Roller Shades for Sliding Glass Doors

Roller shades can be a great choice for sliding glass doors, providing both functionality and aesthetics. Here are some considerations and tips when choosing roller shades for sliding glass doors:

1. One or Two: Did you want to use two roller shades to cover the sliding glass doors or just one big roller shade?
   • For width over 8 feet, we strongly recommending splitting into two roller shades to not limit the fabric options available.
   • Even if width is under 8 feet you might want two shades for extra flexibility for control the amount of privacy required. Only 1 glass door will slide open while the other glass door is fixed.
2. Material: There are choices of solar, sheer, semi-sheer, light filtering, room darkening and blackout roller shade materials.
   • If want to enjoy the outside view while providing some UV protection, a choice of solar, sheer or semi sheer roller shade material is a good choice. Remember that that these material categories do not provide visual privacy at night.  For visual privacy, you need light-filtering, room darkening ana blackout roller shade fabrics.
   • For light control, blackout materials block 100% of the light, however even light-filtering materials can reduce harsh light and darker light filtering fabrics reduce significant amount of light.
3. Operation:
   • Consider the type of operation mechanism you prefer. Roller shades can come with different control options, including manual pull chains, cordless mechanisms, or motorized systems.
   • Motorized roller shades can be convenient, especially for large doors, as they allow you to control the shades with a remote or even integrate them into a smart home automation system.
4. Vertical Stack:
   • As a variant to traditional horizontal roll up and down roller shades, one may want to use the same roller shade material for a sliding glass door as an adjacent window but like to operate it vertically. For this scenario, some roller shade materials can be used for panel track blind systems.
5. Design and Style:
   • Roller shades come in various colors, patterns, and textures. Choose a style that complements your overall interior design.
   • Consider dual roller shades that allow you to have both solar / light-filtering and blackout options on the same window, giving you flexibility in controlling light and privacy.
6. Installation:
   • Roller shades can be installed inside or outside the window frame. Inside mount provides a cleaner look, while outside mount might be necessary when there is not enough clear depth due to protruding sliding door handles.  Or outsid mount is use to ensure no side light gaps between shade and the ends of the window.
7. Budget:
   • Determine your budget for roller shades. The cost can vary based on the material, size, and features. We have hundreds of different material choices, and dozens of options combinations. It is best to contact us to discuss your wants and needs in greater detail.
8. Energy Efficiency:
   • Some roller shades come with energy-efficient features, helping to regulate the temperature by blocking out heat or cold. This can be beneficial, especially if the sliding glass doors are in areas with extreme weather conditions.

Before making a purchase, it’s advisable to visit a showroom or order samples to get a better sense of the material and color options. Additionally, consulting with a window treatment professional can help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.