French doors are a great choice for any home, offering an undeniable charm while also flooding your space with natural light. As lovely as they are, with all that sunlight comes the need for privacy and light control too – especially if the door is facing a busy road or footpath.
But, with so many window covering options available, choosing the right one for your French doors can seem daunting. Will they let in enough light while still keeping prying eyes out? Will they be easy to use without obstructing the door? Should you go for a ready-made option or invest in a custom solution?
Sound familiar? In this post, we’ll guide you through the top 6 window coverings and blinds for your French doors, the factors you should consider when making your choice and top tips for measuring and installing them.
Do I Have French Doors?
French doors first appeared during the Renaissance period as a way to maximise natural light in homes. Inspired by the grand architecture of the time, they were originally designed as tall windows that extended to the floor, allowing people to step through onto balconies.
Today, French doors are easily recognisable by their distinctive design – a frame that surrounds one or more full-length glass panels, often divided by a grid. Traditionally, French doors are wooden, but modern versions now offer frames made from vinyl, aluminium and even fibreglass for extra durability and style options.
But, French doors don’t just look good, they offer a range of practical benefits too, including:
· Aesthetically Pleasing: Their timeless design adds a classic touch to any home, making them a stylish focal point.
· Abundant Natural Light: The large glass panels flood your living spaces with natural light, so you have to use less artificial lighting during the day.
· Enhanced Airflow: Open both doors fully to let fresh air circulate – ideal for keeping your home cool during the summer months.
· Versatile: French doors are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They are great for connecting living spaces with balconies, patios and gardens as well as interior spaces. They let in ample light while still maintaining privacy, noise reduction, and temperature control.
· Unobstructed Views: With their expansive glass panels, these doors let you enjoy the view of your garden, from the comfort of your home.
Why Cover French Doors?
If it offers ample light, unobstructed views, and ventilation, you might be wondering why you should cover your French doors at all.
Privacy is one of the biggest reasons to consider covering your French doors. Much like windows, French doors, especially those with large glass panels, can leave your living spaces exposed. A good window covering can provide the privacy you need.
While natural light is a big plus, there are times when you don’t want your space as bright. Whether you’re trying to block out TV glare, reduce UV damage to your furniture, or simply make the room more comfortable, window coverings give you the flexibility to control how much light enters the room. Additionally, less sunlight means less heat, helping you maintain a more consistent indoor temperature.
Top 6 Window Coverings & Blinds For French Doors
1. Roller Blinds
Roller blinds are a clean and modern option for French doors, that are as practical as they are sleek. They can be custom-made to fit various sizes and come in a range of colours, styles and fabric options—ranging from light-filtering to complete blackout materials, allowing you to control how much light enters your room. Roller blinds neatly retract upwards, making it ideal for French Doors in rooms with limited space.
2. Panel Glides
Panel glides are a window covering that feature wide vertical panels that glide along a track system -much like a sliding door. The panels can be “stacked” neatly on each other when open or split in the middle, offering versatile options for how you want to control your space. They are available in a variety of colours, finishes and materials to seamlessly match your interior.
3. Roman Blinds
For a more classic and traditional touch, Roman blinds are an elegant choice. These blinds are made from fabric that folds into neat, structured pleats when raised. They can also be mounted above the door, or directly to the door panel.
With a range of colours and textures to choose from, Roman blinds are versatile and can be designed to complement both traditional and contemporary interiors. They provide excellent light control, allowing you to filter natural light or completely block it out for privacy and shade.
4. Veri Shades
Veri shades are designed to offer the best of both worlds – the look of curtains but the function of blinds. Whether you want to block the sun during the day or maintain privacy at night, Veri shades give you complete control over your environment.
Ideal for large openings like French doors, these soft, chain-free fabric shades allow you to adjust the light entering your home with a simple wand turn (or motorised for additional convenience). The unique design also lets you walk through the shade effortlessly, even when it’s closed!
It also features easy-to-maintain fabric that is resistant to dirt and can be washed separately, so you can keep your French door blind fresh and clean.
5. Internal Shutters
For a more structured option, internal shutters are a versatile and durable option. Shutters are available in wood, vinyl and composite options, providing excellent light control, privacy, and insulation. They can be customised with different blade profiles, ranging from flat to elliptical, and can be hinged, sliding, bi-fold, or fixed.
With their ability to withstand wear and tear, internal shutters are a long-lasting investment that adds both style and functionality to your French doors.
6. Curtains
Curtains are a tried-and-true option for your French doors. With countless colours, materials and styles, the design possibilities are endless. They’re incredibly easy to use and can be layered to create depth and texture in your space. And, as they are mounted on a rod, they are easy to wash and swap out if you are looking to refresh the space.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Coverings For French Doors
Ultimately, the choice of window coverings for your French doors is a personal one, but considering a few key factors can help make the decision easier and more suitable for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the perfect covering for your French Door:
1. Material
The choice of material not only defines look but how durable your window coverings and blinds will be and how much maintenance they need too. Options like wood, vinyl, and fabric are all different in terms of style, functionality and maintenance.
