Covering sliding glass doors boosts your home’s look and feel. It also gives you more privacy, helps control room temperature, and can cut down on energy bills. Whether you want to keep out bright sun, enjoy more quiet time, or add a touch of style, there is a perfect option out there. Such coverings shield your furniture from harmful UV rays and enhance your home’s security too.
Different Types of Coverings for Sliding Glass Doors
Choosing the right covering can change the look and function of sliding glass doors. There are several options, each with unique benefits and styles. Let’s explore the most popular ones in the market.
Vertical Blinds: Vertical blinds are classic and durable. They’re easy to clean, perfect for busy areas. Available in many colors and materials like PVC, faux wood, and fabric, they offer design flexibility. This is why sliding glass door blinds are a favorite for many.
Cellular Shades: Also known as honeycomb blinds, these create insulating air pockets. They help keep rooms cool in summer and warm in winter. When open, they neatly collapse to the side.
Sliding Panels: Sliding panels offer a modern look and are very versatile. With countless fabric choices, they fit many design tastes.
Sheer Vertical Shades: These shades mix vertical blinds’ functionality with sheer curtains’ beauty. They provide great light control and privacy while adding elegance to any room.
Curtains and Draperies: Curtains can be personalized with blackout or thermal linings for better light and heat control. They’re a top pick for bedrooms, offering a cozy vibe and enhancing decor.
Sliding Shutter Panels: These PVC panels are great for busy spots and easy to clean, even in damp conditions.
Unlike horizontal blinds, roller shades, sheer shades, and cellular shades are better due to their light weight and less space when opened. Their popularity, especially in Australian homes, helps blend indoor and outdoor living seamlessly.
Choosing the right sliding glass door covering is about more than function. It’s also about the look and considering the environment. Whether you want energy efficiency, style, or easy care, there’s an ideal option out there for you.
How to Choose the Best Covering for Your Home
Choosing the right sliding glass door covering involves many factors. Think about what the room is used for first. This determines the material and how much light you can let in.
If you need total darkness, like in a bedroom or media room, blackout options are best. Duette® shades’ LightLock™ system blocks almost all light. If you don’t need full darkness, vertical sheers are a light-filtering choice. They look elegant and come in many colors and patterns.
Energy efficiency is crucial in areas with wide temperature changes. Duette Architella® Shades trap air to insulate. They work great for sliding-glass doors, reducing energy loss. Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Shutters resist heat and humidity without warping.
Maintenance ease is key for door window treatments. Vertical blinds are popular for their ease of use and variety. Luminette® Privacy Sheers cover large areas and are easy to use.
Choosing the right material is important for your day-to-day comfort. Provenance® Woven Wood Shades offer a natural look. Vertical sheers blend the practicality of blinds with the style of curtains, adding sophistication.
DIY vs. Store-Bought Sliding Door Covers
Choosing between DIY sliding door treatments and store-bought options depends on what you like, your budget, and your ability to make things. Each choice has its benefits and challenges to think about.
Going for store-bought sliding door covers means you get items made by experts. Brands like Norman® have many choices, like over 140 colors and patterns for their Vertical Portrait™ Honeycomb Shades. These shades are great at keeping heat in. You usually get a product that looks good and is put in by a professional. Vertical blinds are a favorite for many because they work well and are easy to look after.
On the other hand, DIY sliding door treatments let you make something that exactly fits your door. Doing it yourself takes more time but can save money and add a personal touch. In places like patios and living rooms, you can pick materials for DIY that last a long time.
What matters most when deciding to buy or make door coverings is often cost and making it your own. Store-bought might cost more but can include easy-to-use features like motorized tracks. DIY might take more time and skill but allows for unique creativity.
For practical comparison, here’s a detailed look at key differences:
| Aspect | Store-Bought Covers | DIY Sliding Door Treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher, typically $100-$300 per panel | Lower, depending on materials |
| Customization | Limited to available models and sizes | Highly customizable to fit unique dimensions |
| Installation | Professional installation available | Self-installation required |
| Time Investment | Minimal | Significant, potentially several hours |
| Durability | Higher, standard warranties offered | Varies, depends on craftsmanship |
| Design Flexibility | Retail selections | Endless possibilities |
When choosing, think about your sliding doors’ unique needs and how you want your home to look. Whether you go for custom sliding door covers or the ones ready to buy, the right choice will make your home look and work better.
