The sun’s out, and so should you! A beautifully decorated outdoor space combined with well-dressed patio doors makes your home even more inviting, seamlessly blending the beauty of the outdoors with the comfort of your interior.
Patio doors are not just a functional entry way to your home, but also a fantastic way to make your rooms feel brighter and airier, since they allow plenty of sunlight and a flow of fresh air throughout.
Patio doors come in three primary types: Bifold, Sliding and French doors. Adding stylish dressings to your patio door interiors can enhance your rooms style – here’s a guide with ideas, tips and considerations on how to dress them!
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How to Dress Your Patio Doors: Bifold, Sliding, and French Doors
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Bifold Patio Doors
Bifold doors are the ultimate solution for seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor living spaces. Their sleek, modern design makes them a popular choice for minimalist interiors. These doors consist of a series of glass panels that fold up against each other when opened, offering a full, unobstructed view and easy access to the outdoors.
Considerations for Dressing Bifold Doors
The unique folding mechanism of bifold doors requires careful consideration when selecting patio curtains or blinds. Depending on the function, bifold doors may fold internally, externally, or both to cover half of the doorway. Understanding where they fold is crucial to ensuring your chosen dressings do not obstruct the doors' operation.
An important consideration: always measure the width when your bifold doors are fully open to ensure you account for where the doors fold to, and where your curtains or blinds will be positioned.
Related: Ideas on how to dress bifold doors beautifully!
Hanging curtains
Before choosing your curtain pole or track, ensure you have measured the width of the patio door space, and add on some extra for fullness and coverage.
For example: If your bifold doors open inwards, or halfway across – you will need to add some extra space on either side of the door space to allow for the curtains to be fully pulled back and do not obstruct the doors when opened
TOP TIP! place your curtain pole higher above the door frame to give the impression of tall ceilings.
Hanging blinds
Roller Blinds
For externally folding bifold doors, it is possible to hang recess and exact fit roller blinds in front of the door to cover the entire space. Remember to fully extend the doors and double check you have enough space to fit your blinds before securing. Depending on the width of your window, you may need to fit multiple blinds across the length to ensure complete coverage.
Always take into account where the blinds will hang once the windows are open – sometimes a strong wind can damage the blinds.
Find out more tips on how to measure for recess and exact fit here.
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds fit similarly to curtains, and can be extended outside of the door space to allow them to be fully pulled back before opening the doors.
Clip-in and Integral Blinds
Clip-in blinds are designed to fit directly into the window or door frame, making them ideal for patio doors like bifold or sliding models. They can be adjusted from the top down or bottom up, giving you precise control over light and privacy without the need for drilling or complex installation.
On the other hand, integral blinds are encased within the glass panels of the door itself, offering a completely unobtrusive option. These blinds are protected from dust and damage, making them maintenance-free and long-lasting. Both options are perfect for those who want a clean, uncluttered appearance while still enjoying the benefits of adjustable shading and privacy.
TOP TIPS!
- Fabric Choices: Choose sheer, light fabrics for a modern, minimalist look or opt for heavier, coloured fabrics to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere.
- Placement Tips: Ensure enough clearance space to draw the curtains completely back before opening the doors. Depending on the door's folding direction, you might want to hang an extended curtain on the opposite side to maintain privacy even when the door is open.
Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding doors are a sleek, modern choice that are perfect for saving space. Since they slide horizontally within the frame, they don’t require any additional space to open, making them ideal for rooms with limited space. Sliding doors are usually made of glass, offering a fantastic view of your garden.
Considerations for Dressing Sliding Doors
When dressing sliding doors, the main focus is ensuring that window treatments do not obstruct the door's operation or protruding handles. Remember to open the door fully before you measure so you can account for where you want the curtains to hang when the door is open.
Hanging Curtains with Poles or Tracks or Blinds
Both curtains and blinds are fantastic options for sliding doors, offering a wide range of fabrics, colours, and styles. You can install the curtains or blinds within the recess or above of the door frame, depending on the interior look you want.
Just remember to account for any protruding handles or obstacles before fitting recess fit blinds.
- Safety Tip: Keep a small gap at the bottom of your curtains to prevent them from gathering on the floor, avoiding any potential tripping hazards near the door.
French Patio Doors
French doors, with their classic design, add a touch of elegance to any home. These doors are hinged at the sides, allowing them to swing inward or outward like traditional doors. Although they may not offer the expansive view of bifold or sliding doors, they can provide a lovely connection to the outdoors and bring in plenty of natural light.
Considerations for Dressing French Doors
When dressing French doors, it’s important to consider how the doors open and any protruding handles that could interfere with your window treatments.
Hanging Curtains with Poles or Tracks
Curtains are a popular choice for French doors, adding softness and style to the space.
Mount curtain poles above the door frame, leaving enough space on either side to draw the curtains fully back. This setup ensures that the curtains do not obstruct the door when it’s in use.
Hanging Blinds
Like sliding doors, it’s possible to install blinds within the recess or above of the door frame, depending on the interior look you want. Just remember to account for any protruding handles or obstacles before fitting recess fit blinds.
TOP TIP!
- Installation Tips: Roman blinds or slimline venetian blinds work well on French doors, fitting snugly within the recess. Ensure the blinds have enough clearance to operate smoothly without catching on door handles.
Clip-in blinds are also a fantastic option, fitted and integrated to each door panel.
Looking for a wave effect curtain? Browse our Wave Curtain Tracks here.
Final Thoughts
Dressing your patio doors—whether bifold, sliding, or French—is an opportunity to blend style with function, creating a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces. By choosing the right window treatments, you can enhance the beauty of your patio doors while ensuring they remain practical and easy to use.
From the sleek lines of roller blinds to the flowing elegance of floor-length curtains, the possibilities are endless. Embrace the potential of your patio doors and make them a standout feature in your home.
