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French door design ideas

Yvonne kneel product designer holding roman blindAuthor Yvonne KealProduct Management SpecialistWritten 25/10/2016
Editor Lisa CooperHead of Product at Hunter DouglasUpdated 29/09/2026
Dark green living room with French doors fitted with white Perfect Fit blinds and skylights above.

Discover stylish solutions and learn how to dress French doors with blinds, curtains and shutters. 

French door covering ideas

French doors create a lovely focal point in your home. Letting in lots of natural light, they're mounted on hinges on either side, allowing them to swing open outwards so you can enjoy fresh air and beautiful outdoor views. When it comes to choosing window treatments, there are a few things to consider to help you make the most of these features.  

Finding the best covering for French doors depends on whether you want to balance light and privacy, enhance your décor or simply frame the view. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve a solution to suit your needs and home.

Practical designs for family life

Looking for the best blinds for French doors? Roller blinds are a style to consider. 

Available in a range of colours and performance fabrics, including moisture-resistant and blackout designs, Roller blinds are sleek and streamlined giving you flexible control over light. 

You also get the added benefit of being able to roll them neatly away when you want to fully open your doors. 

Seamless style for uPVC doors

If your doors are in regular use, Perfect Fit blinds are a great option. These no drill blinds are designed for uPVC doors. They simply clip into place in your window frame. 

The key advantage of Perfect Fit blinds is that they become an integral part of the door, allowing you to open and close it freely and have easy access outside. 

Roller, Pleated and metal Venetian blinds can all be fitted into a Perfect Fit frame. 

Perfectly balance light and privacy

Vertical blinds make it easy to enjoy natural light while maintaining privacy. 

They’re available in extra wide widths so are suitable for large expanses of glass and can even be fitted to sloping windows. 

With a choice of contemporary prints and performance fabrics, including blackout, moisture-resistant and Teflon coated PVC, Vertical blinds are ideal for French doors in any space. 

  • “We opted for Vertical blinds as we could control the light level and privacy in our room.” 

    Ella Dove, Journalist and editor

Money tree bamboo pencil pleat curtain

Create a cosy retreat

Looking for French door curtain ideas?  Fully lined fabrics are a lovely option for providing a snug atmosphere and preventing any draughts. 

If you’ve limited space to hang curtains either side of a door, try having a single, wider curtain that pulls completely to one side. It’ll create clear access to the outdoors during the day, and when closed give you a wall of warmth at night. 

If you’d like a darker, more restful space, blackout linings are an effective solution. 

  • “Thermal lined floor to ceiling curtains work perfectly to keep out the chills, while beautifully draped Voiles help to diffuse the sunlight.” 

    Soozi Danson, Interiors content creator

Pearl olive green floor length pinch pleat curtains paired with voiles in cosy living room

Beautifully soften the light

For flexible light control throughout the seasons, team curtains with sheer Voiles at your doors. 

In summer, the Voiles allow light to gently filter through while maintaining daytime privacy. In the evening and during cooler months, your curtains will add an extra layer of cosiness. 

A bold, sunlit dining room with mustard yellow walls, white full-length shutters on patio doors and sculptural black dining chairs.

Timeless style for every home

Shutters are another great choice for your French doors. Door shutters use specially made tracks, allowing you to fold them back neatly and compactly when not in use. 

A stylish and practical solution, they’re perfect for light and privacy control. Open your shutters to make the most of the view and light during the day, then close them in the evenings for privacy and a secure feel. 

With excellent insulating properties, they'll help to maintain a steady temperature in your home all year-round too. 

  • “Our new shutters have made such a difference in our home. I love how they give us complete privacy when we need it, while still letting in just the right amount of light. They have also really helped with insulation, no chilly drafts sneaking in, especially in the evenings!” 

    Elise Dodds, Home and lifestyle influencer

French door ideas - key takeaways:

  • Roller blinds offer a sleek look and flexibility for everyday living. 
  • Perfect Fit blinds sit neatly within the door frame, making them ideal for everyday use. 
  • Vertical blinds help you balance natural light and privacy with ease. 
  • Curtains add warmth and softness, helping create a cosy atmosphere. 
  • Voiles gently diffuse daylight for a bright, airy feel. 
  • Shutters bring timeless style, greater privacy and year-round comfort. 

Looking for more inspiration?

Take a look at more style tips and practical advice for dressing windows and doors