23 Sliding Glass Door Treatment and Covering Ideas

Add Sliding Window Treatments

Hang curtains so they slide in the same direction as the doors (side to side) and can fully disappear next to the glass, like in this formal dining room designed by Lagnappe Custom Interiors.

“We always recommend a window treatment that operates the same way your door does," Tiffany Cassidy, a designer at Lagnappe Custom Interiors, says. "Have curtains configured so that they stack on the side of the stationary glass panel."

Use Short Window Treatments

When it comes to window treatment length, keep lifestyle top of mind and hang them so they don't touch the floor.

“It is okay to size them a little short," she comments. "This is a door where lots of dirty shoes will come and go, so especially if it’s a high-traffic zone, you may want to be sure your window covering material is up off the floor just a touch—I like about a half-inch of clearance.”

Hang Ceiling-Skimming Curtains

When it comes to choosing where to hang your curtains, hanging them so they touch the ceiling adds height to any room.

"Hanging window treatments higher is always recommended as it makes your window seem a little larger and gives the room some height," Cassidy comments.

Hide Treatments With Trim

An attractive, trim-like curtain hardware cover can help keep your curtains from snagging on the door and add a built-in elegance to your room.

"It is important to be aware of the door’s projecting hardware," Cathy Purple Cherrysays. "That will inform the distance you need to mount the curtain away from the wall in order to keep the curtain from catching on the door handle."

Adds designer Tara Miller, "You don't want to mount anything to a sliding glass door, as it could inhibit the slide feature."

Go for Cream Curtains

Use cream or off-white curtains to make your space appear classic, elegant, and not overwhelming.

"The beauty of a sliding glass door is in its functionality, so you want any sort of window treatment you give a sliding glass door to maximize its functionality, not reduce it," designer Georgia Zikas says. "Depending on the location of the door in your house, you may decide to skip the coverings and perhaps add some valances for a completed look."

Add Asymmetrical Curtains

Opt for just one panel covering the side of the sliding door that is not in use to add function and privacy.

"We tend to gravitate toward a single, very long panel drape that can be situated at the tail end of the door," designer Nina Grauer of Dekay & Tate says of her work. "This way, it can remain out of the way when you're using the door on a daily basis, but then easily pulled over when you want a bit more privacy."

Try Thick Window Treatments

In a bedroom, go for a thicker curtain to offer more privacy.

"If the doors lead to a private patio or yard, a set of sheers would allow plenty of light to come in," designer Angela Amore of Spacejoy comments. "If privacy is needed, a set of layered sheers or blackout curtains would be the best option."

Hang Curtains High

Hang your curtains high enough so no one is bumping their head on the hardware—it looks classy, too. Functionality should be taken into account at all times, designer Veronica Ferro reiterates. "If you would like to install a roman or roller shade that will have an inside mount, be sure to evaluate the height of your door to ensure no one will hit their head on the hanging shade," she explains

Match the Ceiling Color

When it comes to selecting a curtain color for your sliding doors, carry the color over from the ceiling to give your room a more coordinated designerly look.

If you chose to paint the ceiling a bold color that is different from your walls, don't be afraid to carry that through. Likewise, this look still feels seamless and pulled together white a white ceilings and white curtains.

Pull Inspiration From Textiles

Take inspiration from your upholstered furnishings when choosing a sliding glass door cover. Soft gray curtains look nice and elegant in this contemporary kitchen space, matching the upholstered dining chairs and complementing the gold accents present beautifully.

Choose Lightly Contrasting Curtains

Choose lightly contrasting curtains to bring another layer of visual interest without clashing. For example, this bedroom features luxe gray curtains in a room that is mostly gold, blue, and black.

Use Wall-Matched Window Treatments

Choose curtains that perfectly match your wall color to make your room feel cohesive when the window treatments are pulled shut. This can help curtains better blend into a space and fade into the background a bit, as opposed to making a bold style statement of their own. Shades of white are popular for this reason.

Hang Sheer Privacy Curtains

Hang sheer curtains if you want some privacy in your space, but not at the expense of natural light. This room is rather minimal and modern, and the gauzy curtains bring a much-needed ethereal softness to the space, despite their functionality. Plus, the black curtain rods picks up the black frame of the sliders as well as the black dining chairs, pulling the room together.

Try Full-Wall Window Treatments

Customize your window treatments by getting them large enough to span your entire wall for a luxurious look. This makes your space look extra seamless and more expansive. If you want to make your window treatments part of a full accent wall, choose fabric that matches your wall color exactly.

Make Doubled-Up Window Treatments

Layer curtains for double the function and to add a richness to your space. Layering is a tried-and-true design principle when it comes to making a space look luxe, and it definitely extends to window treatments. Select a light-blocking, heavy fabric for your top layer and choose sheers for the inner layer to let in light while offering privacy.

Drape Swag Window Treatments

If you don't need privacy, but would like to adorn your sliding doors, try a simple fabric swag across the top. This one has long tails that flank each side of the doors, bring a super-elegant touch. The draped look is giving Neoclassical Greek vibes, so it is a great look to embrace in your space if you are drawn to that design aesthetic.

Install Shutter Window Treatments

Try built-in shutters for a versatile, traditional feel. They can easily block out light or let some in through the slats. And it will make your room appear more classic design-wise, since sliding doors are a little more of a modern look as opposed to, say, French doors.

Get Horizontal Blinds

Go for horizontal binds over your sliding glass doors instead of the ever-so-80s vertical blinds for a fresher look that still functions. This idea works especially well if your sliding glass doors are surrounded by windows, like in this room, because you can treat each door panel the same way you would each window for a cohesive, full-coverage look.

Add Linen Window Treatments

If you want a timeless look, choose beige linen. These curtains will go with any room design (if you decide to change it up some day) and the fabric offers an interesting texture while still staying airy.

Use Grommet Curtains

Opt for simple grommeted curtains if you are looking for a window treatment that is easy and quick to hang. The silver grommets of these white curtains pair well with the silver curtain rod and silver door handle. You can even add multiple panels to each side of your sliding doors for a lusher look.

Design Patterned Blackout Curtains

Choose blackout curtains for your bedroom, but kick them up a notch with a custom design. These thick drapes perfectly match the wallpaper of the accent wall behind them for a seamless look when they are shut. The brass curtain rod brings just enough glam to the neutral-patterned wall.

Install Cohesive Curtain Hardware

If you have metal accents anywhere else in your room, match that tone to your curtain rod. For example, this bedroom features a black metal bed frame and that material is carried throughout as an accent via the curtain rod and door frame.

Use Moody Velvet Curtains

Choose a luxurious fabric, like a thick velvet, will instantly elevate a sliding door. The one in this moody office has curtains in a deep teal, which match the walls and cozy up the space. A brass curtain rod and rings drive the glam theme home.