What Blinds Should I Use for Sliding or Patio Doors?
Sliding and patio doors are a beautiful feature in any home, offering easy access to outdoor spaces while flooding rooms with natural light. Popular in patios, bedrooms, and living areas, these large glass expanses require window coverings that are both functional and stylish. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right solution?
Before selecting a window treatment for your sliding doors, consider these important questions:
- How much natural light do you want to let in?
- Do you need privacy control throughout the day?
- What style complements your interior design?
- Are there any unique measurements or space considerations?
Key Considerations for Sliding Door Blinds
Sliding doors are typically in high-traffic areas, which means your window treatments will experience regular use. Look for options that offer:
- Room darkening or blackout capabilities
- Flexible privacy control
- Energy efficiency
- Child and pet safety
- Easy maintenance and cleaning
- Durability for everyday use
The ideal solution should be well-constructed from durable materials that can withstand frequent operation while remaining easy to clean and maintain.
Our Recommended Solutions for Sliding Doors
Vertical Blinds – The Optimal Choice
Vertical blinds remain the most popular and practical solution for sliding and patio doors, and for good reason. Engineered specifically for large glass expanses, vertical blinds offer superior functionality and style.
Why Choose Vertical Blinds?
Vertical blinds are purpose-built for sliding doors, offering benefits that other window treatments simply can’t match:
Perfect Light Control: With a simple turn of the wand, you can adjust the vanes to any angle, giving you precise control over natural light levels, UV protection, and privacy throughout the day.
Smooth Operation: The vertical design allows vanes to stack neatly to one side, providing complete access to your door without obstruction.
Exceptional Durability: Modern vertical blinds are engineered for improved performance and can withstand the daily use that sliding doors demand.
Superior Light Blocking: Unlike horizontal blinds, vertical blinds prevent light leakage from the top, making them ideal for bedrooms and living rooms where privacy and light control are essential.
Extensive Style Options: With almost 50 colours and texture styles available, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect match for your interior design—from contemporary minimalist to warm traditional.
Easy Maintenance: Vertical blinds are remarkably low-maintenance. The vanes can be unclipped individually for washing and easily rehung, making them perfect for high-traffic areas. A quick dust every few weeks keeps them looking pristine.
Alternative Solutions
While vertical blinds are our top recommendation for sliding doors, we also offer alternative solutions depending on your specific needs:
Lifestyle Shutters
Our indoor shutters feature a bypass system perfect for patio doors. This design keeps each panel connected, allowing you to slide them smoothly back and forth. Choose between:
Open Bypass Shutters: Louvres remain open even when panels are stacked, providing unobstructed views and maximum light.
Closed Bypass Shutters: Louvres stay closed when stacked, creating enhanced privacy while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic.
Roller Blinds
Roller blinds can span the width of standard sliding doors and are typically installed as two separate blinds for individual control. This allows you to adjust each side independently for access and light management. With numerous opacities, textures, and colours available, plus easy cleaning and maintenance, roller blinds offer a sleek, modern alternative.
Care and Maintenance
All our sliding door solutions are designed for low maintenance and durability in high-traffic areas. Unlike curtains that collect dust and require frequent washing, blinds and shutters need only periodic spot-cleaning. Simply dust your window treatments every few weeks to remove accumulated debris, keeping them in excellent condition for years to come.
Why Choose Custom Blinds?
Excellence is in the details. We provide a carefully curated selection of window treatments tailored to meet your exact needs. From energy-efficient vertical blinds to beautiful shutters, you can trust us to deliver durable, stylish solutions for your sliding and patio doors.
When you invest in Custom Blinds, you’re creating an elegant, energy-efficient space that’s both functional and fashionable for years to come. Our experience, quality craftsmanship, and commitment to customer satisfaction speak for themselves.
Ready to transform your sliding doors? Contact us today to explore your options and find the perfect window treatment solution for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blinds for Sliding Doors
Why are vertical blinds the best choice for sliding doors?
Vertical blinds are specifically designed for sliding doors because they move in the same direction as your door—side to side. This means you can easily access your door without having to fully raise the blinds. They’re also incredibly durable for high-traffic areas, easy to clean with a simple wipe-down, and prevent light leakage from the top, unlike horizontal blinds.
Can I use horizontal blinds on my sliding door?