For example: Wooden shutters are durable, but may require additional cleaning and protection, especially if it is exposed to moisture. Vinyl and fabric blinds are easier to clean but may fade over time. Different blinds and window coverings also require different cleaning methods. Where Veri Shades can easily be removed and machine washed, roller blinds cannot be easily detached.
Consider your lifestyle, how much time you’re willing to spend on maintenance, and the climate your window coverings will be exposed to.
2. Room and Location
Think about where your French doors are located. Do they lead outdoors? Or are they connecting two interior spaces? If your doors lead to an outdoor space, you’ll want something more weather-resistant and durable to withstand sunlight and exposure to the elements. For interior doors, lighter fabrics and materials may be more suitable (and easy to maintain), allowing you to focus on style while still maintaining lighting and privacy.
3. Light Control
Another consideration is how much light you want to let in or keep out. Different window coverings offer varying levels of light control. Do you prefer a filtering effect that lets in softer, more diffused light, or would you rather have a full blackout option for total privacy and darkness? Some coverings, like roller blinds or Roman shades, allow you to adjust the level of light with ease, while others, like panel glides and curtains, are less flexible.
4. Privacy
French doors have large glass panels that are great for natural light, but can limit privacy if there are no coverings. If your French doors face a busy street, a neighbour’s property, or an area where privacy is a concern, you’ll want to select window coverings that offer complete privacy. Options like blinds, or shutters can give you the ability to control visibility, while still filtering in some light. Curtains and panel glides offer full privacy when closed, but can limit natural light. If opened fully or event partially, you may sacrifice privacy for lighting.
5. Operation
Consider how often you use the doors and how easy it is to operate the coverings without obstructing the door’s function. For example, blinds can retract vertically but may need to be adjusted every time you want to open or close the door, which can be inconvenient in high-traffic areas. Panel glides and Roman blinds, however, can be moved aside effortlessly, allowing you to open the door fully without trouble. If ease of use is a priority, options like motorised Veri shades or automated blinds can provide a more hands-off approach.
6. Aesthetics and Style
Functionality is important, but you also want your window coverings to look good with your décor too! Think about your personal style and the overall aesthetic of the room. Do you prefer a classic, traditional look, or something more modern and minimalistic? Are you looking for window coverings that make a bold statement or something more subtle that blends into the background?
7. Door Size
While most French doors come in standard sizes, it’s essential to consider the size and dimensions of your specific doors, especially if you’re opting for a custom solution. Be sure to measure the width and height accurately to ensure a perfect fit. Ill-fitting blinds or curtains can appear awkward, hinder the door’s full range of motion, or even compromise the level of privacy and light control you are looking for.
If you’re opting for custom blinds or shutters, it’s worth having a professional come in to take precise measurements, ensuring the final product complements both your doors and the overall design of your room.
How to Measure French Doors For Window Coverings
Width
To get an accurate width measurement, take three readings across the glass panel – at the top, middle, and bottom. Choose the largest measurement and add an extra 5-7 cm to account for filler coverage and mounting hardware.
It’s important to remember that, unlike windows, you are less likely to install it within the frame to install your window coverings within the frame of French doors. Most coverings will be mounted on the outside of the frame, so it’s essential to account for extra space to ensure the blinds, curtains, or shutters will fully cover the doors.
Height
For the height, measure the left, middle, and right sides of the door frame to ensure you account for any unevenness in the door frame. When measuring for a covering that will be mounted above the door, consider how high you want the covering to sit and measure from the desired position to the floor. Be sure to include any extra space required for hardware if you’re using a track or pole system.
Look for Obstructions
Before finalising your measurements, it’s important to identify any potential obstructions that could affect your installation or the smooth operation of your window coverings.
· Does the door open inward or outward? This could affect how the covering is positioned and how far it can extend.
- Are there any items on the wall near the door, such as furniture, light switches, or picture frames?
- Don’t forget to account for door handles, locks, hinges, or brackets, as these could interfere with the window coverings or require adjustments to the design.
Choosing the Perfect Window Coverings for Your French Doors
Balancing your need for light, privacy, and style, finding the right window coverings for your French doors requires some planning and consideration. After all, you want it to look good and work well!
When you take the time to align your choices with what you need and what you love, you’ll find the perfect solution. Of course, getting expert help can make the entire process much easier. At Allview Blinds & Shutters, we’ve spent over 22 years helping homeowners just like you find the ideal window coverings for their French doors. Whether you’re looking for blinds, shutters, or advice on what we think might work best, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Get in touch with us today to explore our range of stylish and functional window blinds, curtains and shutters for your French doors!
