Finding the perfect curtains for a sliding glass door can be tricky. Unlike a standard window, a sliding door is a high-traffic entryway. Your curtains need to be functional enough for daily use while also complementing your room's decor. If the door is used frequently, ease of management is key.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from getting the measurements right to choosing the perfect fabric for light control and privacy.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring for Sliding Door Curtains
Getting the measurements right is the first and most important step. Here’s how to do it accurately.
Step 1: Measuring the Width
The goal is to have curtains that completely cover the door when closed but can be pulled back to fully expose the glass when open.
If You Have a Rod Installed: Simply measure the length of the curtain rod from end to end, excluding any decorative finials.
If You Need to Install a Rod: Measure the width of the door frame and add 6 to 10 inches on each side. This extra space, known as "stack back," allows the curtains to rest on the wall when open, ensuring they don't block your view or the doorway.
Calculating Curtain Panel Width: For a standard, full look with beautiful pleats, the total width of your curtain panels should be about twice the length of your rod. For example, if your rod is 80 inches long, you’ll want a total curtain width of 160 inches (e.g., two 80-inch panels).
Step 2: Measuring the Length (Height)
The length depends on where your rod is placed and the look you want to achieve. For a sliding door, a practical length is essential to avoid tripping hazards or dirty hems.
Measure from the bottom of the curtain rod down to where you want the curtains to end.
We highly recommend the "float" length: have the curtains hang about ½ to 1 inch above the floor. This looks clean, prevents the fabric from dragging, and makes opening and closing the curtains effortless.
Choosing the Right Curtains: Key Considerations
Once you have your measurements, it’s time to think about style and function.
1. Light Control & Privacy
Sliding glass doors let in a lot of natural light, but sometimes you need to control it, so using double-layer curtains is a good choice.
For Filtered Light and Daytime Privacy: If you love a bright, airy room but want to reduce glare and prevent outsiders from seeing in, Sheer Curtains or Semi-Sheer Curtains are an excellent choice. They soften the sunlight beautifully while maintaining your view.
For Complete Darkness and Insulation: If your sliding door is in a bedroom or a south-facing room that gets intense sun, Blackout Curtains are the ideal solution. They will:
Block 80-100% of sunlight for better sleep or to eliminate glare on screens.
Provide excellent thermal insulation, keeping your room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Protect your floors and furniture from fading due to sun damage.
2. Ease of Use
Since you'll be opening and closing these curtains frequently, choose a header style that glides smoothly.
Grommet and Ring Top curtains are perfect for sliding doors because the large rings move easily along the rod with minimal effort.
3. Fullness
To ensure your curtains look lush and elegant even when fully closed, always opt for plenty of fabric. As mentioned earlier, the 2x fullness rule (total curtain width being twice the rod length) is the professional standard for achieving a rich, pleated look.
The Perfect Balance of Style and Function
Choosing curtains for a sliding glass door doesn't have to be a compromise. By measuring carefully and considering your needs for light, privacy, and functionality, you can find a solution that is both beautiful and practical.
Ready to find the perfect window treatment? At Curtarra, we offer a wide range of custom-made curtains perfect for any sliding glass door.
Explore Our Collection of Custom Door Curtains Today!
