Table of Contents
Sliding glass doors are not just a functional element of a home—they’re a gateway to the outside world, offering breathtaking views of nature, whether the rolling hills or the tranquil morning mist rising from a distant lake. Yet, as beautiful as they are, styling them can pose a challenge. You want privacy when needed and to preserve the natural light and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Fear not—here are 20 window treatment ideas for sliding glass doors to help you find the perfect balance between style and practicality.
1. Embrace Unexpected Color Combinations
Traditional wisdom often tells us to match curtains to the room’s decor. But why not break the rules? In this airy cabin, the bold pairing of oversized olive curtains with splashes of rusty reds, blues, and yellows creates an eclectic, vibrant atmosphere. This unexpected blend proves that the right color combination can make a lasting impact.
2. Opt for Contrasting Hardware
Choose dark, rich iron hardware to make a statement for a striking effect. The contrast between deeply saturated black iron and a breezy, neutral living room in this California bungalow creates a pop of sophistication that draws the eye.
3. Keep It Breezy and Light
Curtains don’t need to dominate the space. When facing an amazing ocean view, simple white curtains with tab ties create a breezy, coastal aesthetic without detracting from the natural beauty outside. The key is keeping things light and airy, making the space open and inviting.
4. Let the Outdoors Shine with Minimalism
Sometimes, less is more. If your furniture is already bold and your view is a masterpiece, why cover it up? Skip the curtains altogether and embrace the “au naturel” look. Let your sliding glass door serve as a window to the world outside, highlighting the stunning landscape without any obstruction.
5. Go for Gauzy Sheers
Want privacy but still want to preserve the view? Gauzy, almost sheer curtains are your best friend. These delicate, lightweight fabrics allow natural light to flood the room while keeping prying eyes at bay. Whether in a she-shed-turned-guest-house or any other space, sheers bring an ethereal charm.
6. Hide the Hardware for a Clean Look
For a streamlined, minimalist aesthetic, consider concealing curtain hardware. A strategically placed piece of trim, like in this dreamy bedroom, can hide the mounting brackets, ensuring that only the soft, flowing curtains remain visible. This creates a sophisticated, clean visual.
7. Make a Statement with Wooden Sliding Doors
Not sure about curtains? Start with beautiful wooden sliding doors. The barn-door style doors featured in this lake house patio are a stunning focal point, offering the option to forgo traditional curtains entirely for a rustic yet polished look.
8. Choose Complementary, Neutral Colors
When designing a room with a strong visual identity, complement the existing tones with understated curtain choices. In this North Carolina cabin, warm, neutral curtains harmonize with the earthy palette, allowing the breathtaking mountain view to take center stage.
9. Add a Flourish with Valances
In a minimalist or modern living space, a soft, elegant valance can add a charming touch. A simple flop-over valance, as seen in this cottage-inspired living room, brings a soft transition from the outdoors to indoors, adding both whimsy and warmth to the room.
10. Stick to Solid Colors in Busy Rooms
If your room is already filled with patterns, opt for solid-colored curtains. Bold, solid red curtains in this lake house bedroom pop against the serene white walls, creating a balance between style and simplicity without competing with the surrounding decor.
11. Lean into the Beauty of Linen
Linen curtains strike the perfect balance between light and privacy. The natural texture of linen adds dimension, while still allowing enough light to pass through. In Thomas Rhett’s party barn, these linen curtains create a relaxing atmosphere while maintaining a sense of openness.
12. Elevate Your Space with Bold Trim
If you’re keeping your curtains simple and light, consider adding bold trim around your sliding glass door. A deep, moody brown trim, like the one in this coastal living room, can elevate the overall design, adding contrast that makes the soft curtains stand out even more.
13. Experiment with Ticking Stripes
Timeless and country-inspired, ticking stripes add a rustic charm that works in nearly any room. Whether you’re styling a bedroom by the ocean or more traditional space, this subtle pattern, like the one in the breezy bedroom here, brings warmth and texture without overwhelming the space.
14. Hang Curtains Above the Frame for Added Height
To make your sliding glass doors feel taller and more elegant, mount your curtain rods several inches above the frame—or even to the ceiling. A rounded, wrap-around style rod can give your curtains more space, making them easier to open and close while enhancing the room’s overall look.
15. Trim Your Curtain Panels to Perfection
In this coastal living room, striped furniture pairs seamlessly with matching curtain trim, creating a cohesive look. Trimming the edges of your curtain panels to echo the patterns on your furniture adds a polished, intentional touch.
16. Bring It All Together with Paint and Pattern
For a coordinated, polished aesthetic, consider painting your trim a color that complements your curtains. In Heather Chadduck Hillegas’ sitting area, the sky-blue trim perfectly matches the colorful curtains, bringing together the overall design and creating a calming, cohesive vibe.
17. Continue the Color Palette with Curtains
If you’re looking to integrate your curtains seamlessly into your space, choose colors that match or complement your room’s existing palette. In Barbara Westbrook’s cozy nook, beige curtains blend effortlessly with the natural wood walls, allowing the room’s warmth to shine through without distraction.
18. Add Depth with Layers
Layers can transform a room from ordinary to extraordinary. Start with woven wood shades, then layer on patterned curtains, as designer Katie Rosenfeld did in this living room. The mix of textures and patterns creates a room that feels curated and stylish without overwhelming the senses.
19. Use Casual Tiebacks for Added Dimension
Tiebacks are an easy way to introduce depth and dimension to your curtains. In this mudroom, the tieback, crafted from the same fabric as the curtains, creates a harmonious look. You can also buy ready-made ties for an easy, budget-friendly upgrade.
20. Embrace the Charm of Plaid
Maximalism shines through when you incorporate bold patterns, and nothing exemplifies this better than plaid. In this Wisconsin living room, custom plaid curtains—sewn together in panels—create a unique, colorful look that infuses the space with personality and style.
