12 Window Treatment Ideas For Sliding Glass Doors

green coastal bedroom
Photo:

Courtesy of Riverside Designers, by Ruta Smith

There's a lot to love about sliding glass doors: namely how much light they allow into a room, and also the way they minimize the barrier between your home and nature. The thing is, they don't give you a lot of privacy—and sometimes there's such thing as too much light. This is where window treatments come in, though they're notoriously one of the more difficult design decisions to make. Below, you'll find plenty of inspiration from homes across the South to help you figure out what to do.

01 of 12

Match Up

green coastal bedroom

Courtesy of Riverside Designers, by Ruta Smith

This calming green hue envelopes the entire room, thanks in part to the curtains that are an exact color match for the walls. They create continuity and allow the statement trim to remain the focus when shut.

02 of 12

Let the Light In

coastal living rooms

Courtesy of PRD Custom Homes, by Callieco Creative

With the sliding glass doors bringing in so much natural light, it doesn't make sense to hang thick, opaque window treatments. Airy curtains allow the sun's rays to peek through while still allowing privacy.

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Make a Pattern

blue and gray living room

Courtesy of Jen Cameron Interiors, by Whitney Wasson Photography

If you're going to hang window treatments, they might as well stand out. This living room pairs three different blue and white prints, with the largest application being the curtains.

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Let It Roll

Neutral living room

Courtesy of Shani Core Interiors, by Matthew Horton

When your walls are made entirely of windows (and you have such a great view), curtains just aren't an option. In any room where you prefer a minimalist approach, roller shades—which you can see just barely peeking out at the top—are the way to go.

05 of 12

Create an Illusion

black and white bedroom

Courtesy of Trade Mark Interiors, by NativeHouse Photography

You can't tell, but the sliding glass doors aren't actually as wide as the drapes make them look. Bigger windows (or glass doors, in this case) make the room feel larger and more luxurious as a result.

06 of 12

In Color

blue living room

Courtesy of Shani Core Interiors, by Ron Rosenzweig

There are a rainbow of hues in the world, all waiting to be used in your home. Because drapes are such a large-scale design element, opting for a color makes them more than just a pop—it makes them a true presence in your space.

07 of 12

Make a Match

neutral open concept living and dining room

Courtesy of Bridges Brown Interiors, by Michael Hunter

When different parts of the room need different window treatments, you can make them cohesive by using the same fabric for everything. In an open concept room like this one, it's especially helpful.

08 of 12

All Natural

Shaun Smith New Orleans Ranch Sunroom
Laurey W. Glenn

Instead of fabric, try something else: bamboo. The organic element brings contrast and texture, and is able to read as coastal, boho, or even rustic, depending on its surroundings.

09 of 12

Keep It Simple

cream neutral bathroom

Courtesy of Riverside Designers, by Julia Lynn Photography

Sometimes classic white curtains are all a space really requires, especially in a light, neutral space. With a lack of other textiles, this bathroom benefits from the warmth and coziness that the window treatments provide.

10 of 12

Trim It Out

maximalist blue and white bedroom

Courtesy of Shani Core Interiors, by Ron Rosenzweig

Never underestimate how a beautiful trim can elevate your drapes. The green Greek key symbol adds more pattern and color to the room, helping balance an otherwise simple wall with the maximalist bedroom.

11 of 12

A Perfect Pair

SL Idea House 2022 Dining Room Decorated for Holidays

Cristina Harth Photography

What sets great design apart from good design is in the details: In this case, it's the coordinating drapes and chairs that tie the room together. Using a pattern makes this intentionality all the more obvious.

12 of 12

Ripple Effect

modern neutral dining room
Courtesy of Erika Bonnell Interiors, by Angela Newton Roy Photography.

Reminiscent of something you might find in a luxury hotel, ripplefold drapery is timeless and elegant. The hidden ceiling-mounted tracks make it look even more clean and sophisticated.

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