While technically possible, we don’t recommend horizontal blinds for sliding doors. You would need to fully raise the blinds every time you want to use the door, which is impractical and puts strain on the lift mechanism. Vertical blinds, roller blinds installed in pairs, or shutters are much better suited for sliding door applications.
How do I measure my sliding door for vertical blinds?
For outside mount (most common for sliding doors): Measure the full width of your door frame, adding 2-6 inches on each side for light coverage and privacy. For height, measure from where you want the headrail mounted (typically 2-3 inches above the door frame) down to just above the floor—leave about ½ inch clearance to prevent dragging. Always use a steel tape measure and record measurements as width x height. Learn more about measuring for vertical blinds.
How much do vertical blinds cost for sliding doors?
Vertical blinds are one of the most affordable window treatment options for large openings. Basic vinyl vertical blinds typically start around R1,500-R3,000 depending on size and features. Custom options with premium fabrics, colours, or motorization will cost more. The investment is worthwhile as they’re durable and designed for daily use. Contact us for a free quote.
Are vertical blinds easy to install myself?
Yes! Most homeowners successfully install vertical blinds with basic tools—a drill, screwdriver, tape measure, and level. Installation typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. The process involves mounting the headrail brackets, snapping the headrail into place, and clipping in the vanes. Detailed instructions come with your blinds, and we’re always available to help if you have questions. Check out this helpful installation guide.
How do I clean and maintain vertical blinds?
Vertical blinds are remarkably low-maintenance. Simply dust them every few weeks with a soft cloth or duster. For deeper cleaning, individual vanes can be unclipped, washed with mild soap and water, and easily rehung. Unlike curtains that collect dust and require frequent washing, vertical blinds stay cleaner and require minimal effort to maintain.
Which direction should my vertical blinds stack?
Your vertical blinds should stack away from the door that opens most frequently. For example, if your sliding door opens to the left, choose blinds that stack to the left. This ensures unobstructed access when entering or exiting. Most vertical blinds offer left stack, right stack, or split stack (center opening) options.
Can I get vertical blinds for very wide sliding doors?
Absolutely! Vertical blinds are ideal for wide openings and can be custom-made to fit even extra-large patio doors. For particularly wide spans, we can create blinds with multiple panels or recommend alternative solutions like panel track blinds. Contact us to measure your specific door and recommend the best configuration.
Do vertical blinds provide good privacy and light control?
Yes, vertical blinds excel at both. You can tilt the vanes to any angle for precise light control—from fully open for maximum light to completely closed for total privacy and room darkening. Unlike horizontal blinds that can leak light from the top, vertical blinds block light more effectively along the entire height of your door.
What colours and materials are available for vertical blinds?
We offer almost 50 colours and texture styles for vertical blinds. Materials include durable vinyl (water-resistant and perfect for high-humidity areas), elegant fabric options for a softer look, and faux wood for a more traditional aesthetic. Choose from light neutrals, bold colours, subtle textures, and contemporary patterns to match your décor.
Are vertical blinds safe for homes with children and pets?
Yes, especially when you choose cordless or wand-control options. Modern vertical blinds eliminate dangling cords that can pose safety risks. Cordless vertical blinds operate with a simple wand that you twist and push, making them a safe, child-friendly, and pet-friendly choice for busy households. Learn more about window treatment safety.
Can vertical blinds be motorized?
Yes! Motorized vertical blinds offer ultimate convenience, allowing you to control them with a remote or smart device. This is especially useful for large or heavy blinds, high-traffic areas, or if you want to integrate your window treatments into a smart home system. Motorization eliminates manual effort and adds a modern touch.
How long do vertical blinds last?
High-quality vertical blinds are built to last for many years, especially when installed on sliding doors with regular use. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect 10-15 years or more of reliable performance. Vinyl options are particularly durable and resistant to moisture, fading, and daily wear and tear.
What’s the difference between vertical blinds and panel track blinds?
Both work well for sliding doors, but they have different looks. Vertical blinds have individual vanes that rotate and stack to one side, offering precise light control. Panel track blinds feature large, flat fabric panels that slide along a track for a more contemporary, minimalist appearance. Both operate side-to-side, making door access easy.
Can I layer vertical blinds with curtains?
Yes! Many homeowners layer vertical blinds with curtains or drapery panels for a more finished, elegant look. The blinds provide functional light control and privacy, while the curtains add softness and style. This combination works particularly well in formal living rooms or bedrooms.
