Almost every home in Spokane has at least one sliding glass door, and it's often the hardest window in the house to get right. It's wide, it opens sideways, you walk through it every day, and it usually lets in the most heat and glare. Here is how we help clients choose.
What makes sliding doors different
A sliding door needs a covering that clears the opening completely, works side to side, stays out of the way of the handle, and holds up to daily use by kids and pets. It also has to handle strong sun in summer, cold glass in winter, and privacy at night when the room is lit and the yard is dark.
Vertical blinds
Vertical blinds are the classic choice because the vanes stack neatly to one side so you can walk right through, and they tilt to control light and privacy without opening fully. Today's fabric and textured vanes look far softer than the plastic verticals many people remember. See our vertical and patio door blinds.
Custom drapery
Drapery on a traverse rod or track is the most elegant option. Panels glide open and stack beside the door, they add warmth and color, and lined drapery helps insulate cold glass in winter. For a door you open many times a day, motorized drapery opens and closes with a tap, a schedule or your voice.
Shades on a sliding door
A wide roller or solar shade mounted above the door can cover the whole opening and cut glare while keeping your view of the yard. Because you raise the shade to walk through, it works best on doors you don't use constantly, or paired with drapery. On very wide doors we may recommend two shades instead of one so each is easy to operate.
French doors are different
Hinged French doors swing, so the covering usually mounts on each door itself, with clearance for the handles. Shades mounted on the door, or drapery that opens fully to the side, are the most common solutions.
How to choose
- Used all day: vertical blinds or drapery that stacks completely off the glass.
- Strong afternoon sun: solar shades or fabric vertical blinds.
- Cold glass in winter: lined or thermal drapery.
- Kids and pets: cordless or motorized options.
- The most finished look: drapery, on its own or layered over a shade.
