Ladies, are you tired of feeling like the neighborhood peep show every time you open your sliding glass door? Those doors are great for letting in sunlight and enjoying your backyard oasis, but sometimes a girl just needs some privacy, am I right? If your sliding glass door is feeling a bit too exposed, it’s time to dress it up with some stylish curtains. But what kind and how many panels do you need to cover that big ole door? Follow along as I share some girlfriend advice for choosing the perfect curtains to give your sliding glass door a little modesty without sacrificing your style.
How many curtain panels do you need for a sliding glass door?
The number of curtain panels you need for a sliding glass door depends on the width of the door, the width of the curtains, and your personal preference. A standard sliding glass door is between 60 and 72 inches wide, and most curtain rods have a center support post that prevents the curtains from sliding across the entire rod. This means you’ll need at least two curtain panels, one for each side of the door.
However, some people prefer to use traverse curtain rods, which allow the curtains to slide freely across the rod without a center post. In this case, you could use one large curtain panel that covers the entire door and can be pushed to one side when not in use.
Another option is to use four curtain panels, two on each side of the door. This gives you more flexibility to adjust the curtains throughout the day to block sunlight or create different looks. However, this also means more fabric to deal with, and it can be cumbersome to move four panels every time you want to open or close the door.
Ultimately, the number of curtain panels you need for a sliding glass door is up to you and your style. You can experiment with different options and see what works best for your space and your needs.
How to measure a sliding glass door for curtains
Before you buy or make your curtain panels, you need to measure your sliding glass door properly. Here are the steps to follow:
- Measure the height of the door from the floor to where you want the curtains to hang. If you already have a curtain rod installed, measure from the floor to where the curtains will attach to the rod or clips. If you don’t have a rod yet, add 4 inches to the height of the door to allow room for installing the rod above the door frame.
- Measure the width of the door from one end of the frame to the other. This will give you the minimum width of your curtain panels. However, if you want your curtains to look fuller and more pleated, you can multiply this width by two or three times. For example, if your door is 72 inches wide, you can use two 72-inch wide panels for a sleek look, or four 72-inch wide panels for a more voluminous look.
- Choose your curtain length based on your preference and style. You can have your curtains just touch the floor, puddle on the floor for a dramatic effect, or hang a few inches above the floor for a casual look. Just make sure your curtains don’t interfere with opening and closing the door.
How to choose the best style and color of curtains for your sliding glass door
Once you know how many and what size of curtain panels you need for your sliding glass door, you can have fun choosing the style and color of your curtains. Here are some tips to help you:
- Consider the function of your curtains. Do you want them to block out light and noise, or do you want them to let in some light and air? Do you want them to provide privacy or add some color and texture to your room? Depending on your needs, you can choose different fabrics and weights for your curtains. For example, if you want blackout curtains, you can choose thick and dark fabrics like velvet or suede. If you want sheer curtains, you can choose light and airy fabrics like linen or cotton.
- Consider the style of your room. Do you have a modern or traditional decor? Do you want your curtains to match or contrast with your furniture and walls? Do you want your curtains to be plain or patterned? Depending on your taste, you can choose different styles and colors for your curtains. For example, if you have a contemporary room with neutral colors, you can choose bold and geometric patterns for your curtains. If you have a cozy and rustic room with warm colors, you can choose soft and floral patterns for your curtains.
- Consider the mood of your room. Do you want your curtains to create a relaxing or energizing atmosphere? Do you want your curtains to make your room feel bigger or cozier? Depending on your mood, you can choose different colors and tones for your curtains. For example, if you want your curtains to create a calm and soothing vibe, you can choose cool and pastel colors like blue or green. If you want your curtains to create a lively and cheerful vibe, you can choose bright and warm colors like yellow or orange.
FAQs
How do I hang curtains on a sliding glass door?
There are different ways to hang curtains on a sliding glass door, depending on the type of rod and curtain you have. Here are some common methods:
- If you have a standard curtain rod with a center post, you can use curtain rings or clips to attach your curtain panels to the rod. You’ll need one ring or clip for every 4 to 6 inches of curtain width. You can slide the rings or clips onto the rod before installing it, or you can snap them onto the rod after installing it. Then, you can hang your curtain panels on the rings or clips and adjust them as needed.
- If you have a traverse curtain rod, you can use hooks or pins to attach your curtain panel to the rod. You’ll need one hook or pin for every 4 to 6 inches of curtain width. You can insert the hooks or pins into the back of the curtain panel along the top edge, or you can sew them onto the panel if they don’t have a sharp point. Then, you can hook or pin your curtain panel onto the rod and adjust it as needed.
- If you have a tension rod, you can use rod pocket or tab top curtains that slide onto the rod. You’ll need one curtain panel that is wide enough to cover the entire door, or two panels that are half the width of the door. You can insert the tension rod into the pockets or tabs of the curtain panels before installing it, or you can slide them onto the rod after installing it. Then, you can adjust the tension of the rod and the position of the panels as needed.
Thats It!
There you have it, everything you need to know to choose the right number, size, style and color of curtains for your sliding glass door. Whether you want to block out the outside world or just add a pop of color to your space, the perfect curtains can help transform a sliding glass door from drab to fab.
And the best part is, with the tips I’ve shared today, you’ll be able to find or make curtains that suit your needs, match your decor and fit your budget. So start measuring your door, browsing some swatches or picking up your sewing needle and give those sliding glass door curtains a go. Your home and privacy will thank you for it!
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.
