It may be a beautiful view when you wake up to sunlight coming through your sliding glass doors, but it can be a nightmare when the same sunlight causes your furniture to fade or turns your living room into a greenhouse. Sliding glass doors are an important part of an American homeowner: you know they can give incredible panoramas and access to the outdoors; however, decoration is also difficult and requires special attention.
I have assisted thousands of homeowners in making their sliding doors a spectacular aesthetic addition instead of a necessity. This guide will assist you in making the right curtain decision, whether it is a sun-drenched bungalow of California, a cozy colonial of New England, or a sophisticated Texas ranch.
Measure Up: How to Curtain Fit-Sliding Glass Doors
Let us begin with the most basic issue-fitting the proper size. Home entryways in the U.S. mainly have some standard sizes, such as sliding doors which are about 80 inches high and 60-72 inches wide; however, when purchasing some standard-sized curtains, this does not imply that you should hurry to order them.
This was a mistake I made in my first apartment. Only the curtains were on the frame, barely covering it, so the light could come through on every side. As I learned, measure your actual door size, then add more width and length.
To adequately cover your curtains should:
• Stick a range of 8-12 inches to the edges of the door frame
• Measure a minimum of 84-96 inches (in 80-inch doors too)
• Be wide enough to accomplish a fullness of 2-2.5 times when wrapped together
Such additional material is not only cosmetic because you have total privacy and control over the lights, but also the ability to have your curtains hang in a neat stack, especially when they are open, ensuring that you have a clear view and easy opening and closing of your door.
Sliding Doors Living Room Solutions That Bet
The combination of a functional entrance and a focal point is probably what your living room sliding doors are, the proven method of entry. The curtains should be beautiful, but at the same time, the practicality has to be there.
I found out how Sarah in Minneapolis renovated her living room; she told me that she got rid of her old vertical blinds and substituted them with long linen curtains in a pale blue that harmonizes with the tone of her accent pillows. They are also stated to frame my presence in the garden, and when open they give privacy yet allow light when closed.
In the case of American living rooms, one thinks of:
• Heavy, enough-weight fabrics that hang well
• Colors that blend in well with the furnishings and style you already possess
• Patterns that have a statement or go well with each other
• Hardware that brings out your design aesthetic
Do not forget to consider the traffic flow near your doors. The type of panel that should be used should be able to be firmly tied back or have sliding panels that migrate with the doors themselves if the area experiences a lot of traffic.
Kitchen Solutions: Useful Curtains On Active Doorways
Special attention has to be given to kitchen sliding doors. Standard flimsy curtains can be ruined with splashes in the cooking room, humidity and constant usage.
Arizona resident Mike shared with me his story of how he needed a kitchen door to help bridge the gap between the kitchen and the backyard, which he entered with his three kids and dog running in and out all the time. We have discovered a waterproof indoor outdoor fabric that has been a lifesaver-so easy to wipe down, and it still looks good after two years!"
In the case of kitchen sliding door curtains, it is best to put first:
• Washable fabrics that are resistant to moisture
• Easier designs that would not accumulate cooking and grease
• Slighter heights in case your door opens up to a deck where there is a food service
• Simple to handle to use often
Cafe-style curtains, which only cover the bottom half of kitchen doors, are becoming popular among many homeowners in America, as they give some sense of privacy and, at the same time it allow a lot of natural light to stream in.
Creative Curtain Solutions Beyond Basic: Creative Curtain Solutions
The curtain panels designed in traditional ways are not the only possible alternatives. The whole concept of American interior design is personalized, and sliding door treatment is not an exception.
Think of such options that become increasingly popular in the US:
• Stained glass windows that go sideways like doors do
• Layered sheer with blackout curtain, easy-to-use curtains
• Indoor/outdoor curtains where unity in spaces is developed
• Energy-efficient international options (motorized)
One of our clients in Seattle recently had automated linen curtains installed that close at the times of the day that the sun is the strongest. Hence, the inhabitants use less cooling, and it saves her furniture from the ultraviolet rays as well- functional, beautiful can still go together.
The climate in the US seasons: Seasonal References
Various climate zones in America imply that your need for curtains may vary throughout the year. Seasonal changes affect a lot, during adverse winters in Michigan, as well as in hot and sticky weather in Florida.
During summer:
• UV-protecting fabrics should be considered to avoid fading and gain of heat gain
• The lighter ones reflect the heat but do not absorb it
Sheers can admit gusts of wind and muffle the scornful sunbeams
In colder states during the winter, convection may be:
• Thermal-lined curtains provide a lot of insulation
• Thicker materials are useful in avoiding drafts
• Floor style avoids airflow at the floor level
Lisa of Colorado adds, "We change the curtains every season, light gauzy curtains in the summer, block-type ones in the winter." The cost of savings in energy alone is worth the effort."
Tech Support Holiday tips: If you want to avoid headaches, follow these installation tips.
Perfect curtains can also turn out to be disappointing provided improperly installed. Things to keep in mind before it is time to get that drill:
Your rod should be high (a minimum of 4-6 inches above your door frame) and broad (8-12 inches beyond either side).
• When there is limited space to mount equipment on the wall, then the ceiling mounts are used
• Use the right anchorage to prevent the weight of your curtains and steelware
• Think of the space required by the door handles
I have speculated on wonderful designer curtains hollowed by mediocre hardware. Some people think there is no point in using expensive rods and brackets, but your investment will have a professional look only when it is time-tested.
SMS of Maintenance Made Simple
The Americans are busy people, and most complex cleaning schedules go away. When picking curtains, you should be careful with, commands you will give.
In most households, machine-washable would be the most appropriate. So, in case you happen to fall in love with dry-clean-only fabric, either budget the cost of cleaning, or use it in travel areas.
Routine care will also be useful:
• Monthly, withdraw with your upholstery attachment and vacuum curtains
• Clean up stains on the spot
• Shake outdoors once in a while to get rid of dust
• Wash according to the manufacturer's instructions regarding frequency
Your Ultimate Choices
When you buy the best sliding door curtains, bring home samples of fabric first. Compare their appearance in your real lighting at the various times of day.
Take into consideration the lifestyle of your household, as well. Houses that own kids and instruments require tougher, cleanable things. The empty nesters may not be so concerned about indestructibility, but they may emphasize elegance.
One thing you must also consider is selecting curtains that you will be happy looking at. Your house ought to be stylish and fulfill the practical requirements.
Wrapping Up
The ideal curtains for your sliding glass doors merge use, fashion, and usability. Your choice has to be appropriate, whether you intend on dressing doors on the kitchen, living, or bedroom facilities as they affect your outlook in an open door situation, and your privacy during the closing.
Keep in mind that, as compared to the other small-sized window treatments, sliding door curtains produce a very noticeable visual effect on your space. They pay returning on the quality materials and a good installation.
Which of the current solutions has been best applied at home? Share your experiences here!
