Zaha Sunrise Curtains fitted to a tall door window in a dining room with blue coloured walls

How to choose curtains for a sliding glass door

Emily Booth one of the writers at Hillarys

In-home Advice Expert

Published: 16/12/2020

Updated: 06/07/2022

We love sliding glass doors. They create a real focal point in your home and let in lots of lovely natural light. However, they can also throw up some unexpected privacy and temperature issues, if not dressed correctly. In this article, we talk you through the benefits of choosing curtains for your sliding glass doors, and share some inspiring interiors.

Nest Almond curtain opened in a lounge window, with a dog in front

1. Stop draughts in their tracks

Windows can account for up to 20% of a home's heat loss. As sliding glass doors are much larger than normal windows, they can make a room feel extra cold and draughty. Curtains provide a layer of insulation at your doors and will help your room look and feel cosier.

All our curtains are lined as standard, or you can opt for a thermal lining which helps to reduce heat loss. Pair thermal linings with naturally thicker curtain fabrics such as velvet and improve the thermal qualities of your curtains even more.

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Clarity white voile curtains against wide floor length windows leading to garden

2. Privacy control

If you have a sliding glass or patio door, chances are you’ll feel a little exposed at some point during the day. To keep things cosy, while still letting the natural light filter in, consider dressing your windows with a pair of voile curtains. These translucent panels can be pulled shut, providing a comforting layer between you and the outside world. And not only that, they provide a stunning light and airy effect at the window too.

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Blue vertical blinds fitted to a door window and matched with grey curtains in a living room decorated in white and grey sofas

3. Stay in control of the light

One of the reasons we love sliding glass doors is that they flood our homes with natural sunlight. However, it’s crucial to stay in control of this light so it doesn’t interfere with your day-to-day activities. In this rustic living area, blue Vertical blinds filter the light during the day, while a pair of cosy curtains are ready to be drawn as soon as the sun goes down and the temperature drops.

All our made-to-measure curtains are lined as standard, or you can choose a blackout lining to reduce the light for a more comfortable environment.

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Inspirational_Cameo_Cushions_EmelieBlush_RocheBlush_Islita_Teal.

4. Customise with accessories

If you want to make your sliding glass door the focal point of your room, curtains are the window dressing for you. Not only can you choose from a wide range of fabrics, but you can also customise your curtains with a range of accessories. We’ve a variety of header options to choose from, as well as a selection of poles, finials, tie-backs and lining options. You can even have cushion covers made to match your curtains for a truly coordinated look. Your advisor will take you through all these options during your home appointment.

5. Fabrics you’ll love

As well as having a ton of practical benefits, curtains also bring a touch of colour and texture to a room. We’ve hundreds of textured, plain and patterned fabrics to choose from, so you’ll be able to dress your glass doors in style. This chic living area uses our gorgeous Stella Navy curtains from the Margo Selby collection which add a lovely texture and a pop of colour to an otherwise neutral space.

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Kitchen with wide glass window, fitted with Acacia Black verticals and Serene Linen Voile curtain

Alternatively...

As our curtains are made-to-measure, they can be made to fit any sized window - perfect if you’ve a sliding glass or patio door. This open-plan living space benefits from a pair of simple and beautiful Tetbury Mustard curtains fitted to a track, which helps keep the focus where it should be: on the original glass doors. When you book an appointment with Hillarys, an advisor will measure your windows accurately, and will recommend the right products for your space, so you’ll get a finish that’s second to none.

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