How Wide Should Curtains Be For Sliding Glass Doors

The first thing you need to do before choosing curtains for your sliding glass doors is to measure the width of your sliding glass doors. This will help you determine how wide your curtain rod and panels should be.

To measure the width of your sliding glass doors, follow these steps:

• Use a measuring tape to measure the width of your sliding glass doors from one outer edge to another. Make sure you measure the actual door frame, not the molding or trim around it.
• Write down the measurement in inches. For example, if your sliding glass doors are 72 inches wide, write down 72.
• Add 8 to 12 inches to the measurement to allow for stacking space on both sides. This is the space where your curtain panels will bunch up when they are open, so they don’t block the view or the access to your sliding glass doors. The amount of stacking space you need depends on how wide and thick your curtain panels are, as well as how much fullness you want for them. Generally speaking, you should add more stacking space for wider and thicker panels, and less stacking space for narrower and thinner panels.
• Write down the final measurement in inches. This is the minimum width of your curtain rod and panels combined. For example, if your sliding glass doors are 72 inches wide and you want 10 inches of stacking space on both sides, write down 92.

Choose a Curtain Rod That Is At Least 8 Inches Longer Than the Width of Your Sliding Glass Doors

The next thing you need to do is to choose a curtain rod that is at least 8 inches longer than the width of your sliding glass doors. This will ensure that your curtain rod extends beyond your sliding glass doors on both sides, creating a balanced and symmetrical look.

To choose a curtain rod that is at least 8 inches longer than the width of your sliding glass doors, follow these steps:

• Use a measuring tape to measure the width of your sliding glass doors from one outer edge to another. Write down the measurement in inches.
• Add 8 inches to the measurement. This is the minimum length of your curtain rod. For example, if your sliding glass doors are 72 inches wide, add 8 inches to get 80 inches.
• Round up the measurement to the nearest standard size available for curtain rods. Most curtain rods come in standard sizes such as 48, 66, 84, or 120 inches. For example, if your minimum length is 80 inches, round up to 84 inches.
• Choose a curtain rod that matches or exceeds the rounded-up measurement. For example, if your rounded-up measurement is 84 inches, choose a curtain rod that is 84 inches or longer.

Choose Curtain Panels That Are At Least 100 Inches Wide in Total

The next thing you need to do is to choose curtain panels that are at least 100 inches wide in total. This will ensure that your curtain panels cover your sliding glass doors completely when they are closed, creating a cozy and private look.

To choose curtain panels that are at least 100 inches wide in total, follow these steps:

• Use a measuring tape to measure the width of your sliding glass doors from one outer edge to another. Write down the measurement in inches.
• Add 8 to 12 inches to the measurement to allow for stacking space on both sides. Write down the final measurement in inches. This is the minimum width of your curtain panels combined.
• Divide the final measurement by the number of panels you want to use for your sliding glass doors. This will give you the minimum width of each panel. For example, if your final measurement is 92 inches and you want to use two panels, divide 92 by 2 to get 46 inches.
• Round up the measurement to the nearest standard size available for curtain panels. Most curtain panels come in standard sizes such as 50, 54, or 60 inches. For example, if your minimum width is 46 inches, round up to 50 inches.
• Choose curtain panels that match or exceed the rounded-up measurement. For example, if your rounded-up measurement is 50 inches, choose curtain panels that are 50 inches or wider.

Hang Your Curtains At Least 4 Inches Above the Sliding Glass Doors and Extend Them 4 Inches Past the Doors on Both Sides

The last thing you need to do is to hang your curtains at least 4 inches above the sliding glass doors and extend them 4 inches past the doors on both sides. This will create a sense of height and width for your sliding glass doors, making them look more spacious and elegant.

To hang your curtains at least 4 inches above the sliding glass doors and extend them 4 inches past the doors on both sides, follow these steps:

• Use a measuring tape to measure the height of your sliding glass doors from the top of the door frame to the floor. Write down the measurement in inches.
• Add 4 inches to the measurement. This is the minimum length of your curtain panels. For example, if your sliding glass doors are 80 inches tall, add 4 inches to get 84 inches.
• Round up the measurement to the nearest standard size available for curtain panels. Most curtain panels come in standard sizes such as 84, 96, or 108 inches. For example, if your minimum length is 84 inches, round up to 84 inches.
• Choose curtain panels that match or exceed the rounded-up measurement. For example, if your rounded-up measurement is 84 inches, choose curtain panels that are 84 inches or longer.
• Use a pencil and a level to mark where you want to install your curtain rod brackets on the wall above your sliding glass doors. Make sure they are at least 4 inches above the top of the door frame and at least 4 inches beyond the outer edges of the door frame on both sides.
• Use a drill and screws to attach your curtain rod brackets to the wall according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Slide your curtain panels onto your curtain rod and hang it on the brackets. Adjust the panels as needed to create even folds and pleats.

Examples of Sliding Glass Door Curtains

Now that you know how to measure, choose, and hang curtains for sliding glass doors, here are some examples of stunning sliding glass door curtains to inspire you.

• White sheer curtains: White sheer curtains are a classic choice for sliding glass doors, as they create a light and airy look while still providing some privacy and filtering some sunlight. They also match any color scheme and style of decor.
• Gray blackout curtains: Gray blackout curtains are a great choice for sliding glass doors, as they create a cozy and dark look while blocking out unwanted light and noise. They also add some contrast and drama to your space.
• Blue floral curtains: Blue floral curtains are a lovely choice for sliding glass doors, as they create a colorful and cheerful look while adding some pattern and texture to your space. They also complement natural elements such as plants and wood furniture.
• Beige linen curtains: Beige linen curtains are a chic choice for sliding glass doors, as they create a neutral and elegant look while adding some warmth and softness to your space. They also have a natural and casual vibe that suits many outdoor spaces.

FAQs

Q: How wide should curtains be for sliding glass doors?

A: Curtains for sliding glass doors should be at least 100 inches wide in total, which means at least 50 inches wide per panel if using two panels or at least 25 inches wide per panel if using four panels.

Q: How long should curtains be for sliding glass doors?

A: Curtains for sliding glass doors should be at least 84 inches long, which means they should hang at least 4 inches above the top of the door frame and touch or slightly puddle on the floor.

Q: How many curtain panels do I need for sliding glass doors?

A: The number of curtain panels you need for sliding glass doors depends on how wide and thick your curtain panels are, as well as how much fullness you want for them. Generally speaking, you can use two or four panels for sliding glass doors.