A question we get often as window covering experts is which type of window covering should I use on my patio door? Most tend to lean towards the same type of blinds or curtains as the other windows in the space, but that isn’t always possible.
In this blog post, we’ll go over some different options and what you should consider when making your decision.
Consider the door type
The type of patio door you have will greatly impact what kind of window covering you can use.
Sliding patio doors are the ones we see most often here in Nova Scotia, so we’ll focus on this these. They don’t open inward or outward, so you don’t have to worry about anything blocking the door. This is typically the easiest type of patio door to dress.
Prioritize functionality
Light control:
- How much light do you want to come in?
- Does the sun rise or set in that direction? If so, we may need to choose a more opaque fabric.
- Does the window face your TV, computer, or other screens? It’s important to consider light glare to ensure that bright sunset doesn’t affect your viewing.
Privacy:
- Do you have neighbours close by? Privacy is a major concern for someone shopping for window coverings, and patio doors are no different. What you have outside that door will impact what kind of fabrics and type of covering you choose.
Ease of access:
- Are you able to easily open and close your blinds or curtains? If it’s blocked off by furniture or it’s just inconvenient, you may want to consider motorized solutions.
Energy efficiency:
- Patio doors can be a culprit of drafts and air leakage. This could be a concern, especially in the winter months. Choosing a fabric with insulating properties, such as heavy drapery could help reduce the drafts and keep you warm.
Style preferences
Coordinate your patio door with the style of your home and your other window coverings. If possible, select the same type of blind as your other windows to create a cohesive look throughout the space. If this isn’t possible or you’d prefer something a little different, choose fabrics that offer the functionality you need while staying within your chosen colour scheme.
Popular options
Roller shades
- Roller shades are the best selling window blind, due to its versatility and large selection of fabrics. They can be anywhere from 100% blackout to sheer and light filtering. Their clean look ensures they don’t overpower your other decor to become the focal point, and they look fantastic paired with drapes.
Zebra Blinds
- The unique sheer and solid stripes allow you to easily adjust the light and privacy levels, which is great for patio doors! They look great by themselves for a minimal look, or paired with simple curtains for a layered look. While these don’t offer full blackout options, they come in a wide range of light filtering and room darkening fabrics.
Honeycomb shades
- For energy efficiency, honeycomb shades are the best choice. Their unique shape creates insulation pockets to keep the warm air out during the summer and in during the winter. With a wide range of fabric options, textures, and colours, honeycomb shades offer versatility and style as a top window covering choice.
Draperies
- Classic draperies will always be a popular choice for patio doors. You can hang them up high and wide to create the illusion of more space and to take full advantage of the large window. With tons of fabrics to choose from, drapes offer the widest selection and the most in terms of versatility.
If you need assistance in choosing the perfect window coverings for your patio door, contact us today and a member of our team will be happy to help!