What kind of curtains do you put on a patio door?

What are the main factors to consider when choosing patio door curtains?

When selecting curtains for a patio door, there are a few key factors to take into account:

Privacy

One of the main reasons to hang curtains on a patio door is to increase privacy from neighbors or passersby. Opt for curtains made from opaque fabrics like canvas, velvet, or layered sheers to block outside views while allowing light in. Blackout liner fabrics can be added for maximum privacy.

Sun protection

Patio doors often let in a lot of direct sunlight. Choose curtains made from fabrics with UV-blocking properties to help protect furniture and flooring from sun damage. Some good options are polyester, acrylic, and microfibers. You can also look for curtains specifically marketed as “blackout” or “thermal” for maximum light blocking.

Insulation

Many patio doors are single pane rather than double pane glass. Hang insulated curtains to help reduce heat loss in winter and block solar heat gain in summer. Curtains featuring blackout linings, thermal fabrics like velvet or wool, and plastic backing can improve the insulation ability.

Sheer curtains

Install a sheer curtain underneath a opaque curtain panel to allow some light in while maintaining privacy. Look for sheer fabrics like lace, voile, muslin, or use layered panels of translucent fabrics.

Weight

Since patio doors are often extra wide spans, choose medium to heavyweight curtains that will hang properly and not get blown around. Fabrics like canvas, brocade, velvet, faux silk, linen, and cotton work well.

Length

For the best coverage, choose curtains that reach all the way to the floor. A puddle length that pools slightly on the floor is recommended to fully cover the door and prevent light gaps at the bottom.

What are the best styles of patio door curtains?

Here are some of the most popular curtain styles for dressing up a patio door:

Tab top curtains

Tab top curtains feature button or Velcro tabs at the top in place of grommets or a pole pocket. These are quick and easy to install and a great choice if you don’t want to drill holes to hang a curtain rod.

Rod pocket curtains

Curtains with a rod pocket top allow you to slide the curtain panels easily onto a curtain rod. Choose a curtain width about 2 times the width of your patio door so the panels overlap in the center.

Back tab curtains

Back tab curtains have tabs on the back of the curtain header that can be used to hang the panels on slim hooks or clear tacks. This creates a clean, uncluttered look.

Grommet top curtains

For a more traditional look, choose curtains with grommets at the top. These allow you to hang the panels on a matching curtain rod fitted with decorative finials.

Layered looks

Consider pairing sheer and opaque curtains, or hanging a valance above the main curtains for extra elegance. Layering panels adds depth and customization.

Curtain Style	Benefits
Tab top	Easy to install, no rod needed
Rod pocket	Casual look, slides easily onto rod
Back tab	Clean, uncluttered appearance
Grommet top	Classic, decorative look
Layered	Adds depth, customization

What curtain lengths and widths should you use?

Follow these tips when selecting curtain dimensions for patio doors:

Length

– Floor length is best for coverage and privacy
– Puddle length with 2-3 inches pooling on floor is recommended
– Minimum sill length (just below window) can work for sheer curtains

Width

– For a double patio door, choose a width 2 times the door width
– This allows the panels to adequately overlap in the center
– Panel widths of 50-144 inches typically work for most standard patio doors

Cafe curtains

– If adding a valance, cafe curtains are a great option
– Cafe curtains are short curtains that cover just the bottom half of the window
– Allows you to add a valance or decorative top treatment

What types of fabrics work best?

The fabric is an important factor when selecting patio door curtains. Ideal fabrics have these characteristics:

Blackout fabrics

Thicker opaque fabrics in solids, blends, embroidered looks block light and insulate. Options include:

– Velvet
– Brocade
– Faux silk
– Linen
– Canvas
– Cotton
– Polyester knits

Sheer fabrics

Lightweight, semi-transparent fabrics for solar control and privacy. Choices include:

– Voile
– Lace
– Muslin
– Cotton blends
– Polyester sheers

UV/thermal fabrics

Fabrics engineered to block UV rays and trap heat. Look for:

– Microfibers
– Polyester
– Nylon/acrylic blends
– Insulated blackout fabrics

Water-resistant

Outdoor curtains made from synthetic fibers that dry quickly and resist mildew are ideal for patios.

What are the best ways to hang patio door curtains?

You have several good options when it comes to hanging patio door curtains:

Curtain rods

Curtain rods give a clean, polished look. Consider:

– Adjustable rods to fit different widths
– Telescoping rods for wide spans
– Decorative finials for embellishment
– Match metal finish to other hardware

Clear command hooks

Adhesive hooks allow you to hang tab top and back tab curtains without drilling holes. Look for damage-free options.

Tension rods

Tension curtain rods fit tightly into the window frame and expand to hold up curtains. Easy installation but limit heavyweight fabrics.

Drapery track system

Track systems with cordless operation make opening and closing wide patio curtains smooth and easy. This is a custom option.

Door tie backs

Use tiebacks attached to the door handles to keep the curtains secured out of the way when opened.

What curtain styles complement a patio door?

Certain curtain styles naturally work well with the large expanse of a patio door. Styles to consider include:

Draw drapes

Full length drapes with pleats soften the rigid lines of patio doors. Choose pleat styles like French, pinch, inverted, or goblet.

Rod pocket curtains

The casual look of curtains hung from rod pockets adds breezy style. Linens, solid sheers, and embroidered cottons work nicely.

valence

A tailored valance positioned above the main curtains provides an architectural element. Go for relaxed swags or sleek waterfall shapes.

Layered sheers

Sheer tiers layered under opaque panels filter light beautifully. Go for double hung, ripplefold, or cascading styles.

Cafe curtains

Shorter cafe style curtains ending at lower sash paired with a contrasting valance give a framed effect.

Conclusion

When shopping for patio door curtains, look for full length opaque panels or layered sheers in weather-resistant fabrics like canvas, linen, velvet, brocade, or polyester. Install floor length curtains on adjustable rods with overlapping panels 2 times the width of the door. Back tab, rod pocket, and grommet top curtains all work well. Complete the look with tiebacks and coordinating valances for a custom designer feel. Properly hung curtains add beauty, privacy, and insulation to any patio entrance.