Sliding, patio, and bi-fold doors add light, openness, and a sense of spaciousness to any room. But when it comes to covering them, finding something that balances practicality with style can be tricky. Here’s a complete guide to help you choose between blinds and curtains for your sliding glass doors.
Blinds vs Curtains: What Works Best?
Both blinds and curtains can work beautifully—it just depends on your needs, space, and lifestyle. Here’s what to consider before making your decision:
Functionality
Think about how your sliding doors open and how often you use them. If your doors open inward, they may clash with certain window coverings.
- Blinds: Sliding doors often have handles and mullions that can block a blind’s movement. A face-fitted blind (installed outside the door frame) helps avoid obstruction, unlike a recess-fit blind.
- Curtains: Face-fitted curtains mounted above the frame offer more clearance around door handles, making them a flexible option.
Insulation and Temperature Control
In India’s varied climate, energy-efficient window coverings can help reduce heat in summer and retain warmth in winter.
- Blinds: Face-fitted roller blinds are excellent for insulation. They seal off gaps and keep rooms cooler or warmer as needed.
- Curtains: Full-length, floor-to-ceiling curtains are very effective for insulation. Wall-to-wall curtain panels, especially when lined, offer added insulation and comfort. For maximum benefit, pair blockout curtains with a roller blind—you get thermal control plus subtle texture.
Privacy
Sliding glass doors often face balconies, terraces, or gardens, where privacy can be a concern.
- Blinds: Light-filtering or sunscreen roller blinds provide privacy without blocking natural light. Blockout roller blinds are ideal for full privacy and insulation.
- Curtains: Sheer curtains offer soft lighting and moderate daytime privacy. For complete privacy, blockout curtains do the job well. Want the look of curtains but need more functionality? Combine curtains with roller blinds for the best of both.
Everyday Practicality
If you have kids, pets, or a high-traffic home, day-to-day use matters.
- Blinds: Blinds are practical for large glass doors—they stay off the floor, don’t collect dust, and are easy to roll up and out of the way.
- Curtains: With DIY Custom Blinds, you can choose how your curtains stack (to one side or both), and select a finish that works best for your flooring and lifestyle:
- Off-floor finish: Easy to clean and pet/kid-friendly.
- Touching the floor: A clean, fitted look.
- Puddled on the floor: Luxe and dramatic, but not ideal for areas with frequent foot traffic.
Best Blind Styles for Sliding Glass Doors
Roller Blinds
Sleek and minimal, roller blinds offer a clean look and can be linked together to cover wider openings. When rolled up, they allow unobstructed views and seamless door access.
Linked Roller Blinds
Linked roller blinds are ideal for wide openings like sliding or bi-fold doors. You can control them individually or all at once—either manually or with a motorized option.
DIY Custom Blinds can custom-make linked blinds up to 12 meters wide, with hardwired and battery-operated motorization available depending on size.
Pro Tip: Motorizing these blinds keeps the path to your outdoor area clear—no cords, no tangles, no hassle.
Vertical Blinds
These classic blinds have been updated with modern fabrics and colors. Vertical blinds rotate to let light in, offer full privacy when closed, and are great for tall sliding or patio doors.
Panel Glide Blinds
Made from wide fabric panels that glide smoothly along a track, these blinds are ideal for large doors or even as room dividers. They add a contemporary look while offering flexibility and ease of use.
Best Curtain Styles for Sliding Glass Doors
- Lined curtains: Great for insulation and privacy.
- Sheer curtains: Soften the room while letting in light.
- Curtain + Blind Combo: The ultimate setup—pairing curtains with roller or linked blinds offers total light control and a layered, elegant finish.
Note: Curtains pair best with flat blinds (like roller or linked blinds). Avoid pairing with vertical or panel glide blinds as they can obstruct curtain movement.
The DIY Custom Blinds Process
Choose your samples
Select from hundreds of fabric and color options. We’ll send your free samples by priority post anywhere in India.
Measure with confidence
Use our step-by-step online guides to take perfect measurements and get a quick pricing estimate.
Customize and order online
Pick your preferred blinds or curtains, customize everything online, and place your order. No middlemen, no pressure, no hidden fees.
Install with ease
We’ll deliver your made-to-order blinds or curtains right to your home. Use our simple DIY guides to install them yourself—or check if installation help is available in your city.
Sliding doors deserve more than just any covering.
With the right window treatment from DIY Custom Blinds, you’ll enjoy improved style, privacy, energy efficiency, and ease of living—all customized to fit your space perfectly.