Energy Efficiency Benefits of Covering Sliding Glass Doors
Using energy-efficient covers on sliding doors boosts your home’s warmth and coolness. Insulated cellular shades are a top pick. They can slash heat loss by over 40% in cold months. This can save around 10% on heating. These shades also reduce summer heat by up to 60%, keeping solar gain at 20% with a good fit.
Another great choice is thermal curtains for sliding glass doors. They have strong insulation. With proper backing, they can cut summer heat gains by 33%. Drawn during winter, they also prevent up to 10% heat loss. For the best result, use two together for more warmth.
Insulating door coverings, like special window films, are also effective. These films keep warmth in and block harmful rays. Films that look silver or mirror-like are best at escaping heat.
Sliding glass doors can let out 30% of a home’s heat. Adding the right coverings is key to saving energy. Automated shades can adjust themselves, saving an extra 10%. Even budget options like vertical blinds, starting at $50, help with light and heat.
Sealing gaps with weatherstripping and upkeep can boost insulation by 15%. Add a storm door for more warmth, saving 5-10% on heat. DIY projects can also cut costs by half, increasing savings.
For quick info, see the table below on how different covers help save:
| Covering Type | Effectiveness | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Insulated Cellular Shades | Reduce heat loss by 40% | 10% on heating costs |
| Thermal Curtains | Reduce heat gain by 33% | Up to 25% on heat loss |
| Window Films | Low-e coatings reduce heat loss | 10-25% energy savings |
| Weatherstripping | Reduce air leaks by 50% | Improve efficiency by 15% |
| Storm Doors | Additional insulation layer | 5-10% heating cost reduction |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Door Coverings
Choosing the right door covering can be tough. Understanding common mistakes can guide you to a better choice. One major mistake is not measuring your door correctly. This can cause coverings to fit poorly, blocking the door or letting in light and air.
Another mistake is ignoring how the door works. For instance, heavy curtains can mess with the door’s movement. Sliding door cover pitfalls often include not considering the door’s functionality. Vertical blinds slide just like the door, so they’re a smart pick because they don’t take up much space when open.
It’s also vital to think about how much you use the door. Sliding doors get a lot of use. So, it’s important to choose durable coverings, like PVC or tough fabrics, for these high-traffic spots.
Energy efficiency is another key factor that many overlook. Skipping on efficient coverings can hike up your energy bills. Vertical cellular shades, for example, can keep your home warmer or cooler, cutting energy costs by a lot. Efficient coverings could lower your energy bills by 10-25%, saving you money in the long run.
Finally, don’t forget about maintenance. About 60% of homeowners overlook how easy covers are to clean, which can cost more later. Choosing easy-to-clean materials and designs can solve this issue. Adding different window treatments lets you control light and privacy better, making you happier with your choice in the end.
Tips for Maintaining and Cleaning Sliding Glass Door Covers
To keep your sliding glass door covers looking great, regular upkeep is key. Whether you have blinds or curtains, knowing how to care for them is vital. For blinds and shades, a quick dust and the occasional wipe with a damp cloth will do. This stops dirt from getting deep into the fabric, making it hard to clean later.
Fabric treatments like curtains need different care. Some can be washed at home, while others need a pro. Always look at what the maker suggests before washing. To keep them in top shape, avoid strong cleaners. Designers often recommend cream or off-white curtains for a timeless look. In busy spots, keeping curtains a bit off the floor helps them last longer.
Be gentle with moving parts. Handle sliding panels and woven shades carefully to avoid damage. Keeping the door tracks clean is also crucial. If not, your doors might not slide well. After cleaning the tracks, using grease helps everything move smoothly. For extra tips on taking care of your door covers, check out more here.
