyl. For an ultra-streamlined look, match them to your wall color so they disappear when open like they were never there.
Floor-To-Ceiling Drapes
Nothing says ‘grand’ like a cascade of fabric pooling slightly on the floor. Long drapes do double duty: They regulate light while making your ceilings feel elongated. Go sheer for softness or velvet for cozy insulation; it’s drama without the fuss.
Light-Blocking Curtains
If your sliding door faces intense sunlight, blackout curtains are a must-have. Opt for lined panels that not only protect your upholstery from fading but also help reduce energy bills and block TV glare in living spaces. Choose neutral hues that blend seamlessly with your decor while quietly handling all the heavy lifting.
Functional Tiebacks
Sliding doors in high-traffic areas make tiebacks practical. In this case, use leather loops, metal hooks, or fabric ties to keep curtains neatly corralled. Bonus: They prevent little hands (or paws) from yanking the drapes closed mid-breeze and can double as a decorative accent when left open.
Roman Shades
Roman shades bring elegance with a tailored, fold-over design that feels softer than blinds and more structured than curtains. Mix them with sheers or side panels for added depth. Perfect for sliding doors in classic or boho interiors, they combine function with a cozy, folded fabric appeal.
Vertical Blinds
Forget clattering plastic. Modern vertical blinds have had a glow-up with materials like woven fabrics and wood textures. They excel at adjustability—great for diffusing light without blocking the view, rivaling other options like cellular shades. Soft or textured neutrals keep them looking fresh, not straight from 1992.
Sheer Curtains
Sheers filter sunlight without shutting it out, which is perfect when you want privacy without sacrificing brightness. They are incredibly gorgeous in dining rooms or sunrooms. Plus, they move beautifully in the breeze, making everything feel light and lived-in. It looks straight out of your Pinterest dreams.
Double Rods
Layering sheer curtains under heavier ones lets you toggle between soft and bright—no heavy fabrics needed. It’s a decorator’s secret weapon for adding dimension without overthinking. Pair contrasting textures (like gauzy linen with velvet) for an effect that looks thoughtful, not overdone.
Plantation Shutters
Traditional shutters might scream ‘Southern charm,’ but the sliding versions bring practical benefits. Mounted on tracks, they glide effortlessly and offer durability and easy cleaning, and they often outperform lighter fabrics in high-traffic areas. This makes them ideal if kids or pets are constantly barreling in and out.
Panel Track Blinds
Panel track blinds are what vertical blinds want to be when they grow up. Large fabric panels glide quietly along the door, stacking neatly to one side. They’re ideal for minimalist spaces, with no twisting rods or cords, and come in materials ranging from bamboo to solar-screen fabric.
Motorized Shades
Take convenience to the next level with motorized shades. They glide open and shut with a remote, wall switch, or smart home system. Ideal for hard-to-reach sliding doors, they’re sleek, silent, and totally modern. Choose solar-powered options for energy savings and never wrestle with cords or drawstrings again.
Decorative Curtains
Curtains don’t always have to be background players. Bold patterns or rich fabrics can anchor a whole room, especially if your furniture and walls are neutral. Mount the rod wide so the drapes don’t block the glass when open—you get the full view without sacrificing visual punch.
Cellular Shades
Honeycomb shades trap air in their pockets, adding insulation without looking bulky. Perfect for keeping heat in during winter or blocking summer sun, they’re available in varying opacities to control light exactly how you want. Bonus: The crisp pleats always snap back into shape—no fussing.
Simple Valances
Sometimes, you just need a little polish. Valances cover hardware and soften hard lines without hiding glass or blocking light. Think of them as the punctuation mark at the top of your sliding doors. Use patterned or tailored versions depending on whether your space leans casual or classic.
Wood Blinds
Wood blinds add warmth and bring in texture—ideal for grounding contemporary rooms or layering under fabric panels. Choose wide slats for a modern feel, and consider faux wood if moisture is a factor (like near patio doors leading to pools). They tilt easily for light control without fuss.
Built-In Blinds
Some sliding doors come with between-the-glass blinds, which solve every tangle and dust issue. Protected inside the glass panes, they’re operated via sliders or magnetic levers. This is especially great for high-use doors where the fabric might wear or show fingerprints, though it’s only available with specific door models.
Privacy Window Film
Window film is underrated. Frosted or patterned films stick right to the glass, letting in daylight while obscuring views. They’re perfect if you don’t want hardware cluttering up the wall or if you’re in a rental. They’re subtle, sleek, and surprisingly effective at cutting glare.
Classic Cornices
Cornices aren’t just for traditional spaces. Wooden or upholstered, they conceal curtain rods while adding architectural detail up top. Custom-fit them to the width of the door, paint or upholster them to match your scheme, and suddenly, even basic curtains look tailored.
Mix Materials
Layering textures—think bamboo shades under soft linen panels or sheer drapes over blackout blinds—bring depth. It’s not just for looks, though; it gives you more control over privacy, light, and temperature. Mixing materials feels curated as your space evolved naturally (even if you planned every inch).
Minimal Curtains
There’s nothing wrong with keeping it simple. A neutral, well-made curtain in a light fabric, hung just wide enough to clear the glass, can be all you need. It frames the view, softens the space, and lets the sliding door stay the focus without competing for attention